Life at B & B Farm

Small Town Living

2010-01-11T11:55:00.003-06:00

Follow me over to Small Town Living blog for articles from me and other writers.

To any of my new readers.

2009-07-20T11:38:00.003-05:00

Drop me a comment or say hi. I will hopefully have lots to write and will try and use than new 40D canon for some pictures. Try as I might I still can't always figure out the apperature or depth of field. Here is a picture for today.

2009-07-20T11:04:00.000-05:00

"Stand Back Up"

Go ahead and take your best shot,
Let 'er rip, give it all you've got,
I'm laid out on the floor, but I've been here before,
I may stumble, yeah I might fall,
Only human aren't we all?
I might lose my way, but hear me when I say,

I will stand back up,
You'll know just the moment when I've had enough,
Sometimes I'm afraid, and I don't feel that tough,
But I'll stand back up,

I've been beaten up and bruised,
I've been kicked right off my shoes,
Been down on my knees more times than you'd believe,
When the darkness tries to get me,
There's a light that just won't let me,
It might take my pride, and my tears may fill my eyes,
But I'll stand back up,

I've weathered all these storms,
But I just turn them into wind, so I can fly,
What don't kill you makes you stronger,
When I take my last breath,
That's when I'll just give up,

So, go ahead and take your best shot,
Let 'er rip, give it all you've got,
You might win this round but you can't keep me down,

'Cause I'll stand back up,
And you'll know just the moment when I've had enough,
Sometimes I'm afraid and I don't feel that tough,
But I'll stand back up,

You'll know just the moment when I've had enough,
Sometimes I'm afraid and I don't feel that tough,
But I'll stand back up.

Where have you been?

2009-07-19T14:33:00.004-05:00

Been uber busy with this and that. Here's a bit of my life to share with y'all! Trying to get back to regular posting schedule. Keep your fingers crossed!

2009-05-15T12:48:00.003-05:00

Warning: Any and all recipes from the kitchen of Miz Suzi are AMAZING and addicting! I dare you!

Visit Suzi and win!!!!!!!!!

2009-01-30T12:13:00.001-06:00

Home for the Holidays

2008-12-29T09:14:00.002-06:00

Dear Santa

2008-12-23T15:02:00.002-06:00

Every year in the local paper we print Letters to Santa. This year we had many touching letters come in that many of us cried when we read them. One in particular caught the eye of one of our readers.

Mary of Wyoming read her paper today and thought that this one, written by 11 year old Kendall was so exceptional she decided she must do something for this little girl.

Kendall's letter to Santa:

Dear Santa,

Hello, I'm Kendall M and I am 11 years old. For Christmas I want my dog, Buddie, at the North Lakes Adoption Center to be ok. We had to put her up for adoption. And I want everyone in my family to be ok too. Especially my Grandma Dayle, she buys me everything and I love her much. And I want you and Mrs. Claus to have a wonderful Christmas. Guess what- I saw you and Mrs. Claus on Comedy Central the other day. And I want my Great Grandma Bernie in her nursing home to be better, she's dying. Well have a great Christmas.

Love Kendall M

So Mary came into the office today with a heartwarming letter and a monetary gift for this dear child as she had acted so unselfishly only asking Santa for gifts for others.

I want to send a big thank you to Mary for acting, like so many of us should but don't, to go out of your way to bring joy to someone this year.

Simply have a wonderful Christmastime!

2008-12-23T10:01:00.006-06:00

Hold those you love close this year. I have seen tragedy strike some near and dear friends recently and it breaks my heart. One lost their home another their father. How do you find the right things to say. How do you show them how much you love and care about them. It seems my list of prayers is longer and longer every day. So this Christmas I ask ask each and everyone of you to say an extra little prayer for those you may not even know but need all the prayers they can get.

Most of us are on budgets this year for our holiday shopping, i know I am. Well you know what- my kids are going to have a wonderful Christmas, they may not get everything they want but they will have us all together and healthy and spending time with our dear family and that is all we need.

May the true joy of the season be upon you.

www.jennifergrimm.com

Christmas Quiz

2008-12-03T12:14:00.000-06:00

1. Wrapping paper or gift bags? wrapping paper

2. Real tree or Artificial? artificial- 3 of them, really who wants to clean up the mess of a real tree- not me!

3. When do you put up the tree? Thanksgiving

4. When do you take the tree down? Jan 1

5. Do you like eggnog? NO!

6. Favorite gift received as a child? a book of 365 things to keep you busy- I was 9 and had carved a bar of soap into a sleigh before my parents even woke up.

7. Hardest person to buy for? my mother in law

8. Easiest person to buy for? my father in law- he loves sweets

9. Do you have a nativity scene? Yes

10. Mail or email Christmas cards? Mail for sure

11. Favorite Christmas Movie? White Christmas, most definitely- I love this one

12. Favorite Christmas cookie? sugar - decorated

13. When do you start shopping for Christmas? Dec 26

14. Have you ever recycled a Christmas present? nope

15. Favorite thing to eat at Christmas? cheese ball

16. Lights on the tree? White

17. Favorite Christmas song? White Christmas

18. Travel at Christmas or stay home? I prefer to stay at home

19. Can you name all of Santa's reindeer? yes

20. Angel on the tree top or a star? Angel

21. Open the presents Christmas eve or Christmas day? Day

22. Most annoying thing about this time of the year? the crazy shopping fools- and parking lots- geez

23. Favorite ornament theme or color? all my kids handmade stuff

24. Favorite for Christmas dinner? Ham, sweet potatoes and green beans

25. What do you want for Christmas this year? For my entire family to come together in spirit, even though we are separated by thousands of miles

26. Who is most likely to respond to this? Jerrianne

First to punch in- last to pass out!

2008-11-30T14:43:00.000-06:00

A little grace music!

Gretchen Wilson Music Video – Saving Grace on TNT - video powered by Metacafe

Thought for the day- VOTE

2008-11-04T09:43:00.002-06:00

It's Not The Critic Who Counts!

