The Farm Chicks

Thanksgiving Garland

I don't really do any decorating for Thanksgiving but like the thought of making our house feel a teeny bit more festive when we're celebrating a holiday.

I created this fun little garland by punching out colorful paper leaves with a Marvy paper punch.  (It punches out the paper and embosses little veins into each leaf at the same time).  Then I hot-glued the leaves to bakers twine.

From Me to You!

How exciting!  Now through Monday, November 30th, save 25% when you order $25 or more in Farm Chicks merchandise in my online shop!  Just enter coupon code: 25for25.  Thanks for supporting my homegrown business!

Cambazola and Honey

It's always nice to offer tasty appetizers to guests during the holidays.  This appetizer is as easy as it is delicious!

 

Cambazola & Honey

Crackers (I prefer Cabaret)

Cambazola Cheese

Toasted Walnuts

Honey

Gather all on a platter, along with a cheese knife and a tiny spoon for the honey.  Guests can assemble appetizers by layering cheese and walnuts on top of a cracker and drizzling with honey.  

The Whipped Cream Secret

When it comes to the holidays, there is no better dessert topping than real whipped cream.  But when I make something, I want it to be fuss-free.  And usually, with whipped cream, it will separate after a short time.  Then one year by chance, I discovered that by adding honey to whipped cream, it becomes stabilized and won't separate!  Here's the trick:  Begin to whip your whipping cream as normal.  Once it gets frothy and is beginning to thicken, add one teaspoon of honey for each cup of whipped cream.  Drizzle it in as you whip, and then sweeten as you normally would (I use powdered sugar).

Recipe Box Re-do

Mr. Blue Sky went to make some cookies last night and was a little surprised at the state of the recipe box.  "How do you find anything in here?", he asked.  It needed a fix-up.  But I was tired of the boring little dividers and thought that I should make new ones that were pretty and colorful.  Because color is happy, just like Mr. Blue Sky.

 

And I've started writing out all of my recipes on my collection of recipe cards.

I made the new dividers from scrapbook paper, simply by tracing the old dividers and cutting out.  Isn't scrapbook paper one of the best creations ever?!

I'll be hand-printing the different section titles when I'm all done with this project.  And I'll be sure to use a permanent marker on the dividers and recipe cards so the ink doesn't smear if it gets wet.  My favorite pen for this is a Sharpie, in fine point.  And they come in zillions of colors.

Other sources:

The darling vintage tablecloth is from Retreat.

The recipe box is from Martha Stewart's Macys collection.

The Farm Chicks recipe cards are available on my website.

The Sweet Potato Bake recipe is available here on my blog, and happens to be one of my very favorite Thanksgiving side recipes EVER.

It's Time!

 

Hard news has been swirling all around lately but I refuse to let it bring me down.  In fact, it's time to talk about what's good in the world.  It's "Happi" Time!  One thing I heard today is that my friend, Stephanie is making her silhouettes again (you can even order one from her!) and that makes me feel warm and fuzzy inside.  What a blessing her recovery is!  What's making you happy today?  Please share.  Let's all be happy!

Good Morning, Market

Good morning, Market.  You're sleepy this time of year, and I love you for it.

 

You scoop up the last bounty of the season

 

And make it as beautiful as ever.

 

 

You make me happy.  Love, me.

Home Away From Home

 

I'm in Seattle this week and it feels like my home away from home.  Colin has another office here, which means we're here often.  Seattle is a beautiful city.  Isn't the view from our window so pretty?

Tiny Party!

I had a tiny party with my nieces, Chloe and Annie and their mom (my sis-in-law) Alison this weekend.  Everything was tiny - except the fun.

 

 

 

We made tiny aprons for all their dolls and tiny dishtowels too.

And then we packaged it all up in tiny little bags for the dolls to take home.

 

And we managed to drink our tiny little tea, eat our tiny tasty treats, and have tiny conversation all while my tiny little nephew took a teeny tiny nap.

How-to's:  I made the dots on the table by punching out scrapbook paper with a 7/8" circular craft punch.

