The Farm Chicks

My Website Has Moved

Serena — Mon, 25 Mar 2013 23:50:28 -0700

My website has mooo-ved. You can visit my new site by clicking here.

Ifong Chen

As Far as the Eye Can See

Serena — Tue, 19 Mar 2013 21:08:57 -0700

Colin and I went for a hike up Palm Canyon. It's a beauty to behold. Groves of palms and a stream, shockingly appear out of the desert.

Then just as suddenly as they appear, they're gone again, giving way to magnificent rock formations that are a beauty all their own.

As we make our way up and out of the canyon, the desert unfolds as far as the eye can see.

A warm breeze blows through and we stop to catch our breath and take it all in. There's a happiness that comes with seeing new things with the one I love.

We retrace our steps, several miles worth, until the canyon appears once again. The view that was at our backs as we climbed is now revealed as we descend.

And back to the canyon are we.

Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover. ~Mark Twain

Hello Mailbox

Serena — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 07:08:15 -0700

Hello,

I'm a little card that would love to make my way to your mailbox.

If you email me your name and address, I will be there soon.

Love,

little card

Email: mail at thefarmchicks.com

xxoo

The Printshop - Hearn Brothers

Serena — Wed, 13 Mar 2013 12:49:34 -0700

I've been working with Dale at Hearn Brothers Printing in Spokane for many years. His printshop has printed much of the materials for The Farm Chicks Antiques Show. This year, the printshop has been busy printing the show posters and postcard flyers. I thought you might enjoy seeing how they are made.

Before we begin the process, I always meet with Dale to go over paper options for my project. For these posters, I had one sort of paper in mind, but after consulting with Dale, I was convinced I needed to head in a different direction to make sure we ended up with the best possible poster. Once the paper is selected, the process of my materials being printed begins.

It all starts with the art file. The file is opened up and analyzed. Here is the postcard art shown on the left and then super-magnified on the right for color analysis.

Once the file is ready to go, it's sent to this piece of equipment to make the film.

Once the film is produced, it's analyzed to check that everything looks correct. The film is then placed on the machine that produces the printing plates, secured via notches in the film.

A plastic cover is placed over the film,

and the machine cover is closed. The platemaking process begins.

Four plates are made, as there are four colors in the posters and postcards. The plates are then taken to the printing area and placed into the printing machine. Since the posters and postcards have only four colors, only four of the six printing chambers are used.

Scrap paper from previous print jobs is taken from the shelf and placed into the feeder on the print machine for a test run.

Standing on the platform of the print machine, and looking down into the chambers, you can see the posters run through black:

Yellow (seen below), Magenta, and Cyan.

And out they come, on the other end.

The test posters are then very carefully analyzed to make sure the colors are exactly correct.

This magnifier is used to check the colors.

This is what it looks like through the magnification lens:

Million of dots, completely unseen to the naked eye. These little dots are what make up the image that you see. Amazing, isn't it?

Tiny adjustments are made and testers are run through a couple of more times until it's just right. Then, they're ready to print the posters. Fresh paper is brought out and taken to the cutting machine to cut down to the correct size for this project.

Then it's back to the feeder with the fresh-cut paper and the process is started once again, this time with the final version.

And here they are:

Next, the posters are taken back to the cutter and are trimmed to size. Then the process starts all over for the postcards.

Hearn Brothers Printing is located in Spokane, Washington. You can reach them by phone at 509-327-6308.

P.S. I'm having a little Pop Up Poster Release Party in Spokane this Friday. I'd love for you to pop in for some flyers and I'll treat you to a cupcake! You can find all the details here.

Designing a Poster

Serena — Tue, 12 Mar 2013 09:41:07 -0700

The Farm Chicks Show poster holds a special place in my heart. A tradition started on the very first little sale in my friend, Meegan's barn, across the prairie from my house, more than a decade ago. The first two flyers were made by my sister and printed on 8 1/2 x 11 inch sheets of paper.

My love for beautiful signage and advertising began long ago, when my parent's incorporated it into pretty much every area of our life. You can say I was born this way. Old signs adorned the outside of our gypsy wagon home.