It is not the critic who counts,
not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled,
or where the doer of deeds could have done better.
The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena,
whose face is marred by dust, sweat, and blood,
who strives valiantly, who errs and comes short again and again,
who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions,
and spends himself in a worthy cause,
who at best knows achievement and who at worst if he fails
at least he fails while daring greatly
so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls
who know neither victory nor defeat."

--Theodore Roosevelt-- 26th United States President

Happy Halloween Y'all and a little football

2008-10-31T08:19:00.002-05:00

Wishing everyone a happy and safe Halloween!

Think good Eagle thoughts tonight as Brandon and the Eagles will be taking on the undefeated Orono team in Section Finals! Go Eagles!

Howleen

2008-10-22T15:14:00.002-05:00

Recipe to warm your soul: Donna's Famous Chicken Stew

2008-10-22T12:36:00.003-05:00

Donna's Famous Chicken Stew

4 qrts H2O
1 large onion, diced
3 stalks celery chopped
10-12 chicken thighs
4 med carrots sliced
6-8 med-lrg potatoes cut into bite size pieces
1 bay leaf
1 tbl salt
potato flakes

Boil chicken til done (1 hr) remove to cool. Strain out any excess grease from stock. Add onions, carrots, celery and bay leaf. Cook 1 1/2 hrs on lite boil. Add shredded chicken when it has cooled enough to handle. 45 minutes before serving add potatoes. Stir frequently. Add potato flakes to thicken before serving.

This freezes well so I make extra to save for lunches later. Delicious with homemade biscuits.

Fair, Fun, Family

2008-09-28T13:49:00.000-05:00

Thanks for stopping by

2008-09-23T12:56:00.002-05:00

Well hey y'all. I am back to posting again and updating things and I want to give you a shout out. Please leave me a comment if you are a regular visitor or are just here for the first time. And FYI- I am moving my football ramblings to their own blog at www.brandonmeathfootball.blogspot.com . I will also have his website up and running soon. If you like to keep up on his stats and post a comment or story find me over there.

blessings and bliss
beth

In a place where football is King.

2008-09-22T13:48:00.003-05:00

I think that in Becker MN they start training for football while still in the womb. This is the most serious football town I have ever seen. I LOVE IT! However, it did not go in our favor on Friday. Their quarterback, Johnny Benson, grandson of legendary St John's football coach, John Gagliardi, was outstanding. Our defense had it hands full trying to stop the pass. The Bulldogs scored their 20 points in the first 11 minutes.

Though the defense made adjustments and shut Becker's offense down the rest of the game, the offense could not get more then 7 points on the board. They failed to produce on 11 possesions. With several dropped passes and the inability to check off the receivers to find someone open, it fell on the coaches shoulders ultimately to make the right adjustments to win the game. That did not happen.

The high points were 2 interceptions, one by Brandon Meath and the other by Nick Johnson and they also racked up 5 and 7 tackles respectively. Brandon Meath also had a blocked punt in the 4 quarter.

Totino-Grace 0 7 0 0 - 7
Becker 20 0 0 0 - 20

B-Gibbons 23 pass from Benson (kick failed)B-Gibbons 32 pass from Benson (Gibbons from Benson)B-Steiner 42 pass from Benson (run failed)TG-Kinnan 1 run (Kocon kick)

Catch what few highlights there were on http://www.kare11.com/ go to prep sports.

Next up:

Homecoming vs Chisago Lakes.

coming soon...........................brandon meath football .com , highlights, stats and all things football!

Film highlights from Irondale

2008-09-18T10:23:00.001-05:00

Totino Grace vs Irondale 8-29-08

Enjoy!

How fast is your 95?

2008-09-15T12:50:00.004-05:00

After a not so fun day at the oral surgeons with an abcessed tooth, the night certainly turned around.

First, the perfect evening, with temps in the mid 50's and NO wind whatsoever. You can smell it in the air, it's football season.

The game got a rough start as we had a turnover on the first play, but as the Eagles paused for but a moment, they then soared the rest of the evening. Brandon had two major plays of the game with first taking a 50 yard pass from Nick Gervias for an easy 6 points. Eagles were up 24-0. As we came close to the half, with 7 seconds remaining on the clock at StFrancis in posession on our 40 yd line, they threw long and Brandon stepped up and intercepted. He ran 95 yards for the touchdown! It was amazing!

Totino-Grace 10 28 7 14 - 59
St Francis 0 0 0 0 - 0

TG-Kinnan 11 run (Kocon kick)TG-FG Kocon 22TG-Lubinski 35 run (Kocon kick)TG-Meath 50 pass from Gervais (Kocon kick)TG-Lubinski 11 pass from Gervais (Kocon kick)TG-Meath 95 interception return (Kocon kick)TG-Hogan 3 run (Kocon kick)TG-Kromah 16 run (Kocon kick)TG-Kealy 5 run (Hogan kick)

NEXT: Becker This game will be on FSN North with Anthony LaPanta (TG Alumni)

Friday's Game at Becker wil be broadcast on Fox Sports North (FSN) immediately following the Twins game (Approx 9:30 pm)
The Twins Live show will be broadcast live from Becker

Clash of the Catholic Schools

2008-09-08T16:03:00.002-05:00

Friday night lights blazed brightly over Jim Totino Stadium for a great evening of football action. With 4 of their senior starters sidelined with injuries, the Eagles still dominated over the Benilde Red Knights. Brandon played very well getting 5 tackles, one for a loss of yards. He also picked off a pass from the Red Knights quarterback for his first interception of the season.

Totino Grace Eagles 24
Benilde St Margaret 12

Next week- AWAY St Francis

Be sure to catch the prep sports highlights every Friday evening on Kare 11 tv at 11:05 pm, or online at www.kare11.com , go to prep sports.

