The Real Farmwives of America and Friends

An Overwhelmed non-mom

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Hill) — Tue, 08 May 2012 01:46:00 +0000

There's something in the water...

As you know we have had bit of a baby boom among our ranks which may or may not have led to an overwhelmed non-mom in our ranks. (Sorry Miss Marybeth.)

A few weeks ago, we had a gathering of some of The Real Farmwives in Indianapolis. While we were all together, we had a surprise baby shower for two of our expectant moms. We were all supposed to bring our favorite baby books to help our friends start their babies’ libraries.

Needless to say, as a non-mom, I’m a bit inexperienced in this category.

I was in Evansville doing some shopping in this plaza before I had to head to Indianapolis, and thought I could kill two birds with one stone.

Borders used to be in this plaza, and I’m way more comfortable here than in the store I actually headed into, but sadly they are no longer.

I went from suit shopping a few doors down into this craziness.

Holy (expletive). Can you say “deer in the headlights”?

I walked in, and it was all bright white fluorescent lighting and row after row of light pastels and white… I’m not even sure what I was looking at. Clothes, stroller, diapers, and some other crazy things on display.

Do moms really need all this stuff? Holy cow!

(I tried to take some photos of the interior of the store to share my experience. The manager stopped me, and made me delete the photos I had taken. So I guess I’ll have to be a better writer to explain how overwhelmed this store made me feel.)

I glanced at the baby registry to the right of the entrance and shuddered. I took a deep breath, and headed deeper into the store. I saw racks of cards and gift wrap, and thought that surely the books would be near the other paper products.

Not so much.

I headed deeper into the store and saw racks of “bedding coordinates.” Really? For cribs? I thought these kinds of things were for grown-ups? Didn’t I register for bedding coordinates when we got married?

My heart started to pound, and my palms started to sweat. I’m lost in the bowels of the baby store! All I need is a couple of books! How is this so hard?! I was about to have a panic attack!

Finally, I found someone who worked there. This poor guy, I don’t know what he was doing working there in the first place. He looked just as out of place as I was. I walked up to him, a look of desperation on my face. He took a couple of steps back, afraid of what this crazy lady was after.

“I am so out of my element in this store… Do you have books? Where are the books? Please?”

He showed me back to the front of the store, right next to the entrance, hiding behind the baby registry desk.

I went all the way to the back of that store for nothing?!?

Okay, rack of books… Breathe… This I can manage… A much smaller selection than I would have had to deal with at a “regular” bookstore, so this is better.

Some of the books I recognized.

I figured that I I knew the titles, so did all the moms. And that probably meant that someone else would give our expectant moms these books.

Okay, cross those off my list… Now what?

Someone from the baby registry desk noticed me lurking and asked if she could help me.

“I’m going to a baby shower, and I’m supposed to bring my favorite baby books as gifts, but I don’t have any babies, so I don’t have any favorite books.” I gushed out. “Please help me?”

She pointed me to these books. Soft covers, cardboard pages, less well-known titles. Good for bedtime reading. Perfect.

Phew! Back to the paper section to grab some wrapping paper, and I was out of there!

I managed to get the books and get out of Babies R Us without having a panic attack, or a heart attack. But it was close.

In retrospect, I wish I had gone to Barnes and Noble down the road.

I’m definitely not ready to do this for myself. My heart is pounding just while I’m reliving this experience from the safety of my own home. (It’s possible that it’s the extra cup of coffee I drank to get ready to write this, but not likely.)

I’m sorry, mom, I know I’m 34 (gulp), but I’m not ready for this. You’re just going to have to wait a little longer to be a grandmother.

On the other hand, congratulations to Amy and Liz! You’re braver women than I am!

Have you had a similar shopping experience?

RFOA Book Club: Strong Women Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Way back at the end of January, I shared reviews of two books from RFOA member Lana over at Walking the Off-Beaten Path. She chose those two books, as well as the two below, because of the strong central characters being women.

Lana wanted to feature these books in honor of our wonderful friend, Leontien, who continues to need all of our love, support and prayers as she continues her fight with cancer. Please visit the Love for Leontien page over on Facebook and leave her a note of support and encouragement.

Here's the final two reviews from Lana...

Same Kind of Different as Me
by Ron Hall, Denver Moore, and Lynn Vincent

Source: amazon.com via Megan on Pinterest

This book is a story about two men, different as night and day, and the woman who brings this unlikely pair together to work amazing miracles through her belief in God.

Ron Hall marries the girl of his dreams, and begins a life rich in love, family, and wealth, until he almost loses it all. Together, he and Debbie, his wife, turn their life to God, her more than him at first, and work to bring their marriage back on track.

Denver’s story is 180 degrees different. Born in Louisiana to a black share cropping family, Denver’s childhood is marred by all the experiences you would imagine a young black man in the late 1950’s through the ‘60s would encounter. Denver’s road is not paved in gold, rather dirt roads unsolicited rages, and homelessness, and yet somehow he and the Halls come together in a poverty-stricken part of a Texas city to make Debbie’s dream come true.

This is a story about faith, and loss, and strength as two men from entirely different backgrounds forge a bond that will carry them through their darkest moment in life with God’s light showing them the way.

The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo
by Stieg Larsson and Reg Keeland (translator)

Source: amazon.com via Megan on Pinterest

I have to admit, it took a while for me to get in to this book, but it finally piqued my interest, probably because the movie was coming out, and I always like to read the book before seeing the movie. I’m not sure I will actually see this movie unless it comes on a movie channel via my TV, but it was a good story, a mystery and a thriller, and Lisbeth Salander comes off as a very strong and somewhat troubled character.

The story starts with a lot of business/industry trial talk, and that is what lost me, but once the character Mikael Blomkvist settles his court issues, a mystery presents itself, and the intrigue begins. A girl has gone missing some 40 years ago, and her uncle, a once legendary business mogul, asks Blomkvist to use his journalistic skills to figure what happened to his niece. He offers to settle an old score for Blomkvist if he will help him.

Set in Sweden, the story has its dicey and violent moments, especially at the end. It might be too graphic for some readers, but I kept on with it. I was glad I read it. The story was a good one, and it seems there are more adventures for Salander and Blomkvist’s characters.

