Happy Birthday Ragtime!!

My dearest little Ragtime "Rags", it seems like just yesterday the trailer came and dropped you off in Ellensburg.  You were just 4 months old then.  I can't believe that you are now 9 years old!! How the time has flown by.  You are a wonderful horse and so loving.  You do have a spunk to you and you don't seem to hold back on your desires. You are a calm horse who loves to watch the fireworks and are a smooth ride.

I am so happy that I brought you into my life and you have taught me so much.  You have been a constant in my life and have given me the responsibility I was looking for.

I love you Lady Bean.  Happy Birthday!!

For her birthday today I plan on giving her lots of treats and a good brushing.

Do you celebrate your pets birthdays?  What do you do to celebrate?

♥ Ashley

Derby Dress [Friday Fancies]

   Hello my lovely readers.  The 138th Kentucky Derby is tomorrow, May 5th.  I love the Kentucky Derby.  I love the hats, the fashion, the Mint Juleps (actually I have never had one), the blanket of Roses and I love the possibility of a potential Triple Crown Winner!!

I read the Thoroughbred series as a kid and I loved them and I loved following Ashleigh through her years with racehorses.  I know that this was a fictional series but I learned a lot from her.  I first received the books for my birthday in 3rd grade.

 Since reading the series it has been a life dream of mine to attend the Kentucky Derby... I vaguely remember my Daddy telling me that we would go one day.  He did take me to the opening races of Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA.  If I was attending the Derby this is what I would love to wear!!

Derby Dress by lifeonthefarm featuring heel pumps

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania sleeveless dress
$450 - thecorner.com

Linen jacket
€100 - mexx.eu

AX Paris heel pumps
£33 - axparis.co.uk

Miu Miu shoulder handbag
$1,350 - miumiu.com

Jones New York circle jewelry
$50 - macys.com

Stack rings jewelry
$115 - reissonline.com

Prada plastic shades
$287 - forzieri.com

Do you enjoy the Derby?  What is your favourite part?  Let me know what you would love to wear!!

Remember to become a follower.  Once I hit 25 followers I am doing a great Giveaway you WON"T want to miss!!

Linked to: Friday Fancies 

♥ Ashley

[Picture Thursday] Momala

 

Just thinking about you and I love you Momala!!!

  She loved pink and she loved pigs

She was beautiful, kind, loving, and strong

She was the Mom of moms

The best I ever had

She was truly inspirational

A real fighter

Pure heart and love for God

A gourmet home chef

An expert gardener (of Roses)

Animal lover extrordinaire

Caring of all things living

She was my Momala

I love her so

Is there anyone that you would just LOVE to be able to talk to again?

♥ Ashley

11 and 11

  I was over reading Natasha's blog Schue Love the other day and she did one of these posts where she was "tagged" by another blogger and needed to write a post about 11 Facts about YOU!!  She was supposed to select 11 bloggers to "tag" back but decided to tag ALL of her readers.  So here I am jumping on this opportunity to get more readers!

Eleven Fun Facts About Me

 
1. I was the first child in my family to get engaged.
2. I do not have a sense of smell, I never have.  Yes I can still taste food.

3. I was the only kid in my family that went "away" to college.  It was a 1 1/2 hour drive.

4. I was a cheerleader in High School, Community College and University and a College All-Star team.  I was a Captain my senior year in college

5. My husband and I cheered together in College and on our All-Star team.
6. My ten year high school reunion is this year...so crazy! I am excited to see everyone. 7.I dated my husbands good friend in College before we started dating.

8. I worked in a Jewelry Store during college - it was my "second" family and I am still part of that family even though I no longer work there.

9. Newsies is my favorite movie/musical of ALL Time
10. I have a HUGE crush on Christian Bale and have since I was like 8 years old!
11. My animals are my children.

Eleven Facts About Me

1. What is your profession? I am an Elementary PE teacher.  I love working with kids and seeing them have fun and run around.  It is challenging but lovely.

