We don't know how to act upon it...

What is the true power of social media?


There have been lots of these kinds of videos popping up on YouTube and other Internet video sites lately. They contain some really interesting facts. I liked this video because the very last line really made me think - "We don't know how to act upon it." I think that is the problem with agriculture is the tools are out there to tell our story, we just aren't using them. They are proven to be effective, they are easy and it is the quickest way to get our story out there, yet so many of us are still not doing it.

It's plain and simple - we have to embrace these technologies, tell our stories, or else be OK with the fact that we won't be able to farm the same way our parents or even we are today because groups like PETA and HSUS are going to be deciding the rules by which we make our livelihoods. Start your blog, open your Twitter account, update your Facebook status, or talk to someone in your grocery store about agriculture TODAY!

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101 in 1001 update

There is a little more white over there

If you look on the right-hand paper of my blog you will notice a list call 101 in 1001. I am supposed to complete these 101 goals in 1001 days. Well in the past month I have been able to scratch a few more things off my list.

1. I went and saw the musical Peep Show - featuring Holly Madison. I used to love the show Girls Next Door. I thought all the dancing and singing was awesome, R3 wasn't quite as impressed. It is a Vegas style show, so tops of topless girls - this however didn't prevent the crowd from being close to 75% girls! (p.s. Holly can not sing or act to save her life, luckily most of her role was just to stand there and look pretty!)

2. I mailed out Christmas cards! OK I am sorry, not everyone got one, but I still send out some and before Christmas! So I am giving myself an A for effort!

3. I went to my first NHL game and it was awesome. This update is getting its own post so stay tuned for details.

4. I didn't make it to church in November, but got there twice in December. Even my pastor commented, "Two weeks in a row, look at you Crystal!"

5. I now have four of the six seasons of Sex in the City thanks to Mom and Stacy for giving them to me as Christmas presents!

6. And if I keep my bedroom clean for until the end of next week, I am definitely counting that as two weeks, because it was spotless the whole week before I left for Christmas!

If you start a list I would love to know!

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Christmas moves from Nell HIll's to our kitchen

Christmas is around the corner - Part II

Well Christmas is almost here, so I thought I had better get my pictures up! Back in October I had the pleasure of visiting Nell Hill's - an amazing home decor store.

I really wanted to add some Christmas/Winter flare to the candelier in our kitchen. And this is how it all turned out...

The tree branches are actually fake. Nell Hill's had all kinds of different greenery to buy!

I love these glass tear drops, and the snowflakes. The whole project cost about $70. I think we'll be able to leave it up well passed Christmas.

I also wanted to let all my readers know that I Believe Tuesday's will be postponed until I get back from my Christmas holidays. I'm back home in Canada right now so the posts might be a little sparse, but I promise to post lots of pictures and stories upon my return. Have a wonderful Christmas!

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The story of the Candy Cane Maker

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Today in church a lady pasted this story out, along with a candy cane.

There was a man who loved Jesus so much that he decided to do something special for Jesus' birthday. Since he was a candy maker he decided to use his talents to make a special candy to honor Jesus so he designed the first candy cane. 

If the candy cane is held upright, it is the shape of a Shepherd's staff, which the Shepherd uses as he watches over his sheep. Jesus is our shepherd. If the candy cane is turned upside down, it becomes the letter "J" for Jesus.

The Scriptures tells us that by Jesus' stripes we are healed. Jesus was beaten and stripes were put upon His back when He was crucified in payment for our sins. So the candy cane was made with red and white stripes to represent the Trinity; one God, who had revealed Himself to us in three ways: The Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit.

There are a lot of candy canes in stores today made with different colors, but they are not true candy canes unless they are red and white and have one bold stripe and three fine lines.

I liked the story, and thought I would pass it one. Everyone have a very Merry Christmas.

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Let me eat my meat!

Vegetarians, from the other point of view!

I came across this great video on YouTube, and obviously others think it's not bad either with more than 200,000 views. Really when you think of the arguments that some animal rights activists are using they are rather silly. I love the few lines about pigs in the video, because they are right what else would you use them for? Now go and enjoy a piece of meat as part of your balanced and healthy diet!