GO EAGLES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

TOTINO GRACE EAGLES Friday Night Lights Season Opener

2008-08-30T14:57:00.004-05:00

The season has started and what a great start it has turned into.

Totino Grace Eagles 46

Irondale Knights 22

Brandon got the third touchdown under 3 man coverage!

Here is my own footage

To see the highlights go to this link: Kare 11 Prep Sports Extra and watch the first section. Be sure to check later this week to see if he is up for the play of the week and cast your vote!

Unselfish and Uncommon, it takes "U" and "U"!

Enjoy this shot from last year's finale, Micah Koehn with the acrobatics into the end zone and Brandon celebrating to win the 4A State Championship for the second year in a row.

Cherishing the moments

2008-08-14T09:56:00.003-05:00

I am truly trying to get back to this blog and will very soon. I have had an amazing summer that I am enjoying so very much. The answer to my prayers happened on June the 12th. I got a phone call from someone I had not seen in 42 years. It was my birth mother. She found me that day and I have been floating on cloud 9 ever since. I flew to see her on the 4th of July and spent 5 glorious days with her and my two sisters(yes, I have sisters) and my neices and nephew. One of my neices is spending half the summer here and we are loving it. My mom will be here for a visit very soon to meet her four wonderful grandchildren.

(Joanna, me, Janet, mom) So I apologize for my lack of communication here. I do want to give a nod to my dear Soap Maven Susan, who inadvertedly is the reason that my mom found me- many thanks dear Suzi, you are such a dear friend. Here is a quick shot of my mom and I and my one sister and the woman who helped connect us, janet.

Coming Back Soon

2008-05-25T12:42:00.002-05:00

Oh Happy Day- I will be back soon. Getting to a most definate place of well being. Thanks for all the concern. I am fine- though I am feeling like I am not so simpatico with all things computer related some days!!!! Look for a most exciting announcement very soon. A balance you see of all my favorite things - a blend of the best of me. Not sure why I never saw it before. You know what they say- Sure as the nose on my face!!!!!!!!!Today for you, tomorrow for me!

Computer Down =o[ Back Soon

2008-03-01T13:41:00.001-06:00

Tomorrow is often the busiest day of the week. — Spanish Proverb

How Full Is Your Bucket?

2008-02-20T20:53:00.002-06:00

The Theory of the Dipper and the Bucket

Each of us has an invisible bucket. It is conatantly emptied or filled, depending on what others say or do to us. when our bucket is full, we feel great. When it's empty, we feel awful.

Each of us also has an invisible dipper. When we use that dipper to fill other people's bucket- by saying or doing things to increase their positive emotions- we also fill our bucket. But when we use that dipper to dip from other's buckets - by saying or doing things that decrease their positive emotions - we diminish ourselves.

"How Full Is Your Bucket?"
Positive strategies for work and life Tom Rath and Donald Clifton, PhD

The Five Strategies

Prevent Bucket Dipping
Shine a Light on What is Right
Make Best Friends
Give Unexpectedly
Reverse the Golden Rule

Want to see how much bucket filling you do compared to others? Take the Test!

Sometimes Opinionated

2008-02-15T15:42:00.001-06:00

For something a little different, may I suggest you read www.queenofthefashionablyoutdated.blogspot.com . Your opinion is appreciated!

Special Deal for my readers

2008-02-15T13:00:00.002-06:00

Since my ebay outing produced very little interest I am going to offer the whole lot as a package deal. Honestly I just am sick of looking at it and want it off my desk! So if you would like a pack of slightly used magazines, last years calendar and this years- I will send it all to you for only $15.00, including shipping.

First come , first served as the saying goes. blissnblossomfarm@yahoo.com

More on Ebay

2008-02-06T19:15:00.001-06:00

Click the link below and see what I have listed!!!!!!!

Music Favorites

2008-02-05T14:59:00.000-06:00

So my good friend Bo Billy asked me the other day why I think blogging is a great tool to use for reaching your target audience. First, blogging is a fun, personal way to communicate with so many people. I know that I often read my friends blogs just to keep up with what they are busy doing. It is also a wonderful way to showcase things that are important to you. It is a great way to express yourself beyond your music.

So I have decided to showcase some of my personal favorite muscian friends here. As you can probably already tell from my music selections- I have very ecclectic taste. Well- variety is the spice of life. I hope you will enjoy these wonderful artists as much as I do.

First up is a local favorite- Bo Billy. I try to catch his live performances 2-3 times a month, schedule permitting. Here is a link to his website and where to find his music.

"For The Life Of Me" at garageband.com!
And check out the radio stations playing Bo Billy!
BUY Bo Billy's "Wild For You" at amazon.com, cdbaby.comand iTunes

He is a top rate country performer you shouldn't miss.

Another local favorite is Jennifer Grimm. I first heard her at an intimate club setting where she brought down the house. She plays at many various venues in the Twin Cities. I have a couple of her albums and play them often.

Jennifer Grimm: Buy
All Of Me CD
Jazz/R&B/Originals 2000
Listen to and Buy this CD at CD Baby
A Christmas with Family and Friends
A refreshing Christmas album with secular songs featuring Jennifer and her wonderfully musical Family and Friends. There's a taste of her own Christmas memories throughout the album, but the final track really captures the essence of what she loves: The family, the friends, the food and the fun.
Listen to and Buy this CD at CD Baby

EBAY Ending

2008-01-29T13:09:00.000-06:00

This is your last chance to get on on these deals. The listing is ending in less than 3 hours. Want to buy the set? Shoot me an email and I'll send it with FREE SHIPPING!!!!!

Ebay Deals

2008-01-23T11:45:00.000-06:00

I have listed several items on Ebay - check it out!

