The Pioneer Woman

Ree Drummond, known as The Pioneer Woman, writes a riotously funny blog about her life that features her magnificent photography.  She’s also on The Food Network and has authored two cookbooks, a children’s picture book and a touching novel detailing how she fell madly in love, changed course from her planned move from Los Angeles to Chicago and settled down on a ranch in Oklahoma instead.  She is a loving mother to four children and a proud wife to Marlboro Man, her rancher husband.

The Pioneer Woman has been an internet sensation for quite some time, but I just learned of her recently when a friend shared a link to this story: All I Wanted Was a Doughnut.  I was sitting at my computer reading it one night and I had to slap my hand over my mouth so my laughter didn’t wake up my husband. I had to read more by this woman!

I have been perusing the archives of her website, www.thepioneerwoman.com, and I love everything about it. The photography, the entertaining stories, the fabulous recipes…

Oh my goodness, the recipes. If you need some inspiration in the kitchen, her cookbooks are the way to go.  She offers step by step instructions with so many pictures to guide you through the process of making one of her recipes; nothing motivates me to try new recipes like enticing pictures and clear, detailed instructions.

I got my hands on a copy of her novel The Pioneer Woman: Black Heels to Tractor Wheels– A Love Story and I read it in a day and a half.  Ree’s writing is so entertaining and compelling, I could not put it down!

Please take a few of these links and see what Ree Drummond is all about, I promise you it will be a bright spot in your day and leave you hungry for more.  Quite literally, it will leave you hungry. Maybe grab a snack and then take the links…

I’m a simple girl with simple tastes and here’s what’s working for me right now:

1) Favorite Cup: Twist cap plastic tumblers with a straw to enjoy my daily Diet Coke (found them for $4 at Home Goods/TJ Maxx).  Love that they go from home to car to hockey/tennis/swimming/soccer/lacrosse practice and back.  Really too bad they don’t refill themselves.

2) Favorite Snack: Marcona Almonds from Spain (think between a macadamia and a cashew= devine; I find mine at Costco) and chocolate chips.  I recommend a ratio of 2 chips per almond, in case you were wondering.

3) Favorite Healthy Lunch: My youngest adorable asked me to roll his Red Pepper strip in ham, and you know what?? He was onto something!  Add sliced avocado for an even bigger treat.

4) Favorite unHealthy Lunch: Chunky Peanut Butter and whipped honey (from Trader Joe’s) sandwich; Nachos.  It’s a tie.

Why, oh why, can’t this be healthy??  I prefer shredded cheese to this sauce though.  I mean, as long as we’re talking about it.

5) Favorite Workout: a girlie movie, a mat, 5-lb weights, a medicine ball and a bosu ball.  I put on movies the Running Man will have no part of, and spend an hour making myself sweat.  You know what?  I look forward to it every morning.  We’ll see how long it lasts…. But it’s working for now.

(Let’s just pretend for a minute that this girl is me.  Pretty please, will you do that for me?)

So what are your favorites?  Please do me a favor and copy and paste the following into the comments and add yours!  I need some new ideas!

1) Favorite Kitchen thing:

2) Favorite Snack:

3) Favorite Healthy Lunch:

4) Favorite unHealthy Lunch:

5) Favorite Workout:

You rock! Have a great day!

I recently swore off Old Navy jeans for my boys after we had no less than four pairs develop full on knee holes after less than a month of wear.  It seems like the bigger the size, the thinner the fabric gets.

I was so frustrated that I went back to basics and turned to good-old fashioned Levi’s.  We love them and my goodness they must have 10 times the fabric of those Old Navy jeans, they are so sturdy.

It was not until after we were all stocked up on Levi’s from Kohls that someone told me about the Sears Kidvantage Club, where they will replace *for free* any kids clothes that wear out before your child outgrows them!  We are absolutely getting on board with this!

Here are the details from their website:

Every time you purchase clothes or shoes for infants through tweens, we’ll add the total amount to your KidVantage Club account. You’ll get a coupon good for 15% off your next kids’ clothing or shoe purchase each time your account reaches $100. Plus, you’ll get special offers and news by email throughout the year.