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Leather, Rhinestones and Studs

A little bracelet action


So I was very close to also buying one of these while doing my shopping at Country Christmas during the NFR. I love this cuffs from Classic Leather Designs. They ranged in price from about $20 to $30, which really isn't that bad. Again, Classic Leather Designs, doesn't have them on their website, but if you call they can hook you up. They also do a lot of customer designs, so maybe you can get something that is uniquely you!

To see all the other shopping from NFR, search NFR in the google search bar at the top of the blog posts.

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25 Ridiculously Healthy Foods

Imagine that Beef made the list


Now to all the farmers and ranchers that have been feeding beef to their families for ages this may come as no surprise, but thankfully others, like the people at Prevention Magazine, are realizing the health benefits of Lean Beef.

"Lean beef is one of the best-absorbed sources of iron there is. (Too-little iron can cause anemia.) Adding as little as 1 ounce of beef per day can make a big difference in the body’s ability to absorb iron from other sources, says Mary J. Kretsch, PhD, a researcher at the USDA-ARS Western Human Nutrition Research Center in Davis, CA. Beef also packs plenty of zinc (even minor deficiencies may impair memory) and B vitamins, which help your body turn food into energy."

Beef is also an excellent source of protein. And we know a diet of high protein and high fiber foods can keep us fuller for longer. Which is important around the holidays when the temptation of grazing through all those appetizers and candy dishes can become strong!

So tonight consider beef as a healthy option. You will want to look for cuts that have the word round  or loin in the name, as they are leaner cuts. (There are actually 29 Cuts of Lean Beef with a total fat content that falls between a skinless chicken breast and skinless chicken thigh) Don't skimp on the marbling, though. Those white flecks of fat within the meat, are the health fat, and what gives beef it's flavor. Check out www.beefswhatsfordinner.com to search their recipe finder based on what you already have in your cabinet.

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And the farmers fight back!

Making a statement.

So I actually saw this photo over on another blog Beechy Keen City. The photo definitely evoked my curiosity so I decided to get to the bottom. Back in October, 2,500 farmers from across the EU staged a protest in Brussels, according to Telegraph.co.uk. Their main concern - fluctuation in milk prices due to the fact that the EU is slowly trying to remove production quotas to create more of a free market.

The farmers came in droves with their cattle and tractors wrecking havoc in the city streets. I don't quite agree with what the farmers are protesting about (I'm a free market kind of girl), however it got me thinking - what if next time PETA or HSUS staged one of it's ridiculous stunts or protests we go after them with our cows? I mean really what would one of those crazy activists do if they were sprayed with milk (or the poison, pus, etc., that they like to refer to it as). It was at least be good for a laugh.

An EU farmers sprays a Brussels police officer as he protests the fall in milk prices. Photo: AFP/GETTY IMAGES.

For a more sensible way to protest (it also includes milk) check out this story from Advocates for Agriculture. And to see what I thought of AA's talk at the Range Beef Cow Symposium click here. 

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If I had a million dollars - boots

I would buy you a house...

Actually I would just prefer these boots. This pair of Luccheses were by far my favorite pair of boots I saw the entire time we were in Vegas for the NFR. Actually, maybe ever. So why did these lovely cowboys boots not return with me? Only because they were a $1,000, and really that was a deal compared to the pair Robin liked. They were $1,800. I guess we just have expensive taste!

Good bye lovely boots, one day when I win the lottery you will be mine.

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I Believe - Part X

I Believe Tuesday's

I Believe -
that you either control your attitude or it controls you.

You know that cliche "attitude is everything." Well I think is has to do with a long of things. On Sunday, I sat in church next to a couple that lost everything in a house fire last week. The only things they have are the clothes that were on their back when they walked out of their house. And yet with nothing much left in their possession they still contributed to the offering plate.

I guess no matter how bad your situation, there are things that we still should be thankful for. And a lot of that has to do with attitude.

(This quote was taken from a Jimmy John's poster, search I Believe in the google bar at the top of my blog to read the rest in the series)

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Spreading Christmas Cheer and the Word of... Agriculture!

Another hit single!

Well folks, Will Gilmer over at The Dairyman's Blog has done it again with his new Christmas song. Will has a strong passion for sharing the dairy story, which is important because we know that is comes under attack a lot. I am sure HSUS and PETA are already cooking up ways to convince children that tofu and water would make great substitutes for cookies and milk this Christmas. To hear Will's other hits click here and to read about his Edopt-A-Cow program click here. If you had to write a Christmas song what would it sound like?

