| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Nov 29 2013 : 07:25:20 AM
" The Holly and the Ivy, Now both are full well-grown,--Of all the trees that are in the wood, The Holly bears the crown."
Welcome Farmgirls to the beginning of the exciting and beautiful Holiday Season! With leftover turkey sandwiches in hand and lists growing of things to make and do, let's share our ideas, tips, recipes, and love like we did this past Fall!
Today starts the busiest four day shopping launch of every year. Black Friday, National Small Business Saturday, and Cyber Monday offer shoppers some of the deepest holiday discounts. If you are like me, I hate the crazy crowds and busy malls and prefer to shop and support my friends and small business entrepreneurs from the comfort of my desk with hot Pumpkin Spice coffee in hand.
The above graphic and the last one come from one of my favorite MJF Farmgirls who also happens to have two extraordinary Etsy shops! Please stop by www.KellieFalconer.com and check out her Etsy clothing shop and her adorable button shop called the WallTentButtonCo! You can get farm girl buttons customized by any state and her latest black board buttons for instant messaging. Is that not perfect for the grandkids?
Then hop on over to Kellie's best friend, Tasha, at her Etsy store Wool& What-not www.etsy.com/shop/woolandwhatnot. She is having this awesome sale and her crocheted items are beautifully done and priced for the holiday season! She also has a set of beautiful hand crocheted snowflakes that make perfect little gifts to tuck in a card.
If folk art is a favorite of yours and you would like some unique holiday cards for sending, stop on over at AudreyEclectic.com and visit her Etsy store. Heather's post cards make the prettiest cards to send because they are reproductions of her original art works. Each card is like a little gift. Just include your greeting on the back and send.
From my desk this morning, I have ordered my holiday sending cards, snowflakes for tuck ins, scarves, hat, and planing to order the lovely wool skirt from Kellie's store as soon as she gets her new office set up.
Next up on the agenda? Preparing my Advent wreath for Sunday which marks the first day of Advent. I love this quiet time of reflection and it helps to hold the reins so that the days don't get so wrapped up in obligations that steel away our peace and good humor. It is easy to get over committed in December as family calendars swell with recitals, potlucks, baking and gift preparations, and everything else that seems to happen in 25 days!
Let's kick off this sharing post with the many ways you have found to keep your holiday preparations simple and manageable so that you have time to embrace what has meaning and purpose for you. Again, here are a few to start the conversation:
1. Shop from small business owners. Many of them have incredible wares that save you time and money in the long run. So, support them and lighten your load. Plus you can also shop online and often get free shipping.
2. Set aside a few minutes each day for quiet and reflection. I am keeping a gratitude journal with a list of 5 things each day to be thankful for. It is helping me keep grounded and reminding me of what is really important. If you have the tradition of an Advent wreath, it is sweet to just light the candles week by week while you sit and have your quiet time. Of course, I love a cup of coffee with my reflection!!
You take the next turn and share what is going to help you launch this holiday season!
Farmgirl Hugs to you as we close out November and move to the mystery and magic of December!!
Winnie #3109 |
| 25 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Dec 25 2013 : 07:32:10 AM
Glory to God in the Highest!!!
Merry Christmas Girls! 
Winnie, thank you SO MUCH for starting this wonderful thread and thank you everyone for sharing
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| wildflower17 |
Posted - Dec 24 2013 : 8:00:58 PM
Where has the time gone...Christmas Day tomorrow...I have loved reading and sharing on this thread...the pictures and ideas have been wonderful...enjoying the lights tonight...battery operated phasing in and out around my Christmas Village...so beautiful and peaceful...the Christmas tree so beautiful with all the colored lights and beautiful ornaments...quite a few I have gotten from farm girls this year...my beautiful white angel...with iridescent lights phasing in and out...all the presents finally wrapped and placed under the tree...my sweet baby kittens enjoying all the ribbon and paper they have to play with and playing on top of and around the boxes...my lighted nativity representing the true meaning of Christmas...the birth of our precious Lord and Savior Jesus Christ...and sitting in the quiet and peacefulness of it all enjoying being with my DH and family...making and treasuring so many wonderful memories...I thank God for such a beautiful and meaningful season and for all the special friends I have here on the farm...may each of you have a very Merry Christmas...
Hugs!
Judy
THERE IS ALWAYS...ALWAYS...ALWAYS SOMETHING TO BE THANKFUL FOR...
Until one has loved an animal, a part of one's soul remains unawakened...
"Country Girl at Heart...Blessed Beyond Measure"!!!