Inside, the walls were covered in more signage and advertising, and my dad made a part-time living as a sign painter, painting signs and cars as a way to supplement his income. It was his true passion, honed by all the years he spent interning with Tommy the Greek in his hometown of Oakland, California.

The posters and signage created for the show are more than just promotions for the show. They are artful creations steeped in a rich history that pays homage to my roots.

As the years have gone by, the posters have evolved and become more poster-sized. And for the last few years, I've begun to tie the theme of each year's show into the poster - a fun foreshadowing of what's to come. This year, I commissioned artist Isabel Reyes Feeney to create both the poster and postcard flyer.

I chose Isabel because there was a certain look I was going for, which I thought she could capture, and I love her soft vintage, yet current color palate that she works in. We discussed different ideas and elements that I wanted to make sure and include. And then Isabel began to sketch and eventually came to this which we were both really happy with:

And then, Isabel brought the sketch to life:

Which resulted in this, the poster:

Now you know, when you're looking at a poster for The Farm Chicks Show, you're looking at a little piece of my heart.

P.S. I'm hosting a Pop Up Poster Release party this Friday, in Spokane. Pop in for some flyers to pass out to friends, family and customers and I'll treat you to a cupcake! You can find out more about it here.

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Tomorrow I'm going to take you on a little trip to the printer to watch how my posters get made.

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The Farm Chicks Antiques Show is held just once a year in my hometown, Spokane, Washington, the first weekend of June. This year, the show falls on June 1st & 2nd. You can find out more about the show here.

The images of Isabel Reyes Feeney and her work are courtesy of Isabel Reyes Feeney.

You can find more of Isabel's work and products for purchase in her Little Atae Etsy Store.

You can read more about my childhood history here.

Pop Up Poster Party!

Serena — Fri, 08 Mar 2013 19:51:37 -0800

Guess What? I'm hosting a little Pop Up Party to celebrate the release of the 2013 Farm Chicks Show poster and the soon-to-be-revealed 2013 Farm Chicks Show flyers and YOU'RE INVITED!

I'll be giving out stacks of flyers for you to share with your friends, family, customers, and anyone else you'd like. And if you have a business where you can put up a poster, I'll love to give you one of those (shown above) as well.

And I'll treat you to one of these:

Because what's a party without a treat?

Join me at Sweet Frostings in Spokane, Washington on Friday, March 15th, from 4-6pm:

Sweet Frostings Blissful Bakeshop is located at 15 S. Washington in Spokane. You can RSVP for the Pop Up Party here. Hip! Hip! Hooray!

A Winter Treat

Serena — Mon, 04 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0800

Step 1: Gather little cookies, your favorite sprinkles, and some ice cream.

Step 2: Place a scoop of ice cream on a cookie and top with another, making a little sandwich.

Step 3: Roll the ice cream sandwich edges in the sprinkles.

Enjoy!

Sources:

Confetti sprinkles can be found in most supermarkets.

Mini Chocolate Chip Cookies: Trader Joes

Ice Cream Scoop: Beam & Anchor, Portland, Oregon

Jimmies

Serena — Fri, 01 Mar 2013 06:00:00 -0800

It's fun to find new ways to serve up treats. What can you do when you have tipsy little treats that wobble about when placed on a serving tray? Why, fill a favorite vessel with Jimmies, of course!

Then, place your little treats...

Oops, now that's better with ice cream. Just place your little treats, and serve! No more wobbly treats.

Sources:

Jimmies can be found in most supermarkets.

Ceramic Berry Basket: Crate and Barrel

Mini Ice Cream Cones: Walmart

Tablecloth: Pottery Barn

Sprinkle Shakes

Serena — Wed, 27 Feb 2013 20:01:31 -0800

Shakes are delicious and tasty. But in February, I like to give them a special spark. Take this ordinary vanilla shake, for example. Ho. Hum.

Add some sprinkles...

And stir.

It's like a tasty fireworks shake. Shake! Shake! Shake! Shake it up!

Note:

To make the "fireworks, you'll need to make sure to use the teeny tiny dot sprinkles available at most supermarkets.

And that's how you brighten up a gray, February day.

Sprinkles

Serena — Tue, 26 Feb 2013 10:18:44 -0800

This time of year I begin craving color, light, and happy things. What can you find around the house that can add a little cheer?