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Vegas - the real event - and how to survive

And then the big night came!

On Saturday night R3 and I hit the rodeo. We got really lucky and a friend of mine had won tickets, and very graciously gave us his Saturday night seats. And they were really good seats, 50 yards line kind of seats. Of course we were in Vegas so that meant taking things to extremes - dresses and cowboy boots. I am pretty sure this was the first time I have ever matched the two together, but I would say it worked out pretty good because R3 and I made the big screen!

The NFR does a real good job of entertaining the crowd. One of my favorite parts was when all the cowboys (and cowgirls!) got to ride in with their respective states - Canada was grouped together and trust me the Canada fans were sure proud! The Texas group was huge, but you all know what they say about Texas ;). Those horses all sidestepped until they were side by side and created this huge rectangle.

Tips for going to NFR:

1. go early - there is lots to do, see, eat and drink before the rodeo

2. bring a sign, R3 and I decided we could double the chance of getting on the big screen by having a sign.

3. If your from Canada bring a Canadian something - flag, maple left, etc.!

4. Either leave before the bull riding to get a cab or bum a ride - we bummed a ride! You won't believe how long the cab ling was.

5. Bring a Vegas survival kits, which looks something like this....

Something to drink on the way to your destination (see upper left-hand corner), cups, snacks to get your energy back up after all that late night dancing, water for the morning, and a little headache medicine!

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Ugly Sweater Christmas Party

Things got a little festive at the Lucky Shamrock Ranch

This weekend my roommates and I decided to host an ugly sweater Christmas party. And I would have to say we are quite the hostesses. The preparation started on Wednesday, when we had our snow day. R3 broke out her Grandma's sugar cookie recipe and we got to work. We also had to make a gingerbread house as R3 or Miss South Dakota had never made one!

Everyone participated and got all dressed up, including R3 who was our Christmas Elf! Yes, my sweater has elk making a heart, and their antlers have jingle bells. Sad thing is I bought this at Target!

These are Miss South Dakota's Oreo balls. And for a cute Christmas idea, take name placeholders and use them to let your guests know what they are eating!

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Copper is in

And it was everywhere...

While at NFR R3 and I went through two different trade shows - Cowboy Christmas and Country Christmas and they were both phenomenal! As I had mentioned before leaving, I was really in search of a belt, and a cowhide belt would have been ideal. We search and search and I was hoping to find one to fit my taste at Classic Leather Designs, but no luck. I guess I am just picky! However, I did not walk away empty handed.

This year there seemed to been copper necklaces everywhere, and rustic cutouts to match. Remember all the ones I saw at American Royal. Although, I wear lots of black I figured I would find a way to incorporate a little copper into my wardrobe. First, you buy this ball-and-chain necklace for $10. Then add as many charms as you wish - turquoise nuggets were $2 I think, small charms $3 and large charms $5. Although, Classic Leather Designs does not have these available on their website however Sandy said give her a call and she could send items out. So I made sure I took a picture of everything available!

To go on my necklace I also got the cow charm on the bottom and...

this cross, which I really like.

Happy shopping! And don't worry there are still many more NFR shopping posts, including the boots I fell in love with!

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Tigers, Lions, Bear and Mistresses oh my!

Tiger, Tiger, Tiger, I say shaking my head. What will we do with you?
So I really do like Tiger Woods. I think he is one of the most amazing athletics across the sports board, but his decisions in his personal life haven't impressed me so much lately.

 I am one of those people that actually likes to watch golf. I think I got this from my dad. During the summers or on weekends, we would wake up early get heifers in, work hair, clip, etc., or do general stuff on the farm, come inside for lunch - eat grilled cheese sandwiches and soup (a staple in my diet), and then watch golf for awhile until it was cooler outside.

It amazes me how people think that they can get away with things in relationships. Like somehow, it'll be ok because the other person won't find out. This weekend I even heard this girl (that is in a serious relationship mind you) say, "well it's just kissing, that doesn't really count." Uh ya it does. My friend Tiffany wrote a good post about this the other day, Stop Helping the Jerk Gene.

After my NFR trip to Vegas, everyone asked us how the cowboys looked - they looked real good. Just one problem, most of them had wives or girlfriends, but that didn't seem to bother them. Can you really find a significant other out there these days that will be faithful and committed? I am a positive person, and have faith, so I am going to believe that you can. In the mean time I leave you of this image that my sister actually took of me this summer when we were in Vegas. It seems pretty fitting now!