2. How would you describe your style? I think I have migrated towards having a classic style that is still on trend.  I used to be really trendy and looking back at pictures I say to myself "What was I thinking??" I don't want to do that to myself anymore, So classic here I come.
3. What one make-up product can you not live without? Well geez, like I said above my style has changed.  I wear sweats everyday so I can't keep up with trends.  I would say that I need either mascara or bronzing powder.  Probably Mascara because I think it gives a finished/polished look. 
4. If you could be besties with one celebrity, who would it be? I love Claire Danes and Leslie Bibb so its a toss up between the two.
5. What is your dream vacation? My dream vacation would be all expenses paid trip to Ireland for 20 days.  Preferably in their "warm" season.

6. What magazines do you subscribe to? The classics, Martha Stewart and Better Homes and Gardens.

7. If you could have a special talent {that you don't currently have}, what would it be? I wish I could be an Olympic level gymnast.  It has always been my dream to just walk down the street and pull out a back handspring series or a back handspring back tuck step out back handspring full twisting layout.
8. What is your favorite breakfast food?  I love poached eggs Benedict without the Canadian bacon.

9. If you could do anything, what is your dream job?   I would love to own a little shop of all my favorite things; A coffee/espresso bar inside a vintage/antique/junk store and a little cafe/restaurant with specials of the day.  Also I would want it to be a little bakery where I could sell my own baked goods, goats milk and eggs.

11. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and who gave it to you? Marry your best friend and treat others as you wish to be treated and to be honest and to give of yourself fully.  I learned these from a variety of people.  IDK who told me these things but its what I believe.  I know that I got most of these from my mom.

According to the rules, I'm supposed to tag 11 people:

 Susie from The Allison Wonderland

Dania from The Awesome Cochrans

Ashley from Diary of a Real Mom

Nicole from Graig and Nicole

Leah from The Way We Are

Gina from Blonde and Dangerous

Kendra from Adventures of Brad and Kendra

Christina from The Slice

Marie from Carlson Coop

Melanie from My Sweet Savannah

Katelyn from These Are The Days

enjoy girls!! I look forward to reading your posts!!

Remember to become a follower.  Once I get 25 I am doing an Awesome Giveaway!!

♥ Ashley

[recipe] Homemade Naan

 My husband and I like  LOVE Indian Food.  We are so grateful to have a great restaurant so close to our house.  Not only do we enjoy going out for Indian Food but we really like making it at home.

 Mushroom Butter Chicken and Homemade Naan YUM!!

A couple of weeks ago my Love and I made Indian food.  We just use the jars of Indian Simmer Sauce that you find in the Ethnic aisle at your grocery store. 

  

 We got a jar of Butter Chicken to make.  We cut up the chicken, added some Mild Curry Paste (also found jarred in the same aisle), cayenne pepper and some White Button Mushrooms that we sliced up.  We also like to add sliced onion (that we saute) as well as some green bell pepper (also sauteed) but we were out on this particular day so we just added the mushrooms.

 As for the Naan this was a pretty good recipe.  It only takes about 45 minutes to prepare, as opposed to those taking 4 hours.  This is because there is NO yeast, just a 30 minute resting time.

Here is the recipe for the Naan.

Easy Naan

Ingredients:

2 c All Purpose Flour

1 T Baking Powder

1 tsp Ground Cumin

1 tsp Salt 

2/3 Warm Water (almost boiling)

1/3 c Sour Cream

Directions:

1.  Place a pizza stone in the oven and Pre-Heat to 450.  (if no stone available put in a cookie sheet)

2. Sift the dry ingredients together then put into the bowl of a stand mixer.  Add in the Water and Sour Cream and mix together with the dough hook until all combined.  It will be sticky. (if not using a stand mixer use either a wooden spoon or a hand mixer)

3. Place dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and loosely close up.  Set aside on the counter and cover with a dishtowel.  Let stand for 30 minutes.

4. Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin.  Cut dough into 5 or 6 strips.  Roll out to about 1/4 inch thick.  Brush with some melted butter.  Place onto pizza stone/cookie sheet and bake for about 5-6 minutes.  Let cool slightly and then enjoy!

**Variations:  

• For Wheat Naan use 1 cup AP flour and 1 cup whole wheat flour continue with remaining ingredients.
• You can add 2 Tablespoons ground Flax seed.
• Add a finely minced garlic clove to the dough for Garlic Naan.
• Top with chopped Cilantro
• Try cooking it on the BBQ

Hope you enjoy making your own Easy Naan!!

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays and What I Whipped up Wednesday 

♥ Ashley

Remember to become a follower so you can enter my Giveaway once I hit 25 followers!!!

[OSC] Dress Fancies

I realized its been a week or two since I did an OSC post.  I think that the dresses I have included in this post are ones that I could actually buy.  I have a very low budget that I allow myself for clothes and I think these dresses from Old Navy fit the bill

I am really digging dresses for spring/summer.  They are my preferred way to show off my legs.  I actually DON"T like to show off my legs but I don't like shorts so this is my chance.  I have found that I have a certain dress style that I like to go for.  I like my dresses to hit above my knee.  Have an elastic waistband near my natural waist.  And preferable to have a ruffle on the neck line.  I like them to have thin straps.  The first dress shown basically is my go to dress.  

Women's Ruffled-Yoke Dresses 

  Regular Price $26.94

 I love this solid colour!!  and there is extra interest in the ruffles. 

Women's Smocked-Floral Keyhole Dresses 

Regular Price $26.94

I like the idea of having a pattern.  I like these colors and it fits my criteria: above the knee and thin straps.

Women's Smocked-Gauze Mexicali Maxi Dresses  

Regular Price $29.94

I am not big on Maxi's as they tend to be TOO long on my short body (I am only 5ft)  I do like this bold patter but not sure how much I would like the strapless...I am afraid that I would have to constantly pull it up.

Women's Ruffle Jersey Dresses 

  Regular Price $24.94

Classic style for me.  I like this colour and I don't have a dress in this colour so this might be something that I can pick up!! Though I am unsure of the shoe choice on this model.

Women's Twist-Strap Bubble Dresses  

Regular Price $19.94

I like how the straps on this dress are twisted.  It gives it a new look and point of interest.  I also like how it bubbles or is blousy around the waist...this really lets you eat your lunch!

Women's Smocked-Midi Ruffle Dresses  

Regular Price $24.94  now $15.00

 I love this colour!! And its on SALE!!  the addition of the ruffles at the hemline is great too.

 

Women's Layered Jersey Dresses  

Regular Price $24.94 now $19.99

I like the long drape/ruffle on this dress.  It has such a soft and relaxed look to it! And you can't beat SALE prices!

Women's Crochet Maxi Dresses  

Regular Price $49.94

 I thought this was fun because of the crochet texture giving it something new.  I also LOVE grey so this is a double bonus.

 

Women's Ruffled Chiffon Maxi Dresses  

Regular Price $39.94 now $37.99

Its on SALE and I love the ruffle at the neck line and the addition of the pattern at the hem.  The navy colour is great too.

Women's Linen-Blend Shirtdresses  

Regular Price $34.94 now $24.99

You can never go wrong with a shirtdress.  I love that this is bright and yellow.  Perfect for a picnic. And its on SALE! 

 

Women's Open-Stitch Cardigans  

Regular Price $19.94

 And it wouldn't be an OSC without a cardi!!!  I like that this one is light and airy and somewhat see through.  It comes in a variety of colours and I think would be great to pair with one of the dresses above on a chilly night.

So there you have it readers.  These are my dress fancies from Old Navy.   What do you think?  Any of them catch your eye?  What dress style do you like to wear in the Summer?  Let me know in the comments section.

