Gooseberry Patch

Enjoy the Day!

Just in Time for Celebrating!

Celebrate the holiday with this luscious dessert! It's perfect to take along to
picnics or enjoy in your own backyard
and can be found in our book, 101 Homestyle Favorites. Originally shared
by Martha Doyle of Rome, New York, it
tastes just like summer to us. Hope this
weekend is one to remember!

Summertime Strawberry Shortcake

3 to 4 c. strawberries,
    hulled and sliced
1/2 c. plus 2 T. sugar,
    divided
2 c. all-purpose flour
1 T. baking powder
1/2 t. salt
3/4 c. butter, divided
1 egg, beaten
2/3 c. light cream
1 c. whipping cream,
    whipped

Toss strawberries with 1/2 cup sugar and set aside. Combine flour, remaining sugar, baking powder and salt in a separate bowl. Cut in 1/2 cup butter until mixture forms coarse crumbs; set aside. Whisk together egg and light cream; add to flour mixture, stirring just until moistened. Divide dough into 6 parts; pat into biscuits and place on a greased baking sheet. Bake at 450 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes, until golden. Cool biscuits briefly on a wire rack. Split in half with a serrated knife; spread bottoms with remaining butter. Top with berries and whipped cream; add tops. Garnish with remaining berries and cream. Makes 6 servings.

Have a great summertime (or anytime!) recipe of your own to share?
Send it our way and you could be published...best of all, you'll get
a FREE copy of the cookbook where it appears!

Click here to put YOUR favorite dishes in the running!

We're Headed to Faithfulness Farm!

When Gail Prather entered our photo contest back in February, we were so happy to find her blog! She shares stories of her life in Nebraska as a homeschooling mom, an avid cook and cast-iron enthusiast...her recipes are really incredible.

If you haven't guessed by now, she's our Featured Friday blogger this week!

Take a trip with us to Faithfulness Farm!

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

Well, I am Gail Blain Prather, wife to Aaron and Mom to Jacob, Jessica, Jared & Jadyn Rose. Originally we are west coasters (I am from San Diego and Aaron from Longview, Washington) but for the last 10+ years have been Midwesterner’s. We moved inland to enjoy a slower pace and raise our children in a more rural environment. For nearly 7 years, we lived in Minnesota and, since 2006, we have been Cornhuskers in the great state of Nebraska!

I describe us as half-empty nesters! Our 2 oldest children are young adults who have fledged and the other two are not far behind. We have enjoyed being a homeschooling family and the adventures that has brought us. After many years of being home full-time, I now work full time as a secretary in an accounting firm in a neighboring town. We look forward to Grands – someday – but are finding a lot of contentment in this current season of life.

Our faith is very important to us and we are very involved in our church. My teens and I teach the Jr. Church Program. Very fun! Living far away from extended family, our church family has really been a blessing to us!

Who or what originally inspired you to start blogging? How do you stay inspired?

Blogging has been something in the back of my mind for awhile. I love learning. I also love being an encouragement to other women and well as being encouraged by other women. I started reading a couple blogs. It is incredible the number of VERY talented women out there in the blog world who share all they know with their readers.

Last summer my 2 teens went traveling with their grandparents for a few weeks and I had time on my hands. That is when I initially set up my blog. Since then, I blog about everyday life and ordinary things, ramblings really...what I am cooking, treasures I find thrifting, what strikes my current fancy, the happenings in my life. I’m always doing something so I never seem to run out of things to write about.

As a contributor to our cookbooks, we know you're a whiz in the kitchen.
How did you get your start cooking?

I started cooking very, very young. I remember pulling a chair up to stand on to help my Mom peel potatoes and carrots when I was probably only 6 or 7 years old. I come from a family of outstanding cooks...my Grandma Mae and my Mom especially.

I have a Mom who encouraged me in the kitchen from the beginning and a Dad who ate a lot of burnt offerings as I learned. I’ve strived to be that same kind of Mom to my kids.I also married into a cooking family, the best of the lot being my husband. Cooking is really something we do as a family and all our kids have grown up cooking and have their own specialties.