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City Folks and the Boot Jack

A sad realization

In the past six weeks I have been on 12 flights. Yup, me and my suitcases are getting to know each other very well. Quite a few of those flights have been through the Denver airport. I have mentioned before that when I travel I usually where my belt and cowboy boots. 1. The weigh a little bit and it saves extra room in my suitcase, 2. they are great conversation starters, and a good way for me to talk about agriculture with people, and 3. cowboy boots are so easy to slip on and off in an airport while going through the security line.

A couple weeks ago when I was returning from the Range Beef Cow Symposium I was standing in the security line when this couple behind me said "what is that?" The husband reply "well I am not really sure." I looked behind me to see the couple pointing at a boot jack. It floored me that they didn't know what a boot jack was. It seemed like when I was younger everyone had one, whether it was going to grandma and grandpa's house or the neighbors for coffee.

I explained to the couple that it was a boot jack to help people take off their cowboy boots (I thought it was pretty cool that the people of Denver Airport were thoughtful enough to have one!). The couple explained that they were from the East and had never seen such a thing. We talked a little more about how I grew up on a farm and raised cattle.

You keep on hearing the statistic that people are two or three generations removed from the farm now. Well I believe it! People just aren't familiar with the west anymore, they really have no idea what goes on in agriculture, and it is going to take a commitment from everyone of us to help educate them. Work on that elevator speech! All you have to tell them is who you are, where your from, what you do and how it relates to them. Trust me they'll have questions, and I would rather us answer the questions than another New York Times article!

(the boot jack is from the Lou Talbert store in Casper, Wyoming)

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2 Bar West Purses

One day I will have one of these...

I love 2 Bar West purses, and they had a huge booth in the Cowboy Christmas trade show. The quality of leather they use is amazing and they always have really unique designs. From what I have been able to find out, they don't have a website, but lots of western stores carry the brand's purses. And good news, if you really want a purse in the past they have been at the trade show at the National Western Stock Show in Denver. This laptop bag was definitely one of my favorites!

The top bag was really pretty. I love the studs that they use in their designs.

One of 2 Bar West's classic looks is just a basic black or brown bag, and then you can buy these different straps to add to the bag. One purse, mutliple looks, that is my kind of bag.

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Vegas NFR style, buckles and singing

Don't let your babies grow up to be cowboys...

On Friday night we hit the ground running. R3 and I left straight from the office and headed to the airport, and thanks to Southwest and those handy little drink tickets we were able to enjoy a little relaxation. The plane was full with a combination of rodeo goers, marathon runners - there was a huge race in Vegas on Saturday, and a bunch of K-State vet students and equine enthusiasts that were attending the National Equine Practitioners meetings in Vegas. Why can't my meetings be in Vegas?

Once we arrived in Vegas, we checked into the Planet Hollywood hotel - and yes we somehow managed to get a suite. I would highly recommend this hotel, very nice, good location on the strip, great places to eat, and the a mall attached to it. This would be R3 demonstration the size of our tub. We also each had our own vanities. Very important!

Later that night we headed over to South Point to watch the NFR buckle presentations. It's neat to watch the contestants talk about their ride or run, they bring the stock contractors up there with them, family, etc. Everyone is pretty excited. While you are at South Point you can also take in the Calgary Stampede party. Us northerners like to surround ourselves with other northerners ;). In this picture Kaycee Field is getting his buckle from Round 2 in the saddle bronc riding. p.s. it is very strange to see rodeo clown Flint Rasmussen without his clown get-up on.

That night we headed over to Mirage, where all the contests all go. It was neat to be standing there and get to mix and mingle with all the guys you see down in the arena or on the big screen. Every night at the Mirage they also have a line up of country music singers. The first night we saw Jason Meadows, who was the second-place finalist on the third season of Nashville Star. And yes, he gave me one of his band's drumsticks. He was pretty decent, worth looking into. However, the second night we got to see Michael Scott, and he was really good. A little more rocker to him. I like this song of his if you want to listen.

Next time we'll talk about the importance of shopping and plastic guitars!

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Viva Las Vegas - NFR

We are going to rock this town tonight!