Kitchen Tip Series: 6-10

noreply@blogger.com (Cris Goode) — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 22:45:00 +0000

Moving right along in our Kitchen Tip Series (check out Tips 1-5 here).

Tip #6: Watch for Sales

Buy meat when it goes on sale close to the "use by date" or special promo. If you do use a special promo or package deal, don't be afraid to talk to the meat counter and see if they can customize those deals for you. It never hurts to ask.

Tip #7: Freeze for Later

Find a great sale and bummed you can't use it all by the "use by date"? Meat and most hard or shredded cheeses typically freeze very well. Stock up and save by tossing them in the freezer for later in the month.

Tip #8: Try Something Different

Try some different cuts of meat that you don't normally use. You might find a great recipe for a less expensive cut of meat or new ingredient on allrecipes.com or other sites.

Tip #9: Not All Roasts Come in Chuck or Loin

Miss Leah reminds us that there are a wide range of cuts of meats that pack a lot of flavor and are nothing to be afraid of... if you know how to handle them. So, venture over to that brisket and give it a try.

Tip #10: Tackle Tough, Don't Avoid It

Miss Leah encourages you to try Shoulder, Butts, Bostons, Rolled, Rump, Legs and all other things on the front and back because they are full of flavor.

And while these can be tougher pieces of meat, she has got your answer... Brine baby, brine.

Next week, Tips 11-15 will focus on more meat techniques that will keep your family asking for more!

Stay Tuned!

Carhartt Shirts & Pants & a giveaway... oh my!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Besides jackets and overalls... did you know Carhartt also makes shirts and pants?? Today the men of the Farmwives are working in Carhartt shirts and pants and we have a pair of pants to give away to one of you. But first lets stop in and see some of the jobs the men are doing around the farm or shop and how these products help them get their job done.

Big D from Hoosier Farm Babe Tell Tails, found his Carhartt Long-sleeve textured knit graphic crewneck to be great for layering during the crisp and warm spring days. Here is is pictured chaining up the gate to the cattle pasture.

Ott, E over on a Latte' with Ott, A does research on early spring weed emergence while wearing his Carhartt Jeans.

Megan from the blog Gal in the Middle, has her dad shows off his plaid Carhartt short sleeved shirt while working on and off the farm.

Brad of This Farm Family's Life, wears a short sleeved button down shirt while checking on the cattle.

Hubby Doc over on Alarm Clock Wars wears his Carhartt Astoria Jacket to check on the newborn calves. This one here was just born.

The husband of the SD Farmwife over on Stories of a First Generation Farm Wife wears his short sleeved Carhartt shirt to lay tile. (Don't know what tile is.... read her blog post to learn more.)

The Boss Man on Wag n'Tales blog; wears his long sleeved Carhartt shirt to work on equipment for spring planting.

Now for your chance to win a pair of double-front twill Carhartt pants. Simply click on the "read more" link below located within this blog post. And use the Rafflecopter widget for your chance to enter. (Please note this widget only appears on the blog and not in the e-mail reader format.) The contest will run 4/2/12-4/8/12. The winner will be announced on this blog on Monday, April 9th. Please note Carhartt did provide the pants for this giveaway, but all the pictures and opinions on the Carhartt products were that of the Real Farmwives of America & Friends.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Kitchen Tips Series: 1-5

noreply@blogger.com (Cris Goode) — Sun, 01 Apr 2012 12:00:00 +0000

Dear Reader-
As we have shared over the last week or so, several of the Real Farmwives of America and Friends had a great opportunity to share some of the tips from our kitchens with a great group of women at my church.

After such a lovely day of sharing, we thought it would be a lot of fun to share those tips here with you in a little series, so without further ado, 50 Kitchen Tips from RFOA starts here today with Tips 1-5.

Tip#1: Know Your Labels

Miss Heather shared this tip with you yesterday. Labels can be expensive and overwhelming at times and sometimes downright silly. Check out Miss Heather's post to help you navigate some of the popular marketing labels.

Want some further reading? Check out Miss Marybeth's new site that digs deeper into many of the food questions consumers have about the way food is produced today.

Tip #2: Know Your Meat: The Pork Loin

Miss Heather shared about the versatility and affordability of the pork loin-- which just so happens to be as lean as chicken breast. She shared how purchasing a pork loin (a larger cut than the typical tenderloins) could serve a family several meals via the crockpot or oven. Roasts, chops or pulled pork are all options with this versatile cut.

Tip #3: Make Your Own Chops

Another great use for a pork loin is to cut it up and make your own boneless pork chops.

Tip # 4: Know Your Temperature

Miss Heather explained that the "done" temperature for pork was recently lowered to 145 degrees for pork loins, roasts and chops with a 3 minute rest time after cooking. Ground pork must cook to 160.

Cooking temps are important because under-cooking is a food safety concern, however, overcooking dries out your meat and zaps the flavor.

Cook your meat with confidence using this full listing of food safety temps for all kinds of meats.

Tip #5 Use a Digital Thermometer

Along those lines, there is no better way to cook with confidence than to cook with a digital thermometer. I use mine to get perfect chicken every time...

Once you start cooking (and grilling) with one, you will never want to go back. I just love the one above that allows me to read temps with the oven door and grill hood closed.

So there ya have our first installment of our Kitchen Tips Series...

Tips 6-10 will be full of money saving ideas... stay tuned!

Farmer Fridays: Tip #1 - Know your labels

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Hill) — Sat, 31 Mar 2012 13:04:00 +0000

As you know, last Friday, some of our ladies visited with a mom's group to talk about our family farms, the food we produce for our family and your family to eat, and some kitchen tips geared as saving us all time and money in the kitchen. I had the pleasure of sharing Tip #1 and would like to share it with all of you.

Tip # 1: Know your labels.

When shopping at the grocery store or even the farmer's market, we are inundated with marketing labels. We are lucky to live in a country with so many choices, but what do all of these labels mean?

Truthfully they can be quite confusing, if not silly.

Have you ever seen a bone-in banana? I know I haven't.

