Wednesday, December 30, 2009

Time to Share #13

This weeks Time to Share I am going to feature another blog that is a favorite of mine.

My sister Crystal has a great blog that covers a variety of topics. One day she will be talking about the great cowboy boots that she found, and the next about her outing at a K-State football game.

Take a look at it for some pretty good reads.

http://www.cdycattle.blogspot.com/

Thursday, December 24, 2009

Time to Share #12

This weeks Time to Share we are going to feature a website/blog that I love. It falls in with my love of fashion and clothing.

Red Carpet Fashion Awards is based out of London. This woman has made a career of critiquing fashion choices, knowing all of the latest designers and shopping. Sounds like a pretty great job to me!

This week they are profiling the best of 2009. There are some pretty neat polls that are going on. Take a look for yourself, and maybe something will inspire an outfit for your next outing!

http://www.redcarpet-fashionawards.com/

Friday, December 18, 2009

The Gifts are Wrapped...

I spent the last 2 days wrapping the Christmas gifts that I have bought. I am not the usual gift wrapper. I hate the usual boring and ugly Santa or candy cane wrapping paper.

Last year I spent far to much money on just the wrapping paper and ribbon, so I toned it down this year. My roommate always laughs at me because you can say that my gifts don't really look "Christmasy".
Personally I think they look great! And I even tried to get a little in the Christmas spirit by using red paper and white ribbon.... that's close as it's going to get. My personal favorite is the silver paper with pink zebra striped ribbon... now tell me that doesn't give you some Christmas cheer!

Thursday, December 17, 2009

Christmas Countdown

One year when my sister and I were little girls, my mom made us homemade Advent calendars. She worked hard cross stitching and sewing these so that we would have them for each Christmas.
This is my calendar that hangs in my house each December

After Halloween each year we have an elf named Peek that comes to live in our clock. He would keep track to see if Crystal and I were being good little girls and report back to Santa. On Nov 30 he would fill our Advent calendars, and the countdown to Christmas would be on!

Each day we get to open a bag. Some days there is a little gift to open, other days there may be a chocolate, and sometimes an alphabet letter. When you get a letter, you have to keep it in a safe place and on December 24th you have to try to figure out what the word is- I was never a fan of these ones, I could never figure it out...

On December 24th we would write a letter to Peek and Santa. When Santa delivered presents on Christmas Eve (because we were always good kids) Peek would travel back to the North Pole with Santa until next year.

This tradition has stayed with us over the years. Peek now travels between Edmonton and St Joe to visit us girls. He has even went hi-tech using email to send us letters.

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

On the Road Again

Monday afternoon my dad strongly suggested that I should travel down to Remington's sale. He wanted me to see some old friends and see how the sale went.

I stayed in Lethbridge Tuesday night, and got to catch up with some friends. On my way home today I did the slow trip home. I got to stop and see some really cool stores along the way. Watch the Copper West blog for those stories.

It was great to get back into southern Alberta. I hadn't been back for over 2 years, and forgot how much i missed the drive. From Lethbridge to Carstairs is so pretty on a clear day.

These are some of the pictures that I took along the drive.
Beautiful houses by my grandparents

View from Highwood Auction Mart
Beautiful mountain viewsThe Alberta Beef sign at Red Deer

Time to Share #11

The time has come for me to share some more of my favorite things. This post is going to take another switch.

This week I got to venture down to southern Alberta. I went to school in Lethbridge, and have not been back since i graduated 2 1/2 yrs ago. It was great to go back, catch up with some old friends and see what had changed in the city.

This week I am going to profile my Top Ten List of things in Lethbridge! Hope you enjoy and hopefully all of these places are still in business.

10. The Christmas light displays. There are some amazing displays come winter time
9. U of L- I think that this is one of the coolest schools I have seen. The University is built
into the ravine. And a fun fact- it is the same size as Noah's Arc would have been!
8. The view- Looking to the west side there are beautiful views, with great trails!
7. 2 Guys Pizza- This is hands down the best pizza I have ever had
6. Catwalk- This salon is amazing! Definitely worth the price
5. U of L Dance Team- I had a great year dancing with these girls!
4. Wing Nights- Lethbridge has 3 great places fro wings- Blarney Stone and Average Joe's
3. Ric's Grill- Not only is this a great restaurant, but with it up in the old water tower makes it
so much better
2. The smells- I know it sounds funny but I love the way the city and surrounding area smells.
It is a mix of silage in the winter, and a farm in the spring.
1. The weather- I loved how in the winter there was just enough snow to keep the ground
white, and the cold temperatures were there only a few days. Summer had arrived by
mid March! Nothing wrong with that

Wednesday, December 9, 2009

Things I Love

So I have always had a dream to have a house that was black, white, and grey with a few different accents throughout.