B & B Farm on Ebay

Words to Live By

2008-01-22T15:31:00.000-06:00

Rules to Live By - General Colin Powell

1. It ain't as bad as you think. It will look better in the morning.

2. Get mad, then get over it.

3. Avoid having your ego so close to your position that when your position falls, your ego goes with it.

4. It can be done!

5. Be careful what you choose. You may get it.

6. Don't let adverse facts stand in the way of a good decision.

7. You can't make someone else's choices. You shouldn't let someone else make yours.

8. Check small things.

9. Share credit.

10. Remain calm. Be kind.

11. Have a vision.

12. Don't take counsel of your fears or naysayers.

13. Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.

And the place went crazy.....

2008-01-17T13:59:00.000-06:00

The evening started not different from many other hockey game nights. Last minute skate sharpening, barely on time and then waiting around for game time. We were matched against Mahtomedi, and of course I wore my Totino Grace colors with pride. Mind you- my son plays for White Bear Lake, my older boy goes to TG. TG the team that beat Mahtomedi in the state championship game this last Nov. A game we nor they will ever forget. Anyway, it's not that I like to rub salt on a deep wound but , ok maybe I do. It was such a big win and they never thought we could beat them. So much for their smack talk.

Back to the game. It was pretty evenly matched in the beginning. We played tough, not giving them many scoring opportunites and breaking up their pass plays effectively. Late in the first period, they scored. It was a great shot and setup, I was impressed with this Mahtomedi team. I was very much less than impressed with their fans. We had the pleasure of siting within screaming distance of a fan/parent who, shall we say, had alot to yell about. "Shoot the puck" being his favorite. By the end of the first period, down 0-1, we took a nice shot at their net. The golaie baubled the puck and we tipped it in. However the less than adept refferees had blown the whistle a split second before and the goal was disallowed. We went into the second period more than a little disappointed. But we are Bears, we can overcome. The fans cannot. They screamed about anything and everything as we started the second period. Tempers started to flare on the ice as well, with lots of pushing and shoving and even a couple fisticuffs. By this time the ref's had lost control of the ice. Then it happened. Not premeditated, as some would argue, and completely by accident, we checked from behind, hard. It was a really bad hit. The kid went down and I could hear him cry. I yelled at my son, he was the one who made the hit. He was sent to the penalty box. Now mind you, all hell is breaking loose and things happened very fast. The ref's were first to the kid, then the coaches and then the dad(not sure if it was the dad) but he was a yellin like it was his kid. Then the parents were screaming at the rest. At this point it felt like a lynch mob was gathering. After a second to confer, the ref's ordered my son off the ice, he was ejected from the game. he did the skate of shame off the ice to the locker room where I met up with him. He was sobbing. He felt terrible about what he had done. Luckily the kid was fine, just had the wind knocked out of him. We packed up his gear and gathered the family and headed home. I was way too upset to stick around, for fear of telling someone where to stick it.

The coaches wife called much later to check on Sean and to give us an update of the events that transpired after we left. Apparently, after the game, while our coaches were still on the ice but the team had gone to the locker room, several parents from the other team came into our boys locker room and harrased them. They yelled at our kids for the terrible way they played. I am so glad I wasn't there. I am sure I would have found a wonderful place to put a stick had I stayed.

And the place went crazy.... and so did the adults. Have we forgotten this is a bunch of 11 year old kids playing a game in the state of hockey.

Making Mama Proud

2008-01-16T15:29:00.000-06:00

I had to share this photo with you.

It is my new favorite picture of my son,

minutes after wining the

2007 4A State Football Prep Bowl

for the second year in a row. Life is good!

Here is a link to the last 10 seconds of

the game. http://www.totinograce.org/school43/FCK/File/2007%20Football/SportsCenter.wmv

Can you say Espy Award???

Taco Tuesday

2008-01-15T12:24:00.000-06:00

Got into a conversation last night with my daughter and mother-in-law regarding food days. Seems many places from restaurants to school cafeterias to even my own menu have a Taco Tuesday. Do we like things that sound right together? How about Tettrazini Tuesday? Not quite the same zing to it. Looking at my own menu, I find I have certain days for certain foods. We almost always eat a pasta dish on Mondays, Tuesdays , well yes, its Taco night. Wednesday is usually some kind of soup or goulash in a crock pot, by Thursday I am ready for a good ole American burger. Fridays through Sundays I get a bit more adventerous and make something new, my newest cuisine is Indian. Saturday I will make Tandoori Chicken and Coconut Rice. I am looking for more recipes to add to the nights menu. Much of my newer ideas have come from cooking shows, specifically Anthony Bourdain's "No Reservations" on the Travel Channel. I am addicted to that show. Now I am not ready to go off and make Blood Sausage or eat an Organ Kabob, but it has shown me that there are many different foods out there that I need to try. I have mastered the Greek Gyro and many variations on the theme. Last weekend we enjoyed Greek Salisbury Steak with roasted vegetables, served with Cucumber Sauce and Parmesean Garlic Noodles. It was a big hit with the whole clan.

I did make homemade doughnuts yesterday and we all went on a carbo/grease overload that slightly warped my brain and palate. Too much of a good thing I guess. Actually the recipe called for a chocolate glaze on them but I may have fallen into a coma had I made and then devoured that.

We are enjoying, no wait, suffering through our lovely MN cold weather so I am thinking a good ole chicken stew is in order for tomorrow. I have ,bar none, the best stew recipe in the world. Tomorrow I will take photos and do a tutorial on it. You family will thank you. It is THAT good!

On another note, as many of you know I was putting out a newsletter every few months and then as life threw me curve balls, it got neglected. So I am now going to do a bi-weekly newsletter that I will send out by email to anyone that is interested. It will include the following:
News Items: Opinions and responses
Photo gallery
Specials and Sales
Recipes for the Kitchen
Make it yourself Beauty Bonanza
Going Green
Holidays and Events
Family Fun Ideas

and much more.

Send me an email to be on the list. Your email will be kept private.
First edition coming next week. beth@blissnblossomfarm.com

Joyful Joyful

2008-01-13T19:34:00.000-06:00

Lord we adore thee. My deep faith carries me through all darkness. Have you prayed today? Not even when you bought that lottery ticket? Got cut off by a crazy driver? You tell me. What are you praying for this year??????