Miss Val from Wag ' n Tales compared the labels on two different cereals and found that they really weren't that different; however, if she hadn't know her labels, she could have easily believed that one was a better choice for her family.

Choice is a powerful tool and we are thankful that we have all the choices that we do. We just want to help you make an informed choice and understand your labels. For instance, many labels on products today are followed by an asterisks of some sort to tell you more of the story. Do you follow the asterisk for the rest of the story?

Upon closer examination, one will see that federal regulations prohibit the use of hormones or steroids in poultry; yet, this particular package is marketed as "no hormones or steroids added." This marketing label has always baffled me since no poultry, chicken or turkey, receives extra hormones or steroids. Pigs and pork are exactly the same. Yet, you will find pork, chicken, and turkey marketed with this claim. Once again, it is a choice that the companies have when marketing their products. We just want to help you know your labels so you can make an informed choice.

All natural is another one of those label claims that has an asterisk next to it.

As you can see on these chicken breasts, it simply states that all natural means no artificial ingredients and minimally processed; however, the "all natural" label is not regulated by anyone so it can mean different things to different people. Once again, it is one of the many choices we have as consumers that can often be confusing so just be sure to know your labels.

Another label that can often be confusing is the organic label.

Organic is simply a label that refers to how the product was grown and raised. Per the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), no distinctions can be made in the safety, quality, or nutrition of an organically produced product when compared to a traditionally produced product. So want we want you to remember is that the organic label does not mean that a product is safer or more nutritious. It was simply produced is a different manner which may or may not be the right choice for your family.

These are just a few of the labels that you might find at the grocery store or farmer's market. In the coming weeks, we will address a few more. Which ones would you like us to address?

We are lucky to have all of these choices as consumers and I hope we will continue to have these choices. We are by no means criticizing any of the above products or label claims. We simply want you to be an informed consumer and know your labels before you make your choices.

Please let us know what labels you look for when shopping for food and what additional questions you have for us!

3 Guys, 3 Boots and 3 Giveaways!!!

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 11:54:00 +0000

If you were to look around on any back porch or mud room on a farmhouse, chances are you would spot a pair of boots. Every farmer wears them whether it's out to the barn or to town. So today we are keeping with our themed of checking in on the men of the Farmwives and seeing what all they do around the farm or shop in their boots. And the great folks at Justin Boots and Tony Lama have given them three pairs of boots to review as well as three pairs of boots for us to giveaway to three of our lucky readers. (That's right 3 pairs of boots to giveaway.) So lets see what these guys are up to as we stop by three blogs today.

The Farmer on Ransom Four wears his Justin Copper Kettal Rowdy boots while getting his planter ready for spring planting.

Jen's husband From Mess Hall to Bistro loves the ankle support his new Tony Lama 3R Work Boots give him while hes working on automobiles.

The Boss Man over on the blog Wag n' Tales wears his Tony Lama 3R Western Work Boot – Oak Crazy Horse Buffalo while working on an air seeder.

Besides the Giveaway for boots Tony Lama is also offering a Montana Fishing Giveaway on their Facebook Page. Simply like their page and click on the Fishing contest tab to be enter for your chance to win a trip to an all inclusive resort! (The contest ends March 31st.)

Now on to our giveaway for three (yes THREE) pairs of boots. Thanks to Justin and Tony Lama for donating the three pairs for the men of the Farmwives to review and the same three pairs to giveaway. Enter below for your chance to win either the Copper Kettle Rowdy Steel Toed, Tony Lama 3R Western Work Boot- Oak Crazy Horse Buffalo Laceup or the Tony Lama 3R Western Work Boot - Oak Crazy Horse buffalo Pull on. Simply click on the read more link below to access the Rafflecopter to sign up for your chance to win one of these great pairs of boots.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

If March goes out like a Lion these Men's Carhartt Jackets will keep you warm

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Spring is a funny time of year and you never know what the weather will be like. March either comes or goes like a lion or a lamb. Well regardless the weather these Men of the Farmwives are dressed for warmth and ready to get whatever job they are working on completed. So lets stop by and see what they are up to and before you leave, be sure to sign up for our giveaway and win a Carhartt for your man.

Tall Guy from Walking the Off Beaten Path feeds bottle calves (how cute is that) is his Detriot Duck Jacket from Carhartt.

The farmer over on 3 Kids and Lots of Pigs wears his Carhartt while feeding the hogs.

Katie's husband over on the blog Pinke Post shows off his Carhartt Shoreline Jacket while working at the Lumbar Mill.

Jen's husband From Mess Hall to Bistro gathers up some loose straw for bedding wearing his Carhartt Bib Overalls.

Going Jane gives a great review of Carhartt Shoreline Jacket which her husband wears around the farm in the springtime.

Now you can sign up to win a Ketchikan Jacket for your man. Simply click on the "read more" link lacted at the bottom of this blog post to access the Rafflecopter widget. Click on the widget and it will tell you how to enter. We will announce the winner next week on our blog.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

50 kitchen tips in the days to come

noreply@blogger.com (Heather Hill) — Mon, 26 Mar 2012 02:03:00 +0000

Last Friday some of our ladies had the opportunity to talk about our family farms, the food we help produce for our family and yours, and 50 kitchen tips along the way to an amazing group of moms. These tips were geared at helping us save time in the kitchen, make sense of the marketing labels at the grocery store, and helping us save money. I don't know about you, but anything that can save me time and money and possibly make my life easier is something I'm all about so I was excited to be able to be at this meeting as I picked up a few tips myself.

Since not all of you could be there, it is our plan to share these tips over the course of coming weeks on our website for all to enjoy. If you have any tips that you think we should add to the list, please be sure to share them for everyone to see as well.

So in addition to a few awesome giveaways this week, be sure to stay tuned for these amazing tips in the days to come.

Thanks to Miss Cris from Goodeness Gracious, Miss Leah from Beyer Beware, and Miss Liz from Two Maids a Milking for helping to tell our story last Friday.

