PrairieWifeinHeels.com http://prairiewifeinheels.com Life As It Happens Thu, 04 Feb 2016 19:20:28 +0000 en-US 1.2 http://prairiewifeinheels.com http://prairiewifeinheels.com 1 3 4 1074 1065 12 9 1592 6 11 10 13 1599 1600 1393 1392 1620 1189 91 352 885 1726 1715 416 1353 1581 927 81 95 389 360 1101 474 1109 645 1735 788 1005 1006 1037 1740 289 1536 292 1538 1535 1537 24 440 818 1630 491 173 310 1457 534 551 311 237 386 387 1647 1049 1699 781 1728 86 1262 941 963 1162 550 218 1754 1688 867 923 1159 1385 166 576 325 375 851 76 1797 635 720 423 1067 553 419 1601 593 765 457 569 499 227 51 914 1125 1329 257 712 1541 1543 1328 1327 1161 1325 1326 1095 1175 69 368 862 181 1672 1176 1488 302 433 1703 1165 687 487 1250 779 1118 561 775 664 703 648 798 442 768 105 1502 1192 1288 1786 471 958 473 1193 1300 221 478 330 1729 1039 1075 1126 965 960 1142 1141 1657 356 1024 545 803 309 1234 538 374 373 1001 355 795 1260 1458 792 588 1255 20 757 461 1177 44 1282 1283 1644 43 1291 228 930 246 592 524 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http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ASmithCalf1.jpg 1724 1672 0 0 AsmithCalf2 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-wyoming/asmithcalf2/ Fri, 18 Apr 2014 14:41:33 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/AsmithCalf2.jpg 1725 1672 0 0 ASmithCalfandMama http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-wyoming/asmithcalfandmama/ Fri, 18 Apr 2014 14:41:54 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/ASmithCalfandMama.jpg 1726 1672 0 0 AsmithTwinCalves http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-wyoming/asmithtwincalves/ Fri, 18 Apr 2014 14:41:59 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/AsmithTwinCalves.jpg 1727 1672 0 0 snow http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-wyoming/snow/ Fri, 18 Apr 2014 14:42:10 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/snow.jpg 1728 1672 0 0 heartland http://prairiewifeinheels.com/earth-friendly-fashion/heartland/ Sat, 19 Apr 2014 23:43:16 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/heartland.jpg 1732 1731 0 0 Clean Closet http://prairiewifeinheels.com/time-closet-purge/clean-closet/ Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:46:10 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Clean-Closet.jpg 1737 1736 0 0 Clean Door http://prairiewifeinheels.com/time-closet-purge/clean-door/ Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:46:22 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Clean-Door.jpg 1738 1736 0 0 Messy Closet http://prairiewifeinheels.com/time-closet-purge/messy-closet/ Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:46:30 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Messy-Closet.jpg 1739 1736 0 0 messy door http://prairiewifeinheels.com/time-closet-purge/messy-door/ Sun, 20 Apr 2014 19:46:42 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/messy-door.jpg 1740 1736 0 0 before after Collage 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http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cow-in-garden.jpg 1753 1748 0 0 cows http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-25-2014/cows/ Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:30:48 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/cows.jpg 1754 1748 0 0 horses herding http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-25-2014/herding-horses/ Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:30:51 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/herding-horses.jpg 1755 1748 0 0 dogs http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-25-2014/photo/ Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:31:01 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/photo.jpg 1757 1748 0 0 wagon http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-25-2014/wagon/ Sun, 20 Apr 2014 21:31:06 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/wagon.jpg 1758 1748 0 0 Peter http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-25-2014/peter/ Sun, 20 Apr 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http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Carter.jpg 1824 1820 0 0 01headshot http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/01headshot/ Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:58:46 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/01headshot.jpg 1828 1827 0 0 02fashion http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/02fashion/ Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:58:57 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/02fashion.jpg 1829 1827 0 0 03headwraps http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/03headwraps/ Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:59:09 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/03headwraps.jpg 1830 1827 0 0 04makeup http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/04makeup/ Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:59:20 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/04makeup.jpg 1831 1827 0 0 05apply http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/05apply/ Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:59:27 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/05apply.jpg 1832 1827 0 0 06apply http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/06apply/ Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:59:33 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/06apply.jpg 1833 1827 0 0 07heels http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/07heels/ Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:59:37 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/07heels.jpg 1834 1827 0 0 LindawithTrishMcEvoy http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/08linda/ Wed, 30 Apr 2014 00:59:42 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/08linda.jpg 1835 1827 0 0 TX2StepShoes http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-2-2014/bothshoesedit/ Thu, 01 May 2014 02:42:53 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/04/Bothshoesedit.jpg 1842 1841 0 0 Pirate Ship http://prairiewifeinheels.com/planning-childs-birthday-party/pirate-ship/ Thu, 01 May 2014 16:19:33 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pirate-Ship.jpg 1846 1845 0 0 Pinkalicious http://prairiewifeinheels.com/planning-childs-birthday-party/pinkalicious/ Thu, 01 May 2014 16:19:45 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Pinkalicious.jpg 1847 1845 0 0 03headwrapspw http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-2-2014/03headwrapspw/ Sat, 03 May 2014 15:40:30 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/03headwrapspw.jpg 1865 1841 0 0 Bothshoeseditpw http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-2-2014/bothshoeseditpw/ Sat, 03 May 2014 15:41:27 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Bothshoeseditpw.jpg 1866 1841 0 0 Bull Statue http://prairiewifeinheels.com/texas-spring-unfiltered-beauty/pw01bull/ Sun, 04 May 2014 19:21:32 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pw01bull.jpg 1871 1870 0 0 Redbud Tree 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http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pw06dolphin.jpg 1876 1870 0 0 sunset http://prairiewifeinheels.com/texas-spring-unfiltered-beauty/pw07sunset/ Sun, 04 May 2014 19:22:05 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pw07sunset.jpg 1877 1870 0 0 birds http://prairiewifeinheels.com/texas-spring-unfiltered-beauty/pw08sunset/ Sun, 04 May 2014 19:22:10 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/pw08sunset.jpg 1878 1870 0 0 cropped-shoes-for-spring-header.jpg http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cropped-shoes-for-spring-header-jpg/ Mon, 05 May 2014 15:38:21 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cropped-shoes-for-spring-header.jpg 1884 0 0 0 spring-header_crop.jpg http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-header_crop-jpg/ Mon, 05 May 2014 15:57:44 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/spring-header_crop.jpg 1885 0 0 0 spring-header_crop1.jpg 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2014 20:44:25 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/cropped-spring-2014-un-cropped.jpg 1894 0 0 0 Hay Rage http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hay-rage/hay-rage-2/ Tue, 06 May 2014 23:22:58 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Hay-Rage.jpg 1898 1889 0 0 Every woman for herself http://prairiewifeinheels.com/every-woman-trisha-ashley-giveaway/every-woman-for-herself/ Thu, 08 May 2014 01:44:10 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Every-woman-for-herself.jpg 1908 1904 0 0 stomp MS http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-9-2014/stomp-ms/ Thu, 08 May 2014 03:03:12 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/stomp-MS.jpg 1911 1900 0 0 hope love http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-9-2014/hope-love/ Thu, 08 May 2014 03:03:49 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/hope-love.jpg 1912 1900 0 0 nicole shoe 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http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/SHD-necklace.jpg 1949 1946 0 0 Meatball sub http://prairiewifeinheels.com/quick-easy-meatballs/meatball-sub/ Mon, 12 May 2014 22:50:11 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Meatball-sub.jpg 1953 1952 0 0 Meatballs http://prairiewifeinheels.com/quick-easy-meatballs/meatballs/ Mon, 12 May 2014 22:50:19 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/Meatballs.jpg 1954 1952 0 0 Hermes bracelet http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fashion-bucket-list/attachment/2480150/ Wed, 14 May 2014 01:01:01 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/2480150.jpg 1958 1957 0 0 giveaway locket http://prairiewifeinheels.com/south-hill-designs-giveaway/blessed4r4/ Fri, 16 May 2014 14:03:25 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/05/blessed4r4.jpg 1965 1946 0 0 Hermes Box 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14:19:01 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/pool.jpg 2092 2042 0 0 shopping http://prairiewifeinheels.com/kind-elk-hunting/shopping/ Mon, 02 Jun 2014 14:19:18 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/shopping.jpg 2093 2042 0 0 bright flower http://prairiewifeinheels.com/kind-elk-hunting/flower/ Mon, 02 Jun 2014 15:25:14 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/flower.jpg 2095 2042 0 0 before patio http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-cleaning-garden-part-2/before-patio/ Thu, 05 Jun 2014 17:18:41 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/before-patio.jpg 2106 2105 0 0 before tires http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-cleaning-garden-part-2/before-tires/ Thu, 05 Jun 2014 17:19:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2014/06/before-tires.jpg 2107 2105 0 0 Cowboy C 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3545 0 0 rise and bake http://prairiewifeinheels.com/ham-and-cheese-bundles/rise-and-bake/ Tue, 13 Jan 2015 02:18:45 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/rise-and-bake.jpg 3549 3545 0 0 chalk paint http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-january-16-2015/chalk-paint/ Thu, 15 Jan 2015 23:45:10 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/chalk-paint.jpg 3559 3553 0 0 GIA Bird Cage http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-january-16-2015/gia-bird-cage/ Thu, 15 Jan 2015 23:45:38 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/GIA-Bird-Cage.jpg 3560 3553 0 0 GIA shoe pic http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-january-16-2015/gia-shoe-pic/ Thu, 15 Jan 2015 23:45:44 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/GIA-shoe-pic.jpg 3561 3553 0 0 Girl In Air store 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15 Jan 2015 23:46:50 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/giving-room.jpg 3566 3553 0 0 store http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-january-16-2015/store/ Thu, 15 Jan 2015 23:47:18 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/store.jpg 3567 3553 0 0 baby shower decor http://prairiewifeinheels.com/throwing-a-baby-shower-prairie-wife-style/baby-shower-decor/ Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:44:36 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/baby-shower-decor.jpg 3578 3577 0 0 diapers and food http://prairiewifeinheels.com/throwing-a-baby-shower-prairie-wife-style/diapers-and-food/ Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:44:47 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/wp-content/uploads/2015/01/diapers-and-food.jpg 3579 3577 0 0 life is sweet cookies http://prairiewifeinheels.com/throwing-a-baby-shower-prairie-wife-style/life-is-sweet-cookies/ Mon, 19 Jan 2015 00:45:05 +0000 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Love and loyalty to family and friends, determination to follow your dreams, and a little bit of sass and style is all you need to call yourself a Prairie Wife. Married or not, if you are a woman of grit and grace, PrairieWifeInHeels.com is the place for you.]]> 4 0 0 0 Every woman has a little bit of Prairie Wife in her.

Love and loyalty to family and friends, determination to follow your dreams, and a little bit of sass and style is all you need to call yourself a Prairie Wife. Married or not, if you are a woman of grit and grace, this is the place for you.

[/text][/one_col][/row][row][one_col][separator style= "style-2" color= "#cc6600"][/one_col][/row][row][one_col][recent_posts number= "three"][/one_col][/row][/section]]]> Prairie Wife Style http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-style-2/ Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:48:36 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?page_id=54

Every woman has a little bit of Prairie Wife in her.

Love and loyalty to family and friends, determination to follow your dreams, and a little bit of sass and style is all you need to call yourself a Prairie Wife. Married or not, if you are a woman of grit and grace, PrairieWifeInHeels.com is the place for you. ]]> 54 0 0 0 Gotta Have It http://prairiewifeinheels.com/gotta-have-it-2/ Wed, 29 Jan 2014 15:51:13 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?page_id=56 56 0 0 0 Prairie Wife of the Week http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week/ Tue, 04 Feb 2014 19:07:38 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?page_id=456 456 0 0 0 Contact Us http://prairiewifeinheels.com/contact-us/ Fri, 07 Feb 2014 19:24:15 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?page_id=630 Contact us at the Prairie Wife In Heels. Fill in your information and hit the Submit Button.Read about Prairie Wife in the Media (and contact her in regards to speaking engagements) by clicking this link. We are always happy to hear from our readers. If you have ideas, suggestions, constructive advice, photos to share...please feel free to contact us. We do not guarantee that your contributions will be published, but we will consider articles and any other contributions you may offer. Please E-mail any of the above to us at prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com Contribution Disclaimer [contact-form-7 id="629" title="Contact Us"]

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]]> 630 0 0 0 4 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/site-use/ 0 0 Five Style Resolutions for 2014, Texas Two Steppin' http://prairiewifeinheels.com/five-style-resolutions-2014-texas-two-steppin/ Tue, 01 Jan 2013 21:06:25 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1007
  • You might have missed the news that 2013 was the “Year of the Emerald” according to global color authority Pantone. I pantone color of the yearcould tell right away because usually it is very difficult to find green tops, dresses, shoes and accessories. In 2013 I was able to stock up on my signature color (a symbol of growth, renewal and prosperity) and was more than a little curious to see what 2014 would bring. This year’s hot hue? Radiant Orchid. According to Pantone “An enchanting harmony of fuchsia, purple and pink undertones, Radiant Orchid inspires confidence and emanates great joy, love and health. It is a captivating purple, one that draws you in with its beguiling charm.” So I resolve to purchase a couple orchid items next season and work to incorporate them into my wardrobe. I’ll share the most successful results here and on Pinterest!
  • I recently discovered the best styling product for my thin, color treated, super straight, chin length hair. Now I am on a quest for the ultimate shampoo/conditioner, and if you have any suggestions please send them along to prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com.
  • I have found the perfect line for my aging yet acne-prone skin, but it only works if I use it consistently (DUH!). So I commit to doing all of the cleansing, toning, exfoliating and sunscreening that I should to keep my skin looking great. From researching and writing this blog, I also know I need to make a similar pledge to flossing, and cleaning my makeup brushes.
  • Throughout 2013 I did some type of exercise at least three times a week and changed my carboholic eating habits. I feel so much better that I am going to keep these good habits and try to incorporate some new ideas like Prairie Wife’s daily detox recipe.
  • Finally, I resolve to have at least one style discussion about the site and social media with Prairie Wife in person. It’s hard to believe that this entire endeavor has been done via emails, texts and a few phone calls sandwiched between business meetings and diaper changes. But I wouldn’t trade it for the world, and I hope you are enjoying www.prairiewifeinheels.com as much as me!
    • ]]>     1007 0 0 0     Get Ready in Less Than 5 Minutes http://prairiewifeinheels.com/get-ready-less-5-minutes/ Thu, 10 Oct 2013 20:40:11 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1020 very poopy Cowbaby is in a new diaper and clothes, I have 5 minutes to get myself ready. I of course am in the same dingy sweats and the hooded sweatshirt I have had on for the last two days (I throw them on the second I wake up and/or walk in the door from being out and about). This advice is for what I call around here “A stay at home day.” A day when I don’t have to volunteer or run errands. Those fabulous days when all I have to do is drop off the kids at school and pick them up. I recommend doing a quick sweatshirt and pants check, make sure there is no obvious spit up or dried food. If you do see a large (bigger than a quarter) amount of dried substance on your clothes I recommend changing into a clean (or cleaner) sweatshirt/sweat pants. This also applies for holes larger than a nickel. Trust me, the one day you don’t, will be the day the door to the van sticks and you have to get out in front of everyone. You will need the following supplies...Get ready in less than 5 minutes 1. A baseball hat. A snow hat will work in a pinch but, you really want the face shading a baseball hat provides. 2. Sunglasses. The bigger the better! 3. Lip gloss. I love the eos brand. It works great, lasts forever, smells delicious, and can be bought at most stores. If you have long hair put it in a ponytail and slap that hat on. Swipe on your lip gloss, put on your shades and tell the kids to load up. Make sure you do an official head count, and hit the road. You’ll look like a put together pro, as you kiss your kids goodbye and kick them out in the parking lot]]> 1020 0 0 0 Our Mission Statement http://prairiewifeinheels.com/our-mission-statement/ Tue, 25 Feb 2014 21:53:57 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?page_id=1259 Our mission to you is to live a full life of Grit and Grace.Here is Our Guarantee to You... To offer support to other women (and their families) through humorous, honest and heartfelt blog posts about our experiences. We want to encourage others to lead their lives with grit and grace so they can discover the “Prairie Wife” within. 1. Every woman has a little bit of Prairie Wife in her… Love and loyalty to family and friends, determination to follow your dreams, and a little bit of sass and style is all you need to call yourself a Prairie Wife. Married or not, if you are a woman of grit and grace, this is the place for you. 2. Men are also welcome to enjoy this site, especially if they explore the recipes and cook dinner one night (hint, hint). 3. We promise that we will present our ideas and opinions in a positive light. We teach our kids “If you can’t say anything nice, then don’t say anything at all,” and we think we should try to practice what we preach. 4. We appreciate the fact that you are spending your valuable time exploring our site, and we will try to make you happy you visited. If you are interested in hard-core debates, politics, religion, “hard news,” and avant-garde fashion, this isn’t the place for you. And we’re comfortable with that fact. 5. When we review a product or site, we will tell you how we learned about it and, honestly, what we discovered. If we've been given a product to review (at no cost to us) we will let you know, and we will still give a honest opinion good or bad, to you our readers. 6. We give credit where credit is due, and we expect you to do the same. Feel free to Pin from our site and share links, but let people know it came from us. 7. Comments are moderated, but we want your honest feedback and will post the good, the bad, and the ugly. However, we won’t allow personal attacks or vulgar language, and know you understand. 8. While we review the site and social media daily, Prairie Wives are a busy bunch, so please be patient if it takes us a bit to respond.]]> 1259 0 0 0 8057 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/modcloth-com-layered-looks-fall-2014/ 0 0 25251 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-beauty-must-haves-from-vintage-body-care/ 0 0 Meet the Authors http://prairiewifeinheels.com/meet-authors/ Thu, 10 Apr 2014 20:08:56 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?page_id=1615 Meet the Founder and Authors of Prairie Wife In Heels. Meet the one who started it all... Prairie Wife I'm a city girl gone coPrairie Wife fringe bootiesuntry, all for the love of a cowboy. Join me, a 30 something Wyoming mother of 5, as I try and walk through this prairie life in heels, and try not to step in too many gopher holes along the way! Click this link to find out about Prairie Wife in the Media or to inquire about speaking engagements. Read more about Prairie Wife with Origins of a Prairie Wife: Part 1 And Her Sister... Texas Two Steppin' More than 15 years ago I decideTX shoesd I needed a change, and left the Dairy State for the Lone Star State. I soon met the man of my dreams and gained two amazing stepchildren. Now, the kids are grown and having kids of their own. But, The Texan and I are still two steppin' through life and having a ball! Learn more about Texas Two Steppin' in Take Five With Texas Two Steppin' Make sure you take a moment to read our Mission Statement and Prairie Wife Guarantee to see what we are all about here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com! Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest to get even more great laughs and life tips! Contributors TallGirlJ TallGirlJ  is a Wyoming girl born and raised. She lives on the Prairie with her husband, three children and more than a few chickens, horses, cats, and dogs. She is Prairie Wife's BFF and partner in crime. Read about her journey towards a Yell Free Home.   BonitaBlueEyesBonitaBlueEyes is a spicy Wyoming mama of three. A vegetarian and self proclaimed self help and makeup junkie, she shares her joys and struggles as she tries to keep her life in balance. Read about her Pregnancy Cooking Strike.]]> 1615 0 1 0 25103 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/i-want-to-live/ 0 0 Heritage Makers http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3395 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3395 3395 0 0 0 My Version of Project 333 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3442 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3442 3442 0 0 0 Easy-Cheesy Veggie Soup http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3523 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3523 3523 0 0 0 GroVia Cloth Diapers http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4099 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4099 4099 0 0 0 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4312 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4312 jbjhgjlhg

    jgjlgklhjkh

    ]]>     4312 0 0 0     My New Reality http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4381 Mon, 31 Aug 2015 12:00:53 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4381 The fresh, early summer air with beautiful flowers in bloom around me was a stark contrast to the hovering gloom in my head and heart.  I listened to advice from people who loved me, immersed myself in prayer, family and friends, music, books, exercise, sun and creativity.  (All of my favorite things.)  I also came to the conclusion that resisting any of my negative feelings only prolonged them.  So, I let go.  Shortly after, I came out feeling stronger than I ever have. When it became time to share my new reality with others, fear overtook me. It wasn't that I couldn't handle the opposing opinions of others...I could and have.  Yet, I stood frozen because I was afraid it would be revealed to me that some of the people I loved and admired, people that I counted among my friends, may not have been as loving as I thought they were.  I was filled with apprehension.  I simply couldn't take anymore disillusionment. Despite my hesitation, I forged ahead and began to share my news with those around me.   I am happy to share that "coming out" with this shadow in my life, I have only experienced love and support.  Not just from friends, but from absolutely everyone I've opened up to. What a blessing that I am surrounded by such a strong circle of support. The irony is, I wouldn't have known how truly loved I am if I hadn't been willing to share my struggle.  It made me vulnerable, bearing my soul to others, and it was terrifying.  But now, I feel like I could really live through anything. Thank you so much if you are reading this and leave a positive comment. Thank you if you had a conversation with me and provided the support I needed. My dad wanted to know for his birthday that I was okay. Dad and Vicki, I'm more than okay, and I love and thank you for all that you have done. If you want to hear any more of this story or if you feel that I can help you in your lives by sharing more details, please ask me questions in the comments below. Have you been pleasantly surprised by the reactions of others to something difficult you've shared? Copyright: amoklv / 123RF Stock Photo  ]]> 4381 0 0 0 23237 http://www.PrairieWifeInHeels.com 0 1 When and How To Use Essential Oils http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4500 Sun, 04 Oct 2015 15:00:27 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4500 essential oils. I've used oils to treat postpartum depression, bug spray, and to help sooth and heal all the Cowkids' bumps and bruises ! I just had to share this awesome graphic from the people over at Fix.com. It's an easy way to see how and when you should use certain essential oils. Make sure you Pin it (and follow us on Pinterest) so you can access it quickly and easily! Note: We here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com are not medical professionals. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns. There has also been some recent articles strongly discouraging people from ingesting oils orally. As this graphic says, please DO NOT ingest oils unless you consult your doctor first! Source: Fix.com]]> 4500 0 0 0 23958 0 0 Nerium Review http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4681 Wed, 30 Nov -0001 00:00:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4681 4681 0 0 0 PR NewsWire.com http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pr-newswire-com/ Wed, 16 Dec 2015 20:43:38 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?page_id=4833
    ]]>     4833 0 0 0     Winter 2015 Beauty and Accessory Dos and Don'ts http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4951 Fri, 12 Feb 2016 13:00:22 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4951 hit my closet and come up with some new ways to wear what I already have! Buying some new accessories and trying a few new beauty trends, is an affordable way to jazz up your look and beat the winter blues. Check out our picks for winter 2015 Beauty and Accessory Dos and Don'ts. As always, just click the pic to purchase the products. Let us know in the comments what you think about our picks and follow us on Pinterest for more great beauty and fashion inspiration! deep red lipstickDark Lips Texas Two Steppin': I think either the Marsala "Color of the Year" hype or all of the 30-something women being nostalgic for their high school days, are driving this trend. Every magazine I've seen as well as Sephora is full of models showcasing the "grunge lip." Believe it or not, I am actually excited about trying it this holiday season, especially since beauty products and my application techniques have improved since the '90s. DO give it a try and let us know what you think! Prairie Wife: I think you all know how I feel about this...DO! Rocker yet chic, a dark black cherry or deep wine lip looks cool with jeans and t-shirt as well as sexy and sophisticated with a little black dress for date night! ugg boots"Ugg" Boots Texas Two Steppin': I don't plan to critique all the footwear the Australian brand Ugg produces with this entry. In fact, in an act of sisterly love, PW gave me a pair of totally amazing black leather, heeled boots by Ugg from several seasons past when she saw I had pinned them to our Shoe Love board on Pinterest (thanks for your great taste, unbelievable generosity and skinny feet, PW!). No, I am talking about those soft, shapeless slip-on boots that keep appearing in stores winter after winter. They look great on my granddaughters (I bought each a pair in leopard) who are all under the age of four, and I think tweens/teens can rock them with the right styling, but they DON'T belong on the feet of a grown woman unless they are doing chores or using them as slippers. I know they are "comfy," but really, they are just Uggly and I can't wait for this trend to go. Prairie Wife: I love you sis but I strongly disagree with you on this one! Perhaps it's because she lives in Texas where it is currently 50 degrees and I live in Wyoming where it is now 15 degrees with a steady 30mph wind...I feel like TexasTwoSteppin' can't really appreciate the practicality of Ugg boots for the modern Prairie Wife. I love my "Ugg" boots (I actually wear Rocket Dog ones because I like the shape and cost better) because I can throw them on with sweats OR jeans and stay warm, dry and comfy. I can put them on with my sweats and hoodie and head into town to take kids to school or pick them up and know that if I have to get out of the car I will still look somewhat put together. I agree they aren't the most stylish footwear but, for practicality and overall look "Ugg" boots are a DO for me! top knotThe Top Knot Prairie Wife: I look at this hairstyle as the sophisticated and slightly cooler older sister to the "messy mom bun" so of course it's a DO for me. The difference between this look and a messy mom bun is location, location, location. A top knot belongs on the top of your head (obviously) right in the middle, not too far to the front or the back. Use some dry shampoo to give it a little texture and volume and you're ready to hit Target with the perfect "I didn't have to work hard at all to look this cool" vibe. gray oxfordsOxfords Prairie Wife: I love this look and for me it's a total DO. Last fall I found the perfect pair of oxblood oxfords (say that three times fast) and I wear them all the time. My favorite way to rock this look is with boyfriend jeans or straight leg jeans rolled up to just above the ankle bone (no socks please). Then I pair it with a slouchy t-shirt tucked in just a bit, or a cozy over sized sweater. It's comfy but has just the right boho chic look to make me seem put together. If you're more of a hipster type they look great with short skirts (knee high or shorter) and ankle socks or thick tights. For bucket bagmore ways to wear these stop by my Prairie Wife Style Board on Pinterest. Bucket Bags Prairie Wife: Ummm I sway back and forth on this one, but in general for me this is a DON'T. I've seen a few that are larger and made of a softer leather that appeal to me more than the stiff and structured bucket bags that are currently all the rage. I just don't like the shape of these, and they seem to be a bit lacking in practicality for this mom of five. I prefer purses that are longer than they are deep, and it's hard enough for me to rummage around for a diaper or pen in those! These deep bucket bags just look like a way to waste even more time digging around for things than I already do!  ]]> 4951 0 0 0 Prairie Wife in the Media http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-in-the-media/ Mon, 01 Feb 2016 02:08:21 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?page_id=5007 Not only is Prairie Wife a blogger but, she's also available for public speaking engagements! Parenting, blogging, organizing your life, finding your personal style, writing tips, living a life of grit and grace. You pick a topic, and she can share her experiences and educate others with the informative, yet light heartened vibe you've come to love through reading her posts on PrairieWifeInHeels.com. The following audience comments are from a recent engagement... "Wow! Very practical and informative." "Excellent presentation, she was a great speaker, and I really liked that she had a handout!" "Wonderful, her advice was applicable to ALL ages!" "Great speaker, I related to a lot of what she said because I have young kids too." "Great information and lots of ideas." PrairieWifeInHeels.com has also been featured in the Casper Star Tribune and Natrona County Magazine and Prairie Wife has been a guest blogger on a variety of other websites. Here are some videos of Prairie Wife in the media... Please direct any inquiries to her through her email prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com  ]]> 5007 0 0 0 You and Your Junk Drawer http://prairiewifeinheels.com/you-and-your-junk-drawer/ Thu, 24 Oct 2013 14:13:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=264 Everyone has one, that dirty little secret that no one but their family and closest friends know about…the junk drawer. Even Martha Stewart has one! I know this because she was actually my inspiration for this Homestead project.It started when I was watching some daytime television, while holding my newborn son Cowboy J (so this was 7 years ago). They were doing a tour of Martha’s house and they asked her to show them her junk drawer. It was impeccable! The pens were neatly organized by type and color, the rubber bands, paper clips, and tacks were in labeled boxes, and there was not a single instruction manual for appliances. It just showed that Martha Stewart is truly the master of organization. Her junk drawer was better organized than my silverware drawer! I remember thinking to myself, “As soon as I get the hang of this mom thing I am doing that with mine!” (Are you done laughing yet?) So, as you may have noticed more than half a decade has passed. I have had 3 more children, and moved to the Prairie Homestead. But, one thing has remained the same through all those years; my junk drawer can still not be opened without a fight, I have to pull out at least 3 screwdrivers before I get the one I want, and I have never once looked at the appliance instruction manuals.
    Picture
    It all came to a head last month. Ma and Pa flew out to visit the Cowkids (notice I didn’t say me) and I took advantage of the situation. Two full time babysitters for 10 days, oh the possibilities were endless! I redid the laundry room and Cowgirl G’s bathroom. Through the course of these remodeling projects, I found myself going to the junk drawer more frequently than usual…and my frustration increased more, and more, each time. Finally, I put my mind to it; I was going to have a Martha Stewart junk drawer, now! I fed the Cowbaby, and headed to the store (Target of course) to get my supplies. Below is your supply list and instructions. Trust me, the sense of pride you will have when it is finally done, is like nothing you have ever experienced! Your drawer will be so clean and organized, it will practically sparkle.
    Picture
    Supplies1 plastic silverware drawer organizer (make sure you measure your drawer first so you get the right size) 1 Trash Can 1. Dump the whole drawer out onto the counter or floor. Stare in amazement at all the stuff you never knew was in there. Four tape measures, 25 lighters (and we don’t even smoke), six rolls of tape?! 2. Throw away (or donate) anything you haven’t used in a year or more. Keep warranty information (not the empty card you never filled out, or sent in) if you have it but, toss the rest of those manuals. Everything you might need to know about your appliances, is on the internet now, just go to the brand homepage. 3. Put all of the stuff that belongs to your husband in the garage or shop, it’s his problem now! 4. Do you really need 50 rubber bands? 20 paper clips? Just keep five of each. 5. Vacuum out all the dust and crumbs (how do crumbs get in there?) and place your silverware tray in the drawer. 6. Sort and organize away! When you look at mine you can see I sorted by type (phillips vs. flathead screwdrivers) and who uses it. I put the stuff the kids always need in the front. 7. Close the drawer, and open it. Now, do it five more times, isn’t it amazing? There is nothing you have to push down or pull out! Stand and stare at it for a while. Isn’t being like Martha great?!
    ]]>     264 0 0 0 Everyone has one, that dirty little secret that no one but their family and closest friends know about…the junk drawer. Even Martha Stewart has one! I know this because she was actually my inspiration for this Homestead project. It started when I was watching some daytime television, while holding my newborn son Cowboy J (so this was 7 years ago). They were doing a tour of Martha’s house and they asked her to show them her junk drawer. It was impeccable! The pens were neatly organized by type and color, the rubber bands, paper clips, and tacks were in labeled boxes, and there was not a single instruction manual for appliances. It just showed that Martha Stewart is truly the master of organization. Her junk drawer was better organized than my silverware drawer! I remember thinking to myself, “As soon as I get the hang of this mom thing I am doing that with mine!” (Are you done laughing yet?) So, as you may have noticed more than half a decade has passed. I have had 3 more children, and moved to the Prairie Homestead. But, one thing has remained the same through all those years; my junk drawer can still not be opened without a fight, I have to pull out at least 3 screwdrivers before I get the one I want, and I have never once looked at the appliance instruction manuals.
    Picture
    It all came to a head last month. Ma and Pa flew out to visit the Cowkids (notice I didn’t say me) and I took advantage of the situation. Two full time babysitters for 10 days, oh the possibilities were endless! I redid the laundry room and Cowgirl G’s bathroom. Through the course of these remodeling projects, I found myself going to the junk drawer more frequently than usual…and my frustration increased more, and more, each time. Finally, I put my mind to it; I was going to have a Martha Stewart junk drawer, now! I fed the Cowbaby, and headed to the store (Target of course) to get my supplies. Below is your supply list and instructions. Trust me, the sense of pride you will have when it is finally done, is like nothing you have ever experienced! Your drawer will be so clean and organized, it will practically sparkle.
    Picture
    Supplies 1 plastic silverware drawer organizer (make sure you measure your drawer first so you get the right size) 1 Trash Can 1. Dump the whole drawer out onto the counter or floor. Stare in amazement at all the stuff you never knew was in there. Four tape measures, 25 lighters (and we don’t even smoke), six rolls of tape?! 2. Throw away (or donate) anything you haven’t used in a year or more. Keep warranty information (not the empty card you never filled out, or sent in) if you have it but, toss the rest of those manuals. Everything you might need to know about your appliances, is on the internet now, just go to the brand homepage. 3. Put all of the stuff that belongs to your husband in the garage or shop, it’s his problem now! 4. Do you really need 50 rubber bands? 20 paper clips? Just keep five of each. 5. Vacuum out all the dust and crumbs (how do crumbs get in there?) and place your silverware tray in the drawer. 6. Sort and organize away! When you look at mine you can see I sorted by type (phillips vs. flathead screwdrivers) and who uses it. I put the stuff the kids always need in the front. 7. Close the drawer, and open it. Now, do it five more times, isn’t it amazing? There is nothing you have to push down or pull out! Stand and stare at it for a while. Isn’t being like Martha great?!
    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         Hat and Scarf Organization http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hat-and-scarf-organization/ Fri, 18 Oct 2013 21:21:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=266 If your husband is like The Cowboy he has a baseball hat collection that numbers well into the hundreds (that might be a slight exaggeration). Add two little boys who are starting their own baseball hat collection and you can imagine what my house looks like. There isn’t a flat surface that doesn’t have a hat, or three, resting on it. I do admit to having a small scarf collecting issue of my own…but they really are necessary in Wyoming!One day, I got sick and tired of digging through a basket to try and find the scarf I needed yet again. As if this wasn’t stressful enough, Cowboy W (2 years old at the time) tugged on my shirt, crying hysterically for his lion hat. I knew something had to change! Since we were headed out anyway, I made a mental note to browse the home aisle at the store to come up with a solution. Less than $30 later I was all set to go home and put together my new area for hats and scarves. Take a look at the picture first, and then follow along as I explain what I used and how I did it.
    Picture
    Materials1 set of hooks (mine has 6) that hangs over the top off the door 4 damage free hooks (the ones that stick to anything and then you can pull them off, I used the Command Brand) 2 light weight wire baskets (I used paper storage ones) 1. Place your hanging hooks over the top of the door and place your scarves on them. 2. Hold the first basket up to the door and mark where you need your hooks to be with a pencil. Make sure your scarves are not pooling up in the basket, it needs to be somewhat near the middle of the door. 3. Following the directions in the package place your damage free hooks on the marked spots. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for your second basket. 5. Put your hats in the basket. I used the lower basket for the kids’ hats so that they could reach them without my help. 6. Close the door and pat yourself on the back for getting the job done. 7. Spend two weeks training the Cowboys (big and little) to put their hats away…and look for them in the basket before they ask you where they are.
    ]]>     266 0 0 0 If your husband is like The Cowboy he has a baseball hat collection that numbers well into the hundreds (that might be a slight exaggeration). Add two little boys who are starting their own baseball hat collection and you can imagine what my house looks like. There isn’t a flat surface that doesn’t have a hat, or three, resting on it. I do admit to having a small scarf collecting issue of my own…but they really are necessary in Wyoming! One day, I got sick and tired of digging through a basket to try and find the scarf I needed yet again. As if this wasn’t stressful enough, Cowboy W (2 years old at the time) tugged on my shirt, crying hysterically for his lion hat. I knew something had to change! Since we were headed out anyway, I made a mental note to browse the home aisle at the store to come up with a solution. Less than $30 later I was all set to go home and put together my new area for hats and scarves. Take a look at the picture first, and then follow along as I explain what I used and how I did it.
    Picture
    Materials 1 set of hooks (mine has 6) that hangs over the top off the door 4 damage free hooks (the ones that stick to anything and then you can pull them off, I used the Command Brand) 2 light weight wire baskets (I used paper storage ones) 1. Place your hanging hooks over the top of the door and place your scarves on them. 2. Hold the first basket up to the door and mark where you need your hooks to be with a pencil. Make sure your scarves are not pooling up in the basket, it needs to be somewhat near the middle of the door. 3. Following the directions in the package place your damage free hooks on the marked spots. 4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 for your second basket. 5. Put your hats in the basket. I used the lower basket for the kids’ hats so that they could reach them without my help. 6. Close the door and pat yourself on the back for getting the job done. 7. Spend two weeks training the Cowboys (big and little) to put their hats away…and look for them in the basket before they ask you where they are.
    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         Origins of a Prairie Wife Part 1 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/origins-of-a-prairie-wife-part-1/ Tue, 22 Oct 2013 18:59:45 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=843 It all started a long time ago, back in the late 1900’s, before this Prairie Wife had even thought about wearing heels. Ma, Pa, Big Brother B, and I were all that was left living in the City Home. My older sister, Texas Two Steppin’, and my Big Brother T were already grown and out of the house. I had just entered my troublesome teenage years. It was a summer like most others; the weather was hot and humid, and the sun shone bright. The only excitement was Pa’s family reunion. It was to be an epic journey across the United States that ended (we hoped) in Cody, Wyoming. When the departure day arrived, we loaded up our Astro Minivan and headed west across the Mississippi. Frankly, I don’t remember much about the first part of the drive. I don’t recall it being overly boring (and this was before the time of DVD players). Big Brother B and I had brought our Walkmans (for those of you that are too young to know, this is how we listened to music before ipods), and I recall listening to Nirvana as we drove across the South Dakota border. This is where my memories take off. I was currently on a big Kevin Costner kick. I can still quote almost the entire movie Dances with Wolves by heart. Suddenly, as I looked out the window, I saw the vast grasslands that were filmed in the movie. I had never seen so much sky! The shades of brown and green were so beautiful. I was captivated! As we continued our drive we entered into the state of Wyoming. At first it was more of the same. Soon, the grasslands gave way to rolling prairie hills and finally, in the distance, I saw mountains. I had never seen mountains before in my life. I saw beautiful shades of blue that slowly turned into deep greens and browns the closer we drove to them. A few hours later we began to climb up over the Big Horn Mountains. I was somewhat distracted by Ma’s reaction to the steep and curving mountain roads. I had never seen her so pale and nervous! If I didn’t know any better, I could have sworn I saw a mischievous glint in Pa’s eyes, as he took more than a few corners at high speeds. I was soon drawn back to the scenery out the window. Rusty red rock walls lined one side of the road, while steep grassy hills covered in yellow, white, purple, and crystal blue wild flowers sloped down on the other. When we finally arrived in Cody, I was so excited! The week that followed was full of fresh air and Wyoming winds. My cousins and I ran through the prairie surrounding our hotel and spent hours looking at the stars at night. We saw a wolf cross the road in Yellowstone, and I went on my first horseback ride. It was an old horse who simply put his head down and followed his friends, but I felt like such an adventurer. I listened raptly to my Uncle John as he showed me how to hold the worn leather reins. I envisioned cowboys and Indians around every curve. Even the massive Wyoming thunderstorm that came rolling in brought me joy rather than terror. Watching the large black thundercloud descend upon us in mere minutes was thrilling. I had never felt wind so strong in my life, and as the cold raindrops soaked me I knew I had never felt more alive. As all good things come to an end, so did our vacation. Hugs and kisses were given and we headed back to The City. I stayed awake long after dark, gazing out the windows. I stared at the rolling blackness of the western prairie, and knew a part of me had been left behind. When Ma and Pa asked me what my favorite part of the trip was, I responded, “Wyoming! I’m going to live there someday!” Ma and Pa laughed and shook their heads. The story continues in Origins of a Prairie Wife: Part 2]]> 843 0 0 0 15422 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-2015-february-flashback-grandma-catherine/ 0 0 18295 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-february-28-2014/ 0 0 24566 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-cheese-fairy-giveaway/ 0 0 Origins of a Prairie Wife Part 2 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/origins-prairie-wife-part-2/ Fri, 25 Oct 2013 19:15:55 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=846 Origins of PW part 2 It was the time of year that most high school seniors dread, college applications were due. My friends were suddenly unavailable on weekends; they were all sitting at home with stacks of paperwork to fill out. Their parents looked nervously over their shoulders, pacing as their children mailed off their futures with a 30 dollar check. Ma and Pa should have felt blessed that I didn’t face these same horrors. I already knew where I was going, the University of Wyoming (though I hadn’t officially been accepted yet). My application had been mailed off months earlier. Instead of relaxing with me, I could tell they were getting more and more tense every day. Finally, Pa approached me. It turns out they felt I was a little over confident, and that I should apply to more than one college. I personally didn’t feel the need; after all, Wyoming was the only place I wanted to go. After several conversations that became more and more forceful, I relented, and applied to two colleges in Colorado. Much to their relief I was accepted to all of them, I can’t believe they doubted me! I of course picked the University of Wyoming. I was only 17 when I headed out for college, so Pa needed to come with me, to open a bank account and sign some paperwork. We booked two tickets to Denver. I packed my stuff and in the fall we went west. We drove from Denver to Laramie and I fell in love with Wyoming all over again. Golden Sunflowers covered the sides of the road and antelope were everywhere (I had thought they were only in Africa). I was confused by the large wooden fences that were everywhere, yet seemed to keep nothing contained. I would later learn that they were snow fences, and prevented snow from drifting into the roads. Pa pulled into Laramie, Wyoming and I knew I had made the right choice. Tall trees lined the streets, and the peaks of the Snowy Range were visible in the distance. The campus was even more beautiful than in the brochures. Pa and I headed to the dorms and I found my room, the top floor of the tallest building in Wyoming (12floors)! As he and I unpacked I leaned out the window to look at the view. I saw movement in the room next door and promptly introduced myself. After all, I didn’t know anyone; I knew I needed to make some friends fast. When my room was unpacked and all the paperwork was signed I walked Pa down to the rental car. Due to work he was only able to spend the one day in Laramie. He had to drive back to Denver to catch a flight early the next morning. I gave him a hug and kiss, and headed back to my room to make some more friends. Pa still talks about how my ponytail bounced in the breeze as I walked away, without a backward glance. Little did he know it took everything I had, to keep my head up and shoulders back, just like he had taught me, and walk into the next step of my life. Read more of the story in Origins of a Prairie Wife: Part 3]]> 846 0 0 0 Origins of a Prairie Wife Part 3 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/origins-prairie-wife-part-3/ Sat, 12 Oct 2013 16:00:48 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=917 origins of a prairie wife part 3