The tiny three-layer cakes were made by baking chocolate cake in a sheet pan and cutting out the layers with a small circular cookie cutter.  I frosted each tiny cake just as I would with a regular-sized cake, and covered each one with white chocolate shavings.

The party hats are from Martha Stewart, but you could also easily make your own, using scrapbook paper to roll out into a cone, hot-gluing into place, and then attaching elastic.

I made the tiny pies in little oven-safe condiment dishes and made the tiny circles on the upper crust using the tip of a cake decorating tip.

The tiny cute-as-a-button cupcakes were baked in cupcake liners I found at the Japanese Dollar Store and the sugar buttons came from Bake it Pretty.

We made the aprons by cutting out an apron shapes from fabric and edging each one with bias tape.  We used bias tape for the apron strings as well.  We stitched the bias tape into place, but it could also be attached using hot-glue.

The tiny bags are from Martha Stewart.

 

 

Covered Button Cuteness

Just recently, I showed you the little covered buttons I made and added to a summer jacket.  I love how simple it is to makeover clothing pieces and add my own personal touch.  I purchased a heavy winter coat from Forever 21 and knew some simple covered buttons would be perfect.  Here it is before:

 

I use Dritz Cover Buttons because they work really well and have simple, easy instructions on the back. The first time I made buttons, I bought the kit, and now I can just buy the refills for future projects:

To start, cut the button pattern from the back of the package:

 

Trace the pattern onto the fabric.  I knew I wanted simple buttons with no pattern, and chose red wool, since the coat is heavy and wool is an appropriate texture match:

 

Cut out the fabric:

Center fabric, wrong-side up over the little mold that comes in the kit and place button shell atop:

Press button shell into mold:

Tuck fabric into button shell and top with button backing:

 

Take the pusher that comes in the kit and place atop the button backing.  Press into place.  If the fabric is really thick, (as in this case with wool) you might need to use a rubber mallet:

And voila!  A darling new button, completely your own style!

Then, just sew the little cuties into place and you're all done!

Colin

I was being interviewed for a book recently and was asked about Colin.  What does he do?  And you know, it's not easy for me to sum that up in one little answer.  Mostly, he's just amazing.  A family guy who loves us bigger than the world and always always puts us first.  And then I remembered an article the Spokesman Review did on Colin just before his first Ironman race back in 2003.  I've always been so thankful that even though he's the most active person I've ever met in my life, he's not one of those guys who's away from his family.  We're his number one.  And he is ours.

 

Triathlete has family support

When Coeur d'Alene was named host of the Ironman USA Coeur d'Alene triathlon, Colin Thompson's dreams came back to life.

On June 29, he will put years of athletic training to the test by swimming 2.4 miles, biking 112 miles and running 26.2 miles. 
And assisting in his dream is his wife, Serena, and their four sons.

``It doesn't have much of an impact on me. The only difference is Colin is not there when I wake up in the morning because he leaves early to fit in a workout,'' said Serena.

Thompson, 32, began running 10 years ago. His first marathon was the 1995 Portland Marathon. He has also completed the Spokane Marathon twice, and his fastest marathon is 3 hours, 36 minutes. He ran Bloomsday this year in 48 minutes, 30 seconds.

After running the Portland Marathon, he began to have knee problems. So he started swimming at Witter pool and taking a swim class at Spokane Community College. He completed his first triathlon in 1996 in Coeur d'Alene. And he started thinking about competing in an Ironman.

The thoughts translated into action last summer when the whole family- Serena, 32, Cody, 12, Micah, 5, Lucas, 4, and Ethan, 3 - traveled to Canada. They wanted to watch the Penticton Ironman, and Thompson was going to sign up for the next year's race.

Serena and Thompson took turns watching the events and watching the kids. They were energized and marveled at all the fit people. ``I am not a triathlete, but watching the Penticton Ironman was an amazing experience and very inspirational,'' said Serena.

But Colin came to another realization the night before registration.