My roommate, R3 and I are on the road a lot, and it isn't very often that we get to take a true vacation. So, when the opportunity presented itself we jumped at the chance to take a Las Vegas vacation - NFR style.

Over the next few days I will have updates on -

• The importance of a Vegas survival kit
  
• The return on the green guitar
  
• Some awesome shopping
  
• Of course our night at the rodeo - where we also became famous
  
• Me getting to see one of my most favorite celebrities
  
• Some new country artists you need to check out
  

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I Believe - Part IX

Common on down - It's another I Believe Tuesday!

I Believe-
that you shouldn't be eager to find out a secret. It could change your life forever.


Why are we so adamant about finding out every single detail. Isn't there something to be said for a little mystery. Or maybe the big guy has a reason why we shouldn't know.

The I Believes are off of a poster I found in Jimmy John's. I read all of the I Believe posts search "I Believe" in the google search box at the top of my blog. 

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Farmville

If only farming was that easy. 

So I don't know how many of you are addicted to Facebook's Farmville. It is a great little game, but I only let is consume my computer time during the winter, do to the fact that my corn kept dying and I was getting way too many trees on my land, while I am running around the country, not paying attention to my virtual farm.

For any of you in college or just looking for a good resource I like the College Aggies Online website, developed by the Animal Agriculture Alliance and the American National Cattlewomen's Association. Today I stumbled across this video. Don't forget to thank your favorite farmer!

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Still got a little Canadian in me

It isn't that cold outside. 

When I went home for Agribition people gave me a little bit of a hard time that I was becoming Americanized. When you think about it though, I have been down in the state for more than six years now. And although I never had much of a Canadian accent, I don't say I will "phone" you as much as I use to.

However, I am hear to prove the I still have some Canadian left in me. While I was in Casper for the Range Beef Cow Symposium a nice little snow storm came through town.

That would be my rental car. 

Everyone kept on complaining how cold it was. I really didn't think it was that bad. Yes, I had on my Northface and little black gloves, and I was only going from my car to the conference center and back. But, it wasn't like you had to rush inside or wait for your car to warm up. I thought the snow, sunshine and mountains made for a lovely day. I love day like that. Getting all bundled up to go to chores or be with the cattle.

However, despite the sunshine, the weatherman on the radio informed me that actually it was 9 degrees F so, about -13 C. So I guess for my American friends it was maybe a little chilly, but I still love winter days like the one above!

Now let's hope it doesn't snow in Vegas. 

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A Little Store Called Lou Talbert

And a lesson on in self-restraint.

While in Casper, WY, I had the chance to stop by the famous Lou Talbert Ranch Outfitters western store. This location, or the one in Billings, MT, used to be a common stop for me when I would drive from Kansas to Alberta, back in my college days.

With over 80 years of experience, and three floors worth of goods, that stretched across three store fronts you are bound to find something to tickle your fancy. (Or at least I did.) The thing is - I am headed to Vegas tomorrow, and have been saving my pennies for Cowboy Christmas. So instead I just snapped pictures to share with you!

I really liked these hand tooled Corral boots. And recently I have seen squared toed Corral boots. Definitely going to be looking for some of those at Cowboy Christmas.



More jewelry than you can image. I would really like to get my hands on one of those sterling silver ball necklaces, like the one in the top right-hand corner or the one on the bottom. Two strands would do me just fine with my small neck, but the $450 price tag isn't so fine, and that is why they are still in the store and not my suitcase!

And if you like a little bling on your belt this is the place for you. They had some of the most unique designs I had ever seen. I'll still be keeping my eye out for a hair on belt in Vegas!

I have much more to come, including some great home decor so stay tuned!

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The power of O

Marketing at it's finest. 

I am always intrigued by marketing concepts. Perhaps because there is only so much the written word can say. An image can become extremely powerful. And images only gain strength the more the are used and the more they are recognized. This week at the Range Beef Cow Symposium we have been giving away all kinds of Certified Angus Beef items - gloves, literature, toothpicks - tonight at supper our waiter came out in CAB aprons. That black yellow and red logo becomes distinctive. It gives our product and ideas a common look.

Today, I came across this video. There are definitely some thought provoking marketing concepts there.

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Advocates for Agriculture

Range Beef Cow Symposium

This week I have been in Casper, WY, for the Range Beef Symposium. Despite major transportation delays on the trip here, I have been really impressed with the conference and speakers so far.