Farm Girl #5440
Farm Girl of The Month September 2013 |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Dec 24 2013 : 3:39:16 PM
Merry Christmas from the 4871 Glamping Farmgirls . . . and our little glamper "Reiver's Rest"
CJ
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..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Dec 23 2013 : 05:04:48 AM
Denise, what a wonderful surprise from your friend!! How serendipitous!! This thread has been such tun and an inspiration for new ideas and opportunities to have a"virtual " visits with our Farmgirl friends.
I must say, Farmgirls, the menus and treats that have been posted point to some very wonderful merry making across the U.S.!! Can you imagine being able to get in a car and stopping by everyone's house for a visit? Of course. we might need to borrow Santa's sleigh because some of you are having serious winter snow and ice!! This post has been so much fun and I have enjoyed reading every comment the past month!
Merry Christmas Farmgirls!!
Winnie #3109 |
| levisgrammy |
Posted - Dec 23 2013 : 04:28:40 AM
Hi all! I haven't had much chance to get on and share in these festivities but I started trying to catch up.
Winnie~ I had stopped in here real quick on this thread when you first started it and I just loved the vintage picture of the little girl with the rolling pin. Well, I happened to go out to lunch with one of my girlfriends, we get together for lunch when we can, which isn't very often anymore. We exchange gifts with one another and one of the things she gave me was a serving tray with that very same picture on it. It has Merry Christmas printed in the corner in vintage looking writing. Didn't notice if your picture did but I just love the tray. I was thinking I had seen it before but couldn't remember where. Now I know. I am going to leave my tray out year round because I love the little girl in it. Reminds me of pictures of my Mom when she was little. Thanks for starting this. I am going to go back and read posts so I can catch up. Merry Christmas to you all!
Denise
Farmgirl Sister #43
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path."
Psalm 119:105
http://www.ladybugsandlilacs.blogspot.com/
http://www.torisgram.etsy.com |
| Killarney |
Posted - Dec 22 2013 : 6:52:46 PM
Shannon, everything sounds Yummy!!! Save me a plate! LOL! Merry Christmas everyone! I am having Melissa's family over for Christmas Day dinner. So I gotta a date with the Kitchen for the next 3 days! Big Hug!!
Connie
Imagine....#3392 |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Dec 22 2013 : 12:01:08 PM
Christmas Eve menu is always lots of appetizers that we snack on in the afternoon and after we get home from church - wings, meatballs, veggie tree, potato fries, etc.
Our Christmas menu is very traditional:
- Turkey and ham
- Sweet Potato Casserole and Mashed Potatoes
- Baked Corn and Coleslaw (cabbage is in season here, right now)
- Apple pie, pumpkin cheesecake, and pecan pie cheesecake
For New Years, our menu is:
- Beef Tenderloin with Cranberry and Port Reduction
- Twice Baked Potato Casserole
- Not sure what we'll have for a veggie yet -
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| crafter |
Posted - Dec 22 2013 : 08:48:23 AM
Connie- I enjoy the pictures you post- they bring back many wonderful memories! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Lori
God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.
We are here to love each other, serve each other and uplift each other. |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Dec 21 2013 : 9:18:42 PM
Heather,
Thank you for sharing the Grinch cookie recipe :)
Shannon,
I really liked that jar lid/ornament idea too :)
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Dec 21 2013 : 7:17:42 PM
Sharon - those are some really cute ideas! I love turning a jar lid into both a pretty lid and an ornament! We often use our old cards for tags :) |
| Killarney |
Posted - Dec 21 2013 : 6:32:15 PM
 Just like this picture, it makes me smile!
Hugs!
Connie
Imagine....#3392 |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Dec 21 2013 : 12:14:43 PM
Very cute CJ!!! I just love plaid at Christmas :)
I saw this idea for an ornament/canning jar lid craft and thought it was neat:
http://dickybirdsnest.blogspot.com/2013/12/thrifty-thursday-recycled-christmas.html
You will have to scroll down a bit.
I made some Hot Pepper Caramels for my honey today for Christmas (normally I make Chipotle Caramels, but had some Habaneros and Thai Peppers that we dried and ground so I used some of the powder),onto making some Moustache Wax for him. Just about done with preparations.
I would love to hear what is on your Christmas menu :)
We are having:
~Prime Rib Roast with Horseradish Sauce (we harvested the horseradish)
~Oven Roasted Brussel Sprouts with Balsamic Vinegar and Dried Cherries
~Pioneer Woman's Fluffy New Potatoes
I'm not sure on dessert. Truthfully I am so sugared out that nothing sounds good. I was thinking of making this: http://www.cherrymenlove.com/home-baking/cupcakes-small-cakes/2010/11/how-to-make-lamingtons.html
I'm not sure. What do your menus look like girls?