The men of the Farmwives in Carhartt Jackets

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Spring seemed to come early in the Midwest this year and a lot of farmers are taking advantage of the warmer weather and starting to get things around for planting season or doing some early springtime chores on the farm. You may see some tractors out in the fields or some cattle starting to calve and you may see some of those farmers out working in those fields and barns wearing Carhartt Jackets.

Well today the Real Farmwives of America & Friends are featuring the men of the Farmwives in Carhartt Jackets. And the best part is we have one to giveaway to you. So lets stop by and see the men at work, what they are wearing and how their Carhartt Jacket helps them accomplish their tasks.

Liz's husband on 2 Maids a Milking grabs tools out of his service truck while wearing his Carhartt Astoria Jacket.

Puddie from Goodeness Gracious wears his Carhartt Ketchikan Jacket to cut up wood.

Beyer Beware's husband feeds the cows in his Carhartt jacket.

The farmer, on the blog Fencerow to Fencerow, wears his Ketchikan Jacket while driving the utility tractor on the farm.

Scott on Ransoms Farm finds his lightweight Carhartt Astoria Jacket ideal to do chores on the farm and feed the cattle in these springtime months.

Big Thanks to Carhartt for giving the men of the Farmwives jackets to review and for sponsoring the giveaway. Be sure to check out all of their new spring line on their website and you can also follow them on facebook and twitter (@Carhartt). One lucky reader will win a Detroit Jacket. Simply click on the read more link at the end of this blog post and utilize the Rafflecopter widget to enter.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

a shower, a new mom, some advise and a giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Tue, 06 Mar 2012 18:27:00 +0000

Farm kids make their way out to the barn or into the cab of a tractor at an early age. And if your gonna be out at the barn then you might as well be dressed for the occasion. So to help our soon to be mommy, Morgan, from Stories of a First Generation Farmwife we have having a virtual shower today for her and as a gift we have a pair of 9 month old Carhartt bib's for her. Come next winter her bundle of job will be all bundled up and ready to head out to help farm.

But what shower would be complete without some motherly advise. So here are 5 tips from some of the Farmwives with kids.

Cris from Goodeness Gracious says "Take pictures and video everyday and write down those precious memories. You will always think you will remember, but you will forget unless you record that cute thing they say or take a picture of that gummy smile. Your photos, videos and journals will become some of your most treasured items as they grow."

Val from Wag n'Tales says "Never be afraid to accept help. Sometimes we feel as if accepting help is a sign of weakness, but nothing could be further from the truth. You can miss so many beautiful
moments, just because you're focused on how exhausted you are."

Sarah from This Farm Family's Life says "My advice to the first time mommies is to not be afraid to send your baby to the nursery during your hospital stay. Get all the rest you can because when you get home you will miss all the helpful nurses."

Nancy from Wife of a Dairyman suggests "Lower your expectations of what you can accomplish in a day....rest when your newborn is napping!"

And, Lana from Walking the Off Beaten Path strongly urges you to, "Label ALL pictures you take as soon as you possibly can with some sort of photo safe pen or digital note. YOU WILL FORGET THE AGE, TIME, AND REASON for many of these pictures because you will be taking thousands of them the first year or so!"

And what Baby Shower would be complete without games and prizes. So our game is using the Rafflecopter widget below (click on the Read More link in this blog post to access) and you could win a pair of 12 month old Carhartt bib overalls for a child in your life.

We would like to thank Carhartt for sponsoring this gift and giveaway. Please visit their website to see more of their kids line!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

9 tips for new mom's and a Citrus Lane Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:15:00 +0000

Spring is a great time for babies to be born. Whether it's lambs, calves and chicks on the farm or human babies born into a farming family. Today we are having a virtual baby shower for Sara from the blog Much Ado About Lou. She and her husband are expecting their first child; a boy.

So like most baby showers some of your guest may already be moms and have some helpful advise to pass along. Here are some words of encouragement and tips from some of the Farmwives with kids.

Sarah from This Farm Families Life said; "I highly recommend purchasing a vibrating bouncy seat. Our girls loved them and they gave me a chance to get things done like taking a shower!"

Val from Wag n' Tales said; "One lesson that I have learned the hard way: always trust your
instincts. Always."

Katie from Pinke Post said; "However you do it will be your child's favorite. You'll learn a routine. Baths. Books. Bedtime. However you make a peanut butter sandwich or fold socks will be their favorite way."

Jent from My Front Porch suggested this; "'naked time' - for the kid - every evening about an hour before bedtime starting from the get go - we would strip the kid down to his pamper and lay them on a blanket on the floor and let them stretch - this got us thru every single "fussy" time that all baby's have!"

Nancy from The Wife of a Dairyman said; "Start a bedtime routine as early as possible. Whether it be singing lullabies, reading books, or rocking in a rocking chair. I found that putting my babies down while they were drowsy but still awake, helped them to learn what it's like to drift off to sleep by themselves.I found it helpful to have normal background noise in the house during nap times so that they could learn to sleep with noise."

Jane from Going Jane suggested; "My advice is to take lots analogs of pictures and to print them off...not just leave the digital files on your computer. What's printed will never be outdated like technology."

Amy from 2 Maids a Milking said; “Enjoy your baby’s first few days and weeks! Although you will be tired, these are some of the most precious times you two will have together. As they get to know you and you get to know your new child – it is truly amazing! The squeaks, sneezes, coos and especially their yawns are absolutely priceless! Hold them all that you can and just soak them up!!”

Big D from Whose the Grown Up had a suggestion for your hospital bag: "Be sure to pack something warm to wear in your "To Go" bag for the hospital. A warm fluffy robe and warm socks. After delivery, it's very common to get really cold. I wasn't prepared the first time, so I sent my husband home to fetch a few things!"

Lana from Walking the Off Beaten Path has this to say about the last few weeks before delivery. " I would say to keep as active and busy as you can until someone tells you to sit down and put your feet up. Once those words are issued, take heed, and do it. Read books, and enjoy the quiet, because you won’t get a chance to do either for a long time!"

And what baby shower would be complete without presents. So the Farmwives have partnered up with Citrus Lane to give Sara a Fresh Start Baby Box. Featured brands include Baby Soy, Dapple, Dolphin Organics, BabyGanics, and Pangea Organics – plus more! Citrus Lane has monthly gift boxes which you can subscribe to receive that are full of well liked baby products for your to try.