    I loved college. My experiences at the University of Wyoming were probably pretty typical. I enjoyed school and had a good group of friends to spend time with. That girl I met as I leaned out my window, she became one of my closet friends (CollegeBFF). I of course had my fare share of broken hearts, and all nighters, and probably more than my share of tragedy …but that’s all part of growing up and learning about life on your own. My sophomore year at UW, CollegeBFF and I moved into an apartment together, where we would live for the next two years.  I took a job working 60 hours a week, graveyard shift, at a gas station across the street from our apartment. I also had a full class load of 21 credit hours…I would go days without sleeping, and barely changed out of my Wyoming sweats and hoodies. I know now I was simply practicing for motherhood! Despite my full work and school load, I made it to almost all of my classes, and nearly pulled off a 4.0. I recall an incident during a class I shared with CollegeBFF. I was sitting there minding my own business listening to the professor lecture about Native Americans when she poked me in the side. “Hey, you keep falling asleep, you better stop!” I looked at her indigently, “I am not!” She calmly pointed to my notebook where she had written several times, YOU ARE ASLEEP. I guess I should have had an extra Diet Pepsi that morning. Towards the end of my sophomore year I met a fun group of cowboys. They were innocent enough, always ready for a good time and a good drink. It was the easy kind of fun where no one had to be worried about getting hurt (too badly) and you knew you were safe. Because I was still 19, I never drank (really I didn’t drink until I was 21, you can ask College BFF) and I just went along for the ride. Summer was soon upon us, and I stayed in Laramie to work and make some money so that I could hopefully purchase a car in the future. I had received a full ride scholarship (see hard work does pay off) but I still needed to work for living expenses. Summer in Laramie is beautiful, but almost half the population leaves for places unknown, so it can be a little quiet. My cowboy buddies kept on talking about “Frontier Days” and how it was the best thing about staying in Wyoming for the summer. Apparently it was the world’s largest outdoor rodeo “The Daddy of Them All” and it offered concerts, a daily rodeo, a carnival, and a beer tent with dancing and of course…beer. I was game; I hadn’t been to a rodeo since Cody, and it sounded like a good time. I took some of my hard earned cash and bought my first pair of Wranglers (skin tight of course) and a cowboy hat. Keep in mind I also had one of the most unfortunate haircuts ever, it is best described as a bowl cut. We headed over the summit to Cheyenne, Wyoming. It seemed like a metropolis compared to Laramie (a population of almost 50,000 to Laramie’s 25,000) which is ironic considering I grew up in a town of over half a million people. I couldn’t even tell you the concert we went to, but I can tell you it was full of drunken cowboys! My buddies met up with people they knew from all over the state, and I spent hours dancing and singing along with the group. After the concert it was time to head to the beer tent. I won’t bore you with the details of how a 19 year old girl, who actually looked like an 11 year old boy (remember the haircut?) got in, but I managed. There was more beer and whisky and even more cowboys. We met up with a particularly intoxicated friend of theirs who was more Origins of a Prairie Wife Part 3 The cowboythan happy to dance with me. Apparently he worked road construction, and it was his first weekend off in over 6 weeks. He wore a hideous neon orange Hawaiian shirt, his green eyes sparkled, and everyone there seemed to know him. We ended up piling him into the truck with us, and heading out to the local bar in town. I hopped the fence at the bar and met up with the guys, and we stayed until closing time. Before we headed back to Laramie we had to take our green eyed friend back home. I sat in the middle of my buddy and his friend, singing along with the radio, thinking how truly fun my life was. We pulled up to a small house; once we determined it was indeed where his grandma lived, I gave him a hug and opened up his door. The green eyed cowboy looked at me as he stumbled out of the truck and simply said, “I could marry a girl like you.” Read more of the story in Origins of a Prairie Wife: Part 4  ]]>     917 0 0 0 1381 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/whatcha-gonna-buy-your-cowboy/ 0 0 4074 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-august-29-2014/ 0 0     Origins of a Prairie Wife Part 4 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/origins-prairie-wife-part-4/ Sat, 02 Nov 2013 16:08:11 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=920 not have been cool. We decided to skip the concert and head right to the beer tent. My girlfriends and I immediately hit the dance floor. As we danced, I was of course scanning the tent looking for the green eyed cowboy…Suddenly I saw him. Calmly standing off to the side, drinking a Mountain Dew, and staring right at us! It was all the invitation I needed. I ran over to him and gave him a big hug and hauled him onto the dance floor. Now, because you are hearing this story many years later, you get a little inside knowledge that I didn’t have at the time. I truly didn’t find out this little tidbit until several years later. It turns out the reason he was standing off to the side and watching us, is that he wasn’t sure which girl was the one he had met the night before (I don’t think I need to explain why his memory was a little foggy). The night went on and we all decided to head into town for some food from a local 24 hour restaurant. In the course of the evening The Cowboy asked me if I wanted to go to an Aerosmith concert in two days. I was SO excited and of course I answered yes. I also need to add, at the insistence of The Cowboy, that he took for a ride on a Harley that night as well. Apparently this makes him super cool! Monday rolled around, and The Cowboy stopped by my place in Laramie to pick me up. CollegeBFF was there and to say she wasn’t too thrilled with him would be an understatement. I was dressed as any 19 year old girl would for an Aerosmith concert; booty shorts and a tight tank top. We headed over the summit to pick up The Cowboy’s buddies in Cheyenne. As we entered town he said, “We need to stop at my Grandma’s house first. She needs to meet you, and if she doesn’t like you I’ll take you back to Laramie.” I panicked; I already told you what my outfit looked like, slutty! If I had known we were meeting GRANDMA (and yes it needs to be in all capitols) I would have put on a sweatshirt and jeans and changed once we got to Denver. I frantically looked around the car for a sweatshirt I could borrow, nothing! I had never seen a car kept so clean. We pulled up to hisAerosmith Concert Tickets Grandma’s house and I took a deep breath, ready to meet my fate. We walked in the door and I put on my sweetest smile and pretended that I was dressed modestly and appropriately. She was amazingly kind, and so were his sister and brother-in-law, who also went to the concert (surprise). Apparently I met with approval because we then headed to Denver for our big night out. The concert was great and an amazing time was had by all. Before The Cowboy could drop me off in Laramie we had to stop and trade cars in Cheyenne. His friend “Little Buddy” was driving us out to The Cowboys truck (a semi truck) when his attention was captured by a massive puddle. This is very unusual in Wyoming, and he decided it would be a good idea to drive his two door Subaru hatchback, through it. The Cowboy tried to convince him not to do it, but to no avail. Little Buddy drove at top speed right for the puddle. We made it about 30 feet before the car gurgled to a stop and promptly sunk. Water came pouring into the car up to the seats and The Cowboy’s face was filled with a rage I have only seen twice since. Little Buddy bailed out of the car and started running the 2 miles to his parents place to get a truck and tow rope. I will never forget, standing dripping wet at 2am, shivering and watching them dive under the car to try and hook up the rope. There were a few more mishaps but we eventually got the car out. It wouldn’t start then, but after it dried out it worked just fine, those Subaru’s are tough. The Cowboy and I finally made it to the Peterbilt, where I changed into and old t-shirt and shorts of his. Where were they when I was about to meet Grandma?! We headed down the road to Laramie. I was exhausted and a little tense and The Cowboy’s blood pressure was still elevated from Little Buddies contribution to the evening. All in all it wasn’t that bad of a night, but I couldn’t’ help but wonder if I would ever hear from him again. Read more of the story in Origins of a Prairie Wife: Part 5]]> 920 0 0 0 9780 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-november-21-2014/ 0 0 We Must Have Done Something Right http://prairiewifeinheels.com/must-done-something-right/ Sat, 19 Oct 2013 18:38:17 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=981 Friend: “I only want one handsome husband!” Cowgirl G: Covering mouth and giggling (I really only thought that stuff was staged for TV commercials) Friend: Covering her mouth and giggling My neighbor and I shot each other another look that said “O.K. this could be worse but, it could be a lot better too.” Neighbor: “What else do you girls think a husband should be like?” Prairie Wife: “Yeah, Cowgirl G we have talked about this before.” Please show what a responsible, loving, and good mother I am… Cowgirl G: Gets up and literally dances over to us. Stands with her hip jutted out and taps the side of her face. “Well he needs to take care of you…and work…so you have money!” Apparently she truly sees the benefit of the stay-at-home mom gig I have landed! Friend: Hops away from the table and stands in a similar thoughtful pose. “And be nice and take care of the babies.” Neighbor: “What about being your friend, that’s important!” Cowgirl G: “Yeah you have to have fun together!” As if on cue both the little girls head back to the table and get on with their coloring. I hear one last remark to her friend from Cowgirl G. Cowgirl G: “You know, Cowboy J would make a really good husband.” Way to go Cowgirl G, nice job putting a plug in for your big brother! My neighbor and I laughed and mentally high fived each other (we couldn’t do a real one because of the cranky Cowbaby) on a job well done raising our girls. The more I think about it the more I feel that perhaps I should be having this discussion a little more often with Cowgirl G, and her brothers too. The girls came up with some great ideas, things that I certainly value in my marriage. But, a lot was left unsaid. My neighbor brought up the point of how your husband treats his family, specifically his mother. Wow, that’s a great one! How about the ability to be your strength when you are weak? I also value a husband who can cook and clean, and do a load of laundry when needed! What are your ideas, what do you hope your daughter looks for in her future spouse? What positive traits do you hope your sons will have as men?    ]]> 981 0 0 0 Packing Your Hospital and Diaper Bag http://prairiewifeinheels.com/packing-your-hospital-and-diaper-bag/ Sun, 20 Oct 2013 18:55:56 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=986 really felt they needed to survive, I decided to type a list up. It has been so rewarding for me to hear how helpful the list was for them, some have even gone on to share it with other new moms. I couldn’t be happier; there is nothing I love more than helping new moms! Now, the full the list goes on for several pages so, for the sake of this blog, I decided to break it up into several posts. I put in parentheses what brands I use and love, but as we all know, that is a personal thing. Below is a list of what I bring to the hospital (keep in mind I have done this 4 times) and what I keep in my diaper bag at all times. If you are choosing not to nurse you can of course leave those things out (and add bottles and those awesome formula containers to the list)! Also, as one of my friends found out, if you end up having a C-section some things, like tucks, won’t be needed. Hospital Bag Camera and extra batteries Baby name book (we don’t name our babies until after we meet them) 3 Pairs of black underwear (I feel so much better wearing mine) Cute sweats, t-shirt, and flip flops to wear home (I like to buy new ones, it makes me feel better) Nursing Bra (I bring one of the nighttime/sleeping ones)Hospital Bag Nursing pads (you probably won’t need more than 6) Lanolin cream for your nipples (lansinoh brand) Your brand of period pads (small pack) Tucks travel hemorrhoid pads Shower stuff, ponytail holders, lotion etc. (go ahead and bring makeup but I never use it) Phone charger Cute baby blanket for pics 1 onesie and jammies A going home outfit for the baby *Ask the nurse for an extra water spray bottle to take home-just trust me **Take home all the diapers you didn’t use-you paid for them! ***My hospital bag was a gift from my mother-in-law before I had my first baby, Cowboy J. I love that I have used it for each of my babies; it’s such a special item for me! Diaper Bag (I always keep these things in mine, just don’t forget to bring it to the hospital)Diaper Bag Gallon zip lock bag with 2 grocery bags (to place dirty clothes in), 2 onesies, 1 pair jammies, and 2 pairs of socks in it (your child will either barf on or poop through their clothes at least once) 6 diapers (Luvs or Huggies) Small plastic wet wipe container (with wipes, Huggies Natural Care) 1 diaper rag (these are the cloth diapers you can buy in a pack, I use these to clean up any messes on the baby or me) 1 thin cover up blanket Zipper bag with baby Tylenol, gas drops, 4 nursing pads, 4 period pads, lanolin cream, diaper cream (desitin), baby finger nail clippers, a few bandaids, and antibacterial hand wash 2 baby toys 2 pacifiers (if your baby takes them, NUK) (I keep my wallet and phone in it as well) *I use a regular purse for my diaper bag, they make so many super cute ones that are huge! ** I love the brand Petunia Pickle Bottom for diaper bags. They can be pricey directly from the website but, I found mine at TJMaxx and Nordstrom Rack. If there are any items that you have questions about, or things you think I left out, let me know in the comments section!  ]]> 986 0 0 0 30 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/baby-brain-attacks/ 0 0 How To Help a New Mom http://prairiewifeinheels.com/help-new-mom/ Mon, 28 Oct 2013 19:04:08 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=993 t will seal the deal on your “friend of the year” Prairie Wife Badge. 1. Call and schedule the visit a few days ahead of time, and then call or text at least two hours before to make sure that she is still up for a visit. The new baby might have been up all night, or her mother in law may have popped by for an unscheduled stay. Make sure that your visit is truly wanted before you come. 2. Bring food. If you are coming any time near meal time, let her know that you will be bringing food for her. Sometimes the thought of making a sandwich for yourself is overwhelming for a new mom, not to mention a meal for a friend. If you plan on leaving before meal time let her know. If she has a husband and kids make sure there is enough for the whole family. (Make sure you ask if she has any dietary restrictions, nursing moms usually stay away from dairy and onions) If you are stopping by and it’s not near meal time, bring something she can eat later or freeze for another day. Again, make enough for the whole family. Put it in a container you never want to see again, and let her know that it’s hers forever. The last thing she needs is to try and remember to wash and return a dish. If you aren’t into cooking get her a nice card with a gift certificate in it. Pizza Hut and Papa Murphy’s are great. If it is for a restaurant, make sure it is one that has carry-out. The thought of trying to go out with a newborn would reduce most new mothers to tears. 3. Don’t look too cute. Chances are the new mom probably isn’t looking her best. There is a devastating combination of hormones, baby spit-up, and sleep deprivation that tends to suck all the beauty and style, from even the most put-together women. You don’t have to show up in your sweats and baseball hat (though that would make me feel better) but coming over looking like a fashion spread from Vogue isn’t very nice! 4. You’re going to offer advice, especially if you’ve had a few babies of your own. That’s great, just try and keep it to a minimum. And end it with, “That’s what worked for me, you need to pick what works for your family.” 5. Offer to hold the baby, and make it clear that she can feel free to do whatever she needs to, while you get your baby fix. I love it when people come by and hold the baby so I can chat and get caught up on putting laundry away, doing dishes, and going through two weeks of mail. 6. If you are super close friends you can offer to help clean up the house or hold the baby while your friend naps or takes a shower. Be careful with this offer because some women may see it as an insult…”What do you mean , I spent 30 minutes cleaning up before you came?!” or “Do I look like I need a shower, what are you saying? Do I stink?!” You can see how this can be dangerous territory with a hormonal woman. 7. Keep it short. Never stay longer than two hours. With a new baby the opportunities for a mom to rest are few and far between. Please don’t stay all day, and take that away from her! 8. There are lots of other ways to help other than stopping by the house. Texting your friend while you are already at the store to see if she needs anything is a great idea. You can let her know you’ll put it on her front porch as you drive past (don’t ring the doorbell or go in the house). One of my neighbors offered to take the kids into school for me one day a week for the first few months after Cowbaby was born. Her generosity literally brought me to tears, and it was one of the nicest things anyone has ever done for me, seriously! Some of my girlfriends would also pick up the Cowkids for me and keep them at their house for a few hours and return them later in the evening. I also had a girlfriend that would pick the kids up and come out to the house for a low key play date. Grownup company when you’ve been with a cranky baby all day, is sometimes the best balm for your soul! Sometimes sending your friend a quick text to let them know you are thinking of them, and an offer to help, is all a new mom needs to make it through a rough day. I almost never actually need the help, but knowing they are supporting me goes a long way.]]> 993 0 0 0 3101 0 0 3409 http://www.PrairieWifeInHeels.com 3101 1 Detox Water http://prairiewifeinheels.com/detox-water/ Fri, 18 Oct 2013 20:15:25 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1010 ry morning. This got my wheels turning and I did some more research. It turns out lemons are quite a super fruit! The Vitamin C helps your skin, it detoxes your liver and acts as a diuretic to flush out toxins, and it can regulate your PH levels and mood (all mothers need that). In talking with another friend of mine (who always has great skin) she revealed that she too has been drinking lemon water every morning for months, what kind of friends are they, how did they not share this? My next trip to the grocery store I stocked up on lemons and started squeezing half a lemon into a glass of water every morning. Then I waited… In two weeks I noticed a real difference. My hormonal sometimes spotty skin was clear and glowing (as long as you ignored the bags under my eyes) and I was chugging right along with my baby weight loss goals. I was originally worried that the acid would bother my extremely sensitive baby’s tummy but it didn’t seem to bother him at all. I began to add things to my water-if one fruit is good more are better right?! I used a few guides I found on Pinterest (check out my Health and Motivation Board on Pinterest) to make my choices. Below is the recipe that I use to make my water. I make a batch every Sunday night and put it in a jar in the fridge. I then pour out a glass each morning and drink it before I eat breakfast. I found that this was much easier than cutting lemons every morning!

    Prairie Wife Detox Water

    2 lemons halved 1 cup of fresh berries (I usually use a combo of blueberries, blackberries, and strawberries) 2 sprigs of fresh rosemary (I grow this in my garden but in the winter you can usually find it in the grocery store in the produce section) 2 sprigs of fresh mint (see above comment) Âź of cranberries (I use frozen ones and put a small cut in them with a knife so they can soak better) *I also sometimes add watermelon or cucumber slices if I have them available Squeeze your lemons into your jar and put the halves into your jar. Place the rest of the ingredients into your 2 quart container. Fill up your container with water and place it in your fridge overnight. Have a glass of water first thing in the morning before you eat breakfast and get ready for the compliments about your glowing skin! Side Note: I am not a doctor; I have a degree in Elementary Education not Medical Science. If you have any concerns please consult your doctor before trying this.  ]]>     1010 0 0 0     How to Cover Up Under Eye Bags http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cover-eye-bags/ Sun, 20 Oct 2013 20:21:52 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1013 super dark under eye bags. I was using under eye concealer in high school! As you can imagine I look awesome when I get up in the morning. I have spent years, literally, trying to find just the right products and application process. Just once, I would like someone to say “Oh, you look so refreshed and rested today!” rather than “Baby still not sleeping?” While I don’t claim in any way to be a makeup expert (I didn’t start wearing eyeliner until my big sister taught me how 5 years ago), I haven’t ever had anyone laugh at me when I walk into a room. Below I have a picture and a list of the products that I find work the best for my skin. I also have a picture and a link to a tutorial that for me was life changing. I’ll explain more… My favorite products are NYX Photogenic Concealer and bareMinerals Stroke of Light. Because I live in Wyoming the only place to buy makeup is drug stores. These products are not available at Target or Walgreens so, I purchase them through Ulta.com. On a day that I am particularly exhausted I first use the yellow NYX concealer then I apply my normal foundation or BB cream over it. I top it off with the bareMinerals concealer and head on out the door. On a normal day, I use the NYC concealer in light (because it fits my skin tone). I then follow it with my foundation or BB cream and the bareMinerals concealer. Doing my under-eye concealer in downward strokes rather than dots has made a huge difference! I don’t really notice the uplifting effect she describes but, it really has helped even out my skin tone and makes my bags much less noticeable. Good luck, I hope the compliments on your new refreshed and rested look start rolling in!    ]]> 1013 0 0 0 Fall 2013 Nail Polish Picks http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fall-2013-nail-polish-picks/ Sun, 03 Nov 2013 21:33:13 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1016 do paint my nails, I always feel so put together! Below are my favorite picks for fall. They were all purchased at either Walgreens or Target. From Left to Rightfall 2013 Nail polish Blank Slate by Sonia Kashuk- This is a great blue grey tone. Depending on how the light hits, it can look more navy or smoky. Forever Frosted by Covergirl- This is the perfect pale pink, it looks sophisticated rather than little girly, and goes with everything! Buy Me a Cameo by Essie-This is a rose gold color that I love on my toes! Fatigued by Sonia Kashuk-This army green is tough enough to make me feel like a rocker, but feminine enough to go with all my outfits. Hypnotise by Rimmel-This deep purple/red is just plain sexy! Maybe it’s because I have five year old daughter, but sometimes I just need to add a little sparkle to my nails! Below are my favorite “special effects” polishes for fall.fall 2013 special effects polish The Bigger the Better by L’Oreal Paris-This black sparkle instantly turns any polish into rocker chic. I love to put it on top of neon’s and dark colors. Matte Top Color by OPI- Even though the matte look is very trendy right now (according to all the fashion magazines), I was a little nervous to try it. I ended up buying this on a whim, and loving it! It looks great to have all your nails on one hand matte and leave an accent nail with the normal shiny coat. Set in Stones by Essie-This is the perfect mixture of big and little silver sparkles, it makes me feel like a princess every time I use it!  ]]> 1016 0 0 0 9811 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-beauty-accessory-trends-2014-dos-donts/ 0 0 Fall 2013 Fashion Picks http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fall-2013-fashion-picks/ Fri, 25 Oct 2013 20:48:56 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1023 I love heels (hence the name of my website). Most of the time when I am dressed up, I have on nothing less than a two inch heel. Back before I had the Cowkids, I rocked heels every day to work. My students (first and second graders) would look at my shoes first thing each day, and every girl had their favorite! I ran into a gal I hadn’t seen since Cowgirl G was born, at the kids’ school this spring. Cowbaby was a few months old and we were all outside watching a bunch of preschoolers participate in track and field day. She came up to me and said “I wasn’t sure if it was you or not, then I saw your shoes and I knew it was you!” What can I say; everyone has their signature piece or color. I am still practical; after all it does regularly snow 9 months out of the year in Wyoming! I own tons of cute ballet flats, flip-flops in every color of the rainbow, and I love all the riding boots that are so on trend right now.  Even though I have lived in Wyoming for over 13 years, I can’t say that I dress cowgirl, it’s just not me. I of course have cowgirl boots and jeans that I wear riding, or to the rodeo. But overall, the only way I can think to describe my style is rocker/country/chic. As we get to know each other through this blog and Pinterest you’ll see exactly what I mean! Below are the pieces that I just had to have this fall to freshen up my wardrobe. You can use them to dress up or down. If you go to the Prairie Wife Style board on Pinterst you’ll find lots of ways to mix and match them! Blazers Blazers are very trendy right now; you can’t look at a magazine without seeing someone wearing one (usually with a big slouchy fall blazersbag, jeans, and heels). In Wyoming layers are a must. The fall days start out at about chilly 20 degrees and are a toasty 50 by lunchtime. Being able to remove or add on a cute jacket is a must. I purchased the army green blazer/jacket at Target. I love the little bit of rocker edge it has with the gold studs but, it is slightly fitted, which keeps it sophisticated. I wear it with jeans, skirts, and even dresses. The navy blazer with black piping is from LOFT (online). It was a big purchase for me; I usually don’t spend more than $50 on one piece. I really felt like it was versatile and I would get tons of use out of it. I can wear it with jeans or dressy black pants. I’ve even worn it with some of my skirts. The trick with this blazer is to roll or push up the sleeves; this keeps it from looking like you are wearing your mom’s old suit coat. Pantsfall 2013 pants I know that everyone is wearing black leggings, and I can’t figure out how you can look so cute in them! I wear leggings under dresses and loooong tunic tops but, on their own I just can’t do it. Every pair I try on either shows my underwear (after 4 kids I am not wearing a thong), or it gets all see-through on my thighs. Maybe I just have the wrong thigh to butt to waist ratio? I was so excited to find these black denim leggings at Target. They fit great on my butt and thighs, and are not see-through in any way. They offer the same look as cotton leggings, but are warmer, and sturdy enough to handle Cowboy W crawling in my lap with is spurs on. The other pants are a deep wine color and are from LOFT (Marisa ankle cut, online). I saw them in so many magazines (Self, O (Oprah’s magazine), Glamour, and InStyle) that I just had to try them! All of the magazines said they were the perfect fit, and super classy. And they were right. I got the ankle length because they look great with any kind of shoe. I know they don’t look like much on the hanger but, trust me, get a pair and try them on-you’ll be so happy you did. Shirts Stripes are everywhere this year! I see them on pants, tanks, long sleeve shirts, socks, even purses. I am really into the color navy fall 2013 shirtsright now (apparently it’s the new black) so this navy and white striped shirt (from Target of course) is a great addition to my closet. I love the boat neck and the ž length sleeves. Dress it up with black pants and a blazer or just put it on under a hoodie with some boyfriend jeans and sneakers for an errand day. Maybe it’s the Prairie Wife in me, or perhaps an echo of my high school grunge days, but I love a cozy soft plaid shirt (Target has a variety of colors). They are the perfect way to add a pop of color under a sweater and look super cute with skinny jeans and brown riding boots. They are timeless, and with all the different colors, you definitely have more than a few pieces already in your closet to go with them. Shoesfall 2013 shoes I am a boot fanatic. It’s really easy to justify a pair of boots here in Wyoming with all the cold weather and snow. This season I bought this awesome pair of brown boots. The Cowboy was not very pleased, and insisted I explain to him how they were different from the four other pairs I have. It was good practice for this. They are a beautiful camel color, and slouch in just the right way. They have a nice tall heel and a hidden platform so they are super comfortable. The icing on the cake is; I got these Jessica Simpson boots 50% off at Amazon.com! These little black booties are actually a purchase from last fall (Target). But, you can find black booties everywhere this season. I particularly like the cut on these; they look sophisticated with a little bit of rocker edge. They are perfect with jeans that are cuffed right at the ankle, dress pants, and thick black tights with a skirt or dress.]]> 1023 0 0 0 Five Picks For Fall 2013 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/five-picks-fall-2013/ Mon, 28 Oct 2013 20:51:20 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1029 loved it. With my clothes I veer more toward classic styles with structure. With makeup and hair, I go for simple and natural. But all bets are off when it comes to shoes-that is where my personality shines through! As Nina Garcia says, "A great pair of shoes can make a $20 outfit look like couture, and a poorly constructed pair of shoes can make couture look like a cheap knockoff." I build most outfits from the ground up and heels are a staple. In a corporate environment I’ve found my heels literally help me see “eye-to-eye” with my male coworkers. My style inspiration? I’ve loved Audrey Hepburn since I was 12 and have 70+ episodes of TLC’s What Not to Wear saved on my DVR. While I appreciate comfort and ease, you won’t find me in sweats like Prairie Wife; I just feel comfortable being a bit more dressy than most. Even when I am at our local high school football game you’ll find me in heels, jeans, blouse and a leather jacket. I’ve even worn a day dress and flat sandals to my stepkids track meet! I’m excited to share some of my favorite things here and on Pinterest, and I hope it helps you discover some new ideas to enhance your “adult” style. PurseTX green purse I know lots of women who change their purses every week or even every day. I'm just not one of those women. But, I do commit to switching out my purse every season, and this fall I found a great green one! (You will soon learn that green is my signature color. I live in a very small town and, if a female acquaintance is wearing kelly or hunter green she always, somewhat apologetically, says, "I thought of you when I bought this." I guess that is the power of a signature color!) This one is made by Mix No6 and was bought at DSW for under $50. I love that there are two external zip pockets and fun, yet sophisticated, tassels and gold hardware. It is a great size because it can hold an iPad for work, but is still small enough to be worn cross body or over the shoulder for a weekend shopping trip. Boots The best time to buy boots in Texas is in April-it involves a lot of foresight, but it pays off! Yes, this means you can't debut your TX suede bootsincredible purchase for at least 7 months, but the money you save is worth the wait. These European gems were from Anthropologie's sale area, and were an incredible steal at $25! Because they are black and brown, I can wear them with anything. The rubber sole/heel is incredibly comfy. Of course, they are great with jeans. But this fall, I plan to wear them at the office with a pair of cropped black pants and a blazer on Monday, a jean skirt and cotton oxford and scarf mid-week, and leggings and a long cardigan on casual Friday. JacketTX black jacket This is one of my favorite picks for fall. When I'm having a crazy weekday morning, I can grab it on my way out the door. My black pencil skirt, printed tank top or blouse, and pair of killer heels instantly look polished and planned. On the weekend, it adds just the right amount of class to my sweaters and jeans. I got it at Nordstrom Rack for under $100, a steal for how often I will wear it. SweTX double sweaterater Yes, I know old ladies like me are not supposed to shop at Forever 21, but every once in awhile I will dash in to see if there is a trendy, inexpensive piece I can incorporate into my wardrobe. It may only last for one season, but I loved that this sweater has a "secret.” The modern print on the back gives it just the right amount of sass. This sweater will look great with a tan pencil skirt or trousers. I can easily make it go from day to night by adding some great jewelry and a blazer. Peplum Top If you don't have access to a Nordstrom, I am so sorry! Their sales staff is incredible. When I tried on this bold, 3/4 sleeve, blue TX blue peplumpeplum top (thank you Stacy and Clinton from TLC’s What Not to Wear for the idea) I immediately sent them back for the same top in black, and then a white one. It has an exposed zipper and it can be worn with any type of pant or skirt.  If you haven't given the peplum a try, do yourself a favor--you won't believe how small your waist looks. My stepdaughter “Stepgirl” (a high school teacher in her mid-20s), wore a sleeveless peplum top under a bolero knit sweater the other day; she looked great. I hadn't thought of pairing peplum with bolero, but the proportion with flared trousers is so good I ordered a similar cropped cardigan from The Loft that same day. Isn't it great when you can learn from your kids?    ]]> 1029 0 0 0 Prairie Wife of the Week October 25, 2013 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-october-25-2013/ Sat, 26 Oct 2013 03:08:21 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1044 TX breast cancer shoes