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| ceejay48 |
Posted - Dec 20 2013 : 2:13:27 PM
Hey Lori . . . and any other farmgirls!
Go for it . . . it's working well. Love having them where they can be seen and not just standing up somewhere and they constantly get knocked over, or such.
I have another one over the 2nd window like this and am just hanging the horizontal design cards on it over the ribbon.
Enjoy!
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| crafter |
Posted - Dec 20 2013 : 1:02:16 PM
Awesome idea CJ!! Hope you don't mind if I use it too!!
Lori
God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.
We are here to love each other, serve each other and uplift each other. |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Dec 20 2013 : 11:13:26 AM
Some tartan plaid wire edged ribbon, 3 cup hooks and I have a display for Christmas cards over one of my large living room windows. Hang them up with some mini clothespins and enjoy!!
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..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Dec 19 2013 : 09:11:57 AM
Thanks Heather! I will be making those this year! While wearing my new apron :) |
| Calicogirl |
Posted - Dec 19 2013 : 07:32:40 AM
Aaaaw CJ!!!
We haven't gone back either, even if we need mini-marshmallows :)
Lori, that sounds so good! Thanks for sharing, I love cranberries and strawberries too! How fun for you and Natalie, I love delivering goodies :)
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| crafter |
Posted - Dec 19 2013 : 06:42:56 AM
Making muffins and Christmas jam for the neighbors this year...just finished the jam...will make muffins on Friday when I am off and Natalie and I will deliver Friday night. Here is the recipe for the jam....
Christmas Jam
2 cups cranberries
1 orange peeled and quartered
16oz frozen strawberries
3 cups sugar
3oz envelope of liquid pectin
Grind cranberries and orange in food processor/should be quite coarse.
Put strawberries, cranberries, orange and sugar in a heavy saucepan, bring to boil and boil for 1 minute. Remove from heat and stir in pectin, skim off foam. Put into jelly jars and water process for 10 mins!!
Yummy!!
Lori
God has promised strength for the day, rest for the labor, light for the way, grace for the trials, help from above, unfailing sympathy and undying love.
We are here to love each other, serve each other and uplift each other. |
| ceejay48 |
Posted - Dec 18 2013 : 5:31:14 PM
I've never tried to MAKE Sharon's Marshies . . . cuz she does it and I just buy them from her.
But they are the best and I'll NEVER, NEVER, NEVER go back to those pathetic things you buy in the store. Did I say "NEVER"?
CJ
..from the barefoot farmgirl in SW Colorado...sister chick #665.
2010 Farmgirl Sister of the Year
Mother Hen: FARMGIRLS SOUTHWEST HENHOUSE
my aprons - http://www.facebook.com/FarmFreshAprons
living life - www.snippetscja.blogspot.com
from my heart - www.fromacelticheart.blogspot.com
from my hubby - www.aspenforge.blogspot.com |
| Killarney |
Posted - Dec 18 2013 : 4:39:28 PM
Heather, I love the Grinch cookies! thanks for posting the recipe!!
Connie
Imagine....#3392 |
| nndairy |
Posted - Dec 18 2013 : 10:28:53 AM
Thanks so much Sharon! I just got a kitchen aid stand mixer for my birthday - and I've been putting it to good use!! They're WONDERFUL!!!!
Here's the Grinch cookies recipe:
1 box French vanilla cake mix
6 Tablespoons butter - melted
2 eggs
green food coloring
1 cup powdered sugar
Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix the cake mix, melted butter, and eggs. Add food coloring. Drop by spoonful into powdered sugar - the dough is sticky so I use 2 spoons - one to scoop the dough and one to push it off the other spoon. Roll the dough around to coat with powdered sugar then roll into a ball. Place on a cookie sheet and bake for approximately 9 minutes. Do not over cook. They're a bit gooey looking. I remove them from the cookie sheet right away so the bottoms don't get too done. I don't know about high altitude adjustments - I don't have to worry about it here.
Hope you enjoy them as much as I do!!
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
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| Ninibini |
Posted - Dec 18 2013 : 10:20:46 AM
Awesome, Sharon! Thank you!!!!
Love the Grinch Cookies, too, Heather!
Hugs -
Nini
Farmgirl Sister #1974
God gave us two hands... one to help ourselves, and one to help others!
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| Calicogirl |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 10:55:56 PM
Well CJ, it looks like I will have to bring you some!
Shannon, Teri provided the great craft idea :) They are so cute!
Heather, Your cookies look so cute! Could you post the recipe?
Marshmallows aren't that hard to make, just time consuming. I have been making them for 16 years now :) They are easier to make with a Kitchen-Aid or stand mixer because the 'batter' needs to be whisked for 10-15 minutes.