And what shower would be complete without a party favor. Citrus Lane has given us an offer code to pass along to all of you that will be applicable to monthly subscription or 3, 6, or 12-month gift subscriptions. Simply visit their website and enter CITRUS20E when you select a gift at checkout.

Offer valid for new subscriptions only. Does not apply to the Deluxe Shower Box or any other standalone boxes or items. For monthly subscriptions, 20% discount is applied to first month only. Offer not valid for previous purchases. Cannot be combined with other offers or discounts. Other restrictions may apply.

Not only do we have a box for Sara but we also have one to giveaway to one of our readers. To enter this giveaway simply click on the Read More link below and use the rafflecopter link in this blog post to enter.

Please note The RealFarmwives of America & Friends will use Rafflecopter to randomly select a winner of this contest. The winner will recieve a Baby's Fresh Start Giftbox valued at $35. The winner will be announced on this blog on 3/5/12. and official rules for Citrus Lane giveaways can be found here http://www.citruslane.com/contest/3rd_party_promotions.html

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Remodeled Mondays Recap with Alarm Clock Wars

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:43:00 +0000

In case you missed it Marybeth over on the blog Alarm Clock Wars has been completely remodeling her house. I mean a taking it down to the studs and starting over. She has a weekly feature called Remodel Mondays where each Monday she shows off the work they've been doing with pictures.

They are digging a basement.

Adding a porch.

Expanding their kitchen space.

And much, much more!!

So be sure to check her out every Monday and see how this project progresses, and how this farmwife; who loves to sleep in, handles a sledge hammer and deals with spiders in their home renovation.

Saturday Book Club: Strong Women

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 12:00:00 +0000

I'm so excited to be sharing some book suggestions by a wonderful RFOA lady, Lana over at Walking the Off-Beaten Path, in a new installment of Saturday Book Club!

She picked a couple of books to share with us that have strong women in the spotlight in honor of our lovely friend, Leontien, who needs all of our love, support and prayers as she continues her battle with cancer. Visit the Love for Leontien page over at Facebook and leave a note of support for her.

I'll turn it over to Lana...

Someone Knows My Name by Lawrence Hill

Source: amazon.com via Megan on Pinterest

My first take away from this book is that I find it hard to believe that a man wrote this story about such a strong woman. Aminata Diallo’s sense of family, heritage, self-knowledge, education, and bravery is remarkable. This character’s almost insatiable drive to return home takes her on a life’s journey that spans two continents and many countries.

Aminata’s story starts as a young girl growing up with two loving parents, but all of that is shattered with coming of the slave traders. A pre-Revolutionary war story, Hill takes us through the life of a free young woman becoming a slave and then regains her freedom during the war.

With this journey comes incredible experiences with a variety of people who are both color-minded and color blind. Her final desire is to tell her story so others will learn about her and her people. You will be inspired by this character’s sense of family, home, and her desire to hang on to all the lessons her parents taught her.

The Secret Holocaust Diaries by Nonna Bannister

Source: amazon.com via Megan on Pinterest

This book is a true account of a young girl’s experience during World War II. She grew up the granddaughter of a wealthy Russian widow; her grandfather was a Cossack who served the last Czar of Russia.

There are tales of a fairy tale life and a memorable family Christmas before their world came to a shattering halt. At one point in her life, she was a neighbor to Alexander Solzhenitsyn, future Nobel Prize winner in Literature.

Thanks to her father’s desire to educate her, Nonna was fluent in six languages and wrote journal entries of her life before and during WW II in all of these languages. She kept them, along with pictures she was able to save, with her inside a pillowcase hidden under her clothing throughout her perilous journey through the Ukraine, Poland, and Germany.

Maybe the most amazing part of Nonna’s story is that she kept it all a secret, even after coming to America, marrying, and raising three children. Her story begins as she goes up to the attic to begin translating her journal entries so that she can finally share them with first her husband. Later, after her death, her children learn of the courageous life their mother lived before she became their mother.

This book tells her story through her translations and looking back over the memories she tried so hard leave locked in a trunk in her attic.

Men in Wranglers

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Sometimes you can recognize a farmer by what he wears. Boots, hats, gloves, and...... jeans. Every farmer wears jeans whether he's driving a tractor, feeding the hogs, or going to town. So some of the Farmwives are blogging today about their farmers in Wrangler Jeans. And just like the previous weeks we have a pair of mens jeans to giveaway to one of you, so your man will be able to work.

Hoosier Farm Babe Tells Tails about Big D discovering Wranglers after dressing up in a Halloween costume and now wears them all the time.

Brad from This Farm Families Life knows Wranglers are tough enough for whatever work he has to do on the farm.

The Farmer on the blog From Fencerow to Fencerow likes the way his Wrangler fit so much that he wants to wear them for fun instead of work.

To enter this giveaway simply click on the Read More link within this blogpost. The Rafflecopter widget will appear and you can click on that to fill out the entry form.

The Real Farmwives of America would like to thank Wrangler for partnering with them on this project and providing jeans.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Weekend Reflection

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Sat, 21 Jan 2012 22:47:00 +0000

I saw this on RFOA Jent's blog and just had to share it as my weekend post this week (especially since I have not started any of the books from my reading list that I was supposed to share with you on here)!

As I sit in church on Sundays, I often reflect how many of the Scriptures have something to do with the land and what it provides us.

Source: jentsfrontporch.blogspot.com via Megan on Pinterest

The final chapter on the traveling Longaberger basket for charity.

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 20:37:00 +0000

Remember that Longaberger Medium Chore Basket that cris-crossed the country visiting 4 farmwives and being used to do good deeds???

Well that basket was auctioned off and brought in $76. The basket is now making it's final journey to Pennsylvania to one of our readers who purchased the basket.

The money was donated to the Melanoma Research Foundation (MRF) in honor of fellow Farmwife Leontien who celebrated her birthday earlier this week. And several of the farmwives have donated money to the foundation in an effort to match the price the basket fetched.  We are pleased to say that the price was matched three times and now over $350 is now going to benefit research being done on this form of cancer.