    Prairie Wife (PW): First off, why don’t you tell us where you are now in your journey? Texas Two Steppin’ (TTS): I completed my treatment and frequent oncology visits in January 2012 at my 40th birthday—a great way to celebrate this milestone and new decade! I have since graduated to 6 month mammograms and checkups, but I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to beat the odds that it will reoccur (a high probability since I don’t have a family/genetic reason for having cancer and was diagnosed so young). Estrogen causes my cancer to grow, so I take a drug each day to suppress the hormone--basically putting me into menopause with all the joys like hot flashes and weight gain! The doctors say exercise and eating right are the key to losing weight and keeping healthy, and dang it if they aren’t right. I’m now addicted to Zumba, Kale and greek yogurt; much better than my prior lifestyle focused on work and pasta. PW: Walk us through how you first discovered you had breast cancer. TTS: My story and my cancer aren’t typical, but it emphasizes the importance of self exams and working with your doctors. After finding the lump and having some tests I went to a wonderful breast surgeon for a biopsy. As I was on the table they felt that the “lump” had shrunk and must have been just a cyst that should be observed. Nine months later, when I went in for my second in-office visit, she decided to drain the cyst. I got a call a few days later that as a precaution she had sent the sample in for testing. That’s when she was shocked to learn I had cancer in my left breast. PW: What led you to choose the treatment options you did? TTS: Cancer and the related treatments are as unique as the women who are diagnosed with this disease. I had a wonderful oncologist who shared with me the odds for life expectancy for stage 2B lobular cancer based on different options. Because I was under 40 and below the average age for a breast cancer diagnosis, we threw everything at it—chemo, radiation, estrogen suppressing drugs, etc. I also wanted to give back and help other women so I participated in a clinical trial and underwent an experimental treatment. PW: What advice do you have for other women that are beginning chemo/radiation treatment? TTS: I have enough advice to write a book; not a blog! Two key things—trust your oncologist’s advice and plan. The Internet is for shopping, not researching treatments that conflict with your oncologist’s treatment and reading about diets and drugs that weren’t customized for you. Also remember, everyone wants to share their breast cancer story with you (many negative) but you need to be strong and focused on writing your own ending to your cancer story. PW: I know every person is different. From your experience, what are the do’s and don’ts for friends and family that know someone who is going through cancer treatment? TTS: I was very lucky and able to work during my entire treatment. Many of my coworkers still don’t know that I had cancer and that really helped me feel “normal.” So I suggest you respect the fact that a friend with cancer may want to keep it private and deserves to tell people in her own way. My family and I never focused on the cancer; we focused on having fun and our next adventure. After each “hard core” chemo treatment we planned a vacation or special treat—camping, going sledding, hosting a red carpet Oscar party, etc. Although we had tons of support available, we tried not to call on anyone because we knew keeping our normal routine would be best. One of the most interesting phenomena is that many cancer patients get used to all the attention and when they no longer have chemo, radiation, constant doctor visits they have trouble enjoying their “normal” life. PW: Anything else that you think women need to know about Breast Cancer and the ups and downs of the diagnosis and treatment process? TTS: My surgeon said it best, “It will be a tough nine months and then you’re done.” But for me, breast cancer was a positive; for example I never knew how many people loved and truly cared for me and my family before this experience. I have learned how to say “no” to the things that don’t challenge me or make me a better person. And I have learned how to be a more supportive and understanding wife, stepmother and friend to all the other “prairie wives” I know.  ]]>     1044 0 0 0 25380 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/i-want-to-live/ 0 0     Prairie Wife of the Week November 1, 2013 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-november-1-2013/ Fri, 01 Nov 2013 12:14:48 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1115 pww lianne shoes

    Prairie Wife (PW): First introduce us to you and your family… Prairie Faith (PF): My husband and I have been married for 9 years and we have five kids between the ages of 2 and 8. We enjoy a peaceful and quiet prairie life. 1 Thessalonians 4:11 PW: What are the ages and grades of the children you homeschool? PF: I am currently homeschooling a 5 year old in Kindergarten as well as a 7 and 8 year old both at a third grade level. I also do preschool with a three year old about two days a week. PW: What led you to the decision to homeschool? PF: That’s a loaded question! Originally, it was my experience teaching as a middle school science teacher in public schools. I felt strongly that the school system was stifling to high potential learners. Since then, I have developed strong convictions in many areas that have led me to continue on this journey. My husband and I want to encourage our children to love the Lord and to see him in all aspects of their lives. We think that homeschooling is the best way to ensure they are learning all that we value. PW: Can you tell us some of the first steps a family considering homeschooling should take, to pick out a curriculum? PF: Before you begin I encourage you to evaluate your goals and reasons for homeschooling. If you can find someone you can trust that homeschools, you need to have a conversation with them.  If you don’t know anyone, Google it, and you’ll find lots of people willing to share their experiences with you.  They don’t have to live near you but it does help. I would also encourage parents to research education and teaching philosophies. Once you know what style you feel will fit your family, it can help you to narrow down what curriculums to look into. PW: I know that you have been successfully doing this for years now, what are some of the positives you have seen? PF: The most positive thing is that my family is together every single day. To watch them grow spiritually, academically, and socially is rewarding. It gives me the motivation to continue on this journey. PW: Now, be honest with us…what are some of your challenges? PF: Having infants and toddlers learning alongside us is a big one. It can be more than a little unpredictable and the noise level can be distracting. To be very honest, self discipline on my part is an area that I have been growing in. I have had to learn to plan and execute our daily schedule without compromise. The flexibility of homeschooling is definitely a blessing and a source of temptation. PW: Can you let those of us that don’t homeschool know how we can be supportive to our friends who do? PF: I would encourage everyone I know to homeschool.  That would support me, and I know it would be rewarding for them. ;)  Seriously though, I haven’t really received any negative feedback from anyone. I guess I just hope that people feel free to talk to me about it and ask questions. I love to share our success with others and encourage them. I would ask any of my friends to pray for us, that my husband and I will raise our children to be all that God plans for them to be. PW:  final Prairie Wife words of wisdom? PF: “Whatever you do work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men.” Colossians 3:23 Deciding “where” your kids will go to school is a pressure all parents deal with.  I encourage you to proceed with confidence, keeping your eye on what God has called you to do.      ]]>     1115 0 0 0     Crock Pot Potato Soup http://prairiewifeinheels.com/crock-pot-potato-soup/ Wed, 16 Oct 2013 17:33:48 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1165 Crock Pot Potato Soup Total Time: 6-10 hours (20min of prep time, all the rest is up to the crock pot)potato soup 8-10 Servings 1lb ground elk (or beef or any other kind of ground meat, or leave it out for a hearty vegetarian meal) 2lb of any kind of potato washed and cubed (I don’t take time to peel them, but you sure can) 2 cups of chopped celery ½ medium onion finely chopped (that way the kids don’t even notice it’s in there) 2 cloves of garlic, minced 1 large box of broth (I use beef but chicken and vegetable work just as well) 1 cup of water 1tsp each of dried parsley, marjoram, rosemary, and sage Salt and Pepper to taste ½ pint of heavy whipping cream 4tbs of corn starch 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese (I also like to sprinkle some on top when I serve it) 1. Brown the ground meat. 2. Place meat (I don’t drain it), potatoes, onions, celery, garlic, broth, water, and dried herbs into the crock pot. 3. Add salt and pepper to taste and set your crock pot for whatever cook time you need. I usually do 6 hours but 8 or 10 will work just as well. 4. 45 minutes before you are ready to serve add the shredded cheese to the soup. 5. Take the ½ pint of heavy whipping cream and pour it into a small bowl, add the 4tbs of corn starch and whisk/stir until combined. 6. Pour the whipping cream mixture into the crock pot and stir. Let it sit and simmer until you are ready to serve-mmmm yummy! I always like to have hearty homemade bread with my soups. I found this amazing honey beer bread recipe on Pintrest and I can’t live without it! It “only takes two seconds to make” and looks like something you would see on Martha Stewart. I use Bud Light to make my bread because that is what The Cowboy drinks, and it keeps the beer flavor from being too overwhelming.      ]]> 1165 0 0 0 Apple Extra Crispy Crisp http://prairiewifeinheels.com/apple-extra-crispy-crisp/ Mon, 21 Oct 2013 17:42:01 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1167 so good. My favorite part is the yummy topping so, I developed a recipe that puts that sweet crispy crust front and center. Top your warm Apple Extra Crispy Crisp (say that three times fast) with some homemade whipped cream or vanilla ice cream…mmmm tastes like fall! Apple Extra Crispy Crisp Total Time: 15 minutes prep 25-30 minutes bakingApple Extra Crispy Crisp Serves 8 Apple Filling 6 apples chopped (I don’t peel mine, but you sure can) Âź cup white sugar Âź cup white flour 1 tsp cinnamon ½ tsp nutmeg Âź tsp lemon juice A pinch of salt Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and let sit while you make the Extra Crispy Crisp. Extra Crispy Crisp 1 cup oats Âź cup brown sugar ½ tsp cinnamon 1 cup whole wheat flour (white flour is fine too) A pinch of salt ž cups ( 1 ½  sticks ) of unsalted butter, melted Stir all the dry ingredients together in a second bowl, and then add the melted butter. Stir until it is all thoroughly combined. Turn the oven to 400 degrees. Spray a 9x9 square glass dish with non-stick baking spray. Stir the apple filling one more time and then dump it into the dish. Spread it out evenly. Using your hands take the Extra Crispy Crisp topping and sprinkle it over the apple filling. Make sure you have it evenly spread all the way to the corners. Lightly press down the topping, there should be no gaps. Place it into the oven and set the timer for 25min. You Apple Extra Crispy Crisp will be done when the apples are bubbling and the topping is a dark golden brown.]]> 1167 0 0 0 Homemade Whipped Cream http://prairiewifeinheels.com/homemade-whipped-cream/ Fri, 25 Oct 2013 17:48:46 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1171 make Whipped Cream, we don’t buy the already made kind!”  I stared stunned and silent (for me this is a rarity). As I thought about it, it occurred to me, that of course you could make Whipped Cream from scratch. I had just never had it before… The Cowboy promptly took me to the store, and then proceeded to teach me how to make Whipped Cream from scratch (a man that cooks, I fell for him even more). It’s so easy (it only takes two seconds) and tastes so much better than the store bought. Give it a try; you’ll be glad you did. Homemade Whipped CreamWhipped Cream 1pt Heavy Whipping Cream 1/3 cup white sugar 1tsp Vanilla 1. Pour the Whipping Cream and vanilla into a bowl (if you want to be really fancy you can place the bowl in the fridge 20min before to make it cold) 3. Using a hand mixer turned on to high speed (or a stand mixer with the whipping attachment) begin mixing the cream and vanilla 4. As you are mixing, add the sugar a little bit at a time (if you can do it while still mixing) until it is all combined 5. After about 2 and a half minutes stop the mixer and see if it is done. If the Whipped Cream peaks (stays in a peaked shape when you pull out the mixer) you are done. If not, mix for another 30 seconds, and check again. Warning: You can mix it too much! You want it to be light and airy, not thick. If you forget the mixer is on, and leave it alone too long, you will end up with butter. I use my KitchenAid mixer on Speed 6 for 3 min]]> 1171 0 0 0 40 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/apple-extra-crispy-crisp/ 0 0 Life After Life by Kate Atkinson http://prairiewifeinheels.com/life-life-kate-atkinson/ Mon, 28 Oct 2013 00:10:35 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1182 life after life