This morning I got to listen to two sets of excellent advocates for agriculture and the beef industry. Troy and Stacy Hadrick, are creators of the Advocates for Agriculture blog. If you are looking for a daily snapshot of what people are saying about our industry, I highly recommend following their blog.

Their speech today talked about how we are more influential than you realize. Today they threw out the figure that "One American in ten will tell the other nine how to vote, where to eat and what to buy. And the biggest commonality among this group is that the fact that more than 75% of them attend three or more meetings per year, as opposed to only 15% of the general population." They asked the audience why does this matter? Well because knowledge is power. When you attend a meeting, and go home people ask you what did you learn. You then have the opportunity to educate others, and present the information in the context you choose. You have the power. Definitely an interesting concept.

So now that we hold the power, we need to educate. The consumer wants to know. So answer their questions.

More on the other speaker tomorrow.

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I Believe - Part VIII

It's still Tuesday!

I Believe -
that no matter how bad your heart is broken that the world doesn't stop for your grief.


I think this is really good advice.

p.s. I don't have that many more to share with you.

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Thank a Farmer

I think we do pretty good stuff. 

Recently, I heard a radio spot on the pop radio station I listen to, as I drove to work in the morning. 1. I thought, jeez this is really great to hear someone spreading the other side of the story, 2. this is great that people that aren't familiar with agriculture are hearing our story, but 3. this is sponsored by Monsanto, hmm.

Monsanto name has been brought up negatively in the news more times than positively, but I believe that without some of the scientific advancements they have made would we be able to feed the world? Probably not. Their new website provides some great stories and videos. I especially liked this one.




We need farmers, because your garden in your backyard unfortunately won't feed the world.

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Western Canadian Agribition

Getting a little taste of Canada again.

So I realize that it has been a slow week for me on the blog, but that is because I have been on the north side of the border. This time of year I head back home for Western Canadian Agribition. I love this little vacation for me because I get to wear jeans to a cattle show again, have a comb in my back pocket, and blower in my hand.

Unfortunately, for you on my vacation I was so relaxed that I didn't take a single picture! But I do have a little video for you.

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Happy Thanksgiving - southside

So much to be thankful for.

So first of all I really feel like Thanksgiving is over. In Canada Thanksgiving is in October, so I missed out on that one, and now that I am in Canada for Agribition over American Thanksgiving, there is definitely a lack of turkey and pumpkin pie in my life.

Luckily, I took things into my own hands and made these mini pumpkin pies. Yes, I can bake/cook I know it may surprise some of you that I do have domestic skills.

I think I have lots of be thankful for and give gratitude to. The biggest being my family. My family is pretty normal, and you might think well that isn't very exciting, but sometime normalacy can be a good thing. Illness, seperation, family members not speaking to each other, etc. are all things that haven't really affected me or my family. Sure we all have bumps in the road, but they are pretty insignificant. As I talk to friends a lot of them have had to go through much more than I have, and sometimes it has brought them a lot of heartache. I am grateful that somehow my family has managed to avoid many of these events, and I don't really have any advice on how we have done it. I guess just lots of love. So I am thankful for things being the way they are.

Enjoy spending time with your friends and family this Thanksgiving.

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I Believe - Part VII

It's I Believe Tuesday!


I Believe -
that regardless of how hot and steamy a relationship is at first, that passion fades and there had better be something else to take its place. 


I Believe -
that just because someone doesn't love you the way you want them to doesn't mean they don't love you at all. 

I guess this weeks theme has to do with love. To read all of the I Believe posts, search I Believe in the search bar at the top of my blog.

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And it all comes to an end

Maybe my weekends will be a little more productive now.

This weekend I headed to Lincoln, Nebraska for the K-State football game, and with a loss, it means the end of the season. No bowl game this year. I will have to say that once again K-State football gave me another set of great memories. It is hard to describe what college football is like until you get to experience it yourself.

I have always said that K-State fans are some of the best fans in the Big 12 maybe the country (yes I am slightly bias), but I was more than impressed with Nebraska. Those fans are serious, I am pretty sure if you aren't a Nebraska fan, they don't let you live in the state. When the 81,067 seat stadium is full (which they have filled it more than 300 times in a row - that's a NCAA record) the stadium itself becomes the 3rd largest city in Nebraska.