With a busy life, how do you find time to write, create and
share recipes & photos?

Life is busy but it seems that you can make time for the things you enjoy! I also have lots of help at home. Many times I am writing blog posts over my lunch hour at work.

My daughter, Jadyn is a budding photographer and is always willing to help in that department. I’ve shared recipes in one way or another for years and that is just second nature to me.

We love the recipes you post on your blog...do you have a favorite
you'd like to share?

I LOVE trying new recipes and passing on both old favorites and new discoveries. Some of my very favorite recipes are the ones I post in my Skillet Suppers segment. Anyone who knows me, knows I am a cast-iron enthusiast and love finding recipes that are well suited to cast iron, whether cooking or baking. A recent recipe in that segment was for Skillet Cookie. Very YUMMY!

Skillet Cookie

2 cups all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup (1-1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, softened
3/4 cup packed light brown sugar
1/2 cup sugar
1 large egg
2 teaspoons pure vanilla extract
1-1/2 cups mixed milk and semisweet chocolate chips (about 9 ounces)

Preheat the oven to 350° F. In a medium bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda and salt. Set aside. In the bowl of an electric mixer, fitted with the paddle attachment, cream butter and sugars until the mixture is light and fluffy, about 2 minutes. Add egg and vanilla, mixing until they are fully incorporated. Add flour mixture, and beat until just combined. Stir in chocolate chips. Transfer dough to a 10-inch ovenproof skillet, and press to flatten, covering the bottom of the pan. Bake until the edges are brown and top is golden, 40 to 45 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack to cool, 15 to 20 minutes. Cut into 8 wedges. Serve each with a scoop of vanilla ice cream. Serves 8.

Aside from your family, friends and pets, what are 5 things that you just can't do without?

1. My KJV Bible
2. Good Coffee
    (or tea, depending on my mood)
3. My cast ironware
    (especially my Grandma’s skillet)
4. HOT soaks in the tub
5. Some sort of hand work to keep
    busy with in my downtime

Tell us something that no one would guess about you.

My husband’s hobby is genealogy and I am totally a history buff. From that has stemmed a real love of exploring old cemeteries. The latest one I discovered right in my own area. All the markers are from before 1885. I know some find cemeteries creepy but I always have seen quiet beauty in them.

Thanks for sharing your story today, Gail...we really enjoyed hearing from the voice behind Faithfulness Farm! 

Click over to see what goodies Gail has in store for you today, and then be sure to bookmark her blog and check back for more great recipes, stories and photos too!

See you there!

Stitch a Star for Memorial Day

Want to celebrate Memorial Day with a little crafty fun? Check out this quick & easy coaster idea from our collaboration with Leisure Arts, Fun with Felt and Embroidery!

Stitched Star Coaster

You'll need...

1/4 yd. cream felt
1/4 yd. red felt
scraps of blue felt
embroidery floss
cotton batting
pinking shears
freezer paper
quilter’s basting spray

Cut two 6” squares from cream felt and two 6” squares from batting. Use pattern (below) and pinking shears to cut large circle appliqué from felt. Cut remaining appliqués from felt; refer to photo to layer and spray baste on one cream square. Refer to pattern to embroider design. Layer embroidered square, batting, and remaining felt square; pin together. Stitch a running stitch around edges of trivet.

Here's the pattern you'll need...click the image to enlarge and print.

A Dozen Kitchen Time-Savers...

Keeping your time in the kitchen to a minimum and spending more time with family & friends enjoying the results...
isn't that what we all want? Give these time-saving tips & kitchen hints a try...
they're all from our soon-to-be-released book, Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets!

Keep most-used recipes at your fingertips!
Tack them to self-stick cork tiles placed
inside a kitchen cabinet door.

Convert your favorite soup recipe to one for the slow cooker. Most soups that simmer for one to 2 hours will be done in 8 to 10 hours on low or 4 to 5 hours on high. Wait until the last 30 minutes to add dairy ingredients and tender veggies like peas.

Monday burger night, Wednesday spaghetti night, Saturday slow-cooker night...dinner traditions make meal planning a snap and give everyone something to look forward to. Why not start a few of your own, featuring your family’s favorite simple-to-fix foods?