    I read books for one reason, to escape reality. Nothing lowers my blood pressure more, than curling up in my big red chair, or lying in bed, and reading a good book. The Cowboy often gets frustrated with me. After almost 13 years together, he still tries to hold a conversation with me when I am reading. If I have a book in my hands, and I don’t make eye contact with you, I haven’t heard a word you’ve said. I usually pick my books depending on my mood. Sometimes I just want a nice light read with a happy ending. Other times, I want a book that will put my life in perspective, or help me grow as person. I usually don’t go for scary books or courtroom thrillers; they just don’t really interest me. I always read the book review sections in my magazines (I am a magazine addict as well), and then put the titles of books that interest me on my Amazon.com wish list. It’s way easier than trying to remember all the titles, and it allows me to keep an eye on the prices (they always have sales, and discount deals) Life after Life by Kate Atkinson is a book that will (hopefully) give you a new perspective on your life. It is a fictional novel about Ursula Todd. It takes place in England, both before and during World War II. Atkinson’s novel begins with the death of an adult Ursula, only to tell us about her birth (and prompt death) a few pages later. The book cycles repeatedly through the birth, life, and death of Ursula. Because of Atkinson’s clever writing style this pattern never gets boring. In every chapter, Ursula or one of the other characters, makes a slight change in the story. This results in a completely different path for Ursula’s life. The change may be as insignificant as putting scissors in a drawer, or as drastic as leaving the country. I soon found myself rooting for Ursula. I began trying to will her, and the others around her, to stop or start behaviors I knew would prolong Ursula’s life, or at least improve it. When the book ended I found myself puzzling over my emotions. Really, the book had ended dozens of times, but I really wanted Atkinson to keep on going until the story of Ursula’s life was absolutely perfect in every way. But, in reality life never is perfect. It stops and starts, and twists and turns, and sometimes even stalls out completely. I was left with a new perspective about the choices I make every day, big and little, and their impact on my life’s story.]]>     1182 0 0 0     Squaw Corn http://prairiewifeinheels.com/squaw-corn/ Tue, 26 Nov 2013 16:40:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=252 This recipe is a family favorite from my side, it has now become a tradition for The Cowboy as well…though sometimes I think his family just asks for it to humor me! Pa came from a family of 11 and grew up on a farm in Minnesota. This is one of his family recipes (his mom learned it from his dad) that he taught my mom to make and has since handed down to all of us kids. It is actually a fairly simple side dish, but it is very savory and filling. Every time I make it the smells and flavor always remind me of Thanksgiving at home with Ma and Pa in The City. Squaw Corn Total Time: Prep 10-15 min Cook Time 1 hour Serves 8-10 3 cans of corn drained (2 bags of frozen corn are fine too) 1lb of bacon 1 medium onion Salt and Pepper 1. Cut up the bacon into small pieces and fry it on medium in a large pot 2. Dice the onion and add it to the bacon when it is almost done frying. Brown the onions. 3. Drain the corn and dump it into the pot with the bacon and onions. 4. Season the corn, bacon, and onions, with salt and pepper. 5. Turn the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer until it is time to serve. Make sure you stir it occasionally to keep it from getting stuck to the bottom. 6. If you need your stove you can remove the Squaw Corn after 30 minutes and put it into a Crock Pot on low until you are ready to serve it.]]> 252 0 0 0 I debated about putting the original name of this recipe up, I know that some people could be offended by the term Squaw. I decided to leave it because it is the original name of a family recipe that has been handed down over the last four generations. Please know that no offense is meant with the title, especially when we have Native American (Shawnee) blood in our lineage!
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    This recipe is a family favorite from my side, it has now become a tradition for The Cowboy as well…though sometimes I think his family just asks for it to humor me! Pa came from a family of 11 and grew up on a farm in Minnesota. This is one of his family recipes (his mom learned it from his dad) that he taught my mom to make and has since handed down to all of us kids. It is actually a fairly simple side dish, but it is very savory and filling. Every time I make it the smells and flavor always remind me of Thanksgiving at home with Ma and Pa in The City. Squaw Corn Total Time: Prep 10-15 min Cook Time 1 hour Serves 8-10 3 cans of corn drained (2 bags of frozen corn are fine too) 1lb of bacon 1 medium onion Salt and Pepper 1. Cut up the bacon into small pieces and fry it on medium in a large pot 2. Dice the onion and add it to the bacon when it is almost done frying. Brown the onions. 3. Drain the corn and dump it into the pot with the bacon and onions. 4. Season the corn, bacon, and onions, with salt and pepper. 5. Turn the heat to low, cover the pot and let it simmer until it is time to serve. Make sure you stir it occasionally to keep it from getting stuck to the bottom. 6. If you need your stove you can remove the Squaw Corn after 30 minutes and put it into a Crock Pot on low until you are ready to serve it.
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     Tis the season for both planned and unplanned visitors! We all know that feeling, guests are coming over in less than an hour and your house looks like…well it looks like a family with four children under 7 live there! That feeling of panic, the concern that they will think you live like a pig always (even if we kind of do), and the knowledge that they will tell everyone what they saw when they came over.Guest: “So I went over to the Prairie wife’s house yesterday for coffee and a play date.” Other lady: “Oh really, how did that go?” Guest: “Well I have to tell you, I couldn’t believe it! You could feed a small army with the crumbs under the table. The stench from the dishes in the sink was revolting…and don’t get me started on the bathroom!” Other lady: “That IS awful! Do you think she started doing drugs? Did her husband leave her and she hasn’t told anyone yet? ” Really we all know that this doesn’t usually happen. Now that I have four children I just can’t keep up the same level of cleanliness I used too. I laugh when I think how I used to mop the floors twice a week, and do the dishes after every meal. I don’t even try and clean when any of my close friends come over. I know that they are TRULY coming to see me and not my house (thanks to my friend Melissa who taught me that). And frankly, if someone doesn’t like me based on what they think of my housekeeping skills, they wouldn’t stick around after they got to know me anyway! That being said; the following is a few tips and tricks for getting the house picked up before the late notice guests come over. Kitchen First quickly grab all the loose papers and junk (toys needing batteries or glue, rocks, and stray pens and pencils) and throw them in a plastic bag, then put the bag on the floor of the pantry and shut the door. Take all the dishes in the sink and shove them in the dishwasher and rinse out the sink. If the dishwasher is already full use the stove or a laundry basket. Put the laundry basket in the garage or somewhere else hidden. Spray a sponge with cleaner and run it over the counters and brush all the crumbs to the floor. Let the dogs in to clean the floor (multi task and run to clean the bathroom while they go to work). If you don’t have dogs skip that step and sweep quickly. Take a wet paper towel to wipe up any obvious sticky spots or spills. Kitchen done! If you really want to impress, put a pot of water on the stove, set it to simmer with some cinnamon and vanilla in it. Warning: If you forget about the pot on the stove it can backfire and make things worse than before! Bathroom Throw any wet or stinky towels in the dirty laundry. Hang up clean ones, especially a clean hand towel. Don’t bother picking up the toys and wet clothes in the tub, just close the shower curtain! Take out your Clorox bleach wipes (you need to keep a container under the sink in every bathroom) Quick wipe down the sink, counter, and toilet. Scrub the toilet and check to make sure there is toilet paper.
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    Living RoomNow this can get tricky depending on your set up. I have baskets or toy boxes in every room for easy clean up. So I simply throw the toys in there where they belong. If you don’t have this grab another laundry basket and load it up. Vacuum only if necessary! Make sure kids shoes and coats are out of the way and have them hang their backpacks up on their door if there isn’t a designated spot for them.  Bedrooms Don’t even worry about it! The kids don’t care and the parents aren’t going to go back there until the kids have been there awhile. Then you can simply say “Oh my, the kids have been busy playing!” and act like the mess is all new. For your room just shut the door, there is nothing they need to see in there. Final Note I am a mean mom and make my kids start learning to help clean as soon as they can crawl. While I am doing my picking up, I am barking commands at them to remove their stuff to their rooms, and to put away any other toys they see. Once they are really well trained you might find that you even have time to change out of sweats before your guests come!
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     Tis the season for both planned and unplanned visitors! We all know that feeling, guests are coming over in less than an hour and your house looks like…well it looks like a family with four children under 7 live there! That feeling of panic, the concern that they will think you live like a pig always (even if we kind of do), and the knowledge that they will tell everyone what they saw when they came over. Guest: “So I went over to the Prairie wife’s house yesterday for coffee and a play date.” Other lady: “Oh really, how did that go?” Guest: “Well I have to tell you, I couldn’t believe it! You could feed a small army with the crumbs under the table. The stench from the dishes in the sink was revolting…and don’t get me started on the bathroom!” Other lady: “That IS awful! Do you think she started doing drugs? Did her husband leave her and she hasn’t told anyone yet? ” Really we all know that this doesn’t usually happen. Now that I have four children I just can’t keep up the same level of cleanliness I used too. I laugh when I think how I used to mop the floors twice a week, and do the dishes after every meal. I don’t even try and clean when any of my close friends come over. I know that they are TRULY coming to see me and not my house (thanks to my friend Melissa who taught me that). And frankly, if someone doesn’t like me based on what they think of my housekeeping skills, they wouldn’t stick around after they got to know me anyway! That being said; the following is a few tips and tricks for getting the house picked up before the late notice guests come over. Kitchen First quickly grab all the loose papers and junk (toys needing batteries or glue, rocks, and stray pens and pencils) and throw them in a plastic bag, then put the bag on the floor of the pantry and shut the door. Take all the dishes in the sink and shove them in the dishwasher and rinse out the sink. If the dishwasher is already full use the stove or a laundry basket. Put the laundry basket in the garage or somewhere else hidden. Spray a sponge with cleaner and run it over the counters and brush all the crumbs to the floor. Let the dogs in to clean the floor (multi task and run to clean the bathroom while they go to work). If you don’t have dogs skip that step and sweep quickly. Take a wet paper towel to wipe up any obvious sticky spots or spills. Kitchen done! If you really want to impress, put a pot of water on the stove, set it to simmer with some cinnamon and vanilla in it. Warning: If you forget about the pot on the stove it can backfire and make things worse than before! Bathroom Throw any wet or stinky towels in the dirty laundry. Hang up clean ones, especially a clean hand towel. Don’t bother picking up the toys and wet clothes in the tub, just close the shower curtain! Take out your Clorox bleach wipes (you need to keep a container under the sink in every bathroom) Quick wipe down the sink, counter, and toilet. Scrub the toilet and check to make sure there is toilet paper.
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    Living Room Now this can get tricky depending on your set up. I have baskets or toy boxes in every room for easy clean up. So I simply throw the toys in there where they belong. If you don’t have this grab another laundry basket and load it up. Vacuum only if necessary! Make sure kids shoes and coats are out of the way and have them hang their backpacks up on their door if there isn’t a designated spot for them.  Bedrooms Don’t even worry about it! The kids don’t care and the parents aren’t going to go back there until the kids have been there awhile. Then you can simply say “Oh my, the kids have been busy playing!” and act like the mess is all new. For your room just shut the door, there is nothing they need to see in there. Final Note I am a mean mom and make my kids start learning to help clean as soon as they can crawl. While I am doing my picking up, I am barking commands at them to remove their stuff to their rooms, and to put away any other toys they see. Once they are really well trained you might find that you even have time to change out of sweats before your guests come!
    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         Patchwork Picture in a Frame http://prairiewifeinheels.com/patchwork-picture-in-a-frame/ Thu, 21 Nov 2013 14:51:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=260 I have always been envious of Prairie Wife’s and Step Girl’s DIY talents. This summer I had the unique opportunity to play interior designer and decorate a coastal home. The assignment had me on a pretty tight budget but I wanted some unique and custom artwork for the kitchen. So, I decided I would take a few hours and see if I could be “crafty” with some purchases from Walmart.1. I found a nice, yet inexpensive, metal frame. I also grabbed solid and patterned scrapbooking papers and some non-permanent, double-sided tape and a scissors. 2. You know that photo of the happy family that comes in the frame? Keep it because that is your foundation. 3. To get started, cut several pieces of paper into different sizes and shapes. A combination of horizontal and vertical pieces in different widths work best. You can also cut angles and follow the print like the chevron shown in the sample. 4. Pick a piece of the resized scrapbooking paper, put tape on the back, place it in one corner of the foundation (the picture of the family you saved) and press down. 5. Place another sheet slightly overlapping the first piece and tape it down. 6. Keep going! There are no rules except you should make sure your scrapbook papers are secured and that you stay within the foundation so you don’t have to trim your work before you slip it in the frame. 7. Admire your piece up close, but also be sure to look at it several feet away to approximate it hanging on the wall. 8. If you’re happy with your masterpiece, pop it into the frame and enjoy all the compliments! 9. Just in case you need some more ideas, you can also do this project with wrapping paper, photographs, wallpaper, stickers, dried flowers, printouts from your home ink jet printer, etc. In case that’s not enough inspiration, don’t forget that little thing called Pinterest!
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    ]]>     260 0 0 0 I have always been envious of Prairie Wife’s and Step Girl’s DIY talents. This summer I had the unique opportunity to play interior designer and decorate a coastal home. The assignment had me on a pretty tight budget but I wanted some unique and custom artwork for the kitchen. So, I decided I would take a few hours and see if I could be “crafty” with some purchases from Walmart. 1. I found a nice, yet inexpensive, metal frame. I also grabbed solid and patterned scrapbooking papers and some non-permanent, double-sided tape and a scissors. 2. You know that photo of the happy family that comes in the frame? Keep it because that is your foundation. 3. To get started, cut several pieces of paper into different sizes and shapes. A combination of horizontal and vertical pieces in different widths work best. You can also cut angles and follow the print like the chevron shown in the sample. 4. Pick a piece of the resized scrapbooking paper, put tape on the back, place it in one corner of the foundation (the picture of the family you saved) and press down. 5. Place another sheet slightly overlapping the first piece and tape it down. 6. Keep going! There are no rules except you should make sure your scrapbook papers are secured and that you stay within the foundation so you don’t have to trim your work before you slip it in the frame. 7. Admire your piece up close, but also be sure to look at it several feet away to approximate it hanging on the wall. 8. If you’re happy with your masterpiece, pop it into the frame and enjoy all the compliments! 9. Just in case you need some more ideas, you can also do this project with wrapping paper, photographs, wallpaper, stickers, dried flowers, printouts from your home ink jet printer, etc. In case that’s not enough inspiration, don’t forget that little thing called Pinterest!
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    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         Brinks Doorknob http://prairiewifeinheels.com/brinks-doorknob/ Thu, 07 Nov 2013 18:46:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=262 I am a very fortunate woman because my husband is incredibly handy. The Texan is willing to tackle almost any home improvement project I come up with if it adds value to the home and makes our life simpler. For example, he hates hanging decorative items on the wall, saying, “Do you really need that dust collector?” But he has no problem wiring the bathroom so anytime you walk in the lights automatically turn on and then turn off a few minutes later (Curious? The full story will be revealed in future blogs!).I can understand his viewpoint on DIY projects, and I do enjoy the automated features in our house. So as we walked through Lowe’s the other day, we both agreed that we needed this cool doorknob from Brinks. We had just bought a new front door, so it wasn’t an impulse purchase, but it looked like it would make getting in and out of the house easier. It may sound stupid, but why should we struggle taking groceries into the house? Or mucking up the knob when our hands are dirty after yardwork?I could try to explain how a doorknob could be “cool,” but this quick video shows it all! I guess the installation was pretty simple too because The Texan just bought another one for an interior door.What DIY projects have you tackled lately that have been simple but life changing?
    ]]>     262 0 0 0 I am a very fortunate woman because my husband is incredibly handy. The Texan is willing to tackle almost any home improvement project I come up with if it adds value to the home and makes our life simpler. For example, he hates hanging decorative items on the wall, saying, “Do you really need that dust collector?” But he has no problem wiring the bathroom so anytime you walk in the lights automatically turn on and then turn off a few minutes later (Curious? The full story will be revealed in future blogs!). I can understand his viewpoint on DIY projects, and I do enjoy the automated features in our house. So as we walked through Lowe’s the other day, we both agreed that we needed this cool doorknob from Brinks. We had just bought a new front door, so it wasn’t an impulse purchase, but it looked like it would make getting in and out of the house easier. It may sound stupid, but why should we struggle taking groceries into the house? Or mucking up the knob when our hands are dirty after yardwork? I could try to explain how a doorknob could be “cool,” but this quick video shows it all! I guess the installation was pretty simple too because The Texan just bought another one for an interior door. What DIY projects have you tackled lately that have been simple but life changing?
    [/text][video source= "youtube" url= "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ovAYVFSQKmU&feature=player_embedded"][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         Red Lipstick http://prairiewifeinheels.com/red-lipstick/ Sat, 23 Nov 2013 14:42:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=324 I’ve been seeing red lips everywhere over the last year, and frankly I’ve been dying to try the trend. When I see someone wearing a red lip I immediately think of glamour and more than a little sex appeal, who wouldn’t want that?! But as a stay at home mom who really only gets dressed up for church is a red lip appropriate? I battled with this question for months, and then finally decided to heck with it, I’m rocking red lips! So here is what I did.I started out small with a deep red, more of a berry, lip gloss and started to wear that. I got compliments from The Cowboy and soon I began wearing it for more than church days. Swiping on a deep red lip gloss when all I was wearing was jeans and a sweater, made me feel more sophisticated and put together. After a few months of this I decided I was ready to try red lipstick. I poured over Pinterest links and read magazines to find out what the perfect shade was…it turns out it’s kind of hard to pick from a picture on the computer or magazine. I sucked it up and went for it, and got a beautiful rich red from Mary Kay. It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. When I put my deep red gloss over it, it really looked great, but the glossy red wasn’t exactly what I wanted. I was going for that old Hollywood glamour look, not super shiny sex kitten. I read a few more articles and headed to Target. I knew that I needed to try again to find the perfect fit. This time I bought a clear lip liner, and went to the L’Oreal makeup section. I had bought a few of their Colour Riche Lipsticks in a bright pink and blood orange color for the summer, I knew they had just the right hint of color and gloss for what I wanted. I took out three reds and held them up to my nails. After all my research about picking the best lipstick I had learned that the pink at the bottom of your nails is a good match for checking lipstick against. I was doubtful but it turns out its true! The color that looked the best next to my nail was the one that ended up looking best on my lips.
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    I ended up with “True Red” and drove home to try it. I carefully lined my lips with the clear lip liner and filled them in with my new red color…WOW it was RED! I wasn’t sure at first I had made the right move but I decided to wander around the house for a little and see what I thought. As the day went by, and I caught my reflection in the mirror I got more and more used to it, and by the end of the day I was feeling pretty good! I wore it out to the kids’ school the next day and no one batted an eye, I even got a few compliments.When I want my red lipstick to really stand out, I dab some foundation on my lips then apply clear lip liner and the lipstick. I top it off with a little red gloss just in the middle of my bottom lip. On days when I just want a hint of red I put on some EOS lip balm and just do a light coating of red. Red hasn’t become a signature color for me but, it’s nice to use when I want to spice up my look a little bit! I walked away from the experience feeling more confident about trying new things. Wearing it around the house for a day or two really helped me to feel more comfortable with trying my new look in public, and gave me time to decide if it was the right move for me. What new beauty trend have you tried, how did you make it work for you? Lip Gloss- Rimmel London Stay Glossy in Timeless Allure Lip Liner- Maybelline in Clear Lip Balm- eos Lipstick- L’Oreal Colour Riche in True Red
    ]]>     324 0 0 0 I’ve been seeing red lips everywhere over the last year, and frankly I’ve been dying to try the trend. When I see someone wearing a red lip I immediately think of glamour and more than a little sex appeal, who wouldn’t want that?! But as a stay at home mom who really only gets dressed up for church is a red lip appropriate? I battled with this question for months, and then finally decided to heck with it, I’m rocking red lips! So here is what I did. I started out small with a deep red, more of a berry, lip gloss and started to wear that. I got compliments from The Cowboy and soon I began wearing it for more than church days. Swiping on a deep red lip gloss when all I was wearing was jeans and a sweater, made me feel more sophisticated and put together. After a few months of this I decided I was ready to try red lipstick. I poured over Pinterest links and read magazines to find out what the perfect shade was…it turns out it’s kind of hard to pick from a picture on the computer or magazine. I sucked it up and went for it, and got a beautiful rich red from Mary Kay. It wasn’t exactly what I was looking for. When I put my deep red gloss over it, it really looked great, but the glossy red wasn’t exactly what I wanted. I was going for that old Hollywood glamour look, not super shiny sex kitten. I read a few more articles and headed to Target. I knew that I needed to try again to find the perfect fit. This time I bought a clear lip liner, and went to the L’Oreal makeup section. I had bought a few of their Colour Riche Lipsticks in a bright pink and blood orange color for the summer, I knew they had just the right hint of color and gloss for what I wanted. I took out three reds and held them up to my nails. After all my research about picking the best lipstick I had learned that the pink at the bottom of your nails is a good match for checking lipstick against. I was doubtful but it turns out its true! The color that looked the best next to my nail was the one that ended up looking best on my lips.
    Picture
    I ended up with “True Red” and drove home to try it. I carefully lined my lips with the clear lip liner and filled them in with my new red color…WOW it was RED! I wasn’t sure at first I had made the right move but I decided to wander around the house for a little and see what I thought. As the day went by, and I caught my reflection in the mirror I got more and more used to it, and by the end of the day I was feeling pretty good! I wore it out to the kids’ school the next day and no one batted an eye, I even got a few compliments. When I want my red lipstick to really stand out, I dab some foundation on my lips then apply clear lip liner and the lipstick. I top it off with a little red gloss just in the middle of my bottom lip. On days when I just want a hint of red I put on some EOS lip balm and just do a light coating of red. Red hasn’t become a signature color for me but, it’s nice to use when I want to spice up my look a little bit! I walked away from the experience feeling more confident about trying new things. Wearing it around the house for a day or two really helped me to feel more comfortable with trying my new look in public, and gave me time to decide if it was the right move for me. What new beauty trend have you tried, how did you make it work for you? Lip Gloss- Rimmel London Stay Glossy in Timeless Allure Lip Liner- Maybelline in Clear Lip Balm- eos Lipstick- L’Oreal Colour Riche in True Red
    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         18851 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-2015-beauty-and-accessory-dos-and-donts/ 0 0     Just Try It http://prairiewifeinheels.com/just-try-it/ Thu, 14 Nov 2013 19:43:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=326 Anyone that knows me would wholeheartedly agree with the following statement…I am not an athlete. A sad genetic combination of little to no peripheral vision and a severe lack of depth perception, make it nearly impossible for me to catch any flying objects. Add to that an unfortunate habit of always running into things and you can see why I was never voted MVP. I always say that my athletic ability is being able to walk or run in 6 inch heels without falling. I could tell you a story of me subbing for a friend of mine in a softball game, at the end of the story I get hit square in the head with a slowly arching softball sent straight to left field, but why embarrass myself? I never participated in sports in high school and I only went to college games for purely social reasons, and I like to yell. That being said I am built like an athlete. By this I mean I have gargantuan man shoulders, no boobs (unless I am nursing), and the only thing on me that curves is my thighs. I am sure you have a whole new appreciation for The Cowboy, he really does like me for my personality not looks!My first experience with “working out” was my junior year of college when CollegeBFF encouraged me to join her at the gym. I wasn’t really that interested but it was free and I had time between classes to kill. After a while I actually grew to like it (this may have had something to do with the cute guy in the red shorts, remember him CollegeBFF) I didn’t really notice any body changes but my energy was up on the days I worked out. Off and on over the years I would go to the gym maybe 3 days a week, and after college I started taking a yoga class, which I loved. It was my kind of exercise, no quick movements or catching things! Time went on and due to budget cuts (wedding, buying a house, babies) I no longer had the money for the gym. When I had Cowboy J I was so focused on survival that losing the baby weight was the last thing on my mind. I could barely remember if I had brushed my teeth, finding time to go to the gym was out of the question! Between nursing and hour long walks to the park a few days a week, the weight was off in about a year. With Cowgirl G I had gained more weight so I put forth a little more effort. By this point The Cowboy had a job that kept him gone four to five days a week so joining a gym just wasn’t an option. I had to find a way to work out from home with no sitter. It helped that a friend of ours had given us their elliptical machine. I’m no dummy, I wasn’t going to turn down an excuse to have 30 minutes to myself to watch TV<strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">while I worked out! Add to that a Ballet Barre and Pilates DVD’s picked up on a whim and I had the weight off in less than a year. Then I became pregnant with the future Cowboy W. It was the first time that I was pregnant and didn’t have to work (I was able to stay home after Cowgirl G was born) so I decided to do some prenatal exercise. We had a Wii so I started to do some of the Wii fit activities. I also found a couple of prenatal yoga DVD’s and did them one or two times a week. It made such a difference, I didn’t have sciatica and the recovery after was so much better. I had gotten into the habit of working out during my pregnancy so I went ahead and got a few more DVD’s to help shuck the weight from Cowboy W. I also had a group of girlfriends who would get together once a week and do an improve boot camp at the park. Now, after Cowbaby I have taken up running (I’ll get more into that another time). I have decided I’m a Bipolar exerciser, I start a new routine and then get sick of it and find something else. All told in the last seven years I have tried no less than eight different forms of exercise, and I have so many workout DVD’s I gave up counting after a dozen.  Even though it was only two or three times a week for no more than 30minutes (everyone knows that at exactly 30 minutes after you start a workout someone starts crying) I felt better about myself because of that time I dedicated to me. And when life got in the way and I didn’t work out for a few weeks no biggie, I just got back on track when I felt ready. So, the whole point of this post is <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">don’t be scared, try it out. Even if you only do the DVD for 4 weeks and then life gets in the way, you did it, and it’ll be waiting for you when you get back. No one will know that you couldn’t hold the side plank for the whole 30 seconds for the first few months, and when you do finally get it you’ll have every right to be proud! I also promise you that Jillian Michaels will not hear all the mean names you call her while following her DVD’s, she hasn’t come after me yet. Don’t forget to use the buddy system. One of my closest friends, TallGirlJ and I, meet up once a week at each others’ house and do a DVD together or take turn watching kids while we run. We use the time after to chat, and usually try out a new recipe we found on Pinterest (or eat pizza) for dinner. It’s the best of everything, a workout, play date, and dinner all in one! I went ahead and put pics and links for my current favorite workout DVD’s below. I’m sure I’ll have some new favorites to share soon! How do you fit in time to work out, and what is your current favorite way to exercise?
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    ]]>     326 0 0 0 Anyone that knows me would wholeheartedly agree with the following statement…I am not an athlete. A sad genetic combination of little to no peripheral vision and a severe lack of depth perception, make it nearly impossible for me to catch any flying objects. Add to that an unfortunate habit of always running into things and you can see why I was never voted MVP. I always say that my athletic ability is being able to walk or run in 6 inch heels without falling. I could tell you a story of me subbing for a friend of mine in a softball game, at the end of the story I get hit square in the head with a slowly arching softball sent straight to left field, but why embarrass myself? I never participated in sports in high school and I only went to college games for purely social reasons, and I like to yell. That being said I am built like an athlete. By this I mean I have gargantuan man shoulders, no boobs (unless I am nursing), and the only thing on me that curves is my thighs. I am sure you have a whole new appreciation for The Cowboy, he really does like me for my personality not looks! My first experience with “working out” was my junior year of college when CollegeBFF encouraged me to join her at the gym. I wasn’t really that interested but it was free and I had time between classes to kill. After a while I actually grew to like it (this may have had something to do with the cute guy in the red shorts, remember him CollegeBFF) I didn’t really notice any body changes but my energy was up on the days I worked out. Off and on over the years I would go to the gym maybe 3 days a week, and after college I started taking a yoga class, which I loved. It was my kind of exercise, no quick movements or catching things! Time went on and due to budget cuts (wedding, buying a house, babies) I no longer had the money for the gym. When I had Cowboy J I was so focused on survival that losing the baby weight was the last thing on my mind. I could barely remember if I had brushed my teeth, finding time to go to the gym was out of the question! Between nursing and hour long walks to the park a few days a week, the weight was off in about a year. With Cowgirl G I had gained more weight so I put forth a little more effort. By this point The Cowboy had a job that kept him gone four to five days a week so joining a gym just wasn’t an option. I had to find a way to work out from home with no sitter. It helped that a friend of ours had given us their elliptical machine. I’m no dummy, I wasn’t going to turn down an excuse to have 30 minutes to myself to watch TV<strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">while I worked out! Add to that a Ballet Barre and Pilates DVD’s picked up on a whim and I had the weight off in less than a year. Then I became pregnant with the future Cowboy W. It was the first time that I was pregnant and didn’t have to work (I was able to stay home after Cowgirl G was born) so I decided to do some prenatal exercise. We had a Wii so I started to do some of the Wii fit activities. I also found a couple of prenatal yoga DVD’s and did them one or two times a week. It made such a difference, I didn’t have sciatica and the recovery after was so much better. I had gotten into the habit of working out during my pregnancy so I went ahead and got a few more DVD’s to help shuck the weight from Cowboy W. I also had a group of girlfriends who would get together once a week and do an improve boot camp at the park. Now, after Cowbaby I have taken up running (I’ll get more into that another time). I have decided I’m a Bipolar exerciser, I start a new routine and then get sick of it and find something else. All told in the last seven years I have tried no less than eight different forms of exercise, and I have so many workout DVD’s I gave up counting after a dozen.  Even though it was only two or three times a week for no more than 30minutes (everyone knows that at exactly 30 minutes after you start a workout someone starts crying) I felt better about myself because of that time I dedicated to me. And when life got in the way and I didn’t work out for a few weeks no biggie, I just got back on track when I felt ready. So, the whole point of this post is <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">don’t be scared, try it out. Even if you only do the DVD for 4 weeks and then life gets in the way, you did it, and it’ll be waiting for you when you get back. No one will know that you couldn’t hold the side plank for the whole 30 seconds for the first few months, and when you do finally get it you’ll have every right to be proud! I also promise you that Jillian Michaels will not hear all the mean names you call her while following her DVD’s, she hasn’t come after me yet. Don’t forget to use the buddy system. One of my closest friends, TallGirlJ and I, meet up once a week at each others’ house and do a DVD together or take turn watching kids while we run. We use the time after to chat, and usually try out a new recipe we found on Pinterest (or eat pizza) for dinner. It’s the best of everything, a workout, play date, and dinner all in one! I went ahead and put pics and links for my current favorite workout DVD’s below. I’m sure I’ll have some new favorites to share soon! How do you fit in time to work out, and what is your current favorite way to exercise?
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    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         Origins of a Prairie Wife Part 5 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/origins-prairie-wife-part-5/ Tue, 05 Nov 2013 17:17:53 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=927 th rolled around hot and threatening rain. We all headed out of town to the land, and began to get ready. Our guests arrived and kept a nervous watch over the large black clouds that were gradually creeping closer and closer to us. As some friends, Ma and I sat in the increasingly hot tent waiting for my big moment, we noticed a slight hubbub outside. Because you are getting the story after the fact, I’ll let you in on the details I only found out later. Texas Two Steppin’ was put in charge of handing out corsages and was walking around looking for my Grandma Bea, Ma’s mother. When she went and asked Pa if he had seen Grandma Bea, he turned a little pale and called over Big Brother B and Big Brother T. They had been put in charge of getting her from the hotel to the wedding. The Cowboy noticed the unscheduled family meeting and wandered over. Pa “calmly” asked my brothers where Grandma Bea was, and as they looked at each other and back at him he reacted as only he could. His eyes bugged out and in a scarily low and controlled voice he proceeded to tell them what he thought about them both forgetting her and leaving her 30 miles away at the hotel. It was decided that SisterinLaw2 would drive back to town and get her. We simply couldn’t have the wedding without her. The Cowboy, being a problem solver, had his buddies bring up several coolers of beer and some whiskey. He calmly made an announcement that the wedding would be slightly delayed, but drinks were on the house. The guests cast worried glances at the clouds but were more than happy to help themselves to a little pre-wedding refreshment. As I sat in the sauna, I mean tent, I silently thanked God that I hadn’t spent any money on gettingWedding first kiss my hair and makeup done. Grandma Bea eventually showed up amidst cheers and laughter. The judge started the ceremony and the background of the Wyoming prairie was as beautiful as we imagined it would be. The black clouds emitted the occasional lightning bolt and thunder, but remained in the background. The ceremony was beautiful, and we all cried our fair share of tears, mostly joyful ones. The reception had good food, great music, and plenty of whisky and beer. It was quite reminiscent of our first meeting in the beer tent at Frontier Days. The party ended at nightfall, The Cowboy and I left amidst a soft misting of raindrops (that soon turned into a torrential downpour) and I began my life as a Prairie Wife in Heels.  ]]> 927 0 0 0 355 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/first-mothers-day/ 0 0 24494 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/what-would-you-take/ 0 0 Clean Floor Curse http://prairiewifeinheels.com/clean-floor-curse/ Fri, 15 Nov 2013 17:59:29 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=957 mom, I got it. I took care of it!” Now in our house hearing those words is an immediate cause for concern. When Cowboy J did something wrong he would cover his eyes with his hands and stand until you happened to see him. Cowgirl G just did whatever she wanted and dealt with the punishments when they happened. Cowboy W, in a typical middle child way, tries to take care of the problem himself or simply assure you that nothing is really wrong. I promptly put down my tea and asked Cowboy W to explain what exactly was O.K? It turns out, in true three year old boy fashion, he had gotten distracted during his bathroom break and peed all over the bathroom floor. The clean floor curse strikes again! While I appreciate that he used the whole roll of toilet paper to try and clean up the mess, it took all my self control to not lose my cool. I mean really, I had just mopped it less than five minutes ago! I had him wash his hands and used my handy dandy bleach wipes to finish cleaning the floor. I then took a deep breath and gave him a kiss on his strawberry blond head and sent him back to his room to play with his horses and cars. I sat down and looked at Cowbaby contentedly playing on the rug with his toys. I took a few sips of my now slightly tepid tea, and let my blood pressure slowly go down. Just when I had logged into Pinterest to do a little pinning; Cowbaby made that particular noise that means he was in the need of a prompt diaper change, if not a bath. I sighed and picked him up and headed down the hall to the nursery. As I was gently talking to him about his poor timing I suddenly felt something cold and gooey between my toes. I said an inappropriate word very loudly (which Cowbaby found hilarious) and looked down at the pile of cat barf I had just stepped in. It seems that Prairie Cat Toby had overindulged during breakfast and couldn’t make it outside in time. At this point I gave up, hopped into the baby’s room and cleaned off my foot and his butt with baby wipes. I went back to the scene of the crime and cleaned up the cat barf. As I drank my cold tea I simply let out one long sigh. When The Cowboy came in later that evening and tromped around the house for a full 30 minutes before realizing that he hadn’t taken off his boots, I didn’t even bat an eye. And when Cowboy W spilled his milk no less than 3 times at dinner I simply put the roll of paper towels next to his seat. A mother’s work is never done, and when it is, it promptly starts back up again.]]> 957 0 0 0 18374 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/how-often-do-you-clean/ 0 0 Say Mama...Please? http://prairiewifeinheels.com/say-mama-please/ Tue, 12 Nov 2013 18:51:40 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=972 My oldest son, Cowboy J, has always belonged to The Cowboy. As I watched The Cowboy first hold his son after 19 long hours of labor the connection was obvious. I was filled with an overwhelming love for my husband in his new role as a father. When it was finally my turn to hold him I gazed at his sweet little scrunched face and waited for that zing of love. I kept on waiting and waiting and waiting... It wasn’t that I didn’t love him or want him; I wasn’t upset (well not any more than any shocked new mom) about the constant feedings and the crying. I loved his sweet little bald head, and the way he nursed in his sleep. I just knew I didn’t have that zing that he and The Cowboy had. I was filled with guilt and fear. What if this meant I was a terrible mother, doomed to fail, winding up with a teenager angrily screaming “You never really loved me!”  My fears only increased when it became obvious that Cowboy J felt the same way. He put up with me when The Cowboy was at work but, as soon as The Cowboy came home he cried until his daddy held him. My whole life I had dreamed of being a mother and now it had happened, but I had a nagging feeling I was missing something vital. One day I was at the grocery store, Cowboy J was about 6 weeks old. I was unloading my groceries when a hacking and wheezing elderly woman (with more than a little facial hair) reached out to touch “that sweet little baby.” It was like a slow motion action film; I screamed “Noooo!” and flung myself over the car seat blocking her plague covered hands, taking the “bullet” for my baby. She took a stumbling step back and I mumbled apologetically about a rare autoimmune disorder (I know it wasn’t nice to lie), and quickly pushed him past the register. Finally my mother bear instincts had kicked in, I had my zing. Sadly it was at the expense of a little old lady, but that’s how it goes I guess. Then he turned 6 months old and started to say “Dada.” The Cowboy was so proud! I tried not to be jealous; after all I was the one who had spent the last 6 months getting up for all those late night feedings (and had spent hours trying to get him to say Mama). I knew that Dada was easier to say and that my turn would be coming. Then about 3 weeks later Cowboy J started to say our cat Toby’s name. I was crushed. Anytime the cat walked into the room he would shake his whole body and flap his arms and squeal “Tu Tu!” I tried to be brave but I couldn’t help but wonder if this was another sign of my failings as a mother. Finally at 8 months he began to say “Mama” it was only when he was really upset and crying but hey it counted right? Fast forward to the birth of Cowgirl G. This time, as I held my sweet baby just moments after her birth I felt that instant zing, my mama bear instinct was there and ready instantly. I mentally sighed with relief; it must have just been the trauma of being a mother for the first time that delayed my bonding with Cowboy J. Things went along normally with Cowgirl G, other than the fact that she wouldn’t let The Cowboy near her. She was my little girl and wanted nothing to do with him. It felt good, I had been so concerned that there was something wrong with me when Cowboy J preferred his daddy so strongly over me. Now, I knew it was just a personality difference. I’m sure you can imagine my joy when at 6 months old Cowgirl G began saying “Mama” and refused to say Dada for two more months. She actually said “ba” for her brother before she said Dada, I tried not to gloat. Cue the birth of Cowboy W. Once again I watched as The Cowboy held our newborn son and instantly bonded. When it was my turn I held him and waited for my zing…nothing. As we sat alone in our hospital room I looked at The Cowboy and spilled my guts. I had never really expressed my hurt about Cowboy J. This time as I held my beautiful baby boy, I knew that the bonding would eventually come, but I still felt like a bad mom.  Imagine my surprise when The Cowboy met my tearful confession with relief! It turns out that he had been carrying around guilt because he hadn’t bonded with Cowgirl G in the same way he had with the boys. We both felt so much better, either we were both totally normal or totally messed up, but we were in it together. It has been a big week here around the Prairie Homestead. Cowbaby’s two front teeth broke through after weeks of crankiness and he is in the beginning stages of crawling, and even pulling himself up to his knees. And, finally, two months after he said “Dada” he said “Mama” for the first time. It was of course when he was crying, and I can’t get him to say it again no matter how much I beg. But you and I both know, it counts!    ]]> 972 0 0 0 Traveling With Children http://prairiewifeinheels.com/traveling-with-children/ Fri, 15 Nov 2013 19:24:10 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=977 1. Pack a small bag of toys and books for each child a few days or even a week ahead of time and set it out of the way. Keeping the toys out of sight make them almost brand new when they see them again, I usually also add a new toy on the sly. My older kids pack their own, then you can say it’s their fault when they complain they don’t want to play with them anymore! Don’t forget to set them by their car seats when it’s time to go! 2. God made technology for a reason. I totally believe in using DVD players, iPads, iPods, and LeapPad products. We rotate between technology time and toy bag time, and also switch devices between kids. 3. We make a special last resort bag and keep it up by us in the front. It has that annoying kid’s songs DVD you hate but they love, bubbles, gum and candy. This is for emergency purposes only, we actually have never had to break into it. 4. Pack a cooler with healthy snacks and lunch fixings. You will get sick of gas station food and most towns have an easily accessible park. We take the time to have a picnic and let the kids run around and it usually buys us a solid hour of calm and quiet. A word of warning…if you make homemade granola to take along, go easy on the wheat germ. Too many bathroom breaks can really cut into your travel time. 5. If you are traveling with a teething baby or toddler bring an extra sippy cup (they will throw at least one and it will roll to places unknown) and buy jerky, it will keep them happy and busy for hours. 6. Plan on stopping every 3 hours or so. Someone will most likely have to pee or eat, so just plan on it, if you can make it longer great! 7. Pack a stroller or sling, you never know when you might need it! Travel by Air 1. Book the earliest (meaning time of day) flight possible. Really it is the best plan. If you have to drive 4 hours to the airport like plane travelus, simply drive down the day before and enjoy the thrills of the big city. Most hotels have “free” long term parking when you stay there and a shuttle that will take you any time you need. The airport is almost empty at 5am and it makes keeping track of your children a ton easier! Buy a few breakfast bars and some juice for them to nibble on in the terminal. Plus, they are so groggy they basically just sit there and often fall asleep on the airplane. When you land they are rested and ready to go, and you can take a nap while Ma and Pa hang out with the kids. 2. If you can don’t take a stroller. Ma and Pa keep a cheap one at their house for us to use when we travel. When I have a baby/toddler I simply strap them to me with a sling and I have both hands free to hold onto the other kids and our carry on. I feel so much safer having the littlest one tied to me and not trying to maneuver a stroller and bags and my purse around the airport. 3. If you can don’t take a car seat! Once again Ma and Pa keep car seats at their house for us. I understand that this won’t work for everyone. Keep in mind I usually fly on my own and handling luggage, car seats and four kids just isn’t an option. When I travel down to TX to visit my sister Texas Two Steppin’ we ship them ahead of time (most people have an extra seat or two). If The Cowboy is traveling with me we simply check them if we need too, it is usually free. You can also put them in a big duffel bag and check them as luggage (this worked better before the baggage fees) for easy carrying in and out of the airport. 4. Pack a special airplane bag. We have a child size rolling suitcase we use only for hotels and airports. Cowboy J has been dragging it around since he was two, leaving my hands free for my purse and other kids. We only let them play with the toys in it when we travel so it keeps thing fresh. All the toys in it are non electronic and quiet (color wonder markers, soft dolls, cars, and action figures). No batteries to worry about. 5. Stash gum and gummy worms in the suitcase for the taking off and landing. Remember to nurse or feed your baby a bottle during these times to help their ears adjust. 6. Once again God made technology and headphones for a reason. I bring the iPad and iPod and have the kids switch between screen time and toys. I also have kid’s books on my Kindle so they can snuggle and get story time. 7.  Put an extra shirt for you, and an extra baby outfit and some plastic bags in your carry on if you are traveling with a baby! 8. In the unlikely event that you are traveling with a small child with a stomach bug (I am thinking of the horrible Thanksgiving of 2010) put them in pull ups and pack a bunch of towels and plastic bags. Simply set the child on your lap with a towel draped over them. They can get sick on the towel and you can throw it in a plastic bag and reload with a fresh one. I know this sounds terrible but we couldn’t change our tickets! This also works in the car. All in all go easy on yourself; whatever is miserable now will be a funny story later. If you happen to see a harassed mother traveling alone with a whole crew of kids be patient with her, she’s trying her hardest to make it a pleasant trip for everyone!]]> 977 0 0 0 18170 0 0 Pack a Baby Bag for Your Car http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pack-a-baby-bag-car/ Fri, 15 Nov 2013 20:27:35 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=995 two hours a day in the car driving to school, activities and back. Even when I had just one baby, I found that more often than not things come up (literally and figuratively) and keeping a bag stashed in my van of necessities has saved me more often than not! After all, how often do you remember to check your diaper bag when you head out the door at 7:30am on a Thursday?