Homemade Marshmallows
4 envelopes unflavored gelatin
1 1/2 cups water
3 cups sugar
1 1/4 cups light corn syrup
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract (I now use 1 teaspoon vanilla extract and 1 teaspoon butter extract for a Buttercream flavor)
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar, plus additional for rolling
Spray a 10x13-inch Pyrex baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. In the bowl of a standing electric mixer, soften the gelatin with 3/4 cup of the water.
Place the sugar, corn syrup, the remaining 3/4-cup water, and the salt in a heavy saucepan. Bring to a boil and cook over high heat until the syrup reaches 234-240 degrees on a candy thermometer (or until it reaches soft-ball stage).With the whisk attachment of the mixer at full speed, beat the hot syrup slowly into the gelatin until the mixture is very stiff, about 15 minutes. Beat in the vanilla.
Pour the mixture prepared dish and smooth the top with an oiled spatula. Allow the mixture to rest, uncovered, at room temperature 10-12 hours. Using a fine sieve, sprinkle the powdered sugar onto a cutting board. Turn the stiffened marshmallow mixture out onto the sugar, and using a pizza cutter dipped in powdered sugar cut marshmallows into squares. Be sure to dip the cut edges of the marshmallows into the powdered sugar to prevent sticking. Yield: About 40 marshmallows
** Don't skimp and use cheaper corn syrup. I have tried and the marshmallows don't set right. Use Karo.
**Don’t forget to adjust for altitude: For every 1000 feet above sea level subtract 2 degrees from temperature.
Toasted Coconut Marshmallows:
Use the same recipe but instead of using powdered sugar substitute Toasted Coconut.
The recipe is basically for the Homemade Marshmallows but here is what I did:
-I took one bag of flaked Coconut per batch of marshmallows and toasted it. I let it cool before using.
-Then I used butter to grease the pyrex pan. I placed about a third of the coconut along the bottom of the pan.
-After mixing up the "batter" for the marshmallows I poured it into the pan and spread it out.
-Then I sprinkled another third of the coconut on top covering it. I patted it down lightly so it would stick.
-After I removed the marshmallows from the pan, I used a pizza cutter dipped in powdered sugar to cut with.
-I rolled the cut sides of the marshmallow in the remaining toasted coconut.
Chocolate Marshmallows:
It is basically the same recipe but add the following ingredients:
1/3 cup sifted baking cocoa
1 cup powdered sugar sifted with 1/3 cup baking cocoa (to roll marshmallows in) *I also used a whisk to make sure that both were evenly distributed
Follow the same instructions but add the 1/3 cup sifted baking cocoa once the syrup is incorporated. (after mixing ingredients and cooking to soft-ball stage).
Pour the mixture prepared dish and smooth the top with an oiled spatula. Allow the mixture to rest, uncovered, at room temperature 10-12 hours. Sprinkle the powdered sugar and cocoa mixture onto a cutting board. Turn the stiffened marshmallow mixture out onto the sugar, cut into squares with a lightly oiled knife. Be sure to dip the cut edges of the marshmallows into the powdered sugar cocoa mixture to prevent sticking.
Farmgirl Sister #5392
By His Grace, For His Glory
~Sharon
http://amerryheartjournal.blogspot.com/
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| nndairy |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 6:34:02 PM
Sharon - They don't look as good as your marshmallows do!! But here you go anyway: Grinch Cookies
Are the marshmallows hard to make? If not would you mind sharing the recipe? Would you like the recipe for the Grinch cookies? They're very easy and VERY YUMMY!!!!
I was going to start wrapping my gifts tonight, but a neighbor boy (teenager) apparently forgot that when there's about 8 inches of snow on the ground and you can't really see the road you need to slow way down when you go around 90 degree curves. He went through our fence. Drove right over top of a metal post and got it wedged underneath! He broke the electric fence and the bottom 3 strands of the barbed wire, but the top 2 strands rode up his hood, windshield, and roof leaving marks the entire way! 2 of my husbands friends showed up on their snowmobiles and the neighbor boys showed up on their 4-wheeler and sled(as in round plastic saucer sled not snowmobile sled). The teenagers mom came too. We got him pulled out and the fencepost removed. Then I fixed supper for me and hubby while the 2 friends ate some Christmas cookies. Now they're out snowmobiling and I think I'm going to make a cup of tea and read. The wrapping will just have to wait until tomorrow:)
Heather
Farmgirl Sister #4701
http://nndairy.blogspot.com/
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| hudsonsinaf |
Posted - Dec 16 2013 : 4:28:26 PM
Thank you for the craft idea! My kids (and I) will LOVE making those!!! |
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