Save time with double-duty slow-cooker recipes by saving half for another meal. Use extra roast chicken as the start of a yummy noodle casserole, simmer shredded beef roast with barbecue sauce to serve in crusty buns...even spoon extra chili over hot dogs or into taco salads. The only limit is your imagination!

Are you preparing a recipe that calls for
thin strips of chicken or beef? Pop it in
the freezer for 10 to 15 minutes, until
slightly frozen...it will slice in a jiffy.

On a dry-erase message board, use a marker
with permanent ink to list kitchen staples like
milk, bread, cheese and eggs. Post the board on
the fridge and you can check off items with a
dry-erase pen as they are almost used up!

Often, casserole recipes call for precooked
chicken, ham or roast beef. For a handy recipe
shortcut, stop at the deli counter and pick up
a rotisserie chicken or order thick-sliced meat...
it’s ready to cube or chop as needed.

Team up! Invite your best girlfriend and
make several casseroles together. Having
someone to chat with makes prep time go
quickly and, when everything is done, you’ll
both have casseroles to freeze for quick
heat & eat meals for weeks to come!

Want to make meals ahead without leaving a favorite casserole dish in the freezer? Simply line it with aluminum foil before baking. Freeze casserole in the dish and then lift out the frozen contents to store in the freezer. Later, when you’re ready to enjoy your casserole, simply unwrap and bake in the same dish. 

Make a handy potholder rack from a vintage
wooden rolling pin. Place a row of cup hooks
along one side and add a strip of homespun
tied to each end for hanging. So simple!

Bacon continues to cook briefly even after it’s removed from heat. To avoid burning, be sure to remove it from the skillet just before it reaches
the desired crispness.

Protect non-stick skillets from scratching
when stacked...tuck a coffee filter
or paper plate between pans.

It's Easier than Ever to Shop Local!

Google Maps makes it super easy to see all the locations in your area and how close they are to you!

Plus, when you visit a store in your neighborhood, you'll have the chance to flip through our cookbooks in person, check out all the yummy recipes and maybe even pick up an extra copy to give...there's no shipping to pay either!

Going to visit another city? Just enter the city and state and we'll find the store nearest to your destination...what a fun stop along the way!

P.S. As always, if you're looking for a specific cookbook title, give the store a call before heading over...that way you'll be sure that they have that title in stock!

Delightful Country Cookin'? Yes, Please!

We first discovered this week's Featured Friday blogger when she was selected as a winner of our Bookazine contest last month. One click over to Kristin's blog and we were hooked! 

Presenting...

Delightful Country Cookin'!

Featuring a stash of incredible recipes, mouthwatering photos (including step-by-steps!) and some tasty tips too, Kristin's blog will be one you'll want to keep handy for dinnertime planning...or dessert!

We asked Kristen to fill us in on the voice behind her delightful blog...

Tell us a little about yourself and your family.

My husband and I both grew up in Oklahoma. Even though we went to high school in opposite sides of the state, we met through 4-H and became high school sweethearts. I remember thinking that he was the cutest boy I had ever seen – I still think that! His blue eyes won me over.

We’ve now been together almost 11 years (going on 3 years of marriage), and half of that has been long distance! About 5 years ago, I moved to California to get a Ph.D. in American history and he quickly followed. We now live in the Sacramento area, although we can’t wait to get back to our more country roots.

We are goofy, adventurous, deeply committed to our Christian faith, and madly in love. He’s my primary taste tester (see photo) and food critic, a job I think he really loves! My favorite job is being his wife.

Other (random) things about me, just for fun:

- I’ve got more hobbies than I can count – cooking, baking, scrapbooking, cross-stitching, reading, blogging, photography, learning to sew…(just to name a few). Every time I decide to scale back, I find something else that I want to do. I’m impossible.

- I’m a high school youth group leader, and love hanging out with my girls. It’s funny though – most of the time, when I’m with them, I get mistaken for a high-schooler too!

- I’m a Disney fanatic. I love them so much that I announced to my husband right after we met (we were still in high school), that if he married me that’s where he had to take me on my honeymoon. He followed through!