How about sprinkles? This week, I'm going to show you some happy little things you can do with these sweethearts of the pantry.

Sprinkles make pretty confetti. Sprinkle them all about the table.

It's like an instant party. Just because.

And that makes me happy.

Sources:

Star sprinkles can be found in most supermarkets.

Jar: Walmart

Tablecloth: Pottery Barn

Pink Dotty Paper Cup: Bake it Pretty

Letter Candies: Hope and Greenwood

Pink Square Plate: Martha Stewart, Macy's

White Square Plate: Target

Button Candies on plate: Jean Philippe

Miniature Plastic Fork: Target

The Farm Chicks Antiques Show 2013 Poster

Serena — Mon, 25 Feb 2013 09:51:36 -0800

I'm starting to get butterflies for the show. It's coming up in June.

Come forage for finds!

You can RSVP for the show here on Facebook or invite your friends!

The Mountains

Serena — Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:06:42 -0800

We went away to the mountains. How lucky are the cousins who can putter around and be pals?

Sunny days covered in snow. We soak in what mother nature sends our way.

A walk in the woods, where winter is slowly giving way to spring.

And then like magic, a winter playland appears. She seems to say, Come play on my ice! So we do.

A hockey game...

A twirl, a swirl.

And then we're off to explore. Wild strawberries are found.

A forest playground.

Making The Most Out Of Pinterest

Serena — Tue, 05 Feb 2013 12:51:56 -0800

You're probably one of the many millions of people using Pinterest. And probably using it for a way to keep ideas cataloged or just to find inspiration. But it actually has another really great use for you if you run a creative business, blog, or website.

Just as with all social media, you can use these platforms to better what you're doing and better connect with your audience. Wouldn't it be great to know what content you put out really resonates with your readers? Pinterest is a great way to gauge that and here's how:

In your web browser, simply type in http://pinterest.com/source/yourwebaddresshere For example, to see what's being pinned from my blog, here is what I'd type in: http://pinterest.com/source/thefarmchicks.typepad.com

Today, this is what comes up. I can scroll and scroll to see what is being pinned from my site:

One day, I was surprised to see my How to Make a Cloud project pinned a huge number of times and proceeded to have more than 10,000 visitors to the blog in a few hours. Other days I can see that readers are enjoying what I posted that day. The more interesting to my readers, the more pins I see.

Of course, I'm always going to post about what interests me, but it's helpful to know what my audience enjoys as well.

And Then Big Boy Went Missing

Serena — Thu, 31 Jan 2013 05:35:00 -0800

Remember Big Boy? Well, he was traveling around and had just returned from Idaho. In fact, let me show you. He was with Jamie (of PattyCake Baby) and her neighbor Alisa (of The Attic) in Idaho and had a great time.

Doing some farming:

Went for a walk in Dalton Gardens and came upon one of the many local garden stands:

Picking pumpkins with the fam:

Enjoying the beach at the Coeur d'Alene Resort:

A day with new friends at Totten's Pond in Dalton Gardens:

But shortly after he returned home, he went missing. It didn't help that we were in the middle of a big project at World Headquarters...

We're on the hunt for Big Boy and hope he'll turn up soon. We'll let you know as soon as he does.

How to Make a Beautiful Cake

Serena — Wed, 30 Jan 2013 10:28:27 -0800

Today I'm going to show you how to make a beautiful cake.

It all comes down to this little tip, the 2D. Don't worry, if you're not a cake decorator, this isn't an intimidating or difficult thing to do. That's not The Farm Chicks way. I promise.

First, you'll need to bake yourself two same-sized cake rounds so you can make a double layer cake.

Once the cakes are cooled, cut off the rounded tops so the cakes are nice and flat. (A large serrated bread knife works best).

Next, layer and thinly frost the cakes.

(Cake is sitting on a tiny wooden cakestand).

Now comes the fun part. Place the 2D tip in a decorating bag (or a gallon-sized ziploc bag with one of the corners snipped off for the tip to poke out of). Fill the bag with your favorite THICK buttercream frosting. The frosting needs to be thick so it doesn't sluff off the cake. Starting on the top of the cake, make frosting swirls, like a pinwheel, starting in the center and circling around until you have a rose.