When Nebraska scores their first touchdown people let these red balloons go. It's pretty neat to watch them fill the sky. The stadium is also loud. Everyone cheers, everyone chants, they have awesome fans. Would definitely go back to Memorial Stadium, hopefully next time it will be a stronger team through, and we'll walk away with the win!

Katie and I enjoying the awesome weather.

Lauren and Tawnya - go State!

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I am Angus - Blackbird Farm

The second one has arrived!

During the Association's annual meeting in Louisville we showed our second I am Angus presentation.




 Watch for additional segments to be added soon. 

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101 in 1001 goal update

Trying to keep on going


As you may have noticed that list on the right side of my blog is slowly (actually very closely) turning white. White is good - that mean's things are getting scratched off the list.

1. I ate at another new restaurant - Vincenzo's Italian Restaurant in Louisville, Kentucky. After spending a week in Louisville eating barn food I was ready for something good. We had heard that Vincenzo's was one of the best places to eat in town, and I guess we were right, as they have been hosts to Steven Spielberg, Sylvester Stallone, Mike Tyson, among others.

2. I am going to my first away K-State game. Yes, I will be sitting in the sea of red on Saturday, being a spec of purple, as I cheer on my Wildcats against Nebraska.

3. I also have been on our treadmill a lot (or at least when I am home) so that scratches off walk five times in one week.

Yup that's about it. One goal at a time right. Hopefully, I will finish my book one my flight back home to Agribition!

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Back from the land of the Derby

... well not quite, more like the cattle barns

The North American International Livestock Exposition, NAILE, Louisville - that is where I have been for the past week, and therefore there was a slight lack of posts. I mentioned how much I enjoy the American Royal, but Louisville is a pretty darn good time too. And this is what happened:
A complete lack of sleep, a presentation on video and new media at the Livestock Publications Council's regional workshop, getting to walk through the Simmental barns, finding a one of the best heifers I have seen in awhile, meeting new people, attending the Livestock Judging banquet, showed our second I am Angus video, participating in the Association's annual meeting, getting to hang out with the junior board, rooming with Ms. Bewitching, turning a few heads, taking lots of pictures, laughing a lot and pretty much just having a great time.

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Something for the Big 12 Cowgirl and others! - Christmas Wish List

It is almost here...

In the coming weeks I hope to share with you a few ideas to be added to your Christmas lists, to buy for those on your nice list, or if you want to send me something in the mail, please feel free to select from these items!

Thanks to my great friend Robyn, over at Copper West (an awesome new western lifestyle website) I discovered these metal cutout pendents from Whiskey Creek Designs. These pendents are really reasonably priced and they have lots of cute necklaces, shirts and handbags on their site as well. 

Of course I would love the powercat design! I need to see if they have them in the dark metal.

And for all my Oklahoma State girls, a little Pistol Pete to add to your necklaces.

And for those that just love the western lifestyle!

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Giving Gratitude... to the livestock judging gods

Livestock Judging once was my life...


A lot of people wonder how I got from Canada to south of the border. There was probably two reasons 1. I could purse an Agricultural Communications degree, which wasn't available back home, and 2. Livestock Judging. Two of my good friends, Robyn and Laura, had both traveled south to compete on college judging teams, and told me that is where I needed to be. They were right.

I ended up at Butler Community College in Kansas. Where I was on a team with 11 other kids, and none of us were from Kansas. Those other 11 people, and my coach, quickly became my family. We did everything together, traveled the country, had family meals, spent holidays together. After two years at Butler I made the move to Kansas State. I really couldn't see myself going anywhere else. Here my team was made up of four of my old judging teammates and seven other individuals who used to be the competition. Again, these people became my best friends. I have learned more life lessons in a judging van or from evaluating a set of hogs, sheep or cattle than from anything else.

This past week was the National Livestock Judging Contest in Louisville. It was fun to talk to some of my friends that were wrapping up their college judging careers. They knew their lives would be changing, because when they woke up on Tuesday things would be different. There would be no more practices, no more van rides, no more contests. There would be no reason for their teams to get together, unless they made the effort. And their would only be one national champion. Everything that I, and now they had dedicated themselves to for the past four years would be over. You feel lost.