- I've only ever kissed my husband. And I still think his blue eyes are the most amazing things in the world.

- I love cooking! It's a rare occasion when we repeat a recipe. Every week I pick a cookbook (generally a Gooseberry Patch one!), read it all the way through (no matter how many times I've read it), and pick the recipes for the next week's meals.

- I will not eat at a fondue party. Communal dipping pots (especially during flu season) are not my thing. And you can't tell me that it's okay because people don't actually touch the skewers. I've watched - accidents happen! And even if they don't touch the skewer, they breathe all over it...ew!

Who or what originally inspired you to start blogging? How do you stay inspired?

My long-time friend and bridesmaid has a cooking blog called From My Tiny Kitchen and I have also recently been introduced to the Pioneer Woman. These both really influenced the way I present my recipes and my decision to start a blog.

Really, though, I decided to start my blog after being diagnosed with Irritable Bowel Syndrome. I had to significantly change my diet (low fat, dairy free, etc.), and this was extremely frustrating for a food lover like me. There is a great book called Eating for IBS that contained recipes for the IBS diet, but none of these recipes were the comfort food that I loved.

I decided that I either had two choices – I could dwell on what I couldn’t eat and just live life feeling deprived, or I could do something about it. I decided to do something about it. I started playing in the kitchen, creating my own recipes for my favorite foods that fit my diet. Blogging about it became sort of a game – it made it fun!

Even now, blogging keeps me from feeling sorry for myself and gives me a sense of purpose. My blog doesn’t focus exclusively on IBS recipes, especially now that my diagnosis has changed slightly and I’m not strictly following that diet anymore.

I do include “normal” recipes that I make for my husband. But, I have a soft spot in my heart for individuals who, like me, have had to make dietary changes. For this reason, I generally include instructions for modifying my recipes (when possible) to meet the IBS diet, gluten free diet, or dairy free diet. Another thing that sets my blog apart is that I almost always provide nutritional information for my recipes – good comfort food doesn’t always have to be fattening!

How did you get your start in the kitchen?

My mom is an amazing cook, and she taught me a lot of what I know. (Check out that amazing chocolate cake for proof!)

I really took up cooking after I went to graduate school, though. My favorite hobbies have always been reading, cross-stitching, and scrapbooking, but when I had to start reading academic books for 8 hours a day, I found that I needed to be more active in the evenings. So I cooked…and cooked…and cooked!

With a busy life, how do you find time to write, create & share recipes & photos?

I’m not sure, actually! I just do. I’ll blog during my work breaks throughout the day, and cooking is my much-needed release every evening. Working on my website is not a chore…it’s fun! I think the better question is “how do I find time to do the dishes”…I’m still working on that one! :-)

We love the recipes & photos you share on your blog...do you have a favorite you'd like to share?

I love them all, especially my chicken fried chicken made with Chex cereal, my roasted vegetable tart (my favorite food pic), and those peanut butter cookies from the Gooseberry Patch Bookazine (I’ve only made them about 5 times in the past month!).

But my husband wants me to say the rosemary roasted sweet potatoes – he says those are the best sweet potatoes he’s ever had, and he’s the expert!

Aside from your family, friends and pets, what are 5 things that you just can't do without?

1. My faith – God’s gotten me through thick and thin. Who knows where I would be without Him guiding my way.

2. Lip gloss – I always have at least one chapstick and one lip gloss with me no matter where I am. If I don’t have one, I will drop everything I’m doing to go get one. It’s sad but true.

3. Laptop – I’m addicted! I’ve got to check my e-mail, see if anyone’s commented on my blog, work on my digital scrapbook, etc. My life would be utterly different without this piece of technology.

4. Toilet paper (you know it’s true)

5. My occasional trips back to Oklahoma – they keep me sane. :-)

Tell us something that no one would guess about you.

I have a full set of really nice kitchen knives that I don’t know how to use. I use the steak knives for everything…
peeling, chopping, dicing, even cutting bread! The rest of the knives just sit there and look pretty.