In fact, I have some bulk soap to give away so send me a special prayer and I will pray it with you. One lucky writer will also get a small bundle of soap and sundries.

If I owe any of you a package, swap or exchange- let me know. I lost ALL my addresses on this darn computer and can't get anything sent until You contact Me!!!!!!!

Me? I'm prayin Stallone knows when to stop making Rambo movies! But I can't get that song outta my head!

Truth Revealed

2008-01-13T19:06:00.000-06:00

Life just has a funny way of showing the truth. The truth will out etc...... so in days to come, very soon, sooner than you had hoped, these truths shall be revealed. A revelation of sorts. Hope you like the music.

drowning pool

Holiday Excitement ~ Ideas 101

2007-12-13T10:53:00.000-06:00

I wanted to share with y'all a few of my holiday ideas for making the season bright. Here are two of my favorites.

Holiday Cocoa

I made this for years with my preschool classes.

You will need a pint size canning jar and lid.
Holiday Fabric
Ribbon

Trace the lid onto the fabric and add 2 inches to the circle.
Ribbon should fit around the outside of the lid to decorate.

Filling:

1 cup confectioners sugar
1 cup powdered chocolate
1 cup powdered milk
1 bag mini marshmallows

Mix the sugar, chocolate and milk. Add to jar in thirds alternating between the mix and the mini marshmallows. Put on lid, cover with fabric, screw top on and tie with a ribbon.

A great variation on this is to reduce the milk and chocolate by half and add 1 cup instant coffee. This makes a great frothy cappaccino.

On another note, I think it is the right time of year to do those little things to bring cheer to those around you. People in the service industry deal with some of the crabbiest people around. next time you are in the checkout line, be sure to give your warmest of holiday greetings to the person helping you. Don't forget the greeters at the door too, they alwyas appreciate a pleasant smile and kind words.

Holiday Excitement

2007-12-12T14:48:00.000-06:00

Holiday special for my blogger buds! Order any two gift sets and get a third of equal or lesser value FREE! This is a limited time offer and expires Dec 15th. So hurry...run and place the order!!!!!!! Quantities are limited. Add note of gift set choice in the notes section of the order. Be sure to specify scent.

Countrygal

2007-12-10T13:38:00.000-06:00

Well I must say, I think I am a countrygal to the bone. I love all things country, rustic, natural and organic. It is in my pursuit of this that I have come to a point in my life where these things are all coming together. As jobs change and things happen, it is here that I find God's direction for me. He has reminded me lately that I must remain humble, kind and good to my fellow man, or woman. I read a quote recently that has really struck true-

Be your words both kind and gentle, for tomorrow you may have to eat them.

How true it is. So in the interest of that I will only announce this:

I am now a full time soap maker and I am loving it! As soon as this came about, the orders came pouring in. I am up to my ears in shea butter and essential oils! I am also creating many new products. I have new bath teas that are avaiable now in both Lavender and Vanilla w/Honey. These are amazing, relaxing soothing teas for your bathing pleasure.

One final announcement, for I cannot say more at this time; I have a special sale through December 31.

Bath gift set- 2 bars of soap, a soap dish and a bath spray all for only $12.00. Email me for details!

And don't forget- shipping is always free!

All in a days work

2007-10-14T09:45:00.000-05:00

Some fun pictures of the family covering the greenhouse this weekend.

I also snapped a couple shots of this great barn in Minnetrista MN. It is so beautiful this time of year.

Friends Matter

2007-10-04T18:48:00.000-05:00

I got so busy with the world that I forgot to post this wondeful award I received from my dear, dear friend Kay of The Rustic Cottage. It's a Nice Matters Award.

Personally, I think friends matter, and she is one of the best. I thank you from the bottom of my heart.

And I pass it back to you, Kay and to Ms Susan Dahlem, both of whom are the very definition of Nice......and someone I am lucky to call friend.

Computer Crash and all the fun!

2007-09-19T13:42:00.000-05:00

As the saying goes... "when it rains, it pours" and that has been my life the last few weeks. First a computer crash and hardware malfunctions galore. Then, a new phone system that seems to be forever to fix. Anyway, I am back online daily and hopefully the phones will be resolved by the end of today. On the up-side of things, you support of my shoppe has been overwhelming. My local customer base has really grown over the last month and I am already getting many holiday orders. I have been very pleased with the overall response to my seasonal scents that I added, though I am almost sold out on the Fall Harvest Scent. I am also hard at work getting new products tested and ready for the holiday season.

A little on my soap parties. The first two parties were a huge success and so much fun. A big thanks to Stephanie and Rose for all their hard work. I hope you ladies enjoy your hostess baskets. I t was such a pleasure meeting you all! Please send me an email and let me know how you liked everything.

Lost Information: If you are looking for a package and it hasn't arrived- please let me know by email as I lost much of my information with the computer crash.

Newsletters: The Fall/Winter Newsletter will be out the second week of October with some great new goodies and also a gift certificate for everyone! The newsletter will be an extra big one with all kinds of articles and ideas for the new season. I am also looking for photos of family gatherings or favorite winter activities. I will be giving out 2 $25.00 gift certificates in the photo entry catagory.

I did an interview for a local news station while I was at a festival in Scandia MN. I will let you know the time it will air and a link to it as soon as I can.

Thanks again for all your wonderful support!

BLESSINGS

BETH

Don't get your hopes up?

2007-08-17T13:34:00.000-05:00

Well- I recently heard this from someone and it got me thinking, isn't it our hopes and dreams that we need to keep going in this world. "Wishin and Hopin and Dreamin...." I mean these things are fundamental to our well being. If we stopped hoping where would we be? With all kinds of changes in our daily lives, we need our hopes and dreams to bring us through. The person who dreams it CAN make it happen. I have huge hopes for my future right now and know deep down in my heart that everything I have learned and done in my past has led me here, to this point in time. The right time, the right hope, the right dream. So I will be here wishin and hopin and dreamin til it happens. And yes- I will get my hopes up!!!!!!!!!