Linked To: Friday Fancies

♥ Ashley

Remember to become a follower so that I can hit 25 and host a Giveaway I KNOW you will love!!

Check That Off My List - Meeting Ree Drummond the PW!!!

  (via)

On Sunday night my friend Susie posted on her blog that she was going to meet the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, at her book signing in Seattle (technically Lake Forest Park) on Tuesday.  I was taken aback as I didn't know that the PW was coming to Seattle.  So I googled it and found the announcement page on her blog...Yep I remember it now just it was posted back in like January or something. A girl has got to learn how to write these important dates down on her calendar (note to self).  I commented on Susie's blog and on FB to let her know that I wanted IN!!  She gave me the run down on how the process worked.

I had to wait until the next day to call the bookstore (they were closed) and was able to buy my book over the phone to guarantee the earliest ticket I could get at that point.  Turns out I was in Group "G" which was the 7th group to go and there were 50 people (plus one if they wanted) in each group.  I thought I was destined to go to this even alone and maybe meet up with Susie for a little bit.  I told my MIL about it...she couldn't go because of work.  Luckily I had scored a half day sub job for the morning so I was off early to be able to go.  As I was on the phone with my MIL letting her know my plans (on Tuesday around 1pm) she asked her co-worker if she knew about the PW.  Mary said yes and made plans to meet up with me so we could go together.

I had heard a lot about Mary.  She is my age, super friendly, and totes cute!!  We had met once, at her Stella and Dot trunk show debut last week.  We met up at 3:30 in a parking lot to car-pool together.  What a dream!!! We didn't have to sit in traffic on the way there.  I had someone to sit with and converse with.  We got to know each other better.  It was great.  We got to the bookstore around 4:30, Ree wasn't scheduled to speak until 6:00pm so we sat and waited. Chatted it up with a few of the people sitting near us.  They came all the way from Port Townsend, over the ferry.  And I thought I drove a long ways!!

Finally 6:00pm came around and Ree gave a 45 minute speech/presentation.  She is a wonderful speaker and a total gas!!  She is SO witty!! I ♥ Her!!

After her presentation we waited...and waited....and waited....and waited some more for our Group to be called.  While we were waiting Mary and I chatted.  Found a table.  Got dinner and ate.  And then talked it up with the two ladies that were sitting next to us.  We exchanged life stories, our ambitions, hopes and dreams, business ideas, and contact info.  Heidi has her own company Bizzle Bites...search for it on FB.  She makes the CUTEST cake pops.  She even brought some for the PW!!

 

After HOURS of waiting our group was finally called at 10:15pm.  We waited in line for another 20 minutes and then FINALLY got to meet the PW and get our Cookbooks signed!!  (I still need to buy a cord for my camera so I can upload my pictures) the pics of me are from Mary's cell phone.

Remember once I hit 25 followers I will have a FAB giveaway you WON"T want to miss!!

♥ Ashley

Cute Bracelets

My dear blogger friend (who has given me so much inspiration in my own blogging) Leah has started her own Etsy shop!  She creates and sells these adorable and colourful bracelets.  Head on over to her Blog or Etsy Shop and check it out!!

                         

♥ Ashley

[recipe] Parsley Salad

I made thee best salad the other day and I just HAVE to share it with you.  I like to call it Parsley Salad and it is DELISH if I don't say so myself.

Parsley Salad

Ingredients:

1 bunch flat leaf parsley
1 large tomato (organic)
2 fresh bococcini (mozzarella balls - comes in a 4 pack)
1 avocado
6 white button mushrooms
2 tsp olive oil
1 T butter
salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Slice up the mushrooms.  Melt butter in a skillet add mushrooms and saute.  Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked to the desired firmness take skillet off the heat and set aside to cool.

2. Give the parsley a rough chop.  Slice up the tomatoes into bite sized chunks.  Halve the avocado, remove the pit and cut into chunks.  Cut the drain the cheese and then tear into chunks.  Add these ingredients into a salad bowl.