It’s easy to earn 15% savings

• Shop for kids’ clothes & shoes at Sears. Every kids’ clothing & shoe purchase is added to your account instantly and printed on your receipt.
• We track your balance automatically, so you don’t have to.
• Keep receipts that have 15% off coupons. Every time your account reaches $100, your receipt will include a coupon for 15% savings on your next kids’ clothing or shoe purchase.

There’s no limit to the savings you can earn with KidVantage Club!

WEAR-OUT GUARANTEE
You want the kids’ clothes and shoes you buy to last—especially in today’s economy. That’s why KidVantage Club members get this great guarantee: if the kids’ clothes or shoes you buy at Sears wear out before they’re outgrown, we’ll replace them for free. You’ll get an identical item, whenever possible, or a similar item of equal value in the same size. Please note that you must present your receipt to replace worn-out national brand clothing and shoes.

Sign me up!

Hull strawberries easily using a straw.

Remove crayon masterpieces from your TV or computer screen with WD40.

The above photos were from a public email.   Which were your favorites?  Do you have any little tricks to add?

So, if you are like me, I never want to just throw away all those beautiful Christmas cards that some thoughtful people in my life took the time to send me…but there’s always the dilemma…what to do with all those cards?!?! Well never fear, here are 10 ideas to ‘upcycle’ your Christmas cards! Psst – these ideas would also work for birthday cards!

1.  For years I have made gift tags out of the cards. I simply cut out square/rectangle tags, then tuck them away with my Christmas stuff for the following year. You can also make them a bit more ‘fancy’ by adding a ribbon to the tag, like these below. This idea inspired by my husband’s amazing (almost) 94 year old Gram!

2. Make placemats. (similar to these Thanksgiving ones).  Super simple to make! 1. Tape two pieces of paper together. 2. Lay out your cards (don’t forget to do both sides) and tack them down with a bit of glue.  3. Cover with clear contact paper. Viola, Placemats! I made these with my daughter’s 1^st, 2^nd and 3^rd year birthday cards. I pull out the placemats from time to time and even though they are now 8 and 10 and still enjoy reading all the messages on their cards. This idea inspired by my childhood friend Linda’s mom…who had these on her table when I would visit.

3. Make a wreath. I think this would look cute hanging on a bedroom/bathroom door. Inspired by Better Homes & Garden.

4. Make garland for your Christmas tree, or some Christmas ornaments. Simple circles attached to string. My tree has needed garland for years, and I am so going to make this garland with my girls one afternoon this winter! This idea inspired by none other than Martha Stewart.

5. For several years, I had made a photo collage on my refrigerator so I could see all those smiling faces from my photo Christmas cards year round.  Simple to do with the purchase various sized clear acrylic magnetic frames, like these.

6. Turn them into notepads.This idea inspired by Home Studios blog.

7. Make a book. Punch holes in the side of the cards or photos, and clip them together with a simple metal ring. I can so see my girls enjoying flipping through these books…and me too as I pull them out each year with my Christmas stuff!  Here’s one example I found at Close to my Heart Art Blog.

8. How about these cute blocks? Simple wooden cubes, cut out squares, buy pre-cut letter stickers (or use a cricut machine to cut out letters) and a little decopauge – and look at these cute blocks you have to display!  Inspired by Better Homes & Garden.

9. I made so many of these cute lil’ gift boxes when I was a kid, I still remember how to make them now 25 years laters! I was glad to find this tutorial to share with you. They really are quite simple to make. I think I might need to introduce my girls to this craft! Tutorial found on Atomic Shrimp blog.

10. And lastly, in case you are feeling really creative, how about these lovely branches? Isn’t this simply a beautiful way to upcycle your Christmas cards? Idea inspired by Everyday Mom Idea’s Blog.

Love these ideas!  Thanks Cathy!

I was introduced to this wonderful publication at my Granny’s house and I now end up reading all of her recent issues whenever I visit.   Never heard of it before?  Here’s a synopsis from www.reminisce.com:

“Reminisce, North America’s top-selling nostalgia magazine, ‘brings back the good times’ of the 1930s, ’40s, ’50s, ‘60s and early ’70s. A variety of true, heart-felt stories are mainly written by the readers, not professional writers, which makes our magazine-and website-unique.