``Serena would have her hands full taking care of the kids. I would have a hard time concentrating knowing the Herculean task Serena would be handling. I just couldn't do it,'' he said.

He left Canada disappointed but relieved by his decision. No Ironman for him.

Then Coeur d'Alene was awarded the Ironman. There wouldn't be travel logistics or hotel room expenses. It was going to be in his backyard, so he signed up.

He has no illusion of being top in his age group or getting an invitation to Kona, Hawaii, the site of the Ironman World Championships.

``But I know I am capable of doing this. I am most confident about the run because I have been doing that the longest,'' said Thompson.

And how has the training affected the family?

``I am totally supportive of it. I think exercise helps our marriage. It makes us happy people,'' said Serena. ``He is a role model for our sons. We hope they become healthy, active and have happy lives.''

The Thompsons met in Barrow, Alaska, while working at Ilisagvik College. Serena never exercised and was slightly overweight. They began by running the dirt roads together.

``I could only run for 10 minutes at a time, but Colin was patient with me. I went from being a crabby person to being happy,'' Serena says. They moved to Spokane in 1994.

Serena gets her running in whenever she can and ventures out four times a week. She is training for the Colbert Autumn Classic Half-Marathon on Oct. 4 and wants to learn how to swim.

``I doubt I will do a triathlon, but I am going to learn how to swim,'' she said.

And Thompson trains around the family schedule. He gets up at 5 a.m. to go swimming. On the days he doesn't swim, he runs or bikes his 15-mile commute to work.

He skips training on Saturday or Sunday so he can spend the whole day with the family. He is home every night for dinner.

``Anything you can do to help your kids start an active lifestyle is great,'' said Thompson. He adds ``I just can't not work out. I don't feel myself without exercise.''

It is a family-held value. Serena says ``Everyone has different priorities. Our main priorities are having time together as a family, church and exercise.''

And the family will all be part of the event. Serena is signed up as a finish-line volunteer.

``Watching Colin finish will be huge for me,'' she says. ``He has put so much into it. People just don't understand what goes into training for an Ironman. I am his biggest fan.''

Their boys will be running in the Ironman Kids Race on June 26. And Thompson's parents, Pete and Mary Jane Thompson, will be at the finish line. One of Thompson's role models is his father, who has completed every Bloomsday. And his three brothers and two sisters will be cheering him on from near and far, either live or in spirit via www.ironmanlive.com.

Thompson would also like to see lots of community support.

``I hope if someone has a dream of completing an Ironman, they would show up and watch the late finishers. It is an inspirational experience,'' said Thompson.

``Our community is lucky to have an event like this,'' adds Serena.

Thompson's next adventures will include Spokane's Troika Half-Ironman, the Coeur d'Alene Triathlon and the Spokane Marathon. He also has interest in adult hockey.

And maybe another Ironman. 

Author: Jackie Van Allen Spokesman Review Staff writer
Caption: Triathlete Colin Thompson is supported by his wife, Serena, and their kids. Photo by Brian Plonka/The Spokesman-Review

The Long-Cut Home

Today I took the long-cut home, which is something I love to do when I want to clear my head.  I've been so busy with some projects lately that I needed a little break.  When the boys are in the car, the second I take a left, instead of a right, I can hear the boys quietly moan to each other from the backseat, "She's taking the long-cut" (as opposed to the short-cut).  It's torture for them - that extra 5 minutes.  But I was alone and the long-cut sounded just right.

 

I needed to gulp in Autumn because it's beautiful and will be gone before I know it....

This morning is crisp and sunny and makes me happy....

I'm so happy to be here....

 

surrounded by the places and people that I love....

and getting to do what I do.  And when I'm so busy - plugging away on projects that mean the world to me, well, sometimes it feels like I'm taking the long way, even when I can see exactly where I need to go....

but the short way isn't always the right way, even if it's easier.  I'm taking my time - because these things need to be just right....

because in the end, I want to be happy with what I've created, where I've been....

 

and where I'm going.