I found this dresser in Bombay tonight and absolutely fell in love with it. It is almost $1000 regularly, but is now down to about $450! Hint Hint if anyone wants to buy it for me.

I can only dream of having a dresser like this one day. The top 2 drawers have jewelry sections already built in, and the rest is ready for other storage.

Time to Share #10

This week again we will take another turn in what I feature.


I love to shop, this is no surprise. What may come as a surprise is that this year for Christmas, I have no idea what I want... Shocking I know!


Tonight I did a little bit of browsing so that I could come up with some ideas. I went into one store that I love, and it officially became my favorite home store.


Urban Barn is a upscale, contemporary, home store. It has everything from major furniture to kitchen accessories. Tonight I fell in love with 2 pieces there. There was a mirrored coffee table, and a mirrored hall table (pictured below). One day I would love to have both of these in my house, if only they had a little bit lower price tags.
Below are some of my other favorite pieces from the store. Happy Shopping!

www.urbanbarn.com

Monday, December 7, 2009

Tricks of the Trade

For the past few years at Agribition Kirk Stierwalt has came up and done a demo about clipping. I have only been able to catch a few minutes of this each year, usually during a break to grab some breakfast.

I think that it is great that Agribition brings him up here to help teach and educate the youth as well as long time breeders. This year there were about 50 people watching when I stopped in.
Clipping has always been something that I have lacked skills in when it comes to showing. I am more then capable to halter break, work hair, and when I want fit. I can rough cattle out, and definitely shave out a head or a front end, but when it comes to clipping cattle for a show, my skills are lacking.

This winter I am going to try to get some heifers in and clip them out. We have 3 or 4 in the pen that are halter broke so they will get to be guinea pigs! There is a Stierwalt clinic that is coming to Saskatoon next October, and I am going to try to get there and go to the clinic. Until then, it will be play time with the heifers this winter!

Sunday, December 6, 2009

Victoria's Secret Fashion Show

Every December one of my favorite specials comes on TV. No its not a sappy Christmas movie, or anything along those lines, but instead it is one of the sexiest and funnest shows to watch.... The Victoria's Secret Fashion Show!

This show is a highlight for me every year. It is a combination of the atmosphere that they create, the beautiful models and the amazing pieces that they send down the runway.

This year was quite a bit different as usually they have a very long runway to walk down. This year, they revamped their stage into a V... for obvious reasons. They also had great musical acts including the Black Eyed Peas.
Below are some of my favorite pieces that came down the runway. I could only dream of the rush you would get from putting on a 3 Million dollar bra, or a set of angel wings. It is no wonder these women feel sexy and powerful!

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Time to Share #9

This week I want to go back to featuring one of my favorite websites.

Jetsetter.com is a members only website that has discount hotels for its members. Each week there are 3-4 hotel or resorts that have rooms at severely discounted rates. Most cases you are looking at 40-60% off!Now these hotels are not just your regular Ramada or Holiday Inn, but some of the most exclusive and high end hotels around the world. Many are in the US, however, there are also occasional destinations to Thailand, Jordan, France, and Mexico.

While most of us are not able to afford these hotels during our holidays, with the discounted prices, most of them become the same rate that you would pay at a much lower class hotel. And even if we do not stay at some of these amazing destinations at least it keeps us dreaming of a wonderful escape during the winter months!

Monday, November 30, 2009

RBC Supreme Champion

At the end of Agribition each year there is the RBC Supreme Show. This is the toughest and most covenant prize in all of showing cattle in Canada.

From the beginning of summer to the very last breed show at Agribition cattle qualify for this challenge. To qualify sometimes it takes winning Supreme at a show, or winning your breed show.

This year there were over 80 entries between the bull and female show. There is over 15 breeds that are represented in this show. It is pretty impressive to see all of those cattle in one ring together.

After the judging is completed by a panel of 5, the top ten bulls and females are announced. From there 1 champion bull and female is chosen. The winner is then given $10,000 and announced the RBC Supreme Champion.This years champions were Hamilton Farms in the bull side and Miller Wilson Angus for the females.Congratulations to everyone who qualified and to the winners both the top ten's and all qualifiers.

Thursday, November 26, 2009

Time to Share #8

So I know that this is one day late, but with Agribition going on things have been a little crazy. This weeks time to share will be very different from previous.