    In a bag that stays in your car always...(rotate sizes as baby grows)

    4 diaperscar bag 1 thin blanket 1 heavy blanket 1 shirt for you 2 empty grocery bags (for poopy or wet clothes) 1 onesie 1 baby outfit or pair of jammies 1 pair of socks A warm winter hat A small container of baby wipes I also always keep a cheap umbrella stroller in my van and a picnic blanket Don’t forget to wash and replace the items in your bag when you use them. Nothing is worse than sending your husband out to the van for a new shirt for you, and having him come back empty handed…unless the baby threw up on you at the mall, then we call it lucky!  ]]>     995 0 0 0 236 http://www.PrairieWifeInHeels.com 0 4 224 0 0 228 0 0     Veterans Day http://prairiewifeinheels.com/veterans-day/ Mon, 11 Nov 2013 20:48:56 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1000 U.S. Army Women’s Museum—the only statue recognizing the service of Army women located on an Army post. What a wonderful way to acknowledge the achievements of this strong, dedfemale soldier statueicated and determined group of women who embody the meaning of selfless service. Before I wrote this piece I wasn’t aware that there was a Women's Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery, but I am so pleased it exists. The Women's Memorial is a unique, living memorial honoring military women past, present and future during all eras and in all branches of the service. As I explored their website deeper, I learned that they have an initiative to register as many veterans, active duty, National Guard and Reserve servicewomen as possible. If you, a family member, or friend is interested in registering or is in search of female military personnel, visit the In Search Of area on their site. We think that everyone who serves in the military deserves a special treat, so here is an online listing of nearly 100 Veteran's Day discounts and freebies. Check it out, and you may want to make a call before you leave the house so you know if your local franchise is participating and what proof of service you need to show. There are so many worthwhile organizations supporting the men and women of the military. If you are looking for aid of any kind (everything from care packages to housing) or looking to contribute your time, effort or dollars to these heroes, visit http://troopssupport.com to find the best organization for you. Finally, we all know a courageous woman who has proudly served in the military. Whether it is a spouse, friend, family member or coworker, take a moment today to tell them how much their service and sacrifice means to us each and every day.  ]]> 1000 0 0 0 I am Not an Athlete http://prairiewifeinheels.com/athlete/ Tue, 19 Nov 2013 03:59:21 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1041 I am not an athlete. A sad genetic combination of little to no peripheral vision and a severe lack of depth perception, make it nearly imposable for me to catch any flying objects. Add to that an unfortunate habit of always running into things and you can see why I was never voted MVP. I always say that my athletic ability is being able to walk or run in 6 inch heels without falling. I could tell you a story of me subbing for a friend of mine in a softball game, at the end of the story I get hit square in the head with a slowly arching softball sent straight to left field, but why embarrass myself? I never participated in sports in high school and I only went to college games for purely social reasons, and I like to yell. That being said I am built like an athlete. By this I mean I have gargantuan man shoulders, no boobs (unless I am nursing), and the only thing on me that curves is my thighs. I am sure you have a whole new appreciation for The Cowboy, he really does like me for my personality not looks! My first experience with “working out” was my junior year of college when CollegeBFF encouraged me to join her at the gym. I wasn’t really that interested but it was free and I had time between classes to kill. After a while I actually grew to like it (this may have had something to do with the cute guy in the red shorts, remember him CollegeBFF) I didn’t really notice any body changes but my energy was up on the days I worked out. Off and on over the years I would go to the gym maybe 3 days a week, and after college I started taking a yoga class, which I loved. It was my kind of exercise, no quick movements or catching things! Time went on and due to budget cuts (wedding, buying a house, babies) I no longer had the money for the gym. When I had Cowboy J I was so focused on survival that losing the baby weight was the last thing on my mind. I could barely remember if I had brushed my teeth, finding time to go to the gym was out of the question! Between nursing and hour long walks to the park a few days a week, the weight was off in about a year. With Cowgirl G I had gained more weight so I put forth a little more effort. By this point The Cowboy had a job that kept him gone four to five days a week so joining a gym just wasn’t an option. I had to find a way to work out from home with no sitter. It helped that a friend of ours had given us their elliptical machine. I’m no dummy, I wasn’t going to turn down an excuse to have 30 minutes to myself to watch TV while I worked out! Add to that a Ballet Barre and Pilates DVD’s picked up on a whim and I had the weight off in less than a year. Then I became pregnant with the future Cowboy W. It was the first time that I was pregnant and didn’t have to work (I was able to stay home after Cowgirl G was born) so I decided to do some prenatal exercise. We had a Wii so I started to do some of the Wii fit activities. I also found a couple of prenatal yoga DVD’s and did them one or two times a week. It made such a difference, I didn’t have sciatica and the recovery after was so much better. I had gotten into the habit of working out during my pregnancy so I went ahead and got a few more DVD’s to help shuck the weight from Cowboy W. I also had a group of girlfriends who would get together once a week and do an improve boot camp at the park. Now, after Cowbaby I have taken up running (I’ll get more into that another time). I have decided I’m a Bipolar exerciser, I start a new routine and then get sick of it and find something else. All told in the last seven years I have tried no less than eight different forms of exercise, and I have so many workout DVD’s I gave up counting after a dozen.  Even though it was only two or three times a week for no more than 30minutes (everyone knows that at exactly 30 minutes after you start a workout someone starts crying) I felt better about myself because of that time I dedicated to me. And when life got in the way and I didn’t work out for a few weeks no biggie, I just got back on track when I felt ready. So, the whole point of this post is don’t be scared, try it out. Even if you only do the DVD for 4 weeks and then life gets in the jillian Michaelsway, you did it, and it’ll be waiting for you when you get back. No one will know that you couldn’t hold the side plank for the whole 30 seconds for the first few months, and when you do finally get it you’ll have every right to be proud! I also promise you that Jillian Michaels will not hear all the mean names you call her while following her DVD’s, she hasn’t come after me yet. Don’t forget to use the buddy system. One of my closest friends, TallGirlJ and I, meet up once a week at each others’ house and do a DVD together or take turn watching kids while we run. We use the time after to chat, and usually try out a new recipe we found on Pinterest (or eat pizza) for dinner. It’s the best of everything, a workout, play date, and dinner all in one How do you fit in time to work out, and what is your current favorite way to exercise?]]> 1041 0 0 0 The Best Cookies Ever http://prairiewifeinheels.com/best-cookies-ever/ Sat, 16 Nov 2013 04:24:24 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1104 the best chocolate chip cookies ever! I’m not being conceited; it’s just a cold hard fact. I dare you to eat just one! I make these at 5,200ft, that is a pretty high altitude and it makes a difference with baking. When I get my cups of flour I make sure they are rounded (slightly over filled) because at a higher altitude you need extra flour. In the end this results in about Âź cup extra flour over all. If you are not at a high altitude (if you have no idea what I’m talking about you are not high altitude) just make the recipe as stated. High altitude also makes a difference in baking time; we have to cook it a little longer. So, the first time you make these, check closely to make sure they don’t get over done! The Best Cookies Everchoc chip cookies Total time: 35 minutes, 15 minutes prep 15-20 minutes baking Makes 36 cookies 1 ½ cups whole wheat flour (white flour is fine as well) 1 cup white flour 1 cup brown sugar, packed ½ cup white sugar 1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter packed 2 eggs 2 tsp  Vanilla extract 1tsp baking soda 1 tsp salt 2 cups semi-sweet chocolate chips 1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees. 2. Into a large bowl (I use my KitchenAid stand mixer) put the butter, brown sugar, white sugar, eggs, and vanilla. Stir until well combined. 3.  Add the wheat and white flour, baking soda and salt and stir. 4. Add the chocolate chips and briefly stir. Spray three pans with non-stick cooking spray. 5. Using a large spoon to scoop out the cookie dough, place each spoonful about two inches apart on your pan. I usually do 12 cookies per sheet. 6. Place your pans into the oven for approx 8 min. The tops should be just slightly brown. Let them cool on the cookie sheet and then put them in an air tight container.]]> 1104 0 0 0 1383 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/whatcha-gonna-buy-your-cowboy/ 0 0 24509 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wives-vs-pinterest/ 0 0 Prairie Wife of the Week November 8, 2013 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-november-8-2013/ Fri, 08 Nov 2013 13:41:42 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1118 PWW Chasetity shoes

    Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family. Chasetity (C): My husband and I have lived in Wyoming for almost 8 years. My daughter is 10 and my son is 3 1/2. PW: When did you first start to become concerned about your sons development? C: I had noticed he wasn’t making many sounds and he still wasn’t pulling himself up or trying to walk even though he was a year old, I shared my concerns with our doctor. He recommended that we take him for a developmental screening. We went to our local Child Development Center (CDC). PW: What were the first steps that they took? C: At the screening they said his fine motor skills weren’t as developed as they would like. They also had us sign him up for once a week home visits to help work on his speech. They really didn’t seem concerned at all about his delays. PW: When you were told not to worry were you relieved, or did your gut tell you something else? C: My gut has always told me something else. I know it sounds crazy, but even when I was pregnant I always had a feeling that something was different. Then when he was born and we were told he had a higher pallet than normal. I thought “O.K. that’s what it was” and I let myself relax. Then he got older and continued to grow, and I just always had a feeling in my gut that we were missing something else. Now as I Iook back, I can see that he didn’t babble as much as other babies do. I think having the big age gap between him and his sister made it harder for me to notice a difference. PW: When you moved to a new town, and took your son to a new CDC, how did you feel when they validated your concerns? C: First, it amazed me how this CDC offered him so many more therapies than we had ever been offered at the old one. They tested him so much more thoroughly, and I feel that this allowed them to fine tune his therapy to his specific needs. It made me feel hopeful that they validated my concerns. I know that we are on the right path to diagnosing what his delays are, and through that we can help him to grow in new ways. PW: What growth have you seen in your son over the last year? C: I have to say he is making way more sounds, and he has really started to point to things that he wants. Hey tries to communicate with us, and even takes our hands to show us what he wants. His frustration with others and himself has decreased, which means he has fewer meltdowns. Both his fine and gross motor skills have drastically improved. PW: What frustrations do you still have? C: Transitions from one activity to another are really hard for him, he often has meltdowns. I have noticed that when he gets hungry and we aren’t at home he has trouble communicating what he wants, and we all know what a hungry 3 year old boy is like! Also, sometimes it is hard to know when he is tired or over stimulated, I have to really pay attention to his cues. We have recently taken him to be tested by two doctors and we are waiting to hear the final report of what they feel his “diagnosis” is. The waiting is killing me! PW: How do you feel having a child with developmental delays has impacted your marriage and your daughter? C: Sometimes it can be hard to get my husband on board with me. It has been a process for both of us to acknowledge that our son may not be able to do all the things we had hoped for him. I came to terms with it earlier than my husband, so that has been hard. We both love him so much. I just know that there are things that he wants to do with our son, like shooting and hunting. I’m sure it’s hard for him to not know when, or if they can do those things together. I don’t think that my daughter really knows that her brother is different from any other child. She just accepts him for who he is. That’s been such a joy for me, I’m so proud of her. PW: I know that he has brought so much joy to your family, can you talk about some big moments that you have had together? C: When I think of my son I think of happiness and love. He is the sweetest boy and his constant kisses and snuggles bring me such a sense of peace. When he gets excited about something and does this big deep belly laugh, it just makes you laugh right along with him. He loves to tease and play tricks and when he is being naughty; his laugh just comes right up from his toes. PW: When you are out in public and he gets frustrated how do you wish people would react? What do you want people to know, and share with their children? C: Because looking at him you can’t tell he is delayed it can cause some problems. People talk to him and when he only responds with a smile I don’t know what to say. Do I explain he can’t talk? Or just say he is shy? When he is having a meltdown I would personally prefer to be left alone, though I know this might not be how everyone feels. There isn’t anything you can do to really help; sometimes I don’t even know what I need to do to fix the problem. Just please let me pretend that no one notices and get things taken care of as soon as possible. If you see a child having a meltdown in public simply saying to your family, “That’s too bad that they are having a rough time” in a kind and understanding voice, is all that’s needed. If your children are having a play date with a developmentally delayed child I think honesty is the best policy. Tell them what to expect and the best way for them to react. For my son, my friends just say “Remember he has trouble talking and can get frustrated. Be kind and use your words and if you need help ask me or his mom.” PW: What is the best way that your friends can support you and your family? C: Just accepting him for who his is and including us in the same activities you and your children do. He is a regular little boy who loves to play outside and watch and learn from other kids. PW: What are your hopes and fears for your son’s future? C: I have to be honest that I have more fears. I hope that one day he will start speaking words. My biggest fear is that he won’t be able to do things that other kids can do independently. Like enjoying school and starting kindergarten at a regular school, and playing team sports. PW: Any last word of wisdom for the other Prairie Wives out there? C: I just hope that people would learn to be more compassionate and open minded towards others. Lots of times people assume that I am a bad parent when my son has a meltdown, if they only knew how much time I work with him every day! I wish that people would learn to see my son for all that he is, rather than what he isn’t. As our Prairie Wife of the Week Chasetity will be responding to your comments and questions all week.  ]]>     1118 0 0 0 12814 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/we-need-your-help-for-february-flashbacks-giveaway/ 0 0 24644 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-o-abbey-kercher/ 0 0     Prairie Wife of the Week November 15, 2013 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-november-15-2013/ Fri, 15 Nov 2013 19:20:49 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1121 Texas Two Steppin’ (TTS): First tell us a bit about you and your family… Texas Skin Savior (TSS): I am a 35-year-old mother of two wild and dirty boys, housewife, secretary, entrepreneur, referee, maid, chef, laundry lady…I am sure my three “boys” could come up with a few more adjectives! My hubby and I have a busy landscaping business, and I am a consultant for Rodan + FieldsÂŽ. I love my kids, my hard working husband and my little side biz. It changed my life, my skin, my personality and my attitude for the better! TTS: Full disclosure to our readers, I am a loyal customer of yours and will be writing upcoming blogs on certain products that have changed my life (truly!). After using R+F for a few months, I recommended them to Prairie Wife, and she became a customer, too. But how were you introduced to these products? TSS: I suffered from melasma (a.k.a. pregnancy mask).  If you are not familiar with this condition, it is a brown, splotchy mark that creeps around your eyes and down around your mouth and covers your cheeks. I had exhausted all possibilities that the department store had to offer when a friend called me and asked me if I had heard of Rodan + Fields. The product junky in me couldn't order it fast enough! PW: I just have to say that I can totally relate! I started using Rodan+Fields when my rosacea continued to worsen with each pregnancy, not to mention the bags under my eyes! Like a true big sister Texas Two Steppin’ came to my rescue. When I called to ask for advice she sent me right to Katy…I couldn’t be happier with the results. TTS: What led you to the decision to get more involved and sell these products? TSS: Well, I am kind of a dive-right-in girl, so when my friend shared with me that this company was created by the doctors who created ProactivÂŽ I knew immediately that the products would be great and that the company was young and fresh. The timing was right for me as I was looking for something that would allow me to contribute to my family’s bottom line but not interrupt my role with Odiorne Landscaping or take time away from my boys! TTS: To many people, “sales” is a dirty word, so what are the benefits of participating in this type of business model? Is the perception that you are basically running your own business accurate? TSS: Absolutely! When you take the plunge, so to speak, you immediately become a business owner and part of a team. We like to say we are in business for ourselves but not by ourselves. "Sales" and especially "Direct Sales" often times are perceived as negative, but Rodan + Fields and its independent consultants are determined to change that. I feel so blessed to have the pleasure of working with such a professional company and the caliber of people it is attracting as consultants. I don't appreciate pushy salesmanship and certainly don't operate that way. TTS: Now, be honest with us…what are some of your challenges or misconceptions that you have to overcome? TSS: Well my absolute favorite misconception is “Is this one of those pyramid schemes?" And my response is always (insert sarcasm)"Yes, because after these doctors created Proactiv they decided to attach their good name to a pyramid scheme!" But for me the biggest challenge has been getting out of my own way, putting myself out there and not worrying what people think. In doing this, I have gained more confidence than I have ever had before, and the personal growth I have experienced has been the greatest blessing of all. TTS: What things should others consider when they are looking into this type of effort? TSS: I think you should always follow your heart and your head...so choose an opportunity that intrigues and inspires you. With a direct sales opportunity you get to choose who you work with, your hours of operation and what type of products you want to attach yourself to. For me, I am not a skincare expert and I have business partners who are not skincare junkies (like me :) ) but we all have a common goal, We want more for our future, we want to dream bigger and in the process help others achieve their goals and dreams. Oh, and we want incredible skin (BONUS for us!!) TTS:  OK, now’s your chance to give us one wonderful or unusual skin tip you have learned and any final Prairie Wife words of wisdom that we just shouldn’t live without. TSS: Well my skincare tip would be...EYECREAM! If you are not using it now GET SOME! It is the one thing I cannot live without! Use it when you hit that 3 p.m., I am going to fall asleep standing up while talking to my boss slump! It will rejuvenate you and may just give you that twinkle back in your eye! My words of wisdom for mothers of daughters (and sons) is to teach them to take care of their skin now. Be mindful of the sun and the damage it can do and ALWAYS, ALWAYS, wear your sunscreen!! Texas Skin Savior, a.k.a. Katy Odiorne, will be monitoring comments the next week—here’s your chance to get answers to your skin care questions. If she doesn’t know the answer; she’ll be sure to get one from her network of professional resources! Remember, Texas Two Steppin’ and Prairie Wife do use Rodan + Fields products but began using them years before they even discussed writing a blog. We have not been paid or reimbursed in any way for the recommendation and review posted above. Our degrees are in communications and education, not dermatology, so please always consult a professional in the medical field before changing your skin routine. For our readers with more questions about Melasma here is a link that we like the best! http://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/picture-of-melasma-pregnancy-mask-on-cheek]  ]]> 1121 0 0 0 1373 0 0 1405 1373 0 15713 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-february-flashback-katy-2015/ 0 0 Prairie Wife of the Week November 22, 2013 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-november-22-2013/ Fri, 22 Nov 2013 19:28:01 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1123 and I was pregnant with Cowbaby. I was a little nervous about her ability to make our family look good, not to mention great! Her calm and confidence helped us to relax and enjoy our time together; I barely noticed her snapping away. The beautiful pictures she produced captured the essence of our family in a way that brought tears to my eyes. As I learned her story I knew that she would be a perfect Prairie Wife of the Week. She took a chance and turned her hobby into a profession, and learned to become a flexible and focused businesswoman. Erin’s willingness to share and learn with others in her profession, has led her to become a truly amazing artist.

    pww erin shoes

    Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family. Erin Potter (EP): Well I have known my husband since High School, though we actually didn’t start dating until I was in my late 20’s. I was married at 29 and didn’t have my first baby until I was 31. I have two daughters ages 12 and 10, and a son who is 7. We are a very active family and my children play a lot of sports.erin pww girls photography PW: How did you first become interested in photography? EP: I have always liked taking photos, and often found myself being the one taking them at parties and holidays. When I had children I wanted to preserve the memories, to remember that special time. It just goes by in a blurr of dirty diapers and sleepless nights, and if you don’t have pictures I think you forget some of the moments. PW: What led you to the decision to try and have photography be a “full time job” for you? EP: When I began to show my friends pictures, or they saw my Christmas cards, they started to ask me to take their family pictures. Then they recommend me to their friends and it started to take off from there. At the time I was working part time as a bartender and I had to ask for time off so that I could schedule appointments for all my clients. Eventually after I took off 3 months the second year, I just never needed to go back. I think that was when I decided to change photography from a hobby into a profession. PW: What were the first steps that you had to take? EP: Well at first I have to admit that I wasn’t as organized as I needed to be, and the business side of photography is something I still struggle with. My husband eventually sat me down after awhile and pointed out that between eqerin nestuipment costs, client shoots and editing I was only making $1.60 an hour! So he helped me to be more aware of my actual costs and that I needed to be more mindful of my hours. The switch to a digital camera (a gift from my husband) has made my business more affordable, and allowed me to provide more beautiful pictures to my clients. Developing film can cost a lot of money, and you can’t always be sure you have a good shot. It also allows me to meet my customers’ needs; they can go to the internet and view their gallery of photos rather than having to schedule studio time. When I first started I took a black and white film class at the local college, I know that the experience I had in the dark room has helped me with my editing now. My editing software Lightroom, is amazing. I had never done a wedding until I had a digital camera. Can you imagine going through your film the next week and realizing someone had their eyes closed in every shot? I am so thankful I can check my camera quickly and make sure I have at least a few shots that will work. PW: Now that you have been doing this for a while, what are the some of the challenges that you have had to overcome? EP: Like I said the business aspect of what to charge and realistically how much time I need to spend editing is always changing. For example I had no idea that you need to charge sales tax! I would recommend sitting down with someone who has experience inerin chairs business before you start really trying to become a professional, you want to do it right the first time. I also continue to learn more every year. You have to be flexible with your business. For example, I am currently thinking about not scheduling photo shoots in the winter. I do most of my work outside and all the cancelations due to wind and bad weather results in frustrated clients. I of course want to have as many bookings as I can but, I want have happy clients and great photographs! I also made the decision to not give out CD’s to my clients. I really prefer to have my work printed through a gallery company, it results in higher quality beautiful prints. Not everyone agrees with that, and I understand, but for me I want my clients to have the best work I can do. Sometimes I feel like I have a never ending to do list, but I just remind myself that this is my passion! When I hear from happy customers, and get referrals because people have seen my work and loved it, that is so rewarding! PW: What have been the pros and cons for both you and your family? EP: For the pros, I am able to add to my family’s income. It took a few years but it is really rewarding to know that I am contributing. The flexible hours are a must for me. With a husband that travels and busy kids with a ton of activities, my professionerin family pic allows me to be there when I need to be. I can schedule client photo shoots around our life. That being said I have missed out on family time because of needing to edit. It’s hard when your kids ask you to play and you have to say no. Sometimes being able to work from home can be a double edged sword.  I am easily accessible and it can be hard to explain that I have obligations to my clients (who are paying me) and I can’t stop what I am doing. I have definitely had my fare share of midnight editing sessions. But, sometime I don’t want to stop! I love finding those tear worthy moments, and cannot wait to share them. The loving smiles of a father and daughter who are completely focused on each other, a mother gazing at her sleeping newborn with a mixture of awe and love, that makes it worth the time. I guess it’s the same with any job, finding that balance between your profession and family is, and always will be, a struggle. PW: What is your favorite part of your job? EP: To me photographs are my art. It brings me joy when good light, composition, and expression all come together. The feeling I get as the shutter clicks and I know I have captured the essence of my client’s family. That is a feeling I can’t begin to describe! I also love to talk to other photographers and learn from them. I wish there was more support amongst photographers, rather than competition. I have learned so much by looking at my friend’s work, buying other photographers books, and looking at Pinterest. Now, keep in mind there is a difference between looking to others for inspiration and copying, you need to stay ethical! But, the opportunity to grow through the experience of others is so amazing! There is a vast amount of blogs on the internet that offers a virtual community that I have learned to go to for support and advice. PW: What are some key tips that you would tell someone that is just starting out with their own photography business? EP: I try to go to every photo shoot with a sense of calm, patience, and humor (even though I am always nervous before every session). I’ve seen more parents pooped on (always have them bring extra shirts to a newborn shoot) and I’ve edited more boogers erin runnerout of noses then I care to think about! Your clients pick up on your vibe and nothing makes better pictures than a relaxed and happy family. I often talk to them before hand about looking online for clothing inspiration (and to think about the weather), and if they have poses they want me to do I like to know ahead of time. Really I want my client to dictate the shoot, nothing is worse than a client that leaves it all up to me. I make sure I carry a binder with pose ideas with me (there are many books in print about this topic) and mark out a few ideas before the shoot. This helps me to keep things flowing, a must if there are small children being photographed. Read some books about photography and above all read your camera manual! Take a ton of pictures. Remember that more quantity means more opportunity for higher quality. PW: The holidays are coming up, what advice would you give to all those amateur photographers out there trying to capture the joys of the season? EP: Turn off your flash and use natural light as much as possible. Open up the curtains and let the winter light shine in. Take a lot of pictures; you can delete the ones you don’t like, but will be surprised by all the ones you love. I recommend a mixture of posed and impromptu pictures. Let the kids throw the wrapping paper in the air, have them all hug with Santa hats on! Just please don’t take a picture of your baby wrapped in lights plugged into the wall, that scares me! PW: Any last words of wisdom to share?pww erin photo girl EP: “The only photographer you should compare yourself to is the one you used to be.”  Unknown All of the photos on this page were taken by Erin Potter and are the property of Erin Potter Photography. As always our Prairie Wife of the week will be checking the site daily to answer any comments or questions. More of Erin's work can be seen at http://erinpotter.zenfolio.com or on her Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/pages/Erin-Potter-Photography/246903960217]]>     1123 0 0 0     The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-uglies-by-scott-westerfeld/ Sat, 16 Nov 2013 01:03:35 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1178 The Uglies, book

