Who do you donate to?

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Make sure you do your research. 

The poster is pretty clear. When you donate to HSUS you are not helping animals in shelters. If you really want to support shelters get in touch with your local shelter. I found this interesting article about the Top Ten Most Needed Items to Donate to Animal Rescue. A few include food, towels (both cloth and paper, toys and treats are just a few of them.

Raspberry Delight and Cowboy Boot Winner Annouced

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Yummy in my Tummy

The dishes are Pottery Barn.

My Monday started off pretty alright. First with a big piece of Raspberry Delight (recipe to follow), I actually had to wear a sweatshirt to the barn because the temperature FINALLY dropped, and then we gave the calves their vaccinations and new IDs (it's kind of like them getting ready for back to school. I'll have a post and pictures on it). I love the mornings when I get to be on the farm for a bit before I go into the office.

Now first a recipe, and then I'll announce who won the boots.

Raspberry Delight
I found this recipe on Pinterest and it was a big score in my house. The recipe is originally from Taste of Home, but I wanted to add some of my own commentary.

Ingredients
2-1/4 cups of all purpose flour
2 teaspoons sugar
3/4 cup cold butter, cubed

Filling
1 package (8 ounces) cream cheese, softened (I used 1/3 less fat kind) You can soften it by leaving on the counter, or zapping in the microwave for 20 seconds at a time
1 cup confectioners' suger (powdered sugar)
1 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon salt
2 cups whipped topping (I used light)

Topping
2 packages (3 ounces each) raspberry gelatin
2 cups boiling water
2 packages (10 ounces each) frozen raspberries (the recipe says sweetened raspberries, but I used non sweetened and it still tasted great)
Additional whipped topping

Directions
In large bowl, combine flour and sugar; cut in butter until mixture resembles crumbles. Press into an ungreased 13 in x 9 in backing pan. I used my KitchenAid and it was really powdery, but turned out just fine. (I was really skeptical to begin with).

Bake 300 degrees for 20-25 minutes or until set (crust will not brown). Cool on wire rack.

In small bowl, beat the cream cheese, confectioners' sugar, vanilla and salt until smooth. Fold in whipped topping. Spread over crust.

For the topping dissolve gelatin in boiling water; stir in raspberries. Chill for 20 minutes until mixture behinds to thicken. My did not even come close to thickening after 40 minutes. I think next time I'll try a shallower bowl. I still poured it onto the filling really runny, but it firmed up and everything tuned out great. Refrigerate until set.

Boom an amazing dessert.

Now for the winner of the Shyanne boots!


Highheelsandshotgunshells Happy Monday, you just won a pair of boots! If you can email me (address is under the About Me tab) we'll get you a new pair of boots! Thank you again to the Boot Barn for the giveaway. 

The silos came crashing down

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In less than 8 seconds it was over. 

This weekend the Boy and I spent the majority of the weekend at the barn. We move into the Iowa State Fair on Saturday, where we will be showing five Hereford heifers (heifers are the girls). However, we got a call in the middle of the day saying we needed to get home because "you are going to want to see this."
In our farm yard is a grain storage facility that our family and a number of other farmers in the area use. However, in front of the newer grain bins sat two old cement bins. The bins were probably put up in the 1950s however they needed to come down because we no longer used them, and the extra room will allow for new improvements to the storage facility. 
A pair of Amish men came over to help take them down. And it went something like this. 

The Boy also took a few videos of the silo. The first time it didn't quite make it to the ground.


And then there was success. 

Bring the farm and class to the dinner table

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No I'm not talking about food. 

There is much more to a table than the food you put on it. I secretly imagine what it would be like to throw dinner parties every weekend for all our closest friends. In reality it is more like what can we make that is fast, and we can chow down on before we have to head back to the barn. However, if I was throwing a dinner party this weekend. This is what I would want on my table.

Erik Ekroth Photography

Erik Ekroth Photography

Aren't these name placeholders too cute. I first saw them on Pinterest and that lead me to Hatch Creative Studio an event planning company in NYC.

You could easily buy plastic farm animals and spray paint them white. Again Pinterest wins. Hope you have a fantastic Wednesday.

Turquoise Thursday: Running in Style

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Getting my workout on. 

Awhile ago I posted on my Facebook page that I had started Couch to 5K. During all my travel this summer I figured I should probably make use of the hotel treadmill. In five weeks I got almost all the way through week four of the program. Not too bad.

Then I got home and stopped. However, the Boy and I talked it over and decided to get a treadmill of our own. Well it arrived yesterday! So now it is time to get back on my feet and do a little running.

I posted a picture of my turquoise running shoes awhile ago, but figured if I stick with this running thing I might deserve a few new pieces of clothing.


Like this turquoise Nike running top. I think the straps are really unique. I know it is supposed to be about the running, but I like clothes more than running. Pure honesty, right there. 

I picked up some gray and white Nike shorts at Dillards when I started running, and this Nike stripped top would match them perfectly. p.s. I actually don't like running that much, I just love the feeling I get afterwards and I sleep so much better. 


And this one is great too. I love the little bit of lime green. I really do like lime green it just is usually not very practical to wear. 

I am in love with the Nike shorts that I bought this summer. Not only are they perfect for running in, but they have also been perfect for washing cattle in these few weeks that I haven't been running! 

And finally I had to post this picture of our new baby calf. Typically we calve all the cows in March, April and May, but she was a late one. I think we are going to name her "Nothing Compares" in honor of the Iowa State Fair slogan. If you are going to be at the Iowa State Fair this weekend we'll have some of our Hereford cattle in the beef barns. Stop by and say hello.