This week I want to feature and introduce you to a program called FrostWire. This is very similar to LimeWire in that it is a program that downloads media. Everything from pictures, to videos and music.

The big difference between LimeWire and FrostWire is the speed of downloads. It takes a matter of seconds to download songs compared to minutes. It is designed the same, so it is easy to navigate. The best part is the free download, and it takes only a few minutes to install.

I know when I get home from Agribition I will be adding a lot of new songs to my playlists!

Friday, November 20, 2009

The Return of the Guitars

Tomorrow I am leaving for Agribition, and am more excited then you will ever know. For a cattle person Agribition is like a combination of the Super Bowl, the funnest nights of your life, and spending time with your friends both new and old.

To join in on this fun time my good friend Quinn and I decided that it was time to bring back the guitars that we picked up on our trip to Vegas last May

Visiting TI
Dancing in the cages at Rock House

As you can see we had lots of fun with the pink guitar. So it was without question that we had to get another guitar... and long came the green guitar!

Quinn and Lenny
Crystal trying out for American Idol

So this week is the return of the guitars. I only hope that they come home ok, and that someone doesn't try to steal them from us!

Thursday, November 19, 2009

... and I Caved

Many of you know my feelings towards the Twilight saga. I didn't dispute that the movie was really good, I just didn't understand that fascination with the actors, and especially their good looks.

Last night I rented the first movie and decided to watch it.... I wish I could say that I didn't like the movie, but it was actually pretty good. It has a great love story that develops. The acting was definitely sub-par, and the whole vampire thing is weird in itself. But overall, I actually liked the movie.

Now, as far as the actors and their good looks.

Taylor who plays Jacob, is extremely good looking in real life, however, he is only 17, so we will pass right by him. However, in the movie, he have the longest, grossest hair possible. Definitely making him unattractive.Robert Pattinson is the one I have the real issue with. 1) he is not good looking in real life, 2) he has all of 1min looking good in the movie, and 3) this guy constantly looks like he is in need of a shower! I don't see what the draw is to this guy, and I for one am still a believer that he is not hot!
Finally, Kristen Stewart.... Oh how I have a bone to pick with you. She looks beautiful and innocent in the movie. However, once she steps out into real life, she looks absolutely horrible! She possibly has the worst hair cut I have ever seen and looks like she never showers. She also gets to live most women fantasies out wearing beautiful designer clothing as every turn, and destroys these beautiful clothes by looking absolutely miserable wearing them!I promised Brett that when I get back from Agribition we could go and see the second movie. I'm actually looking forward to seeing it, as it looks like another entertaining movie. Just be prepared for a few rants about it when its all over!

Wednesday, November 18, 2009

Time to Share #7

I know I missed last week, but with Farmfair going on, it just was not at the top of my mind.

This week I am again profiling a website that I enjoy. Except it has developed into so much more then just a website.

Live Auctions is a sale broadcasting system. It provides live sale coverage, and bidding to many of the sales across Canada and the US. It has also developed into broadcasting shows.

More recently, Brad and his team have come up with a magazine that supports the sales. It now is one of my favorite magazines to read. It is always full of great articles and amazing ads.
For $50 you can receive the magazine and also have unlimited access to all of the shows and sales. Definitely worth the price tag!

www.liveauctions.tv is the website, and I encourage you all to check it out.

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

Time to Share #6

Wow 6 weeks already! This week for Time to Share, we are going to give the blogs a break and go back to one of my favorite websites. Except this week it is actually 2 websites.

Grant Rolston and Browarny Photographics are two of my most visited websites. Both of these companies are the main livestock photographers in Canada, and now are reaching out into the US as well.

During the major shows their are daily updates of the events that are happening. Whether it is candids from the ring, or the champions winning, I love to see what is going on at the shows that I am not able to attend.

With the roll of cattle shows starting to happen I know I will be visiting these sites lots, and if you do happen to check them out, you might just see a familiar face or 2!

http://grantspix.com/
http://www.showchampions.com/

Oh Weddings...

I was going through my list of blogs that I follow, and came across these photos. I love this wedding, and the photography is amazing as well.

Hope you enjoy!

http://greenweddingshoes.blogspot.com/2009/11/real-wedding-brit-daniels-fun-wedding.html

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

From the Dr. Oz Website: Supermarket Secrets That Can Make You Sick



Click picture for the full article

Starbucks

Every time I go to Starbucks I always seem to get the same cup... well with the same saying anyways.