    I do not believe in age discrimination when it comes to books. A good book is a good book, no matter what age it was written for. The Secret Garden by Fances Hodgson Burnett will always be my favorite book. The Harry Potter books are up there in my top 10 and, I also loved The Golden Compass (and the other books in the series) by Phillip Pullman. I totally admit to losing a solid week of my life to the Hunger Games, and I felt a little bit empty when I finished the last book. I came across The Uglies by Scott Westerfeld when I was trying to fill the void that Katniss and Peta left in my life. The series consists of four books and was written for young adults, but I found it fascinating. The book takes place in the future and the plot revolves around Tally Youngblood. In this future society our world is divided into two groups the Uglies and the Pretties. When young children (Littles) reach puberty they are sent away to live in a campus like area until they reach the age of 16. On their 16th birthday they receive surgery that allows them to become Pretties where they then go to live a life entirely focused on having fun. Tally is a strong young female who from the beginning, doesn’t quite fit in with the conformist society she is destined to become a part of. In a rash move she runs away in search of the fabled “Smoke” where people live life as Uglies in the “primitive” ways of their ancestors. Throughout the book she struggles with the question of who she wants to become. As an adult I found this book fascinating and the thinly veiled references to our society’s constant quest for physical perfection made it a thought provoking read. It’s a book I will certainly file away for Cowgirl G to read when she enters her teenage years.]]>     1178 0 0 0     Take Five with Texas Two Steppin' http://prairiewifeinheels.com/take-five-texas-two-steppin/ Sun, 24 Nov 2013 18:04:44 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1234 topic in upcoming blogs, but quite simply she is the outgoing, younger one, and I am the reserved, older (shall we say more mature?) sister. Yes, my career is based on public speaking and communication, but at events I would be categorized as an introvert—much more comfortable planning the party than being the life of the party. So, when Prairie Wife mentioned again that I needed to write an introduction and that my earlier blog or discussion on personal style wouldn’t do, I told her to give me a number like they do on Facebook. She gave me “5,” so let’s see if I can give you a sense of who I am with five topics…   1. Let’s start simple. I like having the TV on when I’m home, but I don’t often get a chance to just sit and watch a show. When I cook dinner I turn on Top Chef or Chopped, when I clean the house I have on America’s Next Top Model or Project Runway, and when I get ready for work it’s HLN or Million Dollar Shoppers. I actually do take the time to sit down and watch football games, American Horror Story and Mad Men (an odd combo, if I do say so myself). But, if I was only able to watch one television show ever again, it would have to be What Not to Wear. I sooo miss you Stacy, Clinton, Ted and Carmindy! 2. My home design style is Sabrina Soto all the way. If you haven’t watched The High Low Project on HGTV, DVR it immediately. P.S. I love Sabrina’s clothes, hair and makeup too! 3. Let’s talk food. I love to bake desserts, but eating dessert really isn’t my thing. My favorite meal is fresh, raw oysters followed by a traditional Cajun shrimp and crawfish boil with potatoes, corn and sausage. I will also tell you that this is most definitely Prairie Wife’s least favorite meal. We’ll flip a coin to decide who gets to tell you this story in the upcoming year! 4. Alright, since we’re sharing, I have a dirty little secret. On Saturdays I love to clean/organize the house. Really, that is relaxing and therapeutic for me! As you can imagine, The Texan and the stepkids don’t find this nearly as fun as I do, and I’m grateful for their influence. They’ve pushed me way out of my comfort zone and over the years our family hobbies have included all sorts of sports, boating, horseback riding, four wheeling, fishing, jet skiing, RVing, kneeboarding and riding motorcycles and dune buggies. 5. Finally, although I am known as Texas Two Steppin’, I don’t know how to do the Texas Two Step or any other type of dance. So why am I called Two Steppin’? Because about a year after moving from Milwaukee in an effort to flee winters, I moved to the country to live with The Texan and his seven-year-old daughter and five-year-old son. While I refer to them as Step Girl and Step Boy in this blog, in practice they are simply my kids. Since the day I met them, I have truly loved them as much as I love their dad, and I couldn’t imagine my world without them. Sure, when I look back it seems odd that I was single one day and had two children the next, but I wouldn’t change a thing and am so proud of the adults they have become. This year has been an exciting one, with Step Girl starting her career and Step Boy becoming a father, and I can’t wait to see what happens next with my family! Whew, that’s so much more than I usually share (can’t believe Prairie Wife was able to write a short novel for hers!). Thanks PW, for just giving me “five,” and if you like my link on Facebook I’ll be just as kind to you!]]> 1234 0 0 0 354 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/first-mothers-day/ 0 0 24508 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wives-vs-pinterest/ 0 0 Best Baby Board Books http://prairiewifeinheels.com/best-baby-board-books/ Mon, 04 Nov 2013 13:00:54 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2606 Doggies by Sandra Boynton Boynton has so many great books it was really hard to pick my favorite (so I picked two) but this one is hilarious. Nothing is funnier than watching a baby’s face as you read this book to them the first few times. All the barking and whining causes some big eyed stares. Soon enough they are giggling and then barking right along with you! Snuggle Puppy by Sandra Boynton I just had to add this one. The singing and rhyme is great but, mostly I just love the pictures. The little puppy reminds me so much of my little boys that it makes me smile every time. Plus, there is singing, shouting, whispering and kissing! Brown Bear Brown Bear, What Do You See? by Bill Martin Jr. This is a classic baby book and it is wonderful! The rhythm and rhyme is so important for babies and toddlers to hear. With a lesson in animal names and colors on every page it’s like a preschool class every time you read it. Everywhere Babies by Susan Meyers This book was given to me by a friend when I had my first baby, and I’m so glad she did! The rhyme and rhythm in this book makes it a pleasure to read and listen to. The pictures are charming and my Cowkids love reading it together. We talk about which babies look like ours, and they love to see what our baby will do next. For some reason their favorite page has always been the same for each of my kids, the babies splashing in the pool! Big Red Barn by Margaret Wise Brown I have read this book so many times I am sure I will still be able to recite it when I am 100 years old. Cowboy J loved it so much that we actually had a Big Red Barn themed 2nd birthday party for him. The illustrations are colorful and the animal noises and unusual word choice keep my kids entertained time after time. “When the sun went down in the great green field, the big cow lowed, the little pig squealed.” It just doesn’t get better than that.]]> 2606 0 0 0 Parmesan Garlic Kale Chips http://prairiewifeinheels.com/parmesan-garlic-kale-chips/ Mon, 16 Dec 2013 19:16:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=237 In a quest to eat healthier this summer I discovered the wonders of Kale. When I found out how simple it was to make homemade Kale chips I immediately started to experiment! This recipe was the hands down winner for both my friends and I. I don't' have actual measurements because it is a sprinkle and a dribble here and there.Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook time: approx 20 minOne large bunch of Kale Olive Oil Grated Parmesan Cheese Garlic Powder Sea Salt Pepper Turn the oven on to 350 degrees 1. Pull the leaves of the Kale away from the thick middle vein. If needed tear the leaves into smaller bite size bites. 2. Place the leaves on a cookie sheet. 3. Drizzle Olive Oil over the Kale 4. Sprinkle the leaves with Parmesan Cheese, garlic Powder, Salt and Pepper. 5. Using your hands or a spatula, mix up the leaves so they are evenly coated in olive oil and seasoning. 6. Place the cookie sheet into the oven and set timer for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes take out the leaves and mix them again, try one and add more seasoning if desired. 7. Put the Kale back into the oven for another 10 minutes but check after 5 to make sure they aren't getting too dark. 8. Your chips are done when they are crispy and light brown on the edges. ]]> 237 0 0 0 Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup http://prairiewifeinheels.com/homemade-crock-pot-chicken-noodle-soup/ Sun, 08 Dec 2013 14:04:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=244 Picture
    My Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is by far Cowboy J’s favorite meal. He loves it when winter comes along, and always asks for it whenever he is sick. This recipe freezes well but, I usually have to add some water to it when I heat it up. I have two sneaky tricks that make my soup taste like I took way more time than I actually did. Firstly, I recommend using your trusty crock pot, simmering your soup all day makes the flavors so rich. Secondly I use Grandma’s brand frozen noodles (any kind of dry egg noodles will work as well, check 1 hour after you add them because you might have to add more water). I have found that following the thawing directions on the bag don’t work very effectively for me. Instead, I take a frozen bag of noodles and put it in a large ziplock bag, I then hand it to my kids and let them take turns throwing it on the ground and breaking the noodles apart. Otherwise, I find they tend to stay in big clumps. Let me know what you add to your soup to give it that extra savory homemade taste!
    Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Total Time: Prep time 30min, cook time in crock pot 4-8 hours 8-10 servings2 cups chopped celery 2 cups chopped carrots ½ med onion finally chopped 4 ckn breasts 48oz ckn broth (vegetable broth works as well) 2 cups water 2 minced garlic cloves ½ tsp thyme ½ tsp marjoram 1 tsp dried parsley Salt and Pepper to taste 1 bag Grandma’s brand frozen noodles1. Cut up the chicken breast into small chunks, place in a pan on the stove with some olive oil and cook until there is no pink. 2. Cut up all your vegetables. 3. Put all the ingredients except the noodles into your crock pot. Close and set cook time. 4. Two hours before serving put the frozen (or thawed) noodles into the crock pot. 5. Serve warm with biscuits, crackers, or fresh bread.
    My Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is by far Cowboy J's favorite meal. He loves it when ...read more    
    ]]>     244 0 0 0 My Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup is by far Cowboy J’s favorite meal. He loves it when winter comes along, and always asks for it whenever he is sick. This recipe freezes well but, I usually have to add some water to it when I heat it up. I have two sneaky tricks that make my soup taste like I took way more time than I actually did. Firstly, I recommend using your trusty crock pot, simmering your soup all day makes the flavors so rich. Secondly I use Grandma’s brand frozen noodles (any kind of dry egg noodles will work as well, check 1 hour after you add them because you might have to add more water). I have found that following the thawing directions on the bag don’t work very effectively for me. Instead, I take a frozen bag of noodles and put it in a large ziplock bag, I then hand it to my kids and let them take turns throwing it on the ground and breaking the noodles apart. Otherwise, I find they tend to stay in big clumps. Let me know what you add to your soup to give it that extra savory homemade taste!
    Picture
    Homemade Crock Pot Chicken Noodle Soup Total Time: Prep time 30min, cook time in crock pot 4-8 hours 8-10 servings 2 cups chopped celery 2 cups chopped carrots ½ med onion finally chopped 4 ckn breasts 48oz ckn broth (vegetable broth works as well) 2 cups water 2 minced garlic cloves ½ tsp thyme ½ tsp marjoram 1 tsp dried parsley Salt and Pepper to taste 1 bag Grandma’s brand frozen noodles 1. Cut up the chicken breast into small chunks, place in a pan on the stove with some olive oil and cook until there is no pink. 2. Cut up all your vegetables. 3. Put all the ingredients <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">except the noodles into your crock pot. Close and set cook time. 4. Two hours before serving put the frozen (or thawed) noodles into the crock pot. 5. Serve warm with biscuits, crackers, or fresh bread.
    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         Royal Icing http://prairiewifeinheels.com/royal-icing/ Fri, 06 Dec 2013 14:38:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=246 Prairie Wife of the Week from Dec 6, 2013 uses to decorate her fabulous sugar cookies. Watch the video below to get some tips on how to make a perfectly decorated cookie! Ingredients 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder Easy-Add Meringue Powder 4 cups (about 1 lb.) confectioners' sugar 6 tablespoons warm water Makes: About 3 cups of icing. Instructions Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks (7-10 minutes at low speed with a heavy-duty mixer, 10-12 minutes at high speed with a hand-held mixer). NOTE: Keep all utensils completely grease-free for proper icing consistency. * For stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water. **When using large countertop mixer or for stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water. Thinned Royal Icing: To thin for pouring, add 1 teaspoon water per cup of royal icing. Use grease-free spoon or spatula to stir slowly. Add 1/2 teaspoon water at a time until you reach proper consistency. ]]> 246 0 0 0
  • 3 tablespoons Meringue Powder Easy-Add Meringue Powder
  • 4 cups (about 1 lb.) confectioners' sugar
  • 6 tablespoons warm water
    • Makes About 3 cups of icing. Instructions Beat all ingredients until icing forms peaks (7-10 minutes at low speed with a heavy-duty mixer, 10-12 minutes at high speed with a hand-held mixer). NOTE: Keep all utensils completely grease-free for proper icing consistency. * For stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water. **When using large countertop mixer or for stiffer icing, use 1 tablespoon less water. Thinned Royal Icing: To thin for pouring, add 1 teaspoon water per cup of royal icing. Use grease-free spoon or spatula to stir slowly. Add 1/2 teaspoon water at a time until you reach proper consistency.[/text][video source= "youtube" url= "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DclM_mOkbpA&feature=player_embedded"][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         Pear Cranberry Pie http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pear-cranberry-pie/ Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:14:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=248 this recipe in the November 2008 Issue of Good Housekeeping. I am a pie lover (I learned the art of making the perfect pie crust from Ma) and so is The Cowboy, but I sometimes get tired of the same old apple or strawberry rhubarb recipes that The Cowboy prefers. I thought the idea of pear and cranberry sounded absolutely delicious, and would look beautiful out on the Thanksgiving table. The Cowboy was more than a little doubtful about the flavor combination, but I ignored him and forged ahead. He ended up loving it and we now have it every year at Thanksgiving. pear cranberry pieLike all pies made completely from scratch this one is more than a little labor intensive. But the end result will make it all worth it! Click on the picture of the Pear Cranberry Lattice Pie and it will take you right to the recipe on Good Housekeeping’s site. If you are feeling crunched for time make this a week or two ahead of time and freeze it unbaked, then you can simply put it in the oven and let it bake away while you make all your other goodies! This is the best link I have found for storing and baking pies . My standard pie crust recipe is from the Betty Crocker Red Cookbook  so I only use the Good Housekeeping recipe for the filling. In past years I have done a lattice top, a regular full pie crust, and taken cookie cutters and done decorative tops. What kind of pies do you make every year? Do you have a signature pie crust?]]> 248 0 0 0 unbaked, then you can simply put it in the oven and let it bake away while you make all your other goodies! This is the best link I have found for storing and baking pies http://bit.ly/128x0DK. My standard pie crust recipe is from the Betty Crocker Red Cookbook (http://bit.ly/tTsbDv) so I only use the Good Housekeeping recipe for the filling. In past years I have done a lattice top, a regular full pie crust, and taken cookie cutters and done decorative tops. What kind of pies do you make every year? Do you have a signature pie crust?[/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]> Knock Ya Naked Brownies http://prairiewifeinheels.com/knock-ya-naked-brownies/ Wed, 27 Nov 2013 16:12:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=250 250 0 0 0 http://bit.ly/1cvtavG ) and see what happens![/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]> My Holiday Fashion Inspiration http://prairiewifeinheels.com/my-holiday-fashion-inspiration/ Wed, 18 Dec 2013 19:34:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=308 I don’t know about you, but I’ve had what feels like a ton of holiday events this year. Between office parties, casual get togethers at friend’s houses, and date night with The Cowboy I’ve been wearing my Prairie Wife heels quite a bit! Plus we still have a few more Christmas parties, Christmas dinner, and our annual New Year’s Bash here on the Prairie homestead to go! While I have a fairly large wardrobe, and I stocked up on some great clothes this fall, I was feeling a little uninspired for all these parties. Then as I was reading one of my favorite blogs jseverydayfasion.com I saw her wearing an adorablewhite tuxedo jacket with black lapels. I had just seen a similar jacket at Target earlier in the week, and because I was trying to be good, I had resisted the urge to buy it. I quickly made the mental note to stop by and get it the next day, I had found my inspiration piece! What I love about the jacket is that it can easily be dressed up or down. It will also transition nicely into a spring and summer wardrobe. Don't forget to roll or scrunch up the sleeves on the jacket, and accessorize with an over-sized watch! Below I have pictures of a few outfit combos I have worn this month, or plan to wear. As always, I have included where and when I have purchased the items whenever I am able!What inspiration piece do you find yourself wearing over and over this Holiday season?
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    This is a great outfit for meeting the girls for coffee, or to wear to the cowkids' Christmas programs! It can be more casual with ballet flats or a little dressier with some knee high boots.Tuxedo Jacket-Target Blush Colored Blouse- Bobeau, hautlook.com or Nordstrom.com Skinny Jeans- Express.com Black Sparkle Flats- Target 2 years ago Camel Colored Boots- Jessica Simpson, Amazon.com Necklace- Last year at a local boutique called The Floral Rhino, Floralrhino.com
    Picture
    How cute is this for a date night?! Once again the shoe choice will help you to dress up, or down the outfit.Tuxedo Jacket- Target Gray T-shirt- Target Black Jeggings- Target Black Sparkle Flats- Target 2 years ago Wine Colored Heels- Target Necklace-?
    Picture
    I wore this last week to The Cowboy's work Christmas party. Because it is well and truly winter here in Wyoming, I wore the skirt with thick black tights.Tuxedo Jacket-Target Oxblood Pocket T-Shirt- Target Black Pencil Skirt with Leather Detail- Romeo & Juliet Couture, hautlook.com or Nordstrom.com Black Booties- Target last year Necklace- Premier Jewlery
    Picture
    I have a girlfriend that always throws the classiest Christmas parties. She has wine and cheese pairings, and the most delicious baked goods! This navy and gold dress is one of my favorites but, because it is sleeveless I was usually unable to wear it into the winter months. Not anymore! I love the little bit of hipster edge the mixture of tuxedo and whimsical bird print gives this outfit.Tuxedo Jacket- Target Navy and Gold Bird Print Dress- Francesca's, francescas.com last year Black Patent Mary Jane Heels- Steve Madden, 2 years ago
    ]]>     308 0 0 0 I don’t know about you, but I’ve had what feels like a ton of holiday events this year. Between office parties, casual get togethers at friend’s houses, and date night with The Cowboy I’ve been wearing my Prairie Wife heels quite a bit! Plus we still have a few more Christmas parties, Christmas dinner, and our annual New Year’s Bash here on the Prairie homestead to go! While I have a fairly large wardrobe, and I stocked up on some great clothes this fall, I was feeling a little uninspired for all these parties. Then as I was reading one of my favorite blogs jseverydayfasion.com I saw her wearing an adorablewhite tuxedo jacket with black lapels. I had just seen a similar jacket at Target earlier in the week, and because I was trying to be good, I had resisted the urge to buy it. I quickly made the mental note to stop by and get it the next day, I had found my inspiration piece! What I love about the jacket is that it can easily be dressed up or down. It will also transition nicely into a spring and summer wardrobe. Don't forget to roll or scrunch up the sleeves on the jacket, and accessorize with an over-sized watch! Below I have pictures of a few outfit combos I have worn this month, or plan to wear. As always, I have included where and when I have purchased the items whenever I am able! What inspiration piece do you find yourself wearing over and over this Holiday season?
    Picture
    This is a great outfit for meeting the girls for coffee, or to wear to the cowkids' Christmas programs! It can be more casual with ballet flats or a little dressier with some knee high boots. Tuxedo Jacket-Target Blush Colored Blouse- Bobeau, hautlook.com or Nordstrom.com Skinny Jeans- Express.com Black Sparkle Flats- Target 2 years ago Camel Colored Boots- Jessica Simpson, Amazon.com Necklace- Last year at a local boutique called The Floral Rhino, Floralrhino.com
    Picture
    How cute is this for a date night?! Once again the shoe choice will help you to dress up, or down the outfit. Tuxedo Jacket- Target Gray T-shirt- Target Black Jeggings- Target Black Sparkle Flats- Target 2 years ago Wine Colored Heels- Target Necklace-?
    Picture
    I wore this last week to The Cowboy's work Christmas party. Because it is well and truly winter here in Wyoming, I wore the skirt with thick black tights. Tuxedo Jacket-Target Oxblood Pocket T-Shirt- Target Black Pencil Skirt with Leather Detail- Romeo & Juliet Couture, hautlook.com or Nordstrom.com Black Booties- Target last year Necklace- Premier Jewlery
    Picture
    I have a girlfriend that always throws the classiest Christmas parties. She has wine and cheese pairings, and the most delicious baked goods! This navy and gold dress is one of my favorites but, because it is sleeveless I was usually unable to wear it into the winter months. Not anymore! I love the little bit of hipster edge the mixture of tuxedo and whimsical bird print gives this outfit. Tuxedo Jacket- Target Navy and Gold Bird Print Dress- Francesca's, francescas.com last year Black Patent Mary Jane Heels- Steve Madden, 2 years ago
    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         A Winter's Tale by Trisha Ashley http://prairiewifeinheels.com/a-winters-tale-by-trisha-ashley/ Thu, 12 Dec 2013 14:28:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=310 I am not ashamed to say that I love all things British. I can’t really tell you when my obsession with things “across the Pond” began. Maybe it was when I watched the movie Mary Poppins, or when Pa read me The Secret Garden for the first time, or in grade school when I first began to read Mary Stewart (Cowgirl G is named after one of her characters). As I grew up I couldn’t get enough of British accents in movies and books set in England in any time period. I even threw a tea party for my friends and their little girls when Prince William and Kate got married. Other than accidentally setting the tea bags on fire, it was a smashing success! And don’t even get me started on the absolute amazingness (yes spell check I know that’s not a real word) that is Downton Abbey! Over the years I have amassed quite a collection of authors I enjoy from England, I just love reading about people eating biscuits (cookies) while wearing pullovers (sweaters) and getting a box of nappies (diapers) out of the boot (trunk) of their car. I thoroughly enjoy Jill Mansell, Helen Fielding, Natasha Solomons, and of course J.K. Rowling. But, this year I made the discovery of an author that has now moved into my top 10 favorite authors of all time. I found a book that had me glued, A Winter's Tale By Trisha Ashley. After stumbling across this book (it was the second of hers I had read) I rapidly devoured all of Trisha Ashley's books that were available on the Kindle. Thankfully I discovered her just a week before Cowbaby was born, so I had lots of late night hours to read. And, even though it sounds a little crazy stalkerish, when she started to follow Prairie Wife on Twitter I did a little happy dance in the middle of the Denver airport, and took a screen shot. After my heart rate finally returned to normal I called The Cowboy and said, “She knows I exist!” Of course if she reads this she may promptly unfollow me on Twitter, but I will still have the screen shot I took! For more information on Ashley go to her site, http://www.trishaashley.com/ What draws me to Ashley’s work is her strong female characters and eccentric English village settings. Her female leads have just enough personality quirks to make them familiar and real to the reader. Who doesn't overindulge in cake and bacon sometimes? As I read her books I find myself instantly rooting for the female lead to reach her happy ending, and longing to live in the neighboring cottage just to keep tabs on all the events! Because it was the book that lead me to Trisha Ashley; I decided to review A Winter’s Tale. A Winter’s Tale starts out with Sophy inheriting an ancient family manor that is slowly falling down around her elderly family's ears. Add a dark and brooding head gardener, a dashing cousin, a ghost, and more than a few other eccentric characters and you have the whirlwind that becomes Sophy’s life. Though we have an inkling that Sophy will buckle down and take over, there are just enough obstacles in her way to make you wonder if she should stick around, or turn tail and run! In true Ashley style Sophy is a strong woman with brains and grit (sounds like a perfect Prairie Wife to me) looking for her place in the world. During her journey she runs into a man, and will need to decide if he is worth her time. This book made me laugh out loud repeatedly; and I have to admit I felt a small sense of loss when it was done. Thankfully Ashley has six other books that take place in or near the same Lancashire village, and familiar characters from other books tend to show up, so I didn’t need to mourn for long! a Rafflecopter giveaway ]]> 310 0 0 0 The Secret Garden for the first time, or in grade school when I first began to read Mary Stewart (Cowgirl G is named after one of her characters). As I grew up I couldn’t get enough of British accents in movies and books set in England in any time period. I even threw a tea party for my friends and their little girls when Prince William and Kate got married. Other than accidentally setting the tea bags on fire, it was a smashing success! And don’t even get me started on the absolute amazingness (yes spell check I know that’s not a real word) that is Downton Abbey! Over the years I have amassed quite a collection of authors I enjoy from England, I just love reading about people eating biscuits (cookies) while wearing pullovers (sweaters) and getting a box of nappies (diapers) out of the boot (trunk) of their car. I thoroughly enjoy Jill Mansell, Helen Fielding, Natasha Solomons, and of course J.K. Rowling. But, this year I made the discovery of an author that has now moved into my top 10 favorite authors of all time. After stumbling across her book A Winter’s Tale I rapidly devoured all of her books that were available on the Kindle. Thankfully I discovered her just a week before Cowbaby was born, so I had lots of late night hours to read. And, even though it sounds a little crazy stalkerish, when she started to follow Prairie Wife on Twitter I did a little happy dance in the middle of the Denver airport, and took a screen shot. After my heart rate finally returned to normal I called The Cowboy and said, “She knows I exist!” Of course if she reads this she may promptly unfollow me on Twitter, but I will still have the screen shot I took! For more information on Ashley go to her site, http://www.trishaashley.com/ What draws me to Ashley’s work is her strong female characters and eccentric English village settings. Her female leads have just enough personality quirks to make them familiar and real to the reader. Who doesn't overindulge in cake and bacon sometimes? As I read her books I find myself instantly rooting for the female lead to reach her happy ending, and longing to live in the neighboring cottage just to keep tabs on all the events! Because it was the book that lead me to Trisha Ashley; I decided to review A Winter’s Tale. A Winter’s Tale starts out with Sophy inheriting an ancient family manor that is slowly falling down around her elderly family's ears. Add a dark and brooding head gardener, a dashing cousin, a ghost, and more than a few other eccentric characters and you have the whirlwind that becomes Sophy’s life. Though we have an inkling that Sophy will buckle down and take over, there are just enough obstacles in her way to make you wonder if she should stick around, or turn tail and run! In true Ashley style Sophy is a strong woman with brains and grit (sounds like a perfect Prairie Wife to me) looking for her place in the world. During her journey she runs into a man, and will need to decide if he is worth her time. This book made me laugh out loud repeatedly; and I have to admit I felt a small sense of loss when it was done. Thankfully Ashley has six other books that take place in or near the same Lancashire village, and familiar characters from other books tend to show up, so I didn’t need to mourn for long![/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]> 507 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/every-woman-trisha-ashley-giveaway/ 0 0 Perfect Hair Day? http://prairiewifeinheels.com/perfect-hair-day/ Mon, 09 Dec 2013 15:42:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=312 halfway stylish and modern. The only product I am wed to is my Kenra aerosol hairspray (http://www.kenra.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=15), so if I could replace four other products with PHD, my morning routine would be transformed! But if it worked great on day one, how do I know it wasn't just a fluke? How could I really be sure this was a must have product? Because I don't have a legion of interns and assistants like my favorite beauty editor, June Godfrey-June of Lucky fame, I committed to using PHD for a month in different weather and humidity with different hairstyles before I shared my thoughts. I also thought it was important to still stick with my typical routine several days a week for comparison purposes. The verdict? The team that worked on this product are hair geniuses! Every time I use PHD I have a perfect hair day.Really. My hair looked like I got a blowout at a salon on the first day, but I expected that. The next day I did my regular hair product routine, but it didn't look nearly as good as the day before and I ended up putting in bobby pins to get it off my face. My next PHD effort had even better results than the first try, I had volume at the crown and sleek ends. The next regular product day-it was a battle to make my hair look right. We had rain in Texas two days in a row (a miracle) and on the PHD day I looked much better, even after my hair got wet. I am even convinced it makes my hairspray hold better somehow. So while I loved experimenting with my hair for the purpose of this blog post, I am glad the month is over and I can get rid of all my old products! PHD simply makes every day a perfect hair day, which is a must for Prairie Wife Style! As always simply click on the pic to go to Ulta.com and have your own Perfect Hair Day!]]> 312 0 0 0 halfway stylish and modern. The only product I am wed to is my Kenra aerosol hairspray (http://www.kenra.com/ProductDetails.aspx?ID=15), so if I could replace four other products with PHD, my morning routine would be transformed! But if it worked great on day one, how do I know it wasn't just a fluke? How could I really be sure this was a must have product? Because I don't have a legion of interns and assistants like my favorite beauty editor, June Godfrey-June of Lucky fame, I committed to using PHD for a month in different weather and humidity with different hairstyles before I shared my thoughts. I also thought it was important to still stick with my typical routine several days a week for comparison purposes. The verdict? The team that worked on this product are hair geniuses! Every time I use PHD I have a perfect hair day.Really. My hair looked like I got a blowout at a salon on the first day, but I expected that. The next day I did my regular hair product routine, but it didn't look nearly as good as the day before and I ended up putting in bobby pins to get it off my face. My next PHD effort had even better results than the first try, I had volume at the crown and sleek ends. The next regular product day-it was a battle to make my hair look right. We had rain in Texas two days in a row (a miracle) and on the PHD day I looked much better, even after my hair got wet. I am even convinced it makes my hairspray hold better somehow. So while I loved experimenting with my hair for the purpose of this blog post, I am glad the month is over and I can get rid of all my old products! PHD simply makes every day a perfect hair day, which is a must for Prairie Wife Style! As always simply click on the pic to go to Ulta.com and have your own Perfect Hair Day![/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]> Gifts for Young Children http://prairiewifeinheels.com/gifts-for-young-children/ Sat, 07 Dec 2013 15:12:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=314 Infants and toddlers All of these toys have been big hits in our house over the last 7 years, and they have all stood up to the test of time. Make sure you also check out our post about board books.
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    Preschoolers These are toys that can keep even the busiest 3 year old content and "quiet" for at least 15 minutes (and if you have a  3 year old you know that's a victory)! And, I just had to include a book because my kids just love to read!
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    School Age To me this spans from kindergarten to 2nd grade. This is when they start getting into toy trends, and other children at school really start to influence what they like. So, while I try to keep with the classics, sometimes the biggest hit is a trendy toy!
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    Pre TeenThis is the age when shopping can get a little tricky, the toys tend to be a little more expensive and it can be hard to figure out just what they want. Hopefully these gift ideas will help you score that big smile from a special child!
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     ]]>     314 0 0 0 If you are a parent of young children I am sure that you already have a pretty good idea what gift your little Cowkids are craving this Christmas. So, I think of this gift guide as something more for the Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, and family friends that just aren’t sure what to get for the children in their life. Most gifts are under $20 and as always click on the pic to go directly to the site or to find a store nearby that carries it!
    Infants and toddlers All of these toys have been big hits in our house over the last 7 years, and they have all stood up to the test of time. Make sure you also check out our post about board books http://bit.ly/18s1JAj
    Picture
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    Preschoolers These are toys that can keep even the busiest 3 year old content and "quiet" for at least 15 minutes (and if you have a  3 year old you know that's a victory)! And, I just had to include a book because my kids just love to read!
    Picture
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    School Age To me this spans from kindergarten to 2nd grade. This is when they start getting into toy trends, and other children at school really start to influence what they like. So, while I try to keep with the classics, sometimes the biggest hit is a trendy toy!
    Picture
    Picture
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    Pre Teen This is the age when shopping can get a little tricky, the toys tend to be a little more expensive and it can be hard to figure out just what they want. Hopefully these gift ideas will help you score that big smile from a special child!
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    [/text][text ]
    If you are a parent of young children I am sure that you already have a pretty good idea what gift your little Cowkids are craving this Christmas. So, I think of this gift guide as something more for the Grandparents, Aunts/Uncles, and family friends that just aren’t sure what to get for the children in their life. Most gifts are under $20 and as always click on the pic to go directly to the site or to find a store nearby that carries it!
    Infants and toddlers All of these toys have been big hits in our house over the last 7 years, and they have all stood up to the test of time. Make sure you also check out our post about board books http://bit.ly/18s1JAj
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Preschoolers These are toys that can keep even the busiest 3 year old content and "quiet" for at least 15 minutes (and if you have a  3 year old you know that's a victory)! And, I just had to include a book because my kids just love to read!
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
    School Age To me this spans from kindergarten to 2nd grade. This is when they start getting into toy trends, and other children at school really start to influence what they like. So, while I try to keep with the classics, sometimes the biggest hit is a trendy toy!
    Picture
    Picture
    Picture
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    Pre Teen This is the age when shopping can get a little tricky, the toys tend to be a little more expensive and it can be hard to figure out just what they want. Hopefully these gift ideas will help you score that big smile from a special child!
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    [/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>         10847 0 0     One Stop Holiday Shopping? There's an App for That! http://prairiewifeinheels.com/one-stop-holiday-shopping-theres-an-app-for-that/ Thu, 05 Dec 2013 19:05:00 +0000 http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=316 Our Prairie Wife Guarantee. As we started talking about the Christmas holiday and shopping for everyone on our lists, we agreed that we needed to take a different approach with December content. We are certain you are familiar with Google, are online shopping savvy and love the same magazines we do, so odds are you can find all of the same products we did as we surfed our favorite websites. That’s why you have stories on presents for teensand gifts that give back, topics you don’t find everywhere else. During one of our chats I did get PW to agree that I could share my favorite free app for holiday shopping—Nordstrom. On the main page they have a section titled “Holiday Gifts,” and trust me, you will want to click on it immediately. They have categories like “Gifts for the Home” or “Gifts for Men,” and those sections are divided into quick and easy ways to shop—by price, luxury gifts, gift sets, stocking stuffers or featured brand. They have a strong search feature and an even better filter. As much as I love browsing their site to shop (and finish my wish list), I also enjoy their blogs, videos and the “Daily Style Scoop.” They have obviously designed the mobile site to replicate the in-store shopping experience at Nordstrom, which is always about service and style, but they also seem to understand my limited time for shopping requires speed and efficiency. P.S. Prairie Wife also pointed out that for a limited time Nordstrom is having a product review sweepstakes where you have a chance to win a $500 gift card. Wouldn’t that make your holiday extra merry and bright? photo credit goes to Wikapedia 
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			Our Prairie Wife Guarantee. As we started talking about the Christmas holiday and shopping for everyone on our lists, we agreed that we needed to take a different approach with December content. We are certain you are familiar with Google, are online shopping savvy and love the same magazines we do, so odds are you can find all of the same products we did as we surfed our favorite websites. That’s why you have stories on presents for teensand gifts that give back, topics you don’t find everywhere else.

During one of our chats I did get PW to agree that I could share my favorite free app for holiday shopping—Nordstrom. On the main page they have a section titled “Holiday Gifts,” and trust me, you will want to click on it immediately. They have categories like “Gifts for the Home” or “Gifts for Men,” and those sections are divided into quick and easy ways to shop—by price, luxury gifts, gift sets, stocking stuffers or featured brand. They have a strong search feature and an even better filter. As much as I love browsing their site to shop (and finish my wish list), I also enjoy their blogs, videos and the “Daily Style Scoop.” They have obviously designed the mobile site to replicate the in-store shopping experience at Nordstrom, which is always about service and style, but they also seem to understand my limited time for shopping requires speed and efficiency.

P.S. Prairie Wife also pointed out that for a limited time Nordstrom is having a product review sweepstakes where you have a chance to win a $500 gift card. Wouldn’t that make your holiday extra merry and bright?

photo credit goes to Wikapedia[/text][text ]Believe it or not, Prairie Wife and I put a lot of thought into planning the topics of our blog posts and social media strategy so it is timely, relevant and meets Our Prairie Wife Guarantee. As we started talking about the Christmas holiday and shopping for everyone on our lists, we agreed that we needed to take a different approach with December content. We are certain you are familiar with Google, are online shopping savvy and love the same magazines we do, so odds are you can find all of the same products we did as we surfed our favorite websites. That’s why you have stories on presents for teensand gifts that give back, topics you don’t find everywhere else.

During one of our chats I did get PW to agree that I could share my favorite free app for holiday shopping—Nordstrom. On the main page they have a section titled “Holiday Gifts,” and trust me, you will want to click on it immediately. They have categories like “Gifts for the Home” or “Gifts for Men,” and those sections are divided into quick and easy ways to shop—by price, luxury gifts, gift sets, stocking stuffers or featured brand. They have a strong search feature and an even better filter. As much as I love browsing their site to shop (and finish my wish list), I also enjoy their blogs, videos and the “Daily Style Scoop.” They have obviously designed the mobile site to replicate the in-store shopping experience at Nordstrom, which is always about service and style, but they also seem to understand my limited time for shopping requires speed and efficiency.

P.S. Prairie Wife also pointed out that for a limited time Nordstrom is having a product review sweepstakes where you have a chance to win a $500 gift card. Wouldn’t that make your holiday extra merry and bright?

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		Tempting Teens
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/tempting-teens/
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		Gift Giving 101 post as it may inspire you as well. Good luck, and be sure to let us know if you have a great idea we should add to the list.

      
	
    • This age group doesn’t mind gift cards, but try to make it a store that the teen loves and consider adding a certificate for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Maybe even with you and one of their friends?
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    • Movie passes are always a winner, just don’t forget the popcorn.
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    • Teens often love designer labels and following trends, but many clothing or big ticket items might not be within your budget. Luckily it seems that many designers have expanded their lines so you can get designer products at many price points. Does she love Coach? Think key chain or wallet instead of boots. Chanel? Perfume or lipstick instead of a jacket. Yeti? Hat or shirt instead of a cooler.
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    • Scratch off lottery tickets are a fun idea, but check you state’s laws to make sure they can collect the prize.
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    • If the teen is driving, a pre-loaded gas card is thoughtful or maybe a GPS if their vehicle isn’t already equipped with one.
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    • Every teen I know has a smartphone and every teen is always running out of “juice.” Find out if they have an Android or Apple product and then search for a product that can give them extra battery life so they never have to stop texting. I have personally used mophie for more than a year with great success, but there are many options out there.
      • 
	
    • Check with the teen’s parent and see if they are getting them a major present like an Xbox or PlayStation or iPad so you can “piggyback” with an accessory. Just make sure they open your gift afterwards so you don’t ruin the surprise.
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			If you are the aunt or godmother of a teen, you know that this is the hardest age group to please at Christmas. Oh sure, they open your present and mumble “thanks,” but then they usually go back to texting and Instagram. Only a few years ago they would rip off the paper and jump up and down with joy. Now you are lucky if they break their cool facade and show emotion.

I definitely won’t guarantee that you will get a smile out of the teen if you purchase one of these gifts, but at least they might give you something new to stuff in their stocking. Also check out the  Gift Giving 101 post as it may inspire you as well. Good luck, and be sure to let us know if you have a great idea we should add to the list.

      
	
    • This age group doesn’t mind gift cards, but try to make it a store that the teen loves and consider adding a certificate for lunch at a nearby restaurant. Maybe even with you and one of their friends?
      • 
	
    • Movie passes are always a winner, just don’t forget the popcorn.
      • 
	
    • Teens often love designer labels and following trends, but many clothing or big ticket items might not be within your budget. Luckily it seems that many designers have expanded their lines so you can get designer products at many price points. Does she love Coach? Think key chain or wallet instead of boots. Chanel? Perfume or lipstick instead of a jacket. Yeti? Hat or shirt instead of a cooler.
      • 
	
    • Scratch off lottery tickets are a fun idea, but check you state’s laws to make sure they can collect the prize.
      • 
	
    • If the teen is driving, a pre-loaded gas card is thoughtful or maybe a GPS if their vehicle isn’t already equipped with one.
      • 
	
    • Every teen I know has a smartphone and every teen is always running out of “juice.” Find out if they have an Android or Apple product and then search for a product that can give them extra battery life so they never have to stop texting. I have personally used mophie for more than a year with great success, but there are many options out there.
      • 
	
    • Check with the teen’s parent and see if they are getting them a major present like an Xbox or PlayStation or iPad so you can “piggyback” with an accessory. Just make sure they open your gift afterwards so you don’t ruin the surprise.
      • 

    


    photo credit goes to www.desireempire.com
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		Gifts That Give Back
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/gifts-that-give-back/
		Tue, 03 Dec 2013 19:14:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=320
		
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			Sometimes things happen in my life that make me realize the blessings that I have been given. Over the last few years I have had a friend whose child passed away from cancer, and a sister that battled breast cancer. When these things happen I always find myself wanting to find a way to give back. There have been several Christmases when I have been inspired to give my friends and family a gift that gives back. Sometimes I simply donate the money I would have spent on gifts, and let them know in a card what I have done in their name. Other years, I surf the internet and find a charity that sells gifts and donates a large part of the profits. Below are links to a few of my favorite charities.

What inspires you to count your blessings?



    

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		Girlfriend Goody Bags
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/girlfriend-goody-bags/
		Mon, 02 Dec 2013 15:07:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=322
		
		

    

    

    


    


    

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			Every year as fall turns to winter in Wyoming (right around September) my thoughts turn to Christmas gifts. I start trucking the kids through the toy aisle at Target to see what new thing they linger at the longest, and keep my ears open for anything The Cowboy might mention he wants. I also begin to think about what I want to treat my girlfriends with.

With the Cowboy gone Monday through Thursday and the closest family 2 ½ hours away, my girlfriends have become my lifeline. When I need a sitter for an appointment or just need a break, they are right there to offer help. We sit and chat and sip coffee in our saggy sweats as the kids play, and share the joys and sorrows of being a modern mother and woman. Some years I go with a gift that gives back (more about that in tomorrow’s post) but sometime I just want to treat them to a little something nice. The trouble is that they are such a wide group of personalities, a cute scarf would work for some, but not all…and I do have to stay within some kind of budget!

A few years ago I came up with the idea of a goody bag with some of my favorite things in it, think Oprah but on a much smaller scale! I made a list of some of my favorite beauty and household things and began to scour the internet for deals. Honestly, I came up short! Most of the things I wanted to share were on the bulky and big side, my favorite lotion products came only in a large size and I couldn’t fit a Keurig in a small gift bag! Then of course, the cost of purchasing all those full size items was more than I felt comfortable spending. I decided to come up with another idea and filed goody bags away as a brilliant idea that just wasn’t going to work.

Flash forward a week or two and I found myself at Ulta.com making some purchases. As I clicked through the site to find my foundation, I saw a picture on the side column of a gift collection of nail polishes. Inspiration struck! While the package as a whole was a little pricey to get for each girlfriend, and not all of them would like all the colors, the concept was genius. I could buy little samples of my favorite products, break them apart, and make sure the girls got colors and items perfectly matched to them! Who doesn’t like to pull out that cute little lip gloss from their purse and apply it as all their friends oh and ah? Add in some chocolate truffles and it was sure to be the perfect goody bag gift.

Below are some links to products that I have used in the past in my Goody Bags, just click on the pic and it will take you directly to the site.



    

    

    

    


    


    

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		Sometimes you Have to Prove a Point
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/sometimes-you-have-to-prove-a-point/
		Sat, 14 Dec 2013 18:19:46 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=960
		
		most time consuming and work intensive of all desserts. Add to that the fact that my children tag teamed me on Monday night, resulting in only a few hours of sleep.

On Tuesday the water went out for the afternoon, now my week is well and truly off and running. Tuesday evening my two oldest Cowkids had their Christmas program (this means we spent over 3 hours in the car going back and forth into town). The Christmas program was lovely. Cowboy J was great as Joseph and sang his solo beautifully and Cowgirl G remembered to say her line loud and clear. It ended as all great Christmas Programs do, with a small child vomiting everywhere. On Wednesday rather than going home right after school and getting caught up, we met some friends to deliver Santa letters at Macy’s and have dinner. An annual tradition that we all love, but it still made me fall further behind. Hopefully you can see why by Thursday I was feeling a little tense.

Cue Thursday morning. The Cowboy generously offers to take the kids into school. This allows me an extra hour to get caught up on things around the house before I have to head to town for a meeting. As he is getting ready for work I am in our room “folding” laundry and “putting it away”. Folding and putting it away are in quotations marks because, as The Cowboy says, it is more of wadding and shoving process. My poor SisterInLaw3 (the most precise folder I have ever seen, seriously she makes it an art form) shudders when she opens our bathroom cupboards for a towel.

The Cowboy and I have come to terms with my lack of folding. In true cowboy fashion he likes his jeans and shirts crisply ironed and starched. I have agreed to pull them out of the dryer ASAP and hang them up, which results in fewerThe Cowboy's jeans wrinkles. He then irons them at the hotel before he wears them; really they are in a suitcase all week anyway which makes them wrinkly but whatever…As I am putting away laundry I pull out a pair of his jeans. In all honesty they were probably in the dryer for about 24 hours before I got to them. I quickly try to hide the evidence but I’ve been spotted.

The Cowboy holds out his hand “Why don’t you just give those to me now, rather than wad them up and make things worse. I’m going to have to iron them anyway before I can wear them.” I silently stare at him for a few minutes and hear a slight ringing noise in my ears. I look him in the eye as I continue to “fold” his jeans, throw them on the ground, stomp on them with my right foot, then switch and use my left foot to do the twist on top of them. Without breaking eye contact I bend over and pick up his pants and give them a good shake. “Here sweetie is that better?!” I hand him his jeans.

As a man that has been married for almost a decade, I can see the wheels turning in his head as he reaches out slowly for his jeans. “I think I’ll finish getting the kids ready for school.” He says, as he gently set the jeans on the bed and quickly high tails it out of the bedroom.

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		Tag Teaming Little Punks
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/tag-teaming-little-punks/
		Mon, 09 Dec 2013 18:23:50 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=966
		
		years) and Cowbaby work together to ensure that Mommy doesn’t get any rest. It almost always happens on a day when you don’t get a nap, and when the following day is crazily abnormally busy. The end result of being tag teamed is a night of less than 4 hours of total sleep, and no more than an hour straight through. I will totally be following my own advice about covering up undereye bags, so I can go to the previously mentioned coffee date without making small children cry when they see me.bed

It all began last night at around eight when I sent my tired happy kids to bed with a kiss and a song. This is really how they go to bed; we do not have any tears or arguing from the Cowkids at bed time. I nursed Cowbaby as The Cowboy and I caught up on one of our favorite shows (Elementary); DVR is one of the best inventions for mothers ever. I tucked Cowbaby into his crib and began to get ready for bed. According to The Cowboy my face washing and pill regimen takes an hour but really it’s only about 10 minutes.