Please continue to keep Leontien in your thoughts and prayers as she continues her battle.  And if for some reason you feel so inclined to donate to MRF as well please visit their website for details.

Woman's Wranglers and a giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 16 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Woman and Jeans seem to have a love hate relationship. It seems we love a good pair once we find them, but hate looking for that pair. The endless hours of shopping, trying them on in dressing rooms, looking at them from the front and the back, wondering if they make us look too big, or too short or too frumpy. Some are faded, some are worn, some are boot cut, some are skinny cut, some are torn, some are stiff, and on and on the endless list of jean styles and sizes go. Well every farmwife wears jeans, so every farmwife knows this same frustration. Whether they are running errands, painting the guest bedroom, feeding the livestock or working out in the garden, she can accomplish whatever task needs to be done in her jeans. Today we are showing off some Wrangler Woman's Jeans and (like usual) we have a pair of Woman's Wrangler Jeans to give away to one of you (our readers).

The Wife of a Dairyman knows her Wranglers are durable for any task on the farm. Here she wears them while she grooms her horse.

Stories of a First Generation Farm Wife recalls the first moment she knew Wranglers would forever be a part of her wardrobe and farm work.

And for a run read check out Jent's From my Front Porch as she recounts all the Wranglers she owns and what she thinks of her new "Booty Up" pair.

Now on to the giveaway! You must click on the read more link, located below on this blog post and use the Rafflecopter Widget to enter. After you click on Read More, click on the Rafflecopter and select the ways you want to enter. Big thanks to Wranglers for giving some of the Farmwives Jeans to review and giveaway. Be sure to check out Wrangler Western on Facebook and Good Luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

farm kids in jeans and a giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 11:00:00 +0000

Every farm kid has a pair of jeans they wear while out on the farm. A pair of jeans they can get dirty, a pair of jeans that is durable, a pair of jeans that will stay up. Whether they are "helping" out in the fields, or "exploring" around the barn you can bet they've got their jeans on. As you will see in some of the links below we are visiting with 3 kids from 3 differnt Farmwives. One is riding and roping in the rodeo, one is looking stylish in her Rock 47's while the other is helping out in the hog barn. So lets take a moment to visit each one and see what kind of farm work/play these kids are up to, and we have a pair of Wrangler jeans for you to win for your kid as well.

First up, Bubby, from the blog Going Jane usually wear his Wranglers while on the Rodeo Circut, but today he is wearing Wranglers to help load up some firewood.

Miss Bug from Two Maids a Milking is ready for fairs and fun in her Rock 47 jeans.

Bubby, one of the the 3 Kids and Lots of Pigs was happy to wear his Wranglers out to the hog barn to check on his 4-H pigs.

And as I mentioned earlier we are happy to have a pair of Wrangler Kids jeans to give away to one of our readers. The winner will get to select the style and size of Wrangler Kid Jeans. So click on the read more link (in this Farmwives blog post) and use the Rafflecopter widget below to enter this contest.
a Rafflecopter giveaway

Books and a Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Megan) — Mon, 09 Jan 2012 01:41:00 +0000

Before I begin my post, I want to remind everyone that there is still time to bid on the beautiful Longaberger Medium Chore Basket that made its way across the country stopping to do good deeds with some wonderful farm women.

Source: ebay.com via Megan on Pinterest

The basket is now up for auction over on eBay until January 12. Proceeds go to the Melanoma Cancer Research Center in honor of RFOA member Leontien who is battling the disease. Be sure to go to Love for Leontien on Facebook to send her your thoughts and prayers.

Remember head over to the eBay auction before January 12 and bid!

So, there's the basket portion of this post...now on to the books!

If you read my personal blog (shameless plug here) - Gal in the Middle, you know that I try not to make New Year's Resolutions because I never keep them.

However, I am determined to not only to pay more attention to my own blog in 2012, but to also post more right here on RFOA...hopefully each weekend.

As part of that commitment (not resolution), I gathered up all of the books I have around that house that I have been meaning to read. These will be my inspiration for Saturday Book Club here on RFOA.

Don't get me wrong, I read ALL the time, but I tend to read light fiction (mostly chick lit or romance) before I go to sleep at night...that's about all my brain can handle at that time of day.

However, I love to read lots of different genres of books so here's a look at the books that I will be reading (and hopefully sharing with you over the next several months).

The titles are kind of hard to read so here's a list and why I chose them.

Bossypants by Tina Fey: Tina is so funny and I enjoy her as a writer on 30 Rock and SNL so I have a hunch that her book will be just as funny.
The Confessions of Catherine de Medici by C.W. Gortner: My mom is a retired Latin teacher and I grew up with a love of ancient Rome, Italy, Greece and especially Florence and the Medici family. I even did my senior English paper on the family and their influence on the arts. So when I saw this book reviewed in a magazine I just had to have it...I bought it over a year ago! Not sure why I haven't cracked it open.
The Man Who Fed the World by Leon Hesser: This is an authorized biography of Noble Peace Prize Laureate Norman Borlaug and "His Battle to End World Hunger." I had the honor to hear Mr. Borlaug speak in person several years ago. He was the father of the "green revolution" and his work has saved thousands (probably millions of lives). Can you tell that I really admire this man? He may be one that I invite to my table if I ever get to sit down with those I truly admire. Enough said.
Monkeys on the Interstate by Jack Hanna: First, I need to apologize to my coworker for keeping her book for more than a year. This is another book that I am excited to read but just haven't picked up. It's a series of short stories about Hanna's experiences with the animals that he loves.
So Cold the River by Michael Koryta: I have to admit that I don't know a lot about this book or the author. It was a gift from Indiana Humanities for judging an essay contest of theirs. Their whole mission is to get people to "read, think and talk" so if they recommend this book, I bet it will be a good read.

Those are the five reads that are in my house right now. I also have The Hunger Games and the last two books of the Girl with the Dragon Tattoo series on my short list.

What books are on your reading list this winter?

Do you read more in when it's cold outside or when you can stretch out on a lawn chair in the sun?