It is one of my favorites that I have ever gotten, so I thought that I would share it with all of you. Hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

The Way I See It #76
The irony of commitment is that it's deeply liberating- in work, in play, in love. The act frees you from the tyranny of your internal critic, from the fear that likes to dress itself up and parade around as rational hesitation. To commit is to remove your head as the barrier to your life.

101 in 1001 update

I am now on my way to accomplishing some of my 101 in 1001 tasks. I thought that I would fill you in on some of the details on my journey to do this!

2.Read a book every month- I have been doing really good with my reading. I forgot how much I actually liked to read. It is a great way to unwind for the night, or to get your mind off something. I love reading books about weddings, event, socialites and celebrity life.

9.Stop biting my nails- I had been doing so good! I haven't chewed my nails for a week, which is a real accomplishment for me. However, going 22 years without nail, and having decently long nails irritated the crap out of me. Little tasks like typing and doing up my jeans were difficult. So last night they all got chewed off... guess I'm gonna have to start over on this one.

18.See one movie every month (2/33)- Some of the movies that I have seen are The Proposal, This Is It, The Ugly Truth and Terminator Salvation. My favorite by far is This Is It. I will probably go and see it a few more times, or just buy the DVD when it comes out.

22.Restock my itunes- I now have over 900 songs back in my Itunes. I know I am missing a lot of my favorites, but is is slowly getting back to where it was on my old laptop.

26. Travel to Australia- So I am wanting to go in 2010 during the World Simmental Congress. My family is also going to try to attend, so it would be one of the first family holidays we have had in a really long time. My plan is to go for the Congress and stay for another month or 2.

51.Sell my old car- So the old white car is officially gone. But as much as I miss that car, my new car finally feels like my car.

98.See Ruffles once a month (2/33)- For those of you who do not understand, Ruffles is as close to me as lots of your dogs are to you. She is my baby. I honestly don't think that I have ever loved something as much as her. She has been open for the last year, and despite the lack of feed, it was no question that she would be staying around. My cows would not be as special to me if she was not around. Now that she is at the farm it will be a lot easier to see her each time I'm home.

So as you can see I am making some headway with my tasks. I hope to get a lot further on them in the next few months. Some of them have become unattainable now, and some have changed due to things that come up in life. But I am going to accomplish as many of them as possible, cause that's what you do with goals isn't it?

Monday, November 2, 2009

National Trust #2

I finally got some more pictures from the National Trust sale.
The Transcon Team and Sales CrewSome more of the decorations

I love these street lamps that we were able to use.

Sunday, November 1, 2009

This Is It

So the day finally came that I was able to go and see the Michael Jackson movie This Is It.

Most of you have probably clued in that I am a huge Michael Jackson fan. I know all of this life choices that he made not always have been what we would classify as normal. But in saying that I really don't think that there has been anyone that as left such an impact on the music business, and left us with songs that will always be remembered.

Anyways, back to the movie. I had read reviews that the film was one of the best documentaries to ever have been produced. And it should be. Lucky enough we are able to catch a glimpse into the final days of MJ and the preparations for what was to be one of the biggest concerts of all time.

I was nothing short of astound with the movie. Not only is it a collection of his best and most loved songs, but the production that went into creating this experience is unreal. I don't want to share to much of the movie with you, and would encourage you to go watch it yourself, or rent it when it comes out on DVD.

Below is one of my favorite clips from the movie. Not only does it combine 2 of my favorite songs, but it just goes to show the great lengths MJ and his team went to. They wanted to provide the concert goer with the best experience possible, and I think that they would have. If you look closely, you can even see my good friends cousin dancing. He was selected as one of MJ's 10 dancers for the concert.


The Beauty Lounge

Last week I got a sneak peak at one of the coolest buildings I have ever seen. The Beauty Lounge is a new salon that is opening on Jasper Ave. It is a mix of high end, elegance and sophistication with a creative flare.

I thought I would share a few pictures with you, and hope that you all check it out once it opens.
I love all of the wall paper details.
Again awesome detailsI love the details everywhere. Even the tiles were not over looked!

Thursday, October 29, 2009

National Trust

This past weekend was the 2nd Annual National Trust Sale. It was a great weekend filled with great friends, and Simmental cattle.

This years went excellent averaging just over $6300. There was lots of excitement in the air about one particular bred heifer who ended up bringing $66,000! We consigned one of our donor cows in the sale as well. She sold to Harvie Ranching for $7000.

My mom and I did all of the decorating and set up for the sale. It was lots of work, but everything turned out great. When I get some more pictures I will be sure to post them.