I let the Cowdogs in, and because it has been -20 below or colder for a week straight I decided to let the Cowcats in as well. I turned off all the lights, made sure all the Cowkids are tucked in and breathing and hopped into bed with my Kindle. As my eyes started to droop I forced myself away from my current book (Sowing Secrets by Trisha Ashley) set the alarm on my phone, kissed the already slumbering Cowboy and turned off the light. It was a little after 10 pm.

Cue Cowbaby crying in his crib less than an hour later. No biggie, by Cowkid four I have totally come to terms with the fact that my children are missing the genetic component that allows them to sleep through the night until after they are one. But, I have recently night weaned him. This means I won’t nurse him anymore at night, just rocking. An hour and a half later he finally let me put him down and he stayed asleep. Victory and time for a rest…

I had just fallen into the fabulous drool and snore inducing sleep of an exhausted mother, when I hear a tentative “MommMr.Sprinklesy?” from the doorway. “Mommy Mr. Sprinkles is in my bed and he won’t let me sleep on my pillow.” From the picture you can see the Mr. Sprinkles looks like a fluffy bundle of love. In truth he is more than a little bi-polar, and I think bitter about his name as well. He has sensed Cowgirl G’s fear and he takes full advantage of it. I sighed and stumbled out of bed and grabbed the offending cat and threw him outside...this is how he repays me for letting him in out of the cold! Cowgirl G receives a swift kiss and a downright refusal to sing her a song.

Just as I am finally warm again and receiving another well deserved visit from The Sandman, I hear a massive amount of bumping and clunking from the basement. I run downstairs envisioning that Cowboy J has rolled out of his bunk bed and is flailing around on floor unable to call for help. Turns out he just drank too much water before bed and had to go to the bathroom. We discuss shutting doors quietly and waiting to flush the toilet until morning, and he too is sent back to bed with a kiss.

My head hits the pillow and within a few minutes sleep overtakes my weary body. Visions of English country gardens dance around my head (Trisha  Ashley books always give me great dreams) as I slumber the sleep of an exhausted mother. Suddenly, my walk through the climbing rose garden, is interrupted by a soft wailing noise. I sigh and stumble out of bed, grab my bathrobe and pickCAT wheel loader up the small (well kind of small) angry Cowbaby. We rock and sing for only a few minutes and he is snoring softly in my arms. I can’t resist a few more minutes of snuggling and kissing the top of his sweet soft head. Even exhausted I know that this time will pass all too quickly. With fond thoughts of his sweet baby snuggliness (according to spell check this isn’t a word, but you know what I mean) I walk back to my bedroom and step on a CAT wheel loader toy. How I missed it every other time I stumbled around, I have no idea! The pain shoots to my brain and immediately my heart receives a matching shot of adrenaline.  I say a few choice words and hop to the bathroom. After making sure there is no blood (I just changed the sheets on our bed) I turn off the bathroom light and crawl into bed.

At this point The Cowboy’s cough medicine seems to wear off and I am treated to a symphony of coughing, sniffling, and grunting…as only a 30 something 6’3” man can do. I sigh as my heart rate finally returns to normal and look at the time…5am. I get out of bed, throw on some warm sweats and a hoodie, and proceed to write this blog post. Forgive me for any glaring errors or mistakes…because of my tag teaming little punks, it’s been a long night.]]>
		
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		Oh Christmas Tree
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/oh-christmas-tree/
		Thu, 28 Nov 2013 18:57:31 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=975
		
		On our way to the mountains of Wyoming.
    

    xmas tree road
    

    Wide blue Wyoming skies.
    

    snow vista
    

    A field trip gone wrong, terribly wrong...
    

    school bus
    

    Getting closer to the perfect spot!
    

    snowy road
    

    Off we go in search of the perfect tree.
    

    on the hunt
    

    Mountain Lion tracks in the snow.
    

    mountain lion tracks
    

    Even the rocks are beautiful in the Mountains.
    

    rock
    

    Cowdog is loving the fresh mountain air.
    

    cowdog
    

    The extremely rare Wyoming Snow Scottie...
    

    Bernice in snow
    

    Cowbaby enjoying the Wyoming views.
    

    cowbaby in sled
    

    Oh Christmas Tree!
    

    christmas tree
    

    Time for hot cocoa and some warmth.
    

    winter fire
    

    Finally, a break for Prairie Wife.
    

    Prairie Wife in Snow
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		Baby Brain Attacks
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/baby-brain-attacks/
		Tue, 17 Dec 2013 20:41:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=998
		
		the dreaded baby brain. As a mother with a small baby you find yourself in the middle of telling a story, staring at your friend’s raptly listening face, having no idea what you were talking about. Or, you go to pick up your child from preschool, when a well meaning friend points out that your shirt is on inside out. And you realize that you have just spent the last three hours running around town looking like an idiot. It always hits at the worst moment. Like when the office assistant at the doctor’s, asks for your child’s date of birth, and you give the wrong year not once, but twice. I was reminded of the following story when I went to the grocery store today with two friends of mine that have yet to experience baby brain. I hope that in the future they will think of this story and feel better about themselves…and that it helps someone today to feel a little more normal, or at least give you a good laugh!

Cowbaby was about 5 weeks old when I found myself needing to go to the grocery store on a bitterly cold and snowy day. After liCowboy W looks just like Father Cowboy. Amazing!dropping off the two older cowkids at school, I headed to the store with Cowboy W and Cowbaby. Just as I pulled into the parking lot Cowbaby began to fuss. Being an experienced mother of four, I knew that it would be best to just nurse him in the van and then put him in the sling, where he would remain snug and content while I quickly got a few necessary items. I pulled Cowbaby out of the car seat and unbuckled Cowboy W. Cowboy W contentedly ran around inside the cozy warm van playing with whatever random toys and books he found. As I settled Cowbaby in my arms I realized that he had pooped through all his clothes as only a newborn can. No biggie, I simply pulled an extra set of clothes out of my diaper bag and changed him. By now he was getting a little angry so I “quickly” nursed him while chatting with Cowboy W. Cowbaby was still pretty little, and nursing at this point takes at least 20 minutes, so just as he was finally finished I was more than a little irritated to hear him poop again.

Such is life with a small infant; I put myself back together and began to change him on my lap. Cowboy W was beginning to be bored with playing I spy, and I was getting a little frustrated myself.  I turned around to talk to Cowboy W and was instantly brought back to attention by a wet stream and a loud cry from Cowbaby. Because of my pause in diaper changing; the baby, my shirt, and a good half of my van’s dashboard were now covered in baby pee. I tried not to say too many bad words as I wiped down the baby and grabbed another set of clothes for Cowbaby. By this time well over half an hour had passed and I was over it!

I placed Cowbaby in the sling and grabbed Cowboy W and we ran for the store. Once inside I zoomed around quickly glancing at the list and throwing items into the cart. Cowboy W took advantage of my distraction and added a few extra items into the cart, but at this point I didn’t really care. We pulled into the checkout lane with no more problems, and I heaved a sigh of relief as I took the receipt from the cashier (Rita at Safeway is THE BEST) and headed towards the doors. I paused in front of the exit and zipped up Cowboy W’s jacket and rummaged through my purse for my keys. With the winter weather waiting I knew I needed to get the boys tucked into the van as quickly as possible.

I was suddenly struck with a cold fear as I was unable to find my keys. I patted my pockets and dug through my purse a second time, no keys. Then I heard a voice I recognized from my children’s school. A friend of mine who was due soon with her third child said “I am so happy to see you here with your kids; you give me hope that I can handle another one too!” I sheepishly smiled at her and explained that I had a sinking feeling that I had locked my keys in my car, and that perhaps holding me up as a standard was not the best idea. She kindly offered to drive by where I was parked to make sure all was well, and I headed to the parking lot with my cart and two cowkids.

Now, in the end it turned out that I had not locked my keys in the car, nope not at all. I had left the keys in the ignition with the car running, and the heat blasting. Apparently in my rush to get into the store and done with my errands, I had completely forgotten to remove the keys and turn off the car. Baby brain had struck again! I said a quick prayer of thanks that I lived in Wyoming. Only in Wyoming could you leave an empty unlocked car in the parking lot, for half an hour, and have it still there when you returned. I smiled and gave a thumbs up to my friend as she drove by, and buckled the kids into the very toasty warm van. As I drove home I seriously debated ever sharing this story with anyone else. In the end the opportunity came up later in the week when a girlfriend needed to feel a little better about her mother skills, so I offered my story to her in the hopes that she would see that forgetting diapers wasn’t really that big of a deal.]]>
		
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		A Margarita Christmas
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/margarita-christmas/
		Sun, 15 Dec 2013 20:59:09 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1004
		
		This is my favorite Christmas memory since I became Texas Two Steppin’. I snapped the photo one Christmas Eve when the Stepkids were tweens. The kids were in the kitchen and they decided that this year they would be in charge of getting things ready for Santa.Santa Margarita
    
OK, here is where I need to take a minute to explain three of our unique family traditions.

1. I am certain that during the holiday season most American families gather around the television to watch “A Very Charlie Brown Christmas” or “It’s A Wonderful Life.” Not us. We’re watching--or should I say quoting--“National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Obviously we think laughing during the holidays is mandatory.

2. Many families sit around the Christmas tree to open their grand presents from Santa that are beautifully wrapped with sparkly paper and festive bows and ribbon. Not us. We gather around the fireplace where Santa had thrown a few gifts in pretty plain paper. Why are our gifts from the North Pole different from other families? Well, Santa’s a busy man who needed to get on to the next house, and he knew we wouldn’t mind if he just dumped our stuff out of the sack. Because our presents were at the bottom of the sack and bows don’t travel well, he knew wrapping paper only was the way to go. Plus, he needed to lighten the sled for Rudolph so he focused on the smaller gifts (he knew The Texan and I would take care of the “big” gifts). Basically the Stepkids grew up with a more practical view of Santa than most of their friends.

3. This one ties to the photo and the start of the story because I know you might have asked yourself, “Why are tweens getting ready for Santa?” Well, every year in October we ask the kids what they want for Christmas. We follow up this family discussion—and it is a pretty funny family discussion, asking if they still believe in Santa, because if they don’t he doesn’t need to bring anything. Funny, but even though they are in their ‘20s, they quickly answer yes.

OK, back to the story. So the kids were in the kitchen getting ready for Santa and I was in the next room, probably packing for our trip the next morning to visit relatives. All of the sudden I heard the liquor cabinet quietly opening and then shutting. Sneaking around? Stealing alcohol? Getting drunk? Not on my watch!

Because I wanted to catch the kids red-handed I waited a minute before I walked in and sternly said, “What are you two doing?” They looked up, surprisingly not nervous at all, and said, “We’re making margaritas.” They were so matter-of-fact in their response that I took a deep breath, forgot about chewing them out and enrolling them in AA, and simply asked, “Why.” They said they were talking and felt that Santa would be tired of milk with his cookies, so they wanted to give him a margarita for a change of pace. “We want him to remember our house every year,” Step Girl said with a wink. After I was done laughing, I gave them a hug and told them to call me when they were ready so I could take a photo.

I promise you, Santa has never forgotten them, and I have never forgotten that Christmas Eve.]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week December 6, 2013
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-december-6-2013/
		Fri, 06 Dec 2013 19:48:17 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1125
		
		pww michele shoes
    
Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family.michele finn

Cheleeo (C): I’ve lived in Wyoming since my marriage in 2001. I enjoy making life special for my 5 year old son. One way I do this is by throwing extravagant parties and sweet treats.

PW: When did you first learn how to bake, was it as a child? Or something that you picked up as an adult?

C: Before I got married I wasn’t interested in baking and cooking. I spent my time in Denver enjoying the night life, fine dining and cultural events. When I moved to Wyoming I wasn’t working and I was looking for something to fill my days. I started watching cooking shows. I never really had a particular favorite; I just kept the TV on in the background (either FOOD network of HGTV) as I went about my day. I watched them make delicious looking meals from scratch and I thought “I can do that!” I was also missing my baked goods that I had become used to in Denver. I was craving buttery cakes and light airy pastries. In my town in Wyoming the restaurant choices made me feel deprived of variety, and I finally came to the decision that I had to fill the void myself. I began cooking meals that I had seen on TV and eventually I graduated to creating meals based on what I had read in cooking magazines. I subscribe to Sunset magazine, Bon appétit, Food and Wine, and Cooks and they offered new recipes that encouraged me to be more adventurous and create more.

PW: What is your favorite type of thing to make, and why?

C: I love to make soup! My family can’t get enough of the hearty dishes I make. I love to leave a pot simmering on the stove. When the tantalizing aromas great my husband and son as they walk in the door, they can’t wait to sit down to dinner. My current favorite is Chicken Noodle Soup, but I also love Pumpkin Chicken Chowder. It’s so comforting to eat a bowl as I look across the prairie and see the patches of golden aspens on the mountain.

My favorite baked treat to make is Chocolate Cake because it’s my favorite to eat! The recipe I use has coffee in it, which really brings out the richness in the chocolate.

michele b day goodiesPW: Where do you get your inspiration for your cookies and cake pops?

C: Pinterset! It’s a joy to simply search for my theme and have 100’s of inspiring ideas and photos, rather than looking through piles of torn out magazine pages.  I don’t’ know how I did it before Pinterest, I wasn’t half as good as I am now!

 

PW: What is challenging for you when you are baking?xmas tree cookie

C: Time! Trying to squeeze it all in while my son is at school, and between all my other commitments. Just to put it in perspective for you; on average it usually takes me 6 hours to create my cake pops and it takes at least 2 full days to do my decorated sugar cookies. Keep in mind I usually make 6 dozen cookies. My favorite part is the decorating; it’s where I can truly let my creativity loose. I enjoy making a variety of patterns and using colors and ingredients in new ways. The baking and making of the frosting and glazes are just a necessary evil.

PW: What is something that you dream of creating?

    C: I am thinking about doing something Dr. Seuss themed for December. I have a huge chalkboard wall in my kitchen and I always try to tie my baking and chalkboard theme together. I’m going to put the Grinch up, and for cookies I plan on doing Dr. Seuss inspired trees, the crocked boughs and whimsical decorations. I want to make Ornament styled cake pops. I’m going to use my luster dust on them to really create that special Christmas look.michele chalkboard
    
PW: Living in a smaller town must offer some challenges for buying ingredients and tools. Where do you shop for your supplies?

C: Online.  Amazon.com gives me everything I need. Hobby Lobby does offer some options, especially if you are just starting out. I michele frostinghave to have my KitchenAid (6 quart) mixer and my disposable Icing bags. Metal icing tips are a necessity, I prefer Wilton brand. I use gel food coloring because of the color variety and the vibrancy of the colors. For my display and presentation during parties I have a vintage lollipop stand that I use, I bought it from the Cozy Cottage in Ft Collins. I have assorted plates and platters for the cookies, though I love to display them on cake stand as well. Most of these came from Target or Pier 1.

PW: Do you have any final Prairie Wife advice for the novice baker and cookie decorator?

C: Just try it! Whatever isn’t pretty enough to present to others, you get to eat, I only eat snowflake cookiethe ugly ones! Before you start make room in your freezer. For perfect shaped cookies always freeze your cut out cookies before you bake them, it keeps them from spreading and losing their shape. The brighter the glaze and frosting the better the cookie looks, if your cookies are bright they are beautiful. You’ll never be able to find free time to craft amazing cookies; you need to make the time. When it stops being fun push through, it’s all worth it when your friends say “you make the most beautiful cookies.”

 

Life is Sweet

Attention PrairieWifeInHeels.com Readers! Cheleeo has now opened her own business and her beautiful cookies are now for sale! Custom made cookies from Life Is Sweet are handmade fresh for every and any occasion! Click the link above to see (and like) her Facebook page and put your order in today!

Follow us on Pinterest and check out our Prairie Wife of the Week board. It’s full of inspirational pictures of Cheleeo’s work and some of her favorite pics. http://www.pinterest.com/prairieheels

Here are some more links that might help you find your inspiration!

http://www.coppergifts.com  for a wide variety of cookie cutters and sugar cookie tips and tricks

http://amzn.to/1iqM5yN a link to buy gel food coloring]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week December 13, 2013
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-december-13-2013/
		Fri, 13 Dec 2013 20:03:38 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1129
		
		Prairie Wife (PW): As a young child and woman I never really thought about my Grandma Bea as a person. She was always there at birthdays and holidays and could play a mean game of Uno or SkipBo. As I have matured as a woman, wife, and mother I have come to realize more and more how the history of my female relatives is a part of who I am as a women. Pa’s mother passed away this year and I realized that there was so much I didn’t know about her. I am so thankful that my Grandma Bea took the time to talk to me and share some of her story. Now I can pass a little of her story to my daughter. Women of her generation were the original Prairie Wives; loyal, loving and determined to provide the best life they could for their families, and that's why we picked Grandma Bea for our Prairie Wife of the Week! I hope that after you read this you take some time to hear the stories the women in your family have to share.

    Grandma Bea Shoes
    
PW: So start out by telling us when and where you were born, and a little bit about your family.

Grandma Bea (GB): I was born on May 12th, 1928, in Cedarburg, Wisconsin. I had an older sister, Ethel Paula, who passed awayGrandma Miller and Ethal at 22 month from bronchitis. Back then it wasn’t like now where they have all the medicines. There was nothing they could do.

When we were going through my mother’s things before we moved her into a home, we were looking in her Grandma Bea family cedar chest and we found a doll that had belonged to Ethel. It was the only time I had ever seen my mother cry. I also had an older Brother Alvin (he passed away this year), and a younger sister Audrey. She is only 15 months younger than me. Then my younger brother Bernard; he was 7 years younger.

PW: When I was talking with Ma later she mentioned that my Grandmother had spoken only German until she went to Kindergarten, where she learned to speak English. Ma can still remember hearing her parents speak in German when they didn’t want the kids to know what they were talking about.

TTS (Texas Two Steppin’): I am one of the oldest grandchildren, and I grew up hearing all of these stories about our relatives immigrating and then carrying on our German heritage. They also wrote regularly to family members in Germany, especially Tante Agnes (Aunt Agnes). So when I was very young I decided that once I got in high school I was going to learn to speak German and eventually travel there. One of my favorite memories is the first Christmas I was able to sing Christmas carols like “O Tannenbaum” and read stories in German with my grandparents. Plus, they were overjoyed that I was able to meet Tante Agnes in Germany in 1988 just before she passed away.

PW: What are some of your favorite memories from your childhood?

GB: My father owned a barber shop near our house. We used to drop off his lunch, and we would often get a sucker when we went barber shopto visit him (he kept them for the kids who got haircuts). We had just dropped off Daddy’s lunch and my mother was driving the Model T, I was sitting in the back seat enjoying my sucker as we started for home. She made a U turn, and my door wasn’t shut properly, and it opened and I flew out. The next thing I remember was me sitting in the rocking chair back at the house. The only thing I was upset about was that my sucker my dad gave me was gone; of course they never took me to the doctor!

The house we lived in when I was born didn’t have any running water or a bathroom, though my dad’s barber shop did. When we moved into our new house my Uncle came to help. Afterwards he insisted on listening to the Joe Lewis fight over the radio, I think that was the first time a black person had ever won a fight.

Along this house were pine trees, and my dad and his brother cut them down, and my Uncle, who owned a lumber mill up North, made lumber. They used that lumber to build a porch onto the house. Even this new house didn’t have a toilet!

One time my brother jumped off the top of our garage, I think he was just showing off, and sprained his ankle. I had to take over his paper route for him for a few weeks.

Most Saturdays my mom would send us to the hamburger store down the street to go get a bowl of ice cream for a quarter. One time I was walking with our bowl to the store, and I Grandma Bea Family picdropped the quarter down a sewer grate and lost it. I was so scared to go home without the ice cream! So, I went into the hamburger store and saw all the men sitting there eating. I went up to one of them and asked for a quarter. He gave me one, and I bought the ice cream and ran back home. No, I did not ever tell my mom!

PW: Apparently no talking to strangers and not asking men for money was a rule back in the ‘30s too. I wish I had a picture of the look on her face when she said “No, I did not ever tell my mom!”

TTS: Obviously you know PW and TTS are working on this project together. What major projects have you and your sister shared?

GB: Other than playing in the sandbox, that’s about the only thing! We had a little cradle that my Grandpa made and a little doll buggy and we played dolls all the time.

PW: Growing up as a teenager what did you like to do with your friends?

GB: I played the alto clarinet in the band so we had band practice after school. Sometimes we had picnics with the band kids. I also grandma sunningalways was active in a lot of the after-school plays. My first role was in 3rd grade, and I was a parrot in a cage. I insisted that my mom help me practice my lines over and over. All I said was, “Polly wanna cracker.” My poor mother! When it came time for the play I said my big line “Polly wanna cracker,” and my little brother Bernie spent the whole rest of the play saying it over and over as loud as he could.

PW: Little brothers haven’t changed much either.

GB: None of us really ever had time to do anything other than school. I also had to walk a mile to and from school, so this took up a lot of time going back and forth. As a family we ate our big meal of the day at dinner (lunch) because we never knew when my dad would be done at the barber shop in the evenings.

I spent quite a bit of time babysitting. I started out watching my music teacher’s children, and there was a neighbor family that I would babysit for and do housework. Between babysitting and chores around the house none of us really had any free time ever.

TTS: What were some of your favorite beauty tips, and do any of them still hold true today?young grandma

GB: You couldn’t go to school until you were scrubbed good. We set out hair in pin curls and got home permanents. My mom never wore makeup so we never did either. I do remember that every Saturday we would clip our nails and my mom would put clear nail polish on them.

TTS: That probably explains why Ma never wore that much makeup either. I sure changed that family tradition, and I think Prairie Wife is following along in my footsteps!

PW: Tell us about motherhood, what were some of your joys and challenges? (Grandma Bea has four children, two boys and two girls)

GB: I think each one of the kids was a new challenge, they were just so different! I remember talking to my oldest Fran’s kindergarten teacher. She was so surprised to learn that he had two little sisters. Algrandma and grandpal he had ever talked about was his baby brother; he never mentioned that he had two sisters in between!  Your mom just sat in the corner curled up with a book. Marge was always getting into trouble. When he was little, my youngest, Larry, was always getting out our gate and onto the street. I am sure the neighbors thought I was the worst mother, but I just tied a clothes line around him. I made sure it was long enough so he could go all over the yard wherever he wanted. We also had a neighbor who thought she was too good for us because her kids went to public school and we went to Catholic school. She wouldn’t let her daughter play with my kids.

PW: I don’t know how many times I wished I could tie up my Cowkids to know they are safe! It’s comforting to hear that mothers back then worried what others thought too. Apparently mothers have always been hard on each other.

GB: One time, when Larry was too old to be tied, he came home with a police officer and said, “Look who I brought home!” It turns out they thought he had been throwing rocks at car windshields and broken them. We knew he hadn’t done it, and in the end there was no way they could prove it. Every time I saw that officer on his beat I would cross the street.

PW: Knowing my Grandma Bea I bet there was quite a look sent over to the officer as she crossed!

GB: It was always nice to have someone around; now sometimes I get tired of being alone! Sometimes I miss the noise and the business of the house.

PW: What are some of the changes you have seen in the way that people parent now versus when you had little ones?

GB: I think they give the kids too much nowadays. Not just toys, everything, allowances even. I think they should have chores and that is what you do in a family. I think time out is a good thing; we didn’t do that when I had children. I think that parents should be taking their kids to cultural things, like a symphony concert or play. Rather than all the time with the video games about killing, I think it is making the world a more violent place.

PW: When your children were all grown up what was the biggest adjustment for you?Grandma Bea and PW

GB: I think the bigger adjustment for me was when I started taking care of my grandkids to help out my son, and then they were gone when Fran remarried. That was really hard for me.

TTS: I was always jealous that my cousins got to spend so much time with you!anne and grandma

TTS: Your oldest granddaughter TTS just became a grandmother. What advice would you give her in this new role since you are a great, great grandmother?

GB: Not too much babysitting. And if they do things differently with their kids just let them be, keep your nose out of it!

TTS: Although Grandbaby is only a few months old, I have already made arrangements with her parents to do something very special that my grandparents did for me. I still remember that they took me out on a “date” without my parents to a very fancy restaurant when I was in fourth or fifth grade. I felt so grownup and special, especially when my Grandpa ordered me a Shirley Temple to drink! They taught me things like how to place my napkin on my lap, use the outside fork for my salad, and that parsley was just a garnish and not to be eaten. They taught me well, and I am looking forward to passing on etiquette to my granddaughter too.

PW: Your husband passed away several years ago, what were some of the things that others did for or with you that truly helped you?

GB: Having compassionate medical care was a big help, especially with making the decisions. I’ll never forget the young doctor I talked to, when it was time for me to decide to take Grandpa off the machines. I asked him what he would do if it was his Dad. He started to cry and told me to let him go. The women that had been here with me when Grandpa had his heart attack brought some BBQ meat to help feed all the visitors, that was nice. I couldn’t believe all the people from the community that came to his funeral!

TTS: I wasn’t at my Grandfather’s funeral, but I still remember what I did to honor his memory that day. He was a tax attorney, so I did my taxes, and I remember Grandma laughing at me when I told her that story. One of the things I learned from Grandma during this time and plan to keep in mind when I must deal with the loss of an immediate family member, is that she took some time to be by herself so she could get out her emotions privately and completely. I also was touched by something her mom did for all of us great grandkids. The first holiday after she died we all had a gift from her under the Christmas tree; something she had picked out especially for us as a surprise. I still wear that bracelet on special occasions, and I think that was such a tender, thoughtful idea—we all knew she was with us that Christmas Day.

PW: What are your favorite things to do now?

GB: Going to the Milwaukee Zoo; I just love to walk. It’s so nice to not worry about traffic and crossing the street. Just watching the animals and all the open space really appeals to me.

PW:  What has been the hardest thing for you about growing older?

GB: Not being able to do all the things I want to, and that it takes me longer to do all the things I have to do.

TTS: "I wish I knew then, what I know now" is a common phrase. So what advice would your mature self give your younger self?

GB: Maybe I would space my kids farther apart! Live and learn I guess. I think you need to just do it yourself!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?grandma and carter

GB: Waste not want not.

TTS: That is so Grandma. Being raised during the depression she really had an appreciation for conservation. She was recycling before it was popular or commonplace; I learned from her that Cool Whip containers could be used instead of Tupperware!

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		Three Bean Crock Pot Chili
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/three-bean-crock-pot-chili/
		Sat, 28 Dec 2013 16:10:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=236
		
		This chili is a Christmas Eve tradition on the Prairie Homestead! I usually serve it with homemade cinnamon rolls or corn bread. I claim it is homemade, though it really involves mostly opening cans…but I say it counts! Throw it in your crock pot before you head to work in the morning, or let it simmer in a pot on the stove. Feel free to add an extra kick by switching the mild Rotel tomatoes for spicy, or adding some jalapenos. We like to top ours with shredded cheese and raw onions, and sometimes a little sour cream! Let me know how you change this recipe and make it your own.Total prep time-15min
Cook time-30min-8hr
Serves 8-10

1-2lb ground Elk (deer, beef or turkey) cooked
1 can Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes
2 15oz cans of tomato sauce
1 can black beans
1 can kidney beans
1 can pinto beans
2 cloves of garlic, minced
1 packet of McCormick chili seasoning (I usually use the low sodium version, you can also make your own)

1. Brown the ground meat on the stove, and put it into your crock pot.

2. Drain all 3 cans of beans, and empty them into your crock pot.

3. Put all the other ingredients (do not drain) into your crock pot (I usually add 1 can of water at this point).

4. Close the lid and set the timer on your crock pot for 4-8 hours. If you are cooking your chili in a pot on the stove bring all the combined ingredients to a boil. Then let them simmer for 30min-2hours stirring occasionally.

5. If you feel that the chili is too thick, simply add some more water.

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			Rotel diced tomatoes and green chilies

1 14.5oz can diced tomatoes

2 15oz cans of tomato sauce

1 can black beans

1 can kidney beans

1 can pinto beans

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1 packet of McCormick chili seasoning (I usually use the low sodium version, you can also make your own)


1. Brown the ground meat on the stove, and put it into your crock pot.

2. Drain all 3 cans of beans, and empty them into your crock pot.

3. Put all the other ingredients (do not drain) into your crock pot (I usually add 1 can of water at this point).

4. Close the lid and set the timer on your crock pot for 4-8 hours. If you are cooking your chili in a pot on the stove bring all the combined ingredients to a boil and let them simmer for 30min-2hours stirring occasionally.

5. If you feel that the chili is too thick, simply add some more water.[/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
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		DIY Cabinet Painting
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/diy-cabinet-painting/
		Wed, 08 Jan 2014 16:09:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=254
		
		

I love to redo things in my home, but finding the time and frankly the money, can be a little difficult. With The Cowboy gone Monday through Thursday almost every week, sometimes it’s all I can do to get everyone fed. Forget about dressed and bathed! So, when I get the opportunity to make some changes around the house it’s usually only a day here and there when I have a babysitter. Luckily Ma and Pa come and visit the Cowkids and Cowbaby every three months. When they come, chances are I have a big project around the house that I want to tackle. And my 24 hour babysitters are usually gracious enough to keep the Cowkids and Cowbaby out of my hair.

Last time Ma and Pa came to visit I had two big projects in mind, redoing Cowgirl G’s bathroom and the laundry room. Over the summer I had spent weeks perusing Pinterest (say that three times fast lol) finding just the right inspiration photos. As I looked at the pictures I noticed one common theme, all the bathrooms and laundry rooms had painted cabinets. Our house came with the same golden oak cabinets in the kitchen, laundry room, and in every bathroom.



    

    

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I knew that this was going to be the biggest part of the project and headed to Home Depot to talk to my local expert. I knew that it would be out of my budget to replace the cabinets and was interested in simply painting the cabinets (maybe even spray paint). My friendly Home Depot Man recommended Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Cabinet Coating System. I had him tint it in Linen and headed home with hopes of finishing the project before the Cowkids headed back to school. I mentioned to TallGirlJ my intentions and she bought the Cabinet Coating System for her own bathroom redo. She painted a cabinet in her bathroom and gave me a few pointers. Summer went by as quickly as ever, and I never got to my project. Luckily Ma and Pa flew out later in the fall and I got my chance to paint the cabinets.


    

    

    

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The process was really as easy as my friendly Home Depot man said, and TallGirlJ’s pointers ensured that my cabinets looked amazing when they were done. Set aside a whole day and a half for this project, simply for drying times. I didn’t bother watching the DVD that came with the Cabinet Coating System, the paper instructions were clear enough for me. I chose to paint my laundry cabinets straight Linen, while I used the antiquing glaze included over the Linen color, for Cowgirl G’s bathroom. You can see in the pictures that there is quite a difference between the two.


    

    

    

    

    


    


    

    

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When painting, pay close attention to the corners and trim to make sure there are no drips or spots where the paint or glaze has settled. Thin coats really are the way to go, and I skipped painting all three layers on the inside of the doors. If I had been painting kitchen cabinets that are often left open (in my house), I would have taken the time to make the inside of the doors as nice as the outside. The paint dried fairly quickly in Wyoming, but I am sure it would take longer in a more humid climate. I have wiped off several toothpaste spills off the doors, they came off nicely with no damage to the paint. I recommend the Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Cabinet Coating System as a fairly easy (and quick other than drying time) way to transform the cabinets in your house.  I’ll be posting more tips and tricks I used when redoing my laundry room soon!

What DIY projects are you planning to tackle this year?


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			I love to redo things in my home, but finding the time and frankly the money, can be a little difficult. With The Cowboy gone Monday through Thursday almost every week, sometimes it’s all I can do to get everyone fed. Forget about dressed andbathed! So, when I get the opportunity to make some changes around the house it’s usually only a day here and there when I have a babysitter. Luckily Ma and Pa come and visit the Cowkids and Cowbaby every three months. When they come, chances are I have a big project around the house that I want to tackle. And my 24 hour babysitters are usually gracious enough to keep the Cowkids and Cowbaby out of my hair.

Last time Ma and Pa came to visit I had two big projects in mind, redoing Cowgirl G’s bathroom and the laundry room. Over the summer I had spent weeks perusing Pinterest (say that three times fast lol) finding just the right inspiration photos. As I looked at the pictures I noticed one common theme, all the bathrooms and laundry rooms had painted cabinets. Our house came with the same golden oak cabinets in the kitchen, laundry room, and in every bathroom.



    

    Picture

    

    

    

    I knew that this was going to be the biggest part of the project and headed to Home Depot to talk to my local expert. I knew that it would be out of my budget to replace the cabinets and was interested in simply painting the cabinets (maybe even spray paint). My friendly Home Depot Man recommended Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Cabinet Coating System. I had him tint it in Linen and headed home with hopes of finishing the project before the Cowkids headed back to school. I mentioned to TallGirlJ my intentions and she bought the Cabinet Coating System for her own bathroom redo. She painted a cabinet in her bathroom and gave me a few pointers. Summer went by as quickly as ever, and I never got to my project. Luckily Ma and Pa flew out later in the fall and I got my chance to paint the cabinets.