Back to School Sale

2007-08-06T13:17:00.000-05:00

So here we are, looking into the month of August already, and I don't know about you, but I am far from ready for the beginning of school. So as I look into purchasing all the fun back to school items, I am also getting ready to send my eldest off to college. This is hard not only on me but also on her. She is a home body and is not looking forward to this big move out on her own. There are so many scary new things that she will be facing for the first time in her life. But one thing that I know will help ease her into this new world is the scents and smells of home. Remember how the smell of fresh baked cookies can bring you back. Well I plan on sending a basket chock full of the things she loves, namely soap, lotion, bath spray and laundry soap. Having the smells of home with her everyday will make this big step into the world a tad bit easier.

So with that in mind I have decided to extend a "Back to School" Special to all my loyal customers. During the month of August for every two identical products you buy, I will give you the third one for FREE! And remember, shipping to a single address is always free. So stock up and save big! Here's a hint- keep an extra bar of soap in your linen closet to keep your towels smelling great!

SPECIAL SPECIAL!!!!!

2007-07-30T15:00:00.000-05:00

I am having a blog only coffee special. I have an excess of coffee on hand right now so I am goin to do a BOGO special. It's my special Farmhouse Blend and it scrupmtous. Rich yet not overpowering the perfect get up and go way to start your day! Just $6.95 a bag and with the BOGO you get two for the price of one. BUT wait there's more..... (always wanted to say that!) because there ia still free shipping through this week! So get your orders in now. Just put BOGO in the comment line.

And the winner is......

2007-07-30T09:18:00.000-05:00

Well ladies, I have been enjoying computer snaffoos all weekend so had to wait until today to get this updated. My apologies to all. I must say the down time gave me a chance to get started on the Harry Potter book.

OK, the winner of the spa kit is.... Deep South Mamma MJF! Email me your info! And Congratulations! Thank you to all that participated. I will be having another drawing very soon!

I Can

2007-07-25T10:49:00.000-05:00

When I was young there was nothing I thought I couldn't do. I can be whatever I want. I can learn anything, do anything , be anything. But then as I got older, I was told that I could not do this or that, or was given limitations and expected to live within certain expectations. So as I grew into adulthood, I believed less and less that I had the ability to bring those dreams to fruition. Then I one day I picked up a book at Barnes & Noble. It seemed like an ordinary day, playing taxi for my kids running them from one activity to another. And somewhere in there I found I had some time to spare. So into the bookstore I went and began to stroll up and down the isles. And there it was, a place where the road I was on met with another and I found what would change my life. The book, as many of you have guessed already, is MaryJane Butters "MaryJane’s Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook - For the Farmgirl in All of Us ". Who knew what this would do for my life. I then met fellow farmgirls (though at the time I had a small house in the city), found a wonderful old farm and so began my journey.

I learned so much everyday from these wonderful women. I picked up my needle and thread again, started to crochet, learned to make soap and lotion and so much more. Through classes online( the new way of the farmgirl) I can now make dolls, thanks to mizz frannie. I became a women and mother and wife who now believes that I can. I can do all those things. Learn to make jam? I can.

With so many things externally in the world telling me I can't, I now know that I can. I can do anything. To go back to that feeling when I was a child feeling I can do or be or achieve anything is a true revelation. It is a belief I willl instill in my children and all those around me. I will not stomp on their dreams or tell them they can't. I will say "Yes you can" and show them that "yes they can" by doing things myself.

Contest & Giveaway

2007-07-25T10:34:00.000-05:00

So I am going to do another Giveaway but this time I was thinking it should have some sort of challenge to it. So here goes everyone. This is the official "Make someone smile" contest. I will tell you the prize first so to have you smiling before I list the rules.

The prize for this will be: A spa kit. Yup- you get Soap, a soap dish, bath salts and a bath spray! Now that I have you smiling shall I give you the rules?????

OK- these are simple and easy and actually there is only one rule. To enter the contest you must do something to make someone smile and then post it in the comment line.

Thats it- its that easy. Sharing a smile or a laugh is a wonderful thing. Listening to my 5 year old giggle, that sound that comes from his toes to the top of his head- that makes me smile. And with that smile comes a blissful feeling that takes over your soul. So I want everyone to share with me this week.

Drawing will be on Friday, July 27!

Soap Parties

2007-07-24T10:39:00.000-05:00

Have you ever been to a Tupperware Party or a Home Interiors Party? Well, how about a Soap Party? I would love to come for a visit, if you are in the area, and bring some soap and other products for you and your friends to try. Unlike the other parties, there is no minimum to buy to receive a gift. If you host the party, you get the hostess gift which includes soap, lotion, bath salts and other assorted goodies. And everyone who attends will not only get a special gift just for attending, but I will also offer a special price of half off on every third item they buy. I'll even bring the coffee, tea and some sweet treats for everyine to enjoy!

Live outside my area? Well how about having a soap party by mail? I will send you a brochure and some sample scents. You can either have a party of your own or- bring it to work and let people order there. It's that simple.

Please email me for the details! beth@blissnblossomfarm.com

I look forward to meeting with you!

Festival News

2007-07-24T10:28:00.000-05:00

Well what a great day at the Ma's Farm Festival. Though the rain and lightning came to dampen the day, it was a marvelous event. First I had the joy of starting the day with some coffee shared with a wonderful farmgirl friend, Babs of Mugwort Maggies Apothecary. She brought her wonderful mother in law as well and we enjoyed a hot cup of Java before heading over to the Festival.

After arriving and spending some time setting up tents and our wares, we settled in for some good farmgirl chatting. Quickly we had customers stopping and talking about our products. I met many local people as well as those who had traveled from afar for such a worthy cause. I met Sue's family, who were so wonderful and very grateful for our participation in the event.