If you look closely at the pictures in my blog, you can tell that I do this. The steak knife is always on the cutting board! To all you people in cyber-world – if anyone wants to teach me how to use my knives, I would be eternally grateful!

Thanks for sharing with us today, Kristin...even your secret steak-knife habit! Your blog is a gem that we're glad to have found...keep up the great work.

If you haven't clicked over to Delightful Country Cookin' yet, now's the time...you're sure to find something delicious!  Want another reason to stop by? Kristin's hosting a GIVEAWAY on her blog right now...you could win a copy of our cookbook, Dinners on a Dime!

What are you waiting for? Get over there and enter to win! 

Video from Springfield!

After all the fun & excitement of last weekend, we wanted to share a little video we made at the show...enjoy!

Don't forget...special Springfield cookbook pricing won't last long!
Check out the sale collection today!

Ideas for Teacher Appreciation Gifts!

As we're nearing the end of the school year, many of you might be thinking of teacher appreciation gifts. You want to give them a token of your appreciation for all their hard work without breaking the bank, right?

If so, we have a great resource for you!

Cindy at Skip to my Lou ALWAYS has clever, crafty ideas...she even has a whole collection of easy-to-make crafts and ideas to help you say thanks for a great year!

Here are a few of our favorites...

Click here to see them all!

Sneak Peek at our Brand New Book!

As we're gearing up for the big release of our new book, Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets (look for it in stores in mid-June!) we wanted to share a sneak peek with you...doesn't this recipe sound delicious? It was shared with us by Lisa Parrish of Trinity, North Carolina. Thanks a bunch, Lisa!

Quick Skillet Spaghetti

Lisa writes, "My husband requests this recipe for dinner weekly! It's so easy because you don't even have to boil water for the spaghetti. Try it with half sausage and half ground turkey too."

1 lb. sweet Italian ground
    pork sausage
1 clove garlic, pressed
7-oz. pkg. spaghetti, uncooked
    and broken into 1-inch lengths
2  14-oz. cans diced Italian
    tomatoes
15-oz. can tomato sauce
1 T. fresh parsley, chopped
2 t. dried basil
3 T. shredded Italian-blend
    cheese

In a skillet over medium heat, brown sausage for about 5 to 7 minutes, stirring often. Drain; stir in garlic and broken spaghetti. Cook for 5 minutes, stirring often. Add remaining ingredients except cheese and stir until well blended. Heat to boiling. Reduce heat to low; cover and simmer about 20 minutes, until spaghetti is tender. Sprinkle with cheese. Cover and cook for 2 to 3 minutes longer to melt cheese. Serves 4 to 6.

Special Springfield Pricing for YOU!

We really enjoyed meeting so many friends at this past weekend's Springfield Extravaganza...thanks for coming out and enjoying the sunshine with us!

For those of you who weren't able to make the show, we didn't want to leave you out of the great deals we were offering over the weekend...

Selected cookbook titles are NOW only $15
or you can really save and get 3 for $40!

Here are just a few of the titles on sale now!

Click here for the ENTIRE Springfield collection and
get in on the savings for the next few days!

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Sharing Some Photos from Springfield!

As we wrapped up day two of the Springfield Extravaganza, we thought we'd
pop over and share some photos with you. It's been so much fun meeting new friends (and some old ones too!) and sampling all the great food...oh, and there's shopping too!

These lovely ladies were first in line to get their cookbooks signed...
thanks for stopping by! 

The line kept us pretty busy throughout both days of book signing but we had a little time for fun too...












These kitchy guitars were made of vintage license plates...love that big birdhouse too!





Look at this shabby chic hutch we ran across...the chippy paint on the wooden doors and the porcelain enamel countertop were just perfect.









Loved these sweet little doll chairs...not sure how we'd put them to use but their size was irresistible.





Shopping all these great booths makes a girl hungry...check out these cream puffs! They're a must-have for Springfield and made locally by Schmidt's. YUM!



Thanks for taking a little tour of our time here in Springfield...Sunday's the last day of the market and we hope to see you there!

Enjoy!

P.S. Want to see even more photos from the market? Check out our Page on Facebook!

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Farming on Faith this Friday!