Make them in varying sizes. If there are holes, simply squeeze in a star. Like this:

Once the top is complete, move on to the sides. Swirl, swirl, swirl.

You don't need to be perfect. In fact, imperfect is homey. Imperfect says, Eat me! I'm a delicious, approachable cake!

And there you have it. A beautiful little cake.

Sources:

2D cake decorating tip: Wilton, purchased at Carolyn's

Vintage cooling rack: Silver Suitcase

Tiny wooden cakestand: ABC Carpet & Home, NYC

Large wooden cakestand: William & Sonoma

Post Edit: A reader commented, sharing links to another cake done similarly, using a different tip. You can find it here.

Sulia

Serena — Tue, 29 Jan 2013 10:16:06 -0800

I was recently asked to join Sulia as a featured expert, posting about things such as travel, baking, crafting, shopping, life, and more.

Today I wrote about a farm tour on the island of Maui. Sounds perfect, doesn't it? When I look out my snowy window, I have to admit, it does sound a bit dreamy to me.

Give Love

Serena — Mon, 28 Jan 2013 09:48:49 -0800

Good morning and happy day to you, sweetie pie. I've been thinking of Valentine's day and love lately. Here's my message this year. Feel free to share and spread the love.

This Week

Serena — Fri, 25 Jan 2013 10:13:25 -0800

We've been plugging along in freezy Spokane. Finals week ends today. Hooray!

This morning I told the boys, three times, that the walkway was icy. Next thing I knew, one of them was flat on his back. Sometimes I wonder if my words are heard like the adults in Charlie Brown. Just saying.

Cody set out on his his band's first tour. His smile makes me cheery.

Last night my friends and I celebrated a dear friend's birthday. It was a sweet and happy night. Friends are like sunshine, aren't they?

And Colin's birthday is just a few days away. We're looking forward to a fun weekend celebrating, with the boys.

Next week, I'm getting ready for Valentine's Day. I think I'm going to sprinkle the house with hearts. We'll see...

Meeting Ken and Seeing the Light

Serena — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 02:21:28 -0800

I was on a flight heading out of New York City. Just before takeoff, a gentleman boarded and sat down in the middle seat next to me. He began making small talk with the man sitting in the aisle seat beside him. He was returning home to Wisconsin after a visit to the Middle East. The man who he was visiting with was a middle school teacher. You're a teacher? I'd like to send you some books for your students, he said. Instead of asking him about the books, the teacher changed the subject. He clearly wasn't interested. Friendly, but not interested.

As they chatted, I closed my eyes to take a nap, partly to rest and partly to avoid conversation. I drifted off to sleep having made the assumption that my seatmate was a minister who was interested in sharing his beliefs, and that the books he was offering must be related to his religion. And honestly, that thought made me uncomfortable. Who knew what his beliefs were?

At some point, I was awakened by sunlight beaming in through the window. My seatmate was sitting forward in his seat, staring straight ahead to avoid the blinding light. The teacher next to him was fast asleep. I pulled down the window shade and apologized that he'd been having to sit uncomfortably for all that time. He just smiled and said that it was no problem. We began to chat. He'd barely caught our flight, which was the connecting final leg for him on a long trip home from the Middle East. He'd been traveling for something like 24 hours at that point and was looking forward to seeing his wife.

He asked me if I worked outside the home and I tried to explain what I do. He asked if I had children and we talked about his own. And then he told me that he'd love to send me a book for my children. Oh dear, I thought to myself. Here it comes, he's going to preach to me. About something crazy. What is the name of the book? I ask. A Gathering of Eagles , he replies. Oh no, oh no, oh no, I'm thinking. What's it about? I ask. He describes it as a book of stories and advice from 117 Medal of Honor recipients. I was taken aback and feeling bad that I had made an assumption about him and what he was trying to convey.

I learn that he's retired. What is your connection to the book? I ask. I'm a Medal of Honor recipient he replies. I'm Ken. Ken Stumpf.

You know how you feel when you realize you've been judgemental, and even worse, wrongfully so? I of all people should know this and speak of it often. You never really know someone's story.