Each issue is packed with fascinating vintage black and white photographs and early color slides. Most photos are sent in by readers who’ve searched through family albums or attics to share the best from their past. Fun-to-read short and feature-length memories bring smiles, laughter and even poignant tears to readers of all ages. Memories span every subject…from the corner store and soda fountain, outhouses and old-time remedies, Model Ts to fifties Fords with fins, early radio and TV, surviving the Depression, World War II, fashion fads and prices from the past. The real thrill of reminiscing comes when someone reads a memory or sees a long-forgotten item and realizes: ‘Hey! I remember that!’”

Reminisce magazine is part of the Home & Garden division of Reader’s Digest Association and publishes the stories, photos and memories of its more than 1.5 million subscribers every month.  This magazine ”provides a unique blend of nostalgia and celebration of what is great about America.”

What I think Reminisce does so well is capture the essence of the ‘good old days.’  If you are searching for a gift your parents or grandparents can treasure throughout the year, a subscription to Reminisce is it!   I didn’t even live through these times and I become completely absorbed in an issue of this magazine in a matter of minutes.  These were the glory days of my grandparents and their generation and the descriptive, funny and touching memories shared paint a picture for me of the way life was that no history book can convey.  I have learned more about my Granny’s life and lifestyle through the decades from discussions that started with this magazine than I have any other way and that is the most wonderful gift of all.

The website, www.reminisce.com, is just as fun to explore, check it out!  Take this link to read memories cherished by Jimmy Hawkins, who played the youngest Bailey child in the now classic holiday movie, It’s a Wonderful Life, in the December 2012 issue of Reminisce.

I am repeatedly amazed at how some families are able to find inspiration and motivation out of challenges, suffering and sometimes loss.  It is so admirable to me that they find the resources and will within themselves to reach out and help other families.

Here are just a few examples of the power of love:

Lobes of Love

“Karen Johnson was diagnosed with breast cancer the day after Thanksgiving 2006.  For the next four and a half years she faced cancer with courage, strength and amazing tenacity.

In the Fall of 2010, Lobes of Love™ began as a project when Karen’s daughter, Tammy, decided to  honor her mother, by collecting and then distributing earrings to breast cancer patients at their doctor’s offices during the month of October.  The project was such a success with both donors and recipients that she immediately surpassed her initial goal of 200 pairs and ultimately, at her mother’s urging, reset her goal for 2000 pairs.  Earring donations continued to arrive, and with the new goal easily met, the project took on an exciting new dimension.  Now year-round, Lobes of Love facilitates thousands of simple individual acts of kindness, making an uplifting impact in the lives of many.

Lobes of Love™ is an organization devoted to providing free earrings to breast cancer patients. New or gently used earrings are collected, disinfected, repackaged and then distributed to oncologists and other caregivers of cancer patients. Women can choose for themselves a pair that we hope will provide a ray of sunshine during an office visit or challenging time.”

New and gently used earrings can be mailed to:
Lobes of Love
PO Box 4387
Lawrence, Kansas 66046

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Kaps for Kendall

Kendall Atkinson tragically died following a bone marrow transplant for Fanconi anemia on March 14, 2004 at the age of 20.

Her sisters, Allison and Whitney, started Kaps for Kendall in her honor:

Our goal is to raise money to fight Fanconi Anemia, the disease that took the life our sister, and to provide special hats for kids and adults, who have lost their hair from chemotherapy and radiation.

How you can help:

1. Make a tax deductible donation to the Fanconi Anemia Research Fund (FARF), Kaps for Kendall project through the donate link on our website.  For every $25.00 you donate, a hat will be given to a person undergoing medical treatments that cause the loss of their hair.

2. Donate a hat.  Knit, crochet and fabric hats are all welcome.

Kaps For Kendall
7051 Palisade Drive
Littleton, CO 80130

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Cooper’s Cause

When Cooper was born with multiple heart defects that demanded countless open heart surgeries, his family faced an immense amount of medical expenses during the most difficult time in their lives. Many of the family’s friends stepped forward to organize various fundraising events to help the family manage the financial burden of their unexpected journey. Graciously, Cooper’s family could not help but “pay it forward” and begin setting up a trust fund that would help other families in similar situations. Everyone involved in Cooper’s Cause Foundation has a passion for helping and their time is donated to this cause. The foundation operates with little expenses and no compensated employees.