It all started with a simple farm truck
named Harvey.

Back in December, Carrie Shindorf wrote a sweet post about this new addition to their farm...it reminded us of the truck on the cover of Farmhouse Christmas and, as we read the post, we were surprised to learn that that's what it reminded Carrie of too! 

That was the post that first drew us into the story of this family (including a dozen chickens!) and we're happy to share Carrie's inspirational blog with you today...Farming on Faith!

We asked Carrie a few questions to learn more about the blog and her family...

Tell us a little about yourself, family and home.

I can truly say I am a woman who has been blessed to be married to the love of my life ~ My Brian. I was charmed with his handsome good looks and funny humor that makes me smile each and every day. He is one of the finest educators I know.

I have given birth to three amazing children. They have forever changed my life. Being their Mom is the greatest gift from God I have been given. I recently became a Grammy to the cutest little guy in the State of Washington. You know the saying is so true ~ “the day Boston was born so was Grammy Carrie.” I am also a Momma Hen to 12 of the cutest chickens this side of Missouri. Really ~ they are smart too! I love my life and I love to celebrate each and every moment I am given.

My days have been spent home-schooling my children for the past 19 years. I have taught my children to read, write and do arithmetic. It has been the most amazing journey ~ well all except for the Algebra. I have learned more from my children then they have learned from me.

I have learned that the sky is not always blue. Ashley taught me the sky was sometimes pink. Hannah taught me it was full of many colors. Caleb reminds me everyday that the sky is just always funny.

I have learned with God all things are possible. Any obstacle can be over come with determination and hard work. With God’s blessing we can succeed.I can say I have lived, not only lived, but also lived to the fullest. Most of all I must say to God be the glory.

What originally inspired you to start blogging?

Our dream of building our own home in the country started out like a fairy tale come true until the housing market crashed. We had two of everything ~ homes, mortgage payments, insurance payments, utilities and on and on the list goes. That was just one too many of everything.

God taught these two educators a lesson or two. We learned that with God all things are possible. We found a new faith that we had never had before. We learned to totally trust God and walk by faith. Farming On Faith is all about our journey of building our own home, getting out of debt and earning money by saving money. Farming on Faith is our journey in homesteading, homemaking, homeschooling and humbly walking with our God.

I have learned so much from blog friends and have made some lasting friendships. One day we will all meet in Heaven and sit down for a cup of tea. Won’t that be grand?

Your blog is so full of variety...everything from tasty recipes to stories of homeschooling to chickens in the kitchen and so much more. With such a busy life, how do you stay inspired and how do you find time to share it all with your readers?

We are just a simple Bible believing family who love this place called Hom, also known as Farming On Faith. So many people get discouraged with reading blogs. We are not a perfect family ~ we have some amazing picture-perfect moments in our lives but we also have learned life is hard, but God is good.

My inspiration each day is meeting with God and allowing Him to work through my life. I want to be a blessing to all those that cross my path or my blog. Each morning, I get up with a cup of coffee and my Bible. My blog friends get my devotion that God speaks to me about each day.

In between, I throw in some crazy moments of chickens in the kitchen, boys riding their bikes into the pond, Gipsy Girl's latest snapshots and anything else that might occur on this wonderful little piece of Heaven we call Farming On Faith.

Speaking of those tasty recipes, care to share a family favorite?

I love cooking and baking but to me the greatest smell in the world is the smell of homemade bread coming from the kitchen. Nothing says lovin’ like fresh homemade bread. I make all kinds of bread and rolls but I don’t want Farming On Faith to be a place of perfection and the unattainable for the young new homemaker.

This is my recipe for Beginner Bread. You can make white bread, wheat bread or cinnamon rolls from this recipe and it is easy enough for the first timer. It is just hard to not get a wonderful loaf of bread from this recipe. Many of my followers have put me to the test!

Fill in the blank: In my kitchen,
we never run out of ________ !

Eggs...my girls keep us well stocked!

Aside from your family & friends, what are
5 things that you just can't do without?

1.John 3:16 ~ My Bible
2.Diet Coke
3.Blogging
4.My Chickens
5.Bubble Baths

Tell us something that no one would guess about you.