At the banquet, I was there as a sponsor from the Association. Looking out across the room, and knowing that all those kids went through the same blood, sweet and tears to be seated their that morning is pretty empowering. We are all connected in some sense.

It boils down to this - I am grateful I was on a livestock judging team.

Giving gratitude is part of my 101 in 1001 list. I find out more about the 101 in 1001 challenge click here. 

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I Believe - Part VI

I Believe Tuesdays has moved to Wednesday this week!

Sorry for the delay. I feel bad especially with all my new followers and my faithful readers! This past week I have been in Louisville for the NAILE - lots of details on that to come.

I believe...
That the people you care about the most in life are taken from you too soon.

I recently found out a very good friend of my family's passed away. Jim Miller was an awesome man, and had an awesome family. When I was born he wrote me this letter. Encouraging me as a future business women to become involved with his horses, and that I would make a fine jockette. However, it would require a strict diet of Angus beef. I would have to insist that parents feed me Angus beef, which is funny because 1. my family raised Simmental cattle, and 2. I actually work for the Angus Association now. Good people are taken from each day, but they leave many lessons and memories behind!

(You can click on the letter to read it yourself.)

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Giving gratitude... 101 in 1001

A great day to do it...

When you think about this month there are lots of things to be thankful for. Today, Remembrance Day (Canada) or Veterans Day (U.S.), we'll think about the people that have fought us in the past, and those that are continuing to fight for us. In Canada it is common to wear a poppy, to signify remembrance, thankfulness, and to remind people of the fighting that took place in Flander's Field.

Even though Canadian Thanksgiving has passed, American Thanksgiving is right around the corner. Giving us a chance to reflect back and be thankful for what the year has brought us. I will have to see if someone can find me some pumpkin pie while I am on the north side of the border for Agribition. 

Also, I have great friends and family that are always there to support me. At times things get a little stressful, but I have a pretty awesome life. I try to be gracious for the gifts that have been given to me.

And finally, we should thank those that provide for us everyday - farmers and ranchers. We help provide for you and your families everyday. So thank you to the people that help put clothes on my back and food in my belly!

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The countdown is on - NFR baby

Only 30 more days...

I really like rodeo, and I admit I really like shopping, and I really thought Vegas was awesome this summer when my sister and friends went. So, what would be cooler than all those things combined in an NFR Experience!

The roommate and I will be headed their for the first weekend. I'll admit it is kind of a random trip, just the two of us going, but we are really excited. Last year, I tried to get a big group to go, but with no luck. So this year, very sneakily R3 and I planned a trip.

Now we don't have rodeo tickets yet, we are hoping to buy some their or stumble on some before then. We are also planning on making Cowboy Christmas a big part of our weekend, however the pocket book might limit that.

I am really hoping to stop by Classic Leather Designs and pick me up a hair-on belt similar to this. I think I want something that is more black and white patches.

So if you have any suggestions as to what we should do, wear we should go, or if your attending to, hit me up.

p.s. You can search Vegas in the search bar at the top to read about all of our stories.

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I Believe - Part V

It's I Believe Tuesday Again...


I Believe
- that our background and circumstances may have influenced who we are, but we are responsible for who we become.


I Believe - 
that we are responsible for what we do, no matter how we feel.



Two good ones to think about today. 


I believe is based on a poster I found in Jimmy Johns. 

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Christmas is around the corner!

It's official...

This weekend I was doing a little Christmas shopping and the Christmas music was in full force. The thing is, I have been thinking about Christmas since the middle of October - it's a Canadian thing.

About a month ago a stumbled into this wonderful home decor store called Nell Hill's. My friend Robyn had mentioned the line, and the wonderful job they do on something called tablescapes. The store looked like Christmas had pretty much explored, but in the most classy and beautiful way.

There were room and rooms of Christmas decoration. Each one had a different theme or color palette. From floor to ceiling it was all about Christmas.

These are napkins, and then these snowball looking things served as napkin rings. I love the hounds-tooth pattern.

Love this bed set! Especially the buttons on the comforter.

It may be a little odd, but black is my favorite color, so I thought this ribbon and garland combo was great. The awesome thing was that this greenery is all fake. Who could tell? Which means you don't have to worry about it drying out and it can be reused every year.

I definitely walked away with some decorations of my own. But you'll have to stay tuned to see them. (Yes, they have already been up for a couple weeks now...)

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