 

I know that I'm blessed with a happy and simple life and on this morning, when I make my way to our new property, I'm feeling thankful.  And when I take in the view from the spot where my new home office will sit, I can see that everything is just right.

Christmas Cuteness!

I'm always searching for cute ways to package up homemade gifts for the holidays.  And since cute things can be hard to find, I figured why not create my own?  So I did!  Two new collections of tags and gift tags and recipe cards too!  (Which are perfect for sharing your favorite holiday recipes).

 

 

 

And, my cutsie pie Vintage Santa Pendants are back!

 

All Christmas items will only be here for the holiday season, so don't miss out!  You can find everything in my website store.  Happy shopping!

Princess Leia

 

Growing up, we never had typical halloween costumes.  Maybe because we were a hippy family who stood out from the pack anyway.  No costumes required.  But I was a child of the Seventies and had seen Star Wars.  So, I donned my coolest paisley sundress, threw on my tennies, (my only pair of shoes) gave myself a pulled-up hair-do, and became Princess Leia.

And boy oh boy, did we ever look forward to trick or treating!  Our mom didn't often allow sugar or cocoa in our home, it was honey and carob for us.  So, Halloween was a very big deal.  One weekend, when we were in the process of moving from our rickety little house on the river to our new property in the mountains, my siblings and I went to stay with Little Larry.  Little Larry was one of a huge group of characters who were friends with our parents, and it was the hippy way to have some sort of a different name.  Names like Mangey Mountain Mike, Ishanovi, Snake, Cat, and my best friend who I grew up with, Shotgun.  Anyway, it was just before Halloween, and after picking us up, Little Larry announced that he was taking us to Thrifty to get a bag of candy each.  EACH!  After a huge amount of indecision, my brother chose Hersheys, my sister Butterfinger, and I chose Starbursts.  And we immediately set in on devouring our big bags.

Little Larry lived in a tiny little travel trailer on our property, with a little propane tank that, turns out, had a leak.  So, we spent the night gorging on candy and breathing propane-filled air.  When our parents came to pick us up, we were all incredibly sick.  "It's the refined sugar!" my mom exclaimed in despair and we believed her.  That stuff is terrible, I thought and swore off Starbursts forever.

Happy Birthday Winners!

 

Oh boy, I almost forgot to announce the winners for my happy birthday giveaway of 5 Farm Chicks cookbooks!  Here are the winners, along with their entry comments:

Shannon H:  I've enjoyed reading about the personal touches you add to parties (i.e. the prairie party and special recipes). Simple hosting/entertaining tips like these are things I'd love to continue reading about.

Shanon:  I am new to your blog! Happy Birthday! I especially enjoy all the pictures & stories about your life growing up. So fun. I'm always looking for creative inspiration...I can always find it here! Thanks!

Lori:  Happy 1 year anniversary! I love the decorating and craft ideas you've posted. I love hearing your stories about growing up:)

Valerie:  Yes, please! I have given several copies of your cookbook away as gifts, but have yet to get one for myself. Happy Blogger Birthday! Here's to many more. :)

Tanya:  I love the "sales" pictures and stories. I wish there were sales like that here. I also think the chicken feeder repurposed is such a neat idea!

Thank you, everyone for sharing with me what you like to read about here.  I love to hear your feedback!  Winners, please email me your addresses (using the link to the right for my email).  Congratulations!

Cody

 

Whenever I need a creative opinion, I know to call Cody.  Whenever I can get a hold of him that is.  We still can't believe high school ended last year and that he's not here with us everyday anymore.  Time flies, but time has also created a wonderful son who is kind and loving and means everything to us.  This is our oldest son, Cody, and he is such a blessing.

Sisters Weekend

I made it to the Sister's Sale this weekend.  It definitely put me in the Christmas spirit!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I managed to snap a self-portrait.  Do you like my boots?

 

Chris made some tussie mussies and the goofball girls modeled them, wearing their grandmother's furs:

And they even cancelled their junker's meeting, just for the sale!  hee hee