Ken and I go on to have a lovely conversation, much of it with me wishing I could magically teleport my father-in-law Pete into my seat so that he and Ken can talk. They both served in Vietnam and I know they share a brotherhood that civilians like myself can't possibly understand.

After we land and stand to deplane, Ken and I say our goodbyes and I thank him for his service to our country. The teacher looks on quizzically and I feel sad that he slept through learning he was sitting next to an American hero, a man he could have talked about with his students on Monday. I could have missed it too, but fortunately, I saw the light.

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The After Story:

I'm happy to report that my boys now proudly own their own copy of A Gathering of Eagles, a gift sent personally from Ken. And my wish came true: Pete and Ken are now in touch with one another.

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There are 79 living recipients of the United States military's highest decoration, the Medal of Honor. The Medal of Honor is bestowed to any member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself conspicuously by gallantry and intrepidity at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty while engaged in an action against an enemy of the United States.

Ken Stumpf is a retired United States Army soldier and a recipient of the Medal of Honor for his actions in the Vietnam War.

Stumpf joined the Army from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and by April 25, 1967 was serving as a Specialist Four in Company C, 1st Battalion, 35th Infantry Regiment, 25th Infantry Division. On that day, near Duc Pho in the Republic of Vietnam, Stumpf rescued three wounded comrades despite heavy fire and single-handedly disabled an enemy bunker. He was subsequently promoted to Staff Sergeant and awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions during the battle.

Stumpf reached the rank of Sergeant Major before retiring from the Army.

Staff Sergeant Stumpf's official Medal of Honor citation reads:

For conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action at the risk of his life above and beyond the call of duty. SSG Stumpf distinguished himself while serving as a squad leader of the 3d Platoon, Company C, on a search and destroy mission. As SSG Stumpf's company approached a village, it encountered a North Vietnamese rifle company occupying a well fortified bunker complex. During the initial contact, 3 men from his squad fell wounded in front of a hostile machine gun emplacement. The enemy's heavy volume of fire prevented the unit from moving to the aid of the injured men, but SSG Stumpf left his secure position in a deep trench and ran through the barrage of incoming rounds to reach his wounded comrades. He picked up 1 of the men and carried him back to the safety of the trench. Twice more SSG Stumpf dashed forward while the enemy turned automatic weapons and machine guns upon him, yet he managed to rescue the remaining 2 wounded squad members. He then organized his squad and led an assault against several enemy bunkers from which continuously heavy fire was being received. He and his squad successfully eliminated 2 of the bunker positions, but one to the front of the advancing platoon remained a serious threat. Arming himself with extra hand grenades, SSG Stumpf ran over open ground, through a volley of fire directed at him by a determined enemy, toward the machine gun position. As he reached the bunker, he threw a hand grenade through the aperture. It was immediately returned by the occupants, forcing SSG Stumpf to take cover. Undaunted, he pulled the pins on 2 more grenades, held them for a few seconds after activation, then hurled them into the position, this time successfully destroying the emplacement. With the elimination of this key position, his unit was able to assault and overrun the enemy. SSG Stumpf's relentless spirit of aggressiveness, intrepidity, and ultimate concern for the lives of his men, are in the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself and the U.S. Army.

Staff Sergeant Kenneth E. Stumpf receiving the Medal of Honor from President Lyndon Baines Johnson. Image: Scott Stumpf, via mishalove.

Glamorous Glamorous

Serena — Wed, 16 Jan 2013 10:04:19 -0800

I was feeling glamorous so I decided to do a little nail shop, just for me.

I gathered all the essentials. Cuticle pusher, cuticle clippers, files, nail buffer and polish.

Since I was feeling glamorous, I decided to add a little sparkle. Nail stickers!

Just stick, press, and file down tips.

G - L - A - M - O - R - 0 - U - S . Glamorous Glamorous.

Sources: Nail supplies, Loreal nail polish and Loreal Nail Stickers from Target.

The Farm Chicks Antiques Show - 2013

Serena — Fri, 11 Jan 2013 12:16:04 -0800

Asian Quinoa Salad

Serena — Mon, 07 Jan 2013 09:47:39 -0800

The first time I tried Quinoa was on a work trip to New York City. We were at the beautiful new Hearst building having lunch with Country Living Magazine colleagues in their amazing cafeteria. I tried a bit on top of a green salad and was instantly hooked. At the time, Quinoa was fairly new to the U.S. and was hard to find. But now, it's available in most supermarkets. Quinoa is pronounced: keen-wa and is a seed that seems much like a grain and is really high in protein.