Though the weather turned rainy and at one point downright dangerous with thunder and lightning all around us, it did pass and the event continued on.

I wanted to tell everyone I met that it was such fun meeting and talking to everyone there. I thank you very much for your patronage and look forward to your continued support.

Musical Friends

2007-07-17T11:38:00.000-05:00

I have been so blessed to have met some wonderful, talented musicians. I want to share with you their music. They are from two different genre's one country the other blues/hip hop.

First is a lovely lady that I met one night at a great venue in Dresser WI. I was at the piano bar with my hubby and could hear this beautiful sound coming from the main stage. All I can say is WOW- does this gal have pipes! Introducing............ Jennifer Grimm

She is offering her Christmas cd at a special price :

Special on Christmas Albums for the remainder of July.
Visit http://cdbaby.com/cd/grimm2 and get my Christmas Album for $5.00 a pop! Now through the end of July...

take a listen:

I'll be home for Christmas

MP3 play whole song, hi-fi (broadband)

You can see her at:
Mondays @ Escape Ultra Lounge are now 18+!
Still $5.00 cover - Still great $2.00 drink specials for those of age.
Doors open at 9pm - we start shortly thereafter...
http://www.escapeultralounge.com/

Now for the country in me.. ladies check this guy out! He has recorded in Nashville and is making a big spash on the country market. I am lucky to hear him live quite frequently. If you see him playing in your town be sure not to miss him. My good friend..... Bo Billy.
Think deep, sexy and all around wonderful. What a great talent. Take a listen:

"For The Life Of Me" at garageband.com!

You can see him at:
Sunday's & Wednesday's, Players Beach Club,
Forest Lake, MN

And the winner is.........

2007-07-16T13:34:00.000-05:00

Day4plus !!!!!!! Please email me your info and I will ship this out right away! Also look for some extra goodies inside. Thanks to everyone for signing up. And for those who inquired- I do have Jam and Sauce for sale. just shoot me an email!!!!!!

Recipe of the Day

2007-07-13T10:43:00.000-05:00

I have so much Rhubarb growing in my garden this year. the Rhubarb is an heirloom rhubarb that has been at the farmstead for over a hundred years. The previous owners took some with them when they moved but it has come back now and is wonderful so I picked a bunch last night and am going to make this tonight as a dessert for the family.

Rhubarb Cake

2 cups sugar 1/2 cup shortening 1 TBL cinnamon

1 beaten egg 1 tsp vanilla

1 tsp baking soda 1 cup sour milk

2 cups flour 2 1/2 cups diced rhubarb

Pre heat oven to 350*

Topping: (I like to make this first so it can sit and blend for a few minutes before using) 1/2 cup diced rhubarb mixed with 1/4 cup sugar and 1 TBL cinnamon. Let sit.

Mix together remaining ingredients like cake batter. Pour into a greased 13x9 cake pan. Spread topping on batter. Bake at 350* for 40-45 minutes.

Serve with whip cream or ice cream.

Happy Friday

2007-07-13T09:10:00.000-05:00

Are you having a summer like me where you think it was just Memorial Day and now here we are halfway through July already? My lists for the farm are growing faster than they are getting done and now I am starting to think about school clothes shopping. Ugh!

However I do enjoy Fridays. Dress codes are relaxed, people are in good moods as the weekend approaches. I will not be at the market tomorrow as I have so much to do to get ready for the Ma's Farm Festival. I was excited to hear that my good friend Babs at Mugwort Maggies Apothecary will also be a vendor there. Two farmgirls hanging out all day! So I look forward to a weekend of soap making and creativity.

To me, making soap or sewing an apron, doing some stitch work or baking a loaf of bread is the biggest creative outlet for me. I spent 20 years teaching pre-schoolers, mostly 3-4 year olds and loved it. Cutting pasting, creating that was my favorite. So now as I have my own shop I can again let the creative juices flow.

Its been a joy to see my own daughter with such creative talent. Her artwork in both watercolors and oils has been received quite well. She loves to paint and that was supported by the wonderful teacher she had in high school. With the right encouragement she has blossomed into quite an artist. I am hoping as she goes off to college this fall she continues to learn more in the field of art. Look for some of her pieces to be up for sale on my website soon!

I hope to see many of you at the Ma's Farm Festival on July 22nd where a portion of my sales will be donated to the festival. For those of you who cannot make it, starting tomorrow through the 23rd I am going to give $1.00 from every item sold toward this worthy cause. So now is the time to stock up on your favorites! If you don't see what you are looking for on my website (I am curently adding my newest items) then just shoot me an email and I will make sure you get what you need. Or you can call the customer service line if you have any questions.

Don't forget to sign up for my Giveaway! Monday is the dealine!

Special Giveaway Sign-Up

2007-07-12T12:03:00.000-05:00

Ok - so I thought it about time I do my own giveaway. So for every comment left on this blog I will put your name in a hat for my special Gourmet Strawberry Sauce and a few surprise bonuses. Please introduce yourself and tell me your favorite Strawberry dish! Drawing will be held on Monday July 16th.

Here's mine:

Homemade Baking Powder Biscuits from "The Farmgirl Connection Cookbook"
Gourmet Strawberry Sauce
whipping cream

Love it!

Soap Dishes for Fellow Soapers

2007-07-12T10:02:00.000-05:00

Interested in some handmade soap dishes? I have some available wholesale to my fellow soapers. Just send me an email beth@blissnblossomfarm.com and I will get you the details! These are pine and my retired father-in-law makes them in his woodshop.

News Release on Ma's Farm Festival

2007-07-12T09:56:00.001-05:00

On Sunday July 22nd, 2007, local residents are getting together to benefit two local charities: Grace Place and Turningpoint. A fun-filled day at the rural Osceola farm owned by Corrine Zehm (“Ma”), will offer visitors many activities for families including: a Bake and Book Sale, children’s activities, shopping the arts and crafts vendors, and a fun 5K walk in the morning. Enjoy a picnic lunch on the grounds to free music by the Bog Creek Band, The Radio and Harshman Brothers.