Auctioning off the Traveling Longaberger Basket

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 21:42:00 +0000

Well our Longaberger Medium Chore Basket has traveled the country, spreading holiday cheer at each step along the way.

As you'll recall it started off in Ohio where the Longaberger Company graciously agreed to donate this basket to be used in honor of our fellow farmwife Leontien from the blog Four Leaf Dairy. Leontien is fighting Melanoma and as a way to honor her we are going to donate the money raised from the auction of this basket to the Melanoma Cancer Research Center.

Going Jane had this basket first and she used the basket to coordinate food baskets for needy families with her church.

Then the basket traveled to Indiana to Miss Ott, A from the blog a Latte' with Ott, A. She used the basket to donate food, toys and toiletry items to a shelter.

Next the basket traveled to the North Dakota prairie where Val from the blog Wag n'Tales, knows first hand what its like to spendi time in hospitals. She used the basket to make care packages for those in waiting rooms.

Lastly, the basket went out to California where Nancy, The Wife of a Dairyman, used the basket to gather up toys to donate to UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

And now we are ready to auction off this beautiful Medium Market basket with a protector and wooden lid to one of you. You can find the basket on e-Bay for the next 10 days and remember all the proceeds from the basket will go to the Melanoma Cancer Research Center on behalf of Leontien. Just think of all the uses you could find for this basket and what a charming conversation piece it would be. We hope you will consider bidding on this basket and helping Melanoma Research. And Thanks again to the Longaberger Company for donating this basket to use!!

Traveling Longaberger Basket for Charity: Week 4

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 26 Dec 2011 23:41:00 +0000

This holiday season we teamed up with Longaberger to do some charitable deeds. We are taking the concept from the movie The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants and putting a farm wife twist on it.

Longaberger donated a medium sized chore basket to the Real Farmwives of America to travel across the country to be used for whatever charitable endeavor we have chosen on an individual basis. Once the deed is complete, the basket is passed on to the next farmwife to do the same.

The journey of the traveling Longaberger basket began in Ohio with Jane from Going Jane, moved on to Indiana to Miss Ott, A from a latte’ with Ott, A. and on to North Dakota to Val of Wag n’Tales and now on the final leg of its journey it ends up in California with Nancy from the blog The Wife of a Dairyman. So lets visit the Sunshine state and see what good deeds this California Farmwife did with her basket.

With so many near and dear to my heart stricken with cancer over the past year, I chose to go in the direction of a toy drive to benefit a children’s hospital. By sending out an email to my local Mother's Club online forum, asking for donations of new, unwrapped toys, the response I received was truly amazing. I was able to collect and also purchase close to 100 toys from a generous community of Moms, friends and family and shopping at one of Kohl's fantastic pre-Christmas sales filled in any gap. The back of my SUV was loaded and ready to be delivered.

My destination, UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital.

I met Jennifer Belke {on left}, from UCSF, out in front of the hospital's main entrance and preceded to fill one of the toy donation boxes they had available.

I hope your Christmas holiday was a wonderful one and a Big Thanks to Longaberger for sponsoring this basket for a cause that's so near and dear to us Real Farmwives of America & Friends. Be sure to check out Longaberger on facebook.

And next week, January 2nd, we will auction this Longaberger basket off on E-Bay and donate the proceeds from the basket to the Melanoma Cancer Research Center in honor of fellow Farmwife Leontien who is currently battling Melanoma. So be sure to check back next week and find out how you can make this basket, which has helped so many people, part of your collection.

Traveling Longaberger Basket for Charity: Week 3

noreply@blogger.com (Ott, A.) — Mon, 19 Dec 2011 21:16:00 +0000

We are back again this week following the traveling Longaberger Basket on it's journey to North Dakota to Val from the blog Wag n'Tales. If you'll recall this Medium Chore basket will travel across the country helping the Farmwives do charitable deeds this holiday season, then in January we will auction the basket off on E-Bay and donate the proceeds from the basket to the Melanoma Cancer Research Center in honor of fellow Farmwife Leontien who is currently battling Melanoma.

Let's take a look at what Val used the basket for and her 10 Tips for Holiday Hospital Cheer!!!

Unfortunately, I have a lot of experience in the realm of
hospital stays, especially with little ones. So I thought that
I would use my basket as a chance to share some tips and ideas
for sharing some much-needed cheer with those stuck in the
hospital during the holidays (or any other times, for that
matter)!

1) Distractions - Small toys, hard-cover books, stuffed
animals; all of these things make great distractions for a
child in the hospital. Hard-cover books are easy to read, hold
and turn pages when sitting in rocking chairs (paperbacks
sometimes flop open, or are difficult to hold and read). Small
toys are easy to use in beds, and don't take up a lot of
space. Stuffed animals are easily washed and portable for
security-blanket-type reasons. Try to eliminate any metal in
the stuffed animals, so that they can travel with to scary
places, like MRI machines, X-rays, etc.

2) Movies - The hospital that we frequent use is an hour away.
It has a great playroom, but many times when George is a
patient, we're not really all that sick, just making sure he's
carefully monitored/hydrated. So we don't always use the
playroom, to limit our exposure to those children who may have
major illnesses that are keeping them in the hospital. Movies
are great time killers and make George's stay better. The
nursing station does have a selection of movies, but they
aren't always up-to-date...and it's nice to be able to take a
few GOOD mementos back home when the stay is done.

3) Snacks - Variety is the spice of life. And a variety of
items to keep little ones interested in things, like medicine,
is a great tool for a mom to use. And snacks can play an
important role in this. Just make sure you check with Mom and
Dad for things, like special diets, allergies, etc. There's
nothing worse than trying to explain to a sick, crabby little
one why they can't have the great treat they were brought!

4) Offer to stay - whether it be for an hour or an evening. A
few minutes away from the hospital setting can be a great
breather and downtime for a stressed-out mom and dad.
Sometimes you may have to ask once or twice, before the idea
becomes acceptable, and sometimes you have to say, "Hey, your
car was broke into. Maybe you should go check it out while I
sit here with your sleeping angel." Yeah, they might get mad when they realize you fooled them,
but the lap up and down the hospital floors will do them a world of good.