I was born Carrie Nation ~ named after the great Temperance Leader who carried an ax and a Bible. She spent her days destroying the bars. She was one gutsy lady who lived her convictions. Although I don’t carry an ax I do not go far without My Bible!

Thanks for sharing a peek behind the scenes of your blog today, Carrie...
keep up the great work and we look forward to many more photos & stories to come.

Grab a button below if you'd like to link to Farming on Faith or, just click it to visit and read today!

 

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The Fun Starts Tomorrow!

It's almost here and we're all abuzz with excitement!

We're packing up TONS of cookbooks, our aprons and
our very best book-signing pens...can't wait to meet YOU there!

Be sure to dress in layers so you'll be comfortable in the cool morning and stay cool in the afternoon that may heat up. Comfy shoes that you can walk around and around in are a must...with over two thousand vendors, it's sure to be a full day.  Have a pocket-size umbrella? Tuck it into your bag...you never know what Ohio weather holds!

Here's a handy list of other market must-haves...

• Your shopping list! Keep it general...costume jewelry for crafting, a nightstand for the guest room, a new pitcher for summertime. You'll be surprised how much it'll help keep you focused while you're browsing!
• Tape measure and room measurements so you'll know your bargain will fit once you get it home.
• Paint chips or fabric swatches you're trying to match.
• A small notebook to jot down measurements and dealer information...don't forget a pen!
• Digital camera to take snapshots of items (or booths!) to revisit before leaving for the day.
• A tote bag roomy enough to hold small finds or a wheeled cart to hold the heavier items.
• Bungee cords to secure items for the ride home and bubble wrap for breakables.
• In your backpack, tote a bottle of water, snacks, hand wipes, your cell phone to keep up with shopping buddies and CASH...most dealers prefer it!

What else do you seasoned shoppers recommend?

See you there!

 

P.S.  Did you see that the 20 finalists have been selected for the Preview Party contest? Click over to our Page on Facebook to see who'll be sharing recipes from Slow Cookers, Casseroles & Skillets!

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Review & Cookbook Giveaway!

A big Gooseberry Patch THANK YOU to Jessica's Coupons for sharing such a great review of our book, Dinners on a Dime!  Check it out here...

Not only does Jessica give you a sampling of recipes she tried, she also includes the costs for each, so you know just HOW budget-friendly these meals are!

Click here to read even MORE reviews about this best-selling book!

There are LOTS of ways to get in on the giveaway...click over to Jessica's Coupons to read all the details!

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Coming This Weekend!

Today's also your LAST DAY to enter our Preview Party contest on Facebook...click the promotions tab to find out how you could be one of TWENTY winners!

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Celebrating Moms Everywhere!

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A Special Mom this Friday!

As we head into Mothers' Day weekend, we wanted to share a special blogger (and mom!) with you for Featured Friday. Julie Harward is the proud mom of eight children, grandma to twenty and recently became great-grandma to her very first...AND she still finds time to blog about her family, the beautiful country and what inspires her at...

Circle Cliff Views
Yes, that tiny house in the middle is hers!

Julie lives about 15 minutes from a national park with her husband, faithful walking partner Cougar (a very loving Golden Retriever) and many other animals. We love how her photos show off the amazing scenery that surrounds their home. 

A self-proclaimed "late bloomer" when it comes to technology, you'd never guess it by all the inspiration she shares. Julie's recipe posts are frequent and always look delicious...keep an eye out for some links below! Read on to find out even more about this featured blogger...

Tell us a little bit about yourself, your home and your family.

Well, you already know that motherhood is all important to me, having 8 kids and 20 grandchildren plus 1 great-grand is everything to me...the whole of my joy in this life.

I have been a stay at home mom all my life...who else would have stepped up to raise my children? I wouldn't have let them even if they had! I love to be a homemaker, have never resented it at all. I love to cook and I love a clean nicely decorated home. I love having a home where my children and all their friends are welcome.

I like to make quilts for my children as they get married and baby quilts for their babies. I have bottled and canned all my life and I love how my kids just loved those fresh peaches or the salsa or jams with my homemade bread.