Asian Quinoa Salad

1 small piece fresh ginger (about 1 1/4 inches)

4 cups vegetable or chicken broth (1 32 ounce carton)

2 cups quinoa

1/4 cup plus 2 tablespoons vegetable or canola oil

2 tablespoons rice wine vinegar

4 teaspoons peanut butter

2 teaspoons soy sauce

2 teaspoons honey

1 teaspoon sesame oil

1-2 cloves garlic, minced

1/3 cup diced red bell pepper (1/4" dice)

1/3 cup diced yellow bell pepper (1/4" dice)

1/3 cup sliced green onions

Roasted, unsalted peanuts. chopped, for serving (optional)

Cook the quinoa: Peel the ginger and grate enough to equal 1 teaspoon; cover and set aside. Then place the remaining whole piece ginger in a medium-size saucepan. Add the broth and quinoa, and cook according to the quinoa package directions. Discard the ginger and transfer the quinoa to a medium-size salad bowl; set aside to cool.

Make the dressing and salad: Meanwhile, whisk together the oil, vinegar, peanut butter, soy sauce, honey, sesame oil, garlic, and reserved grated ginger in a small bowl until combined. Add the peppers and green onions to the quinoa in the salad bowl; pour the dressing over the top and toss to thoroughly combine. If you wish, sprinkle some peanuts over the salad just before serving.

Images by John Granen

This recipe and many more can be found in my first book, The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen.

Autism and Hope

Serena — Thu, 27 Dec 2012 01:12:11 -0800

The last several years at this time in December I've thought about our year and what it brought. Each filled with challenges and triumphs and lessons of life that I've been very thankful for. In time.

In October, one of our children was diagnosed with Autism. And actually, once we reached the diagnosis, it was an incredible sense of relief - a name, a focus, an answer, a beginning.

But getting there was a gut-wrenching journey that plummeted us all into a very depressing and heartbreaking place. What can a family do when your loved one is suffering and you don't know why?

Looking back, I've had to work through the regrets. I wished I had understood the signs. I wished that when I looked into autism that I had dug deeper, rather than being thrown off by what I'd initially read. I wished that we had known so we could have done things differently. So our child wouldn't have had to suffer so much. And each time we thought we knew what we were dealing with, we wouldn't have been set back even farther than before. Two steps forward, five steps back.

The greatest gift in all of this, of course, is the diagnosis. Knowing what we're dealing with and getting help. And there have been more lessons learned than I'd have chosen, if given a choice. But I wasn't, and that's the way it is.

Some things I've been reminded of and some wisdom I've gained along the way:

The importance of a good marriage really presents itself is when you're faced with hardship. I'm eternally grateful for Colin.
You never really know someone's story. Be kind. Be kind. Be kind. Even something as simple as a smile. There were days when I was so broken that simple kindness made me weep.
Trust your gut. You know your child better than anyone else.
Find doctors who are genuinely interested in helping your child. They really do exist.
Learn to let go of regrets. Regret is like poison.
Don't waste time on negativity. Move on.
Be open to true friendship. Friends are a gift.
Nothing is ever as good or as bad as it seems in the moment. ~John F. Kennedy Jr.
Be strong. It sounds simple, but taking on the role of Parent means you must be the rock, no matter how hard life can be. You owe it to your child, you owe it to the world.

As I look back on this year, it's best described as a year of healing and hope. No, it hasn't been easy, but whose life is, really? There are so many people facing challenges of their own and that's something that's easily lost sight of when you're suffering. For you, for me, for anyone who is suffering, I choose hope.

Hope

Hope is the thing with feathers
That perches in the soul,
And sings the tune--without the words,
And never stops at all,

And sweetest in the gale is heard;
And sore must be the storm
That could abash the little bird
That kept so many warm.

I've heard it in the chillest land,
And on the strangest sea;
Yet, never, in extremity,
It asked a crumb of me.

~Emily Dickinson