5) Remind them to shower...and brush their hair...and teeth.
Sometimes you forget. (But do so politely.)

6) Distractions for Mom/Dad - Now is not the time for Mom to
re-read War and Peace, or check out the latest issue of
National Geographic (well, unless that's your thing)...but a
no-brain-needed read is a great distraction, way to check out
for a bit. My favorites are US weekly, People, etc. A place
where you can read about people in far-off places, with
far-off problems.

7) Meals - At our local hospital, a meal is provided for the
child, and the parent gets a tray, only if the child is unable
to eat. Sometimes outside food is a welcomed treat...even if
it's fast food!

8) Text, email, Facebook message - Phone calls aren't always
easy. Doctors come in and out at their whim, nurses are busy
at all times of day, and naps are taken when you can.
Answering the phone isn't always easy, or possible. Leaving a
text, voicemail or a message on Facebook, just giving support
and letting them know that you're thinking of them can be just
as comforting.

9 and 10) Thoughts and prayers...you can never get enough.

On the last evening of our basket, we used it to take snacks
to the 4-H Christmas party. The party started at the bowling
alley, and then progressed to caroling at the nursing home. It
was so nice to share such amazing moments with the seniors of
our community. It served as a vivid reminder that connecting
generations is a great thing indeed.

Merry Christmas to you all and Big Thanks to Longaberger for sponsoring this basket for a cause that's so near and dear to us Real Farmwives of America & Friends. Be sure to check out Longaberger on facebook.

Cookie Recipe Recap

noreply@blogger.com (Cris Goode) — Thu, 15 Dec 2011 20:09:00 +0000

Big thanks to Miss Jane for virtually whipping up a batch of those Rocky Road Brownies for us and thanks to all of you that linked up all your yummy recipes in our link up with Two Maids a Milking last week!

(Psst... Congrats to Denise Buckner for winning the Gooseberry Patch Cookie Cookbook of your choice- you have email!)

BIG thanks to Gooseberry Patch and their Online Recipe Box for inspiring us and providing the cookbook for the giveaway.

Speaking of recipes... We just loved all your recipes...

Recipes like these Homemade Cherry Cordials from Bake. Eat. Repeat.

Amy's Chocolate Chip Cookies from Beyer Beware

Reeses Nutter Butter Cookies from Shugary Sweets

Going Jane's Grandma's Chocolate Cut-Out Cookies

Miss Add and I whipped up several batches of different Cake Mix Cookies ... including cut-out cookies!

We had a very special purpose for these cookies...

They were getting boxed up in a special Thank You care package from the Real Farmwives of America and Friends to 25 soldiers serving in Afghanistan.

We researched online to find what kinds of things might be appreciated and filled a box full of card games, handheld games, snacks and of course our cookies.

(Note: We have been told that if you do not know the solider you are mailing items to, they are not allowed to accept homemade items such as cookies from you. So, if you send cookies like we did, make sure you have the name of a soldier that you know-- otherwise, letters and prepackaged items and treats are appreciated.)

We topped it off with candy canes...

Addressed the box...

Then we were sent to the back of the line because we forgot to fill out the very detailed (and somewhat intimidating) customs forms... but we prevailed none-the-less!

We were thrilled to find out from the post office that our package should arrive just in time for Christmas!

Merry Christmas!

Rocky Road Brownies

noreply@blogger.com (Cris Goode) — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 13:05:00 +0000

Hugs and love to Miss Megan over at Gal in the Middle for sharing her Buckeye Brownies with me! If you haven't already, go check them out....they look FABULOUS!!

In fact, they looked SO good that I decided to keep in the same brownie theme and even in the same Gooseberry Patch cookbook when I visited Gooseberry Patch's online recipe box....

So here from their Almost Homemade cookbook are super simple and delicious Rocky Road Brownies!

Wouldn't this make a great Christmas gift? Hint, hint!

These were soooo easy to make and even easier to devour!

Just like the snowball cookies we made last week, we made a double batch to share with our dairy farming neighbors. Miss Renee has a long road to recovery after having one of heir cows slip and FALL on her arm!! So we're happy to share some of our holiday goodies with them!

Here's all you'll need for a single batch:

So easy you probably have it all in your pantry!

19.5 oz. brownie mix (my new fave brownies from Dove Chocolate Discoveries are back ordered! So I made to with a megabatch from Sam's Club)
Ingredients for brownie mix
2 cups mini marshmallows, divided
12 ounces semi sweet chocolate chips ( I jazzed mine up a little for the holidays here and used dark chocolate baking bits from Dove Chocolate Discoveries filled with MINT!!)


These yummy bits of heaven are real Dove dark chocolate—with mint inside!! Available exclusively through Dove Chocolate Discoveries. Click the photo for more information

Simply mix your brownie mix as directed and spread into a 9x13 pan.

Pretty much anyone can mix up brownies, right?

Sprinkle half of the marshmallows....

Starting to look good...

And half of the chocolate chips/baking bits across the top. Bake as directed.

Looking even better!

After removing from the oven, sprinkle with the remaining marshmallows....

Can you see that yummy toasted marshmallow underneath?

And chocolate chips/baking bits.

And just LOOK at that yummy chocolate!!

Let cool completely before cutting and serving. The touch of mint was FABULOUS and made them a little more "festive" for the holidays.

Here they are, all cut and ready to serve...a plate of ooey-gooey-minty deliciousness!

My family loved them, and I'm sure yours will, too...year round! I'm already planning my next batch using peanut butter filled baking bits....yum!

Doesn't that sound heavenly? Peanut butter right in your baking bits? Click the photo for more info...

Besides sharing a pan with my neighbors, I'm also excited to virtually share these special treats with none other than Miss Cris over at Goodeness Gracious! Since she has little Miss Add & her Goode Old Boy, I thought these would be a perfect family-friendly treat to share.

And don't forget....there's still time to share your favorite cookie recipe for the holidays or check our everyone else's favorites at our In the Cookie Kitchen pinky party going on right now! And YOU might even be the lucky winner of a Gooseberry Patch cookie cookbook!