3. Add the mushrooms to the salad and toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

4. Serve and enjoy!

*I am sure that bacon would be delicious in this salad along with some balsamic vinegar.

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdsays

♥ Ashley

Meet Paladin {the miniature horse}

I had a wonderful sunny Monday afternoon.  When I got home from work I mustered up the energy and made the decision that it is time for Paladin to get a hair cut.  I really dislike doing this one horse chore.  And a CHORE it is!!  I don't like it because it takes forever, Pal is really short so it puts strain on my back and his hair gets EVERYWHERE (and I mean every-where)!!!  But it has been so hot this past weekend and he keeps rubbing up against our fences pulling the field fence down so I knew I needed to do something.

 Paladin BEFORE

The hairy monster...looks like a buffalo!

 He was SO HOT!!

Two piles of hair...I wish I had something to compare the size but lets just say they are about as big a the goats!!

 

Paladin: AFTER!

 I always forget how beautiful he looks after he gets clipped.  He actually looks like a horse again!!

This is just the FIRST round of clipping to get the hair off.  I still need to go back and get rid of all the lines and even him up a bit...but after TWO hours...I was DONE!  Another reason why it is annoying to clip him is because he has a lot of dander/filmy/oily skin so the little bits of skin/hair get stuck in the clippers and you have to clean them out after three or four swipes with the clipper.  I think I spent more time cleaning the clippers than actually cutting of his hair!!  But he sure does look good!!

If you are wondering about Paladin, he is a Miniature Horse.  Yes that is his breed and it is an ACTUAL horse breed name!  My family got Paladin when I was in 6th grade.  My mom, sister and I picked him up in May and called him a "mother's day present" so that my Dad would let us keep him.  He was only 4 years old.  I showed him in 4-H where he won MANY honors.  And I also did Pony Parties with him.  He drives a little cart and is SUPER gentle!!  My mom used to bring him into the house to the dinning room during dinner parties that she hosted and he even had Thanksgiving with us that first year!  He joined our farm this January 2012 due to the decline in my mom's health.  We love our little "Pally-Pie" as she used to call him!

Linked To: Show Us Friday

♥ Ashley

Easter Decor

 I just realized that I never shared my Easter Decor on here for this year.  SO here are my pictures!!

                                                                                          one of my TWO every season trees

     Banner from Target of all places

the second of my TWO every season trees

Little owl, birdie and nest with eggs. (owl Pier1, nest/eggs Pottery Barn)

my lamb planter/bowl and little bunny with basket (lamb - antique, bunny from Wights)

Easter Mantle Blocks.

Hope you enjoyed my Easter Decor!!

♥ Ashley

Earth Day 2012 - Love Our Earth!

Happy Earth Day 2012

Earth Day happens on Sunday, April 22, each year. This is a day when we acknowledge the wonderful Earth that we live on and also ways we can keep our planet safe and green. (via)

I first learned about Earth Day from my American Girl Dolls after they introduced the American Girl of Today.  They had a special "outfit" just for Earth Day and that is when I realized how wonderful and great it is.

My husband and I are celebrating Earth Day today.  We are working on prepping our Vegetable Garden (maybe planting a few things) and working out in the yard.

What are your plans for Earth Day?  How are you going to celebrate?

♥ Ashley

Found in the Garden

This past weekend we were cleaning up our veg patch to get it ready so we can start planting for THIS season.  I had to pull out all the old Parsnips that we didn't eat over the winter and I pulled out this boulder.  Keep in mind the ones you get at the store are generally the size of my peeler!!

How crazy big is this thing?  PS these are my FAVE cutting boards.  They look like wood and can go in the dishwasher!!

Since Parsnips aren't that good once they start growing into their second season (they start to taste REALLY woody) I peeled them, boiled them then gave them to the Chickens.  They LOVED them.

♥ Ashley