Turningpoint and Grace Place are both safe places for victims of domestic violence and families in crisis. The emcee for the event will be Trish Van Pilsum of KMSP TV. Her career has included many investigative stories of local cases of domestic violence.

All the proceeds for the event will be donated to either Grace Place or Turningpoint; funds the organizations can use to help break the cycle of domestic violence and make a change to better many lives. This is a local problem and we have seen several recent cases end tragically. Join us on Sunday, July 22nd to raise funds and awareness to the changes possible in the cycle of domestic violence.
For more information email jonnaz@pressenter.com or call 715 248 7176.

Grace Place, 203 Church Hill Rd., Somerset, WI 54025, 715-247-4265
Turningpoint, P.O. Box 304 River Falls, WI 54022, 715-425-6751
www.turningpoint-wi.org

Ma's Farm Festival

2007-07-11T10:11:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the 1st Annual
Ma’s Farm Festival
Mark your calendars and join us
Sunday, July 22, 2007
Fun with Family and Friends
Doing something to help Break the Pattern of Domestic Violence
Start the day (8 am) with a walk/run, and then spend the day with family and friends.
Music by the Bog Creek Band and other entertainment throughout the day.Shop (9am-5pm) the vendors, the farmer’s market, join in the art projects (11am-2pm) for the kids, participate in the silent auction and raffle full of great gifts and items, have a picnic and help us raise awareness and funds.
Unfortunately, many of us know someone who has or is suffering through domestic violence. Maybe you don’t know what to do. After Sue’s senseless death last summer, we chose to do “something”. We hope to raise funds for safe places and raise awareness to stop domestic violence. This is a local and all too frequent problem. The festival will raise funds that can be used to change people’s lives, make an improvement and hopefully, make their home a safe place. Until we break the chain of domestic violence, too many victims are not safe. Help us raise awareness and funds. In honor of Sue, or maybe someone you know and care for, let’s do “something” to improve lives.

If you’d like to donate extra books, plants or baked goods for the day, please contact Jonna for pick up or drop off times for your donation.
100% of the proceeds of this festival
will be donated to Grace Place or Turningpoint.
Turningpoint has EXCITING NEWS! Turningpoint for Victims of Sexual and Domestic Violence
has been selected by the St. Croix Valley Community Foundation to participate in the
Partners for the Future Initiative, a $2 million dollar challenge match.
Every dollar Turningpoint raises through Partners for the Future
through November 2009 will be matched dollar for dollar and
invested in Turningpoint's permanent fund at the Foundation.
Visit www.turningpoint-wi.org or www.scvcf.org for more information.
We are looking for sponsors for the walk/run, Children’s activities and the rental of the sound system and stage.. Does your organization want to assist, play music, give money, water, fruit or volunteer time?
Contact jonnaz@pressenter.com

Location: Ma’s Farm 764 240th St. Osceola WI 54020 3 miles east of Osceola, N of Co Rd M.
Want to volunteer, join as a vendor or make a donation of any kind?
Contact:
Jonna Zehm, Festival Coordinator
P. O. Box 141 Star Prairie, WI 54026-0141
715-248-7176 or 651-303-1711
jonnaz@pressenter.com
In memory of Suzanne Marie Weiland 1966-2006

Website Changes

2007-07-11T09:41:00.000-05:00

Over the next few days you will notice big changes on my website. The first was to add this blog. My goal is to make the webstore and farm more user friendly and bring a part of the farm to each of you. I spent 15 years on a farm, with cows and chickens, large gardens and numerous fruit trees. But as old farm houses can do, I got burnt out. Winters with little insulation and chopping wood daily, appliances breaking all the time and just the work it took to keep a place that size running took its toll. So we sold the farm and bought a nice new house in town with neighbors right outside our window and a huge 50 by 50 backyard for the kids to try and play in. Well, as you can see it wasn't for us. Mind you it was a beautiful home but it just wasn't our home. So after much searching, I found this new farm. It happened not long after Labor Day of 2005. I had been sitting at Barnes & Noble reading a great new book by MaryJane Butters MaryJane’s Ideabook, Cookbook, Lifebook - For the Farmgirl in All of Us and thats when it all came together. I took one look at the farm and immediately put an offer on it and I guess the rest is history. So as we become farmers again, I want to share with you what we are doing on the farm.

the first project is our farmhouse makeover. I will take many before, in progress and after pictures. I will show materials purchased, cost and suppliers. I hope it will give you ideas that you can use for your own home makeovers.

Other changes will be new products for both the Bathworks and Farmhouse Kitchen. I will also be adding samples to my shop. These little goodies make wonderful travel packs for short trips as well as giving you the opportunity to try different items and new scents.

Thanks for stopping in and seeing what we are up to. Tomorrow look for a new recipe and a Farmhouse Kitchen Giveaway!

Welcome and hello from the Farm

2007-07-10T14:41:00.000-05:00

Spring has come and gone and if you're like me you can't believe how tall the corn is or how much things have grown. Here at the farm we are enjoying tomatoes and asperagus, fresh berries and delectable herbs already.

Last week was official berry picking week at the farm. The neighbor up the road grows some of the best organic berries I have ever tried. the sugar content is so high that i hardly added any sugar to the jams and sauces I made. Normally you will see a sugar content in the 6-7% range. these berries were running anywhere from 11-17% natural fruit sugar. What that means to you is less added sugar in your jam or sauce. Talk about sweet! We pick the berries and can them the same day. They are a s fresh as you can get. I have a limited amount from my stock taht are still available at http://www.blissnblossomfarm.com/ but don't wait too long.

I will be getting several goat kids in the near future and so I am doing a Farmhouse Makeover. I will post the progress here and then the arrival of the new family goats.