    

    

    Picture

    

    

    

    The process was really as easy as my friendly Home Depot man said, and TallGirlJ’s pointers ensured that my cabinets looked amazing when they were done. Set aside a whole day and a half for this project, simply for drying times. I didn’t bother watching the DVD that came with the Cabinet Coating System, the paper instructions were clear enough for me. I chose to paint my laundry cabinets straight Linen, while I used the antiquing glaze included over the Linen color, for Cowgirl G’s bathroom. You can see in the pictures that there is quite a difference between the two.


    

    

    

    

    


    


    

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    When painting, pay close attention to the corners and trim to make sure there are no drips or spots where the paint or glaze has settled. Thin coats really are the way to go, and I skipped painting all three layers on the inside of the doors. If I had been painting kitchen cabinets that are often left open (in my house), I would have taken the time to make the inside of the doors as nice as the outside. The paint dried fairly quickly in Wyoming, but I am sure it would take longer in a more humid climate. I have wiped off several toothpaste spills off the doors, they came off nicely with no damage to the paint. I recommend the Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations Cabinet Coating System as a fairly easy (and quick other than drying time) way to transform the cabinets in your house.  I’ll be posting more tips and tricks I used when redoing my laundry room soon!

What DIY projects are you planning to tackle this year?
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		Winter in Wyoming
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-in-wyoming/
		Thu, 19 Dec 2013 20:32:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=256
		
		We had a snow storm hit today, and I just couldn't resist getting the camera out and taking a few pictures of winter in Wyoming.

    

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    It was nice to take a few minutes to enjoy the quiet of the Wyoming winter, and just focus on a few small moments...What helps you to focus on the small moments?
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			We had a snow storm hit today, and I just couldn't resist getting the camera out and taking a few pictures of winter in Wyoming.

    

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    It was nice to take a few minutes to enjoy the quiet of the Wyoming winter, and just focus on a few small moments...

What helps you to focus on the small moments?
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		Sister: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/sister-a-novel-by-rosamund-lupton/
		Sat, 18 Jan 2014 14:38:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=290
		
		I know that crime novels are a really big genre right now, but frankly I just really don’t like to read them. I usually read books to escape from reality, so the idea of spending hours reading about violence, death, and emotional anguish doesn’t really appeal to me. But, I read a review of Sister: A Novel by Rosamund Lupton, and despite the fact that it had all three of the things listed above, I decided to try it. I am glad that I did, this book was absolutely amazing…I mean really, I can’t recommend it to you enough! When I finished this book I literally sat there for several minutes in deep thought, and then felt an instant need to read it again!

This story tells the tale of two sisters Tess and Bee. Though they are separated by an ocean they manage to stay close through letters. When Tess is told that her sister is missing, she heads overseas expecting to find her somewhat eccentric and irresponsible sister quickly, and give her a firm talking to…instead it is discovered that Bee has commit suicide. Tess is left stunned and aching, and just not believing what everyone else says is true. Despite the police and her family’s insistence that she is simply in denial, Tess trusts her instincts and heads out on her own to find the truth.

I don’t want to ruin all the plot twists by giving you too much detail. I will tell you that Tess uncovers both an illicit affair and a medical mystery that the police were completely unaware of. The reader travels on the journey of discovery with Tess, and we aren’t given any more information then Tess as the twisted plot unravels. Lupton’s clear details and organized writing made it easy to follow along on the journey with Tess. I absolutely loved trying to keep one step ahead of Tess. When I found myself coming to a firm conclusion about what happened to Bee, all I had to do was read a little bit more to be proved wrong time after time! The ending was absolutely shocking, and it was then that the true genius of Lupton’s writing was revealed to me. If you are looking for a fast paced mystery novel that will keep you up for hours, this is the book for you!]]>
		
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			can’trecommend it to you enough! When I finished this book I literally sat there for several minutes in deep thought, and then felt an instant need to read it again!

This story tells the tale of two sisters Tess and Bee. Though they are separated by an ocean they manage to stay close through letters. When Tess is told that her sister is missing, she heads overseas expecting to find her somewhat eccentric and irresponsible sister quickly, and give her a firm talking to…instead it is discovered that Bee has commit suicide. Tess is left stunned and aching, and just not believing what everyone else says is true. Despite the police and her family’s insistence that she is simply in denial, Tess trusts her instincts and heads out on her own to find the truth.

I don’t want to ruin all the plot twists by giving you too much detail. I will tell you that Tess uncovers both an illicit affair and a medical mystery that the police were completely unaware of. The reader travels on the journey of discovery with Tess, and we aren’t given any more information then Tess as the twisted plot unravels. Lupton’s clear details and organized writing made it easy to follow along on the journey with Tess. I absolutely loved trying to keep one step ahead of Tess. When I found myself coming to a firm conclusion about what happened to Bee, all I had to do was read a little bit more to be proved wrong time after time! The ending was absolutely shocking, and it was then that the true genius of Lupton’s writing was revealed to me. If you are looking for a fast paced mystery novel that will keep you up for hours, this is the book for you![/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
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		GO AHEAD Judge Me!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/go-ahead-judge-me/
		Fri, 17 Jan 2014 19:41:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=292
		
		I’m feeling a little rebellious today, maybe it’s all the sleep I have been getting lately, or the fact that the sun has been out three days in a row. I even have hopes that I might, maybe, be able to go for a run tomorrow. Anyway, there have been a ton of posts on blogs lately about the whole mom vs. mom phenomenon. For those of you that are unfamiliar with this whole “thing” to sum it up it is the completely not new thing (sarcasm is hard to type but I think you understand) of females judging other females and being ridiculously mean to each other. Some people may refer to it as middle school, or high school…

Let me just be flat out honest with you, hell yeah I judge other woman, and really people in general. I mean come on who doesn’t? I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love to sit and watch people go by at the airport or mall, and chat with their friend or husband about what they see. And yup, I have totally judged that mom that just got slapped (three times) in the face by her toddler at the grocery store! That being said let me share with you why I think I am still a good person. I may judge you in my head, or even in whispers, to my friend or husband but, it doesn’t keep me from being kind to the people I judge. And I would never intentionally be disrespectful in any way.

I don’t shoot the mom with the slapping toddler a mean look (even if there is no way I would ever let my kid do that to me more than once), I smile at her and say a prayer that she will be able to give her child what he needs, whether that’s a hug, nap, or swift kick in the butt…that part is not up to me. And let’s face it, sometimes judging someone can keep you safe. Fair or not, the unwashed man with the frothing dog weaving back and forth on the sidewalk at 9:00 am is someone I am going to stay away from. I am going to judge him and think that he is drunk and perhaps emotionally unstable, and that I better just keep away from him. But I am not going to yell at him, give him dirty looks, or try and force my morals and opinion on him.

Fellow moms, wives, women, and human kind in general, the problem is not the judging of others. It is our unwillingness to accept others as individuals and acknowledge that even if their beliefs and behavior are deeply different than yours, they are still human and deserve respect. I could keep on going with examples, and we could spend months talking about all of the grey areas but you all get what I am trying to say. Back off, judge each other, but stop trying to get your digs in about who has it better or worse. In the spirit of helping others to feel better I am going to air some of my dirty laundry. Feel free to judge away and feel way cooler than I am, heck even laugh at me…just treat me with respect when you see me at the grocery store…

1. I not only listen to One Direction I absolutely rock out to them. I may not own the t-shirt or even be able to name all of them (good for you if you can). But, when “The Story of my Life” comes on the radio you better believe that I am cranking that sucker up, singing at the top of my lungs, and bopping around like an 11 year old.

2. Forget the 5 second rule around here, it’s more like 5 hours. By kid 3 I completely gave up trying to keep my floor clean and my kids are totally free to eat whatever they find. Heck Cowgirl G once ate a hamburger off the sidewalk! I have to say it was hers, and she had only dropped it a few minutes before she went back to it and finished it off, but the truth is I let my kid eat a hamburger off the sidewalk. The Cowkids have one heck of an immune system!

3. Along the same vein, I don’t always wash my hands after I change a diaper.

4. And chances are I have probably held a conversation with you either texting or talking from my bathroom, while I was using the toilet. Yup go ahead judge away!

5. I have, on more than one occasion, put my children in front of the T.V. for hours on end just so I can read a good book.

6. I still can’t watch people making out on T.V. without covering my eyes and turning away.

7. I hate John Wayne. I think he is one of the most overrated actors ever! The Cowboy calls me a communist and says that he almost didn’t marry be because of this, but I refuse to watch any of his movies.

8. Sometimes I pick my nose. That same thing that I am always scolding my kids about, especially Cowboy J…yup I’m guilty of it. Do as I say not as I do kids!

Yep! Go AHEAD. Judge Me!

9. I love being pregnant. I barely get sick; I didn’t even throw up once when I was pregnant with Cowbaby. My super freakishly long torso means I have tons of room for babies, no stretch marks, and I am comfortable until the day the kids come out. I am proud that with hard work I have been able to get back to my pre-baby weight after every kid. And you know what? I’m tired of apologizing to people about it, and getting dirty looks from other women when I tell them I don’t get sick or have stretch marks on my stomach. I am not sorry, I love being pregnant!

10. I swear in front of my kids, loudly and angrily. I have tried to stop numerous times but something always happens and I fall right back into my old habits. Sometimes you just need to drop the f-bomb when you are telling a story to a girlfriend; it just makes the emotion of the story so much clearer. I just say to my kids when they start to repeat the naughty words “You can’t say that word, only daddy says that!”

WHEW! That felt great! Go ahead, let me know what you think in our comments area, and feel free to air some of your own dirty laundry! So. Go AHEAD Judge Me!]]>
		
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			hell yeah I judge other woman, and really people in general. I mean come on who doesn’t? I have yet to meet someone who doesn’t love to sit and watch people go by at the airport or mall, and chat with their friend or husband about what they see. And yup, I have totally judged that mom that just got slapped (three times) in the face by her toddler at the grocery store! That being said let me share with you why I think I am still a good person. I may judge you in my head, or even in whispers, to my friend or husband but, it doesn’t keep me from being kind to the people I judge. And I would never intentionally be disrespectful in any way.

I don’t shoot the mom with the slapping toddler a mean look (even if there is no way I would ever let my kid do that to me more than once), I smile at her and say a prayer that she will be able to give her child what he needs, whether that’s a hug, nap, or swift kick in the butt…that part is not up to me. And let’s face it, sometimes judging someone can keep you safe. Fair or not, the unwashed man with the frothing dog weaving back and forth on the sidewalk at 9:00 am is someone I am going to stay away from. I am going to judge him and think that he is drunk and perhaps emotionally unstable, and that I better just keep away from him. But I am not going to yell at him, give him dirty looks, or try and force my morals and opinion on him.

Fellow moms, wives, women, and human kind in general, the problem is not the judging of others. It is our unwillingness to accept others as individuals and acknowledge that even if their beliefs and behavior are deeply different than yours, they are still human and deserve respect. I could keep on going with examples, and we could spend months talking about all of the grey areas but you all get what I am trying to say. Back off, judge each other, but stop trying to get your digs in about who has it better or worse. In the spirit of helping others to feel better I am going to air some of my dirty laundry. Feel free to judge away and feel way cooler than I am, heck even laugh at me…just treat me with respect when you see me at the grocery store…

1. I not only listen to One Direction I absolutely rock out to them. I may not own the t-shirt or even be able to name all of them (good for you if you can). But, when “The Story of my Life” comes on the radio you better believe that I am cranking that sucker up, singing at the top of my lungs, and bopping around like an 11 year old.

2. Forget the 5 second rule around here, it’s more like 5 hours. By kid 3 I completely gave up trying to keep my floor clean and my kids are totally free to eat whatever they find. Heck Cowgirl G once ate a hamburger off the sidewalk! I have to say it was hers, and she had only dropped it a few minutes before she went back to it and finished it off, but the truth is I let my kid eat a hamburger off the sidewalk. The Cowkids have one heck of an immune system!

3. Along the same vein, I don’t always wash my hands after I change a diaper.

4. And chances are I have probably held a conversation with you either texting or talking from my bathroom, while I was using the toilet. Yup go ahead judge away!

5. I have, on more than one occasion, put my children in front of the T.V. for hours on end just so I can read a good book.

6. I still can’t watch people making out on T.V. without covering my eyes and turning away.

7. I hate John Wayne. I think he is one of the most overrated actors ever! The Cowboy calls me a communist and says that he almost didn’t marry be because of this, but I refuse to watch any of his movies.

8. Sometimes I pick my nose. That same thing that I am always scolding my kids about, especially Cowboy J…yup I’m guilty of it. Do as I say not as I do kids!

9. I love being pregnant. I barely get sick; I didn’t even throw up once when I was pregnant with Cowbaby. My super freakishly long torso means I have tons of room for babies, no stretch marks, and I am comfortable until the day the kids come out. I am proud that with hard work I have been able to get back to my pre-baby weight after every kid. And you know what? I’m tired of apologizing to people about it, and getting dirty looks from other women when I tell them I don’t get sick or have stretch marks on my stomach. I am not sorry, I love being pregnant!

10. I swear in front of my kids, loudly and angrily. I have tried to stop numerous times but something always happens and I fall right back into my old habits. Sometimes you just need to drop the f-bomb when you are telling a story to a girlfriend; it just makes the emotion of the story so much clearer. I just say to my kids when they start to repeat the naughty words “You can’t say that word, only daddy says that!”

WHEW! That felt great! Go ahead, let me know what you think in our comments area, and feel free to air some of your own dirty laundry![/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
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			http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-february-28-2014/
			
			
			
			
			
			
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		YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week February 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/you-pick-prairie-wife-of-the-week-february-2014/
		Fri, 17 Jan 2014 16:03:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=294
		
		This event is now closed, thank you!
It's time for another YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week
This could be a picture of your BFF's shoes!

    

    

Picture

 


    

    
Nominate your friend or family member NOW to help us LATER!

February is prairiewifeinheels.com WE LOVE OUR READERS month!

    Giveaways
    
every week!
Help us celebrate you our readers, by nominating one of your friends or family members for our first Prairie Wife of the Week for February 2014

    

Everyone we meet has a story, something special and unique that has made them who they are today. Some of the stories are heart wrenching yet inspiring, while others are uplifting and humorous. We here at prairiewifeinheels.com want to hear from you--our readers. We know that each one of you has a story to tell or knows someone with a story that is just waiting to be shared. That is why we are leaving our first Prairie Wife of the Week for February and prairiewifeinheels.com month of "WE LOVE OUR READERS" up to you!Please e-mail us at prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com, message us privately on our Facebook page, or contact us throughTwitter. In your message tell us why you think your friend (or you) should be our Prairie Wife of the Week. Also, please include your name and e-mail as well as the nominee's name and e-mail. We will let one nominee know they have won through e-mail and get their phone number privately from them. Please do not post any personal phone numbers on our site, Facebook or Twitter! Also please understand that if we are unable to contact the nominee and get their written or verbal permission to participate in our Prairie Wife of the Week interview, we will select another fabulous nominee.

Before you send your message, think about all the qualities that make a Prairie Wife; love and loyalty to family and friends, determination to follow their dreams, and a little bit of sass and style. Married or not a Prairie Wife is a woman with grit and grace!  We also encourage all participants to read our Prairie Wife Guarantee.

We will be taking nominations from January 17th, 2014-January 22, 2014, and feel free to make as many different nominations as you like (you can even nominate yourself).

We will announce the winner the morning of January 25, 2014 on our site, Facebook page, and Twitter, and we can’t wait to share her fascinating story!


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This event is now closed. 

    

    It's time for another YOU PICK  Prairie Wife of the Week.
    

    This could be a picture of your BFF's shoes!
    

    

    Picture
    

    

    

    Nominate your friend of family member.
    

    Now to help us LATER!
    

    

    

    

    

    February is prairiewifeinheels.com WE LOVE OUR READERS month!
    

    
Giveaways every week!
Help us celebrate you our readers, by nominating one of your friends or family members for our first Prairie Wife of the Week for February 2014
    

    Everyone we meet has a story, something special and unique that has made them who they are today. Some of the stories are heart wrenching yet inspiring, while others are uplifting and humorous. We here at prairiewifeinheels.com want to hear from you--our readers. We know that each one of you has a story to tell or knows someone with a story that is just waiting to be shared. That is why we are leaving our first Prairie Wife of the Week for February and prairiewifeinheels.com month of "WE LOVE OUR READERS" up to you!Please e-mail us at prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com, message us privately on our Facebook page, or contact us throughTwitter. In your message tell us why you think your friend (or you) should be our Prairie Wife of the Week. Also, please include your name and e-mail as well as the nominee's name and e-mail. We will let one nominee know they have won through e-mail and get their phone number privately from them. Please do not post any personal phone numbers on our site, Facebook or Twitter! Also please understand that if we are unable to contact the nominee and get their written or verbal permission to participate in our Prairie Wife of the Week interview, we will select another fabulous nominee.

Before you send your message, think about all the qualities that make a Prairie Wife; love and loyalty to family and friends, determination to follow their dreams, and a little bit of sass and style. Married or not a Prairie Wife is a woman with grit and grace!  We also encourage all participants to read our Prairie Wife Guarantee.

We will be taking nominations from January 17th, 2014-January 22, 2014, and feel free to make as many different nominations as you like (you can even nominate yourself).

We will announce the winner the morning of January 25, 2014 on our site, Facebook page, and Twitter, and we can’t wait to share her fascinating story!


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		My First Elk Hunt
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/my-first-elk-hunt/
		Wed, 15 Jan 2014 14:01:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=296
		
		

    My First Elk Hunt
    

    We had been dating less than a year when The Cowboy offered to take me on a January elk hunt with him. I had heard him talking non-stop about the wonders of elk hunting; days spent on horseback enjoying the majesty of nature, the thrill of the hunt and kill, and the amazing time we could spend together snuggling in front of the fire (that was my addition to the adventure not his). I was also a young woman eager to show that I was just as tough as my boyfriend, and that I could not only survive the winter wilds of Wyoming but thrive in them as well!
    

    Cue January. The Cowboy picked me up in Laramie where I was attending college and we headed up to Cody where my future SisterInLaw1 lived with her husband. I spent some time with SisterInLaw1 and her daughter as the men packed up the wall tent and stove (an apparent luxury) and all the other things we would need for our week in the mountains. I innocently played with SisterInLaw1’s sweet toddler daughter and listened to her share her stories of Elk hunting. She is a true Prairie Wife and has killed a bigger bull elk then most men I know, not to mention she is seriously one tough cookie. In retrospect I am sure it was all she could do to hold her laughter in, at this stupidly optimistic eastern college girl, who was so excited to go on a January elk hunt.
    

    

    winter hunt 1We headed up to Picket Creek located in the Graybull River area outside of Meeteesee, Wyoming and made camp in a somewhat wooded   area. We got the tent and stove set up, and the horses out of the trailer to stretch their legs. I really didn’t help too much, other than to keep the horse I had named “Kipper” company. He was like a dog following me around and asking for love, and I was instantly at ease with him. We headed out for a short ride that afternoon and I felt a little uneasy, it was after all only my third time on a horse! After a nourishing dinner of chili we settled down in the tent for the night. I had a sleeping bag that was rated for 0 below and I still found that the only way to stay warm was to sleep in all my clothes and a thick knit hat. The stove kept it to a balmy 32 degrees in the tent, and my dreams of snuggling by the fire were soon overridden by my survival instinct.
    

    Soon The Cowboy was prodding me awake. I have never been a morning person and I was especially tired after a cold and not so comfy sleep on the ground. I stumbled out and stiffly got onto my horse and we headed out. I noticed that it was still really dark…as in all I could see was the moonlight reflecting off The Cowboy’s hunting vest. I asked him what time it was and he mumbled something like 4:30. I can’t be sure what he said, because my ears were so frozen that my eardrums were no longer able to vibrate.
    

    The group split up and The Cowboy and I headed to a secluded spot on the side of a mountain. There were only a few inches of snow on thewinter hunt 2 trail but nothing too deep. We dismounted in a gathering of pine trees overlooking a large valley and sat down. As the pale winter sun began to creep over the horizon my face slowly unthawed and I asked The Cowboy for something to eat. He obligingly handed me a frozen Snickers bar and motioned for me to keep quiet. Two hours later, he finally looked at me and explained that it looked like the Elk weren’t coming to that spot, and we could head back to camp for breakfast…I had no response and simply hopped up on my horse and followed him back to camp. We took a small nap in the afternoon and headed out at dusk to do the same thing, find a spot and sit, hoping that an elk might come by.
    

    By the evening of day three, this future Prairie Wife was cold tired and more than a little grouchy and snappy. It was bitterly cold at almost 10,000 feet and it had snowed several times, making it wet and windy. As I went outside for my last bathroom break for the night I found myself thinking that perhaps I wasn’t quite the tough mountain woman that I had previously thought. Both my hands holding the flashlight were shaking in the cold, and I was just about ready to head back into the tent when I heard muffled footsteps behind me, slowly approaching. My heart jumped and the steamy puffs of air coming from my mouth resembled that of a steam engine heading up a steep hill. I had visions of the newspaper article… “A young city girl up for a winter elk hunt was brutally mauled by a bear. She was found half naked and frozen by her boyfriend. Her left hand still remains missing.”
    

    I slowly reached down to pull up my underwear, long johns, jeans, and snow pants trying to decide if it was even worth the time, or if I should just make a run for it. I heard the snort seconds before I felt the warm breath on the back of my neck. I jumped up and turned around trying not to stumble as I pulled up my clothes and prepared to run, a scream stuck in my frigid throat (caused by a combination of fear and freezing temperatures). As my eyes adjusted and I steadied the flashlight beam I saw a large looming shape, dark brown and slightly dusted in snow…it let out a quiet neigh and I immediately started to breathe again. Apparently “Kipper” the horse had been feeling lonely and thought I might want some company. I stumbled back to the tent and after gently pushing him out as he tried to follow me in, I zipped myself into my sleeping bag and tried to get some rest, hoping the next day we could get an elk and get home!
    

    The next day the guys (did I forget to say I was the only estrogen producing person along on the hunt) decided to try a new area and we setwinter hunt 3 out on the horses. We rode the horses up a shale and ice covered mountainside, getting down and leading them as we approached a deep valley with a creek running through the bottom. As I slipped and slid down the valley I mentally cursed The Cowboy. Suddenly I heard a strange rushing noise behind me, I turned to see my horse sliding on her butt, front legs extended, and eyes rolling so I could see the whites, headed directly for me. In what can only be described as an instinctual ninja move, I dove to the right and tucked and rolled. The mare slid past me and landed butt first into the creek. She stood up, shook herself off and looked at me as if to say “are you done proving your point yet?”
    

    As we rode back to camp later that day from my first elk hunt, the horses, excited by the prospect of grain and a rest, started to run. The Cowboy rode alongside me whooping and laughing, in my fear and exhaustion I let loose with a torrent of bad language, rage, and tears. I thought that his exuberance is what had sent the horses running, and at this point it was all I could do to keep my saddle weary body from falling off and into the snow. How dare he put me in danger after all I had been through!? He grabbed my horse’s reins and pulled me to an abrupt stop. He then not so calmly stated that he had enough of my bad attitude ruining his elk hunt, that I had wanted to come along, and it wasn’t his fault that it wasn’t the big fun adventure I had thought it would be. The Cowboy explained that we would be heading home the next day and that next time I was invited I better think a little more before accepting the invitation. I hung my head and kept out of the way for the rest of the day. Over time the wounds (both physical and emotional) healed. I have been on other hunts with The Cowboy (and have the scars to prove it) but, never again have I agreed to go on a winter hunt. Now days I let The Cowboy have his fun while I stay home warm, cozy and dry. Ready to greet The Cowboy with a smile, and a batch of steaming Elk stew when he returns. Note: All the photos are actually from my first elk hunt (doesn't it look cold)
    

     This is me on my horse named Kipper. He offered me lots of company even trying to sleep in my tent with me!
    

    

    

    

    

    

    

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			We had been dating less than a year when The Cowboy offered to take me on a January elk hunt with him. I had heard him talking non-stop about the wonders of elk hunting; days spent on horseback enjoying the majesty of nature, the thrill of the hunt and kill, and the amazing time we could spend together snuggling in front of the fire (that was my addition to the adventure not his). I was also a young woman eager to show that I was just as tough as my boyfriend, and that I could not only survive the winter wilds of Wyoming but thrive in them as well!

    Cue January. The Cowboy picked me up in Laramie where I was attending college and we headed up to Cody where my future SisterInLaw1 lived with her husband. I spent some time with SisterInLaw1 and her daughter as the men packed up the wall tent and stove (an apparent luxury) and all the other things we would need for our week in the mountains. I innocently played with SisterInLaw1’s sweet toddler daughter and listened to her share her stories of Elk hunting. She is a true Prairie Wife and has killed a bigger bull elk then most men I know, not to mention she is seriously one tough cookie. In retrospect I am sure it was all she could do to hold her laughter in, at this stupidly optimistic eastern college girl, who was so excited to go on a January elk hunt.

    

    

    Picture

     
    

    

    

    We headed up to Picket Creek located in the Graybull River area outside of Meeteesee, Wyoming and made camp in a somewhat wooded area. We got the tent and stove set up, and the horses out of the trailer to stretch their legs. I really didn’t help too much, other than to keep the horse I had named “Kipper” company. He was like a dog following me around and asking for love, and I was instantly at ease with him. We headed out for a short ride that afternoon and I felt a little uneasy, it was after all only my third time on a horse! After a nourishing dinner of chili we settled down in the tent for the night. I had a sleeping bag that was rated for 0 below and I still found that the only way to stay warm was to sleep in all my clothes and a thick knit hat. The stove kept it to a balmy 32 degrees in the tent, and my dreams of snuggling by the fire were soon overridden by my survival instinct.

    Soon The Cowboy was prodding me awake. I have never been a morning person and I was especially tired after a cold and not so comfy sleep on the ground. I stumbled out and stiffly got onto my horse and we headed out. I noticed that it was still really dark…as in all I could see was the moonlight reflecting off The Cowboy’s hunting vest. I asked him what time it was and he mumbled something like 4:30. I can’t be sure what he said, because my ears were so frozen that my eardrums were no longer able to vibrate.

    The group split up and The Cowboy and I headed to a secluded spot on the side of a mountain. There were only a few inches of snow on the trail but nothing too deep. We dismounted in a gathering of pine trees overlooking a large valley and sat down. As the pale winter sun began to creep over the horizon my face slowly unthawed and I asked The Cowboy for something to eat. He obligingly handed me a frozen Snickers bar and motioned for me to keep quiet. Two hours later, he finally looked at me and explained that it looked like the Elk weren’t coming to that spot, and we could head back to camp for breakfast…I had no response and simply hopped up on my horse and followed him back to camp. We took a small nap in the afternoon and headed out at dusk to do the same thing, find a spot and sit, hoping that an elk might come by.

    

    

    Picture

     
    

    

    

    By the evening of day three, this future Prairie Wife was cold tired and more than a little grouchy and snappy. It was bitterly cold at almost 10,000 feet and it had snowed several times, making it wet and windy. As I went outside for my last bathroom break for the night I found myself thinking that perhaps I wasn’t quite the tough mountain woman that I had previously thought. Both my hands holding the flashlight were shaking in the cold, and I was just about ready to head back into the tent when I heard muffled footsteps behind me, slowly approaching. My heart jumped and the steamy puffs of air coming from my mouth resembled that of a steam engine heading up a steep hill. I had visions of the newspaper article… “A young city girl up for a winter elk hunt was brutally mauled by a bear. She was found half naked and frozen by her boyfriend. Her left hand still remains missing.”

    I slowly reached down to pull up my underwear, long johns, jeans, and snow pants trying to decide if it was even worth the time, or if I should just make a run for it. I heard the snort seconds before I felt the warm breath on the back of my neck. I jumped up and turned around trying not to stumble as I pulled up my clothes and prepared to run, a scream stuck in my frigid throat (caused by a combination of fear and freezing temperatures). As my eyes adjusted and I steadied the flashlight beam I saw a large looming shape, dark brown and slightly dusted in snow…it let out a quiet neigh and I immediately started to breathe again. Apparently “Kipper” the horse had been feeling lonely and thought I might want some company. I stumbled back to the tent and after gently pushing him out as he tried to follow me in, I zipped myself into my sleeping bag and tried to get some rest, hoping the next day we could get an elk and get home!

    The next day the guys (did I forget to say I was the only estrogen producing person along on the hunt) decided to try a new area and we set out on the horses. We rode the horses up a shale and ice covered mountainside, getting down and leading them as we approached a deep valley with a creek running through the bottom. As I slipped and slid down the valley I mentally cursed The Cowboy. Suddenly I heard a strange rushing noise behind me, I turned to see my horse sliding on her butt, front legs extended, and eyes rolling so I could see the whites, headed directly for me. In what can only be described as an instinctual ninja move, I dove to the right and tucked and rolled. The mare slid past me and landed butt first into the creek. She stood up, shook herself off and looked at me as if to say “are you done proving your point yet?” 

    

    

    Picture

     
    

    

    

    As we rode back to camp later that day the horses, excited by the prospect of grain and a rest, started to run. The Cowboy rode alongside me whooping and laughing, in my fear and exhaustion I let loose with a torrent of bad language, rage, and tears. I thought that his exuberance is what had sent the horses running, and at this point it was all I could do to keep my saddle weary body from falling off and into the snow. How <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">dare he put me in danger after all I had been through!? He grabbed my horse’s reins and pulled me to an abrupt stop. He then <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">not so calmly stated that he had enough of my bad attitude ruining his elk hunt, that I had wanted to come along, and it wasn’t his fault that it wasn’t the big fun adventure I had thought it would be. The Cowboy explained that we would be heading home the next day and that next time I was invited I better think a little more before accepting the invitation.

    I hung my head and kept out of the way for the rest of the day. Over time the wounds (both physical and emotional) healed. I have been on other hunts with The Cowboy (and have the scars to prove it) but, never again have I agreed to go on a winter hunt. Now days I let The Cowboy have his fun while I stay home warm, cozy and dry. Ready to greet The Cowboy with a smile, and a batch of steaming Elk stew when he returns.

    Note: All the photos are actually from my first elk hunt (doesn't it look cold)
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		Baby Pro All in One Baby Food Maker
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/baby-pro-all-in-one-baby-food-maker/
		Mon, 13 Jan 2014 14:07:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=298
		
		

When Cowboy J was born I decided that I was going to make his food from scratch, to be healthy and to save money. I bought a ton of ice cube trays and spent my weekends making batches of baby food and freezing it. I would cook the food in the microwave and transfer it to my little KitchenAid blender and chop away. I often had to add water or juice to it to get just the right consistency. Cowboy J wasn’t a picky eater and chowed down on all the delicious meals.  As a working mama this was a cheap and somewhat simple way to make my baby food, and it kept my weeknights relatively easy. All I had to do at dinner time was to simply pop a few cubes of frozen food in a bowl, and heat it in the microwave. I did the same thing with Cowgirl G as well.

When I was pregnant with Cowboy W I went over to a friend’s house for a play date and lunch. She had a son the same age as Cowboy J and a little girl who was almost a year old. As we chatted and the kids played she pulled out a big green appliance from under her cupboards and started to add water and food to it. I asked her what on earth she was doing, and she walked me through the wonders of an all in one baby food maker. It steamed the food and then blended it to just the right consistency. She explained that she would never have bought it herself because it came with $150.00 price tag. But, it was a gift from a family member and now that she had one, she couldn’t imagine living without it! My eyes glittered at the thought of not spending hours making food and trying to get it smooth enough. Not to mention having to sometimes throw out freezer burned cubes of food.

I hit my favorite spot for online shopping, Amazon.com and did some looking for the Baby Pro All in One Baby Food Maker. The lowest I could get the all in one baby maker was $120.00. Even though I knew I would get a lot of use out of it, between the new baby and any future babies, that was still a pretty steep price for our budget. When I searched for baby steamers I came across a similar product made by Baby First called Babypro All In One Baby Food Maker. The reviews seemed pretty positive and the price was $50 dollars less. I decided to give it a try, with Amazon.com’s return policy I knew it would be simple to return it if it wasn’t working the way I thought.

I am here to say that it’s amazing! It steams food quickly and easily from carrots to apples and any other combination you can think of. The blender works smoothly and gets the food to any consistency needed. Just grind it longer for a finer food. I also like that I can use the water left over from the food steaming (with all those vitamins) to make the baby food creamier, rather than adding water or juice. The first time I used it I had to follow the directions, but after that I didn’t need them. I also had a two year break between Cowboy W and Cowbaby and remembered right away how to use it! It’s small enough to leave on the counter all the time, or to tuck in a cupboard if you don’t like clutter. The BabyPro is a cinch to clean, just throw everything onto the top rack of your dishwasher. Mine has been through 2 kids and I plan on using it for any more that we have. Below I put a few links for other products that I have found useful for making my own baby food, just click on the picture to go the link.

I'm huge into organic food and the Baby Pro All in One Baby Food Maker makes this task so much easier. Do you have any baby food recipes to