When you support Cooper’s Cause Foundation, you are helping families that have health insurance but do not qualify for many of the programs designed to aid in the unexpected and substantial financial burden related to pediatric heart conditions even after the insurance payments. You will be supporting the average American family who desperately needs a hand up in ensuring their little fighters receive the medical care they so desperately deserve.

Cooper’s Cause Foundation
PO Box 303
Lawrence, KS 66044

www.cooperscause.com

Last year a new neighbor gave me her phone number on paper that included each member of her family printed around the outside.  Since she has 6 children in her family, this was incredibly helpful for me to keep track of everyone!  I can’t tell you how many times I have referred back to this piece of paper.  So, of course, I soon decided that all of my friends needed these too and set out to find my own to buy.  I love them!  One stack of paper has lasted me a whole year.  These are great as gifts for new parents who are thrilled to see the name of their precious baby written anywhere, thank you gifts for friends that help you out in a pinch, teacher gifts, and those people on your list that seem to have everything!  Once I saw all the fun things you can buy I ended up getting other personalized papers too.  It’s just so fun!

I bought mine through cloud 9 Papers and if you do too, mention the Good Stuff Guide now through Valentine’s Day and get 15% off!  Place your orders by calling 720-570-1168 or  email ann@cloud9bliss.com.   They ship really quickly too, so for you last minute Christmas shoppers, if you order by Wednesday you are in luck!

And cloud 9 has graciously extended this offer to all of their paper products, this includes accessories, baby, holiday, save the date, weddings, party, personal items and announcements. Check out http://www.cloud9bliss.com/papers.html for examples of all that they have.  They are beautiful!

Many thanks to Megan!  If you have a great idea to share, email heidi@thegoodstuffguide.com!

And you know what???

She was absolutely right.  No truer words have been spoken.

Meet the Elf on the Shelf, a set which comes with a book and this little elf doll (mine doesn’t have a skirt, but I thought she was cute).

Here’s how it works: The Elf comes to your house around Christmastime and he or she flies home to Santa every night to report if your adorable has been good or bad.  My adorables can tell that Jack (our elf) has left, because he changes locations every morning.  Whenever my adorables get in trouble, I just put my face in my hands and utter: “Oh no!  I bet the Elf saw you/heard you”, you know, like we’re in this together.  They immediately stiffen and my younger adorable will actually run over and explain himself to Jack and beg forgiveness.

I’m just delighted with the whole arrangement.

Now if they could just invent something for the rest of the year.

Oh wait, that’s my job.

But a break is certainly welcome!

Here’s a list of 101 Elf on the Shelf Ideas from Blossom Bunkhouse to give you some inspiration.

Holidays come and go and the endless to do list of gifts to buy keeps most of us running around throughout December.  Does it feel like a chore or do you feel excited by the things you are finding?  Well, this year I have stumbled on an amazing nonprofit and one that I highly recommend for your gift giving needs.  Check out the beautiful baskets and jewelry from Trading for Treasures.  This Denver based nonprofit’s mission is to empower women through trade. This is my Fair Trade Christmas and I am challenging you to do the same.  I already feel a great sense of peace in the things that I am buying.  Not only are my friends and family getting beautiful jewelry and baskets but 100% of the profits go straight back to the communities in Rwanda.  These women are helping to heal a country torn apart in the 1994 genocide.  Because of this, 70% of the country are women who are now in charge of supporting their families.  The purchase of one medium sized basket will pay for a year of healthcare for these women and their families!  That fact alone made me want to share this with you.

Here are some of the women making the baskets.

The large and medium sized baskets are both perfect for the center of your table to hold fruit or for decoration.  I actually bought a large one for my dining room and a medium one for my kitchen.  They also have loops on the back for easy hanging.   I could seriously decorate my whole house with these they are so beautiful! Check out www.trading4treasures.org and start shopping for a cause.

Here is an example of the basket in use.  Gorgeous!

Looking at these pieces of art I feel connected to the women who made them.  It’s a reminder every time I look at them that these baskets are special.  So join us in spreading the word . . . any bit helps.  Please forward this to your friends and family.  But shhhh, not my mom…she hasn’t opened her gift yet.

This is one of my favorite photos.  Love seeing these smiling faces!  To learn more about this nonprofit and what you can do to help visit www.tradingfortreasures.com.