I have sung all my life having a great time singing the leads in several musicals. When I sang the lead in "The King and I"..I was pregnant with a not-quite 2-year-old plus 6 kids in the home. Yes, I have a great husband who supported me in all things.

Our kids are grown now and I love watching them face life and do well and I love those grands, nothing like it! I believe with all my heart that we will be together forever with our families...what a great way to go through this life!

(Not bad for a lady raised by the World's Meanest Parents!)

What or who originally inspired you to start blogging?

My daughters got into blogging...the Christmas of 2008, they gave me a digital camera and set up a blog for me...scared me to death but it has been such a joy for me! I am so amazed that there are so many wonderful women out there in the world who care about and love their families and I admire them all so much!

I believe we are all truly sisters and we need to lift and validate one another. One day as we all sit down in Heaven together, we will be the best of friends because we we already know and love each other. I would give up TV any day for blogging!

We really enjoy your family photos and stories on your blog, along with the window to the West that you provide. Have you always been a shutterbug or did blogging make you want to start photographing everything?

I have always taken lots of pictures of my kids but yes, blogging makes me see everything with new eyes! I want to share everything with my sisters out there in blog-land as they share with me, and I always love everything that they put out there that makes me grow.

As a mom of eight and grandma to 20 (and great grandma to one!) we know you must be a great homemaker and cook. Care to share a favorite family recipe?

I have so many recipes, I wouldn't even know where to begin. Let's see...my homemade bread is to die for if I do say so myself! It only takes 90 minutes from start to finish to make it...no second rising, and it turns out beautiful and is so delicious. Also, check out a post from this Easter...my carrot cake is the best ever!

(Here's another one we like...baby cakes!)

What are 5 things that you just couldn't do without?

My family
My grand children
The gospel of Jesus Christ
Animals
My soaker tub!

Tell us something that no one would ever guess about you.

I have a way too tender heart...I wish I could help everyone, all the children and animals too. I think good women should be put in charge of the world, they'd have everything whipped into shape fast. I love the funny quote that says; "If it had been 3 wise women, they would have asked directions, arrived on time, helped deliver the baby, brought practical gifts, cleaned the stable, made a casserole, homemade bread and desert, and there would be peace on earth!"

What do you think is the most important lesson we learn from motherhood?

So many... it's the grand education of a woman!

1. You can do "anything" if you have to do it...we can amaze ourselves by what we can do!

2. Simplify. Women get caught up in the details of tiny things...just organize and do it!

3. Always Love...never give up on that. It was the grand lesson Jesus taught and it is the only thing that really works. Always love your children, at every age, don't let anything get in the way of that, especially during those teenage years that no one prepares us for!

Thanks for being our Mothers' Day featured blogger, Julie...keep up the great blogging!

If you haven't already, click over to Circle Cliff Views and check out all the goodness in store...we know you'll love spending time there.

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Great for Mothers' Day brunch!

This Sunday, we'll all be celebrating with moms, sisters, daughters, friends. Why not whip up this deliciously tropical take on chicken salad from our book, 5 Ingredients or Less and enjoy brunch with YOUR very favorite moms!

Island Chicken Salad

This recipe was shared by one of our most frequent contributors, Carol Hickman of Kingsport, Tennessee... thanks again, Carol!

10-oz. can chicken breasts,
   drained
8-oz. can crushed pineapple,
    drained
2 stalks celery, diced
8-oz. pkg. cream cheese,
    softened
2 T. mayonnaise

Mix all ingredients together until well blended; chill. Makes 4 servings.

Don't forget...it's coming up!

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Make Your Own Recipe Cards!

Cris over at Goodeness Gracious has a great tutorial up today...you can use her template to whip up some printable recipe cards!

"Making your own recipe cards for your blog is easy--even if you don't have fancy-shamsey design software at your fingertips. Your method is determined by your word processing or design software. I have uploaded a Word template I created to Scribd if you want to download it."

Here's how her recipe for meatloaf turned out...

Click below to make your own!

Recipe Card Template

Thanks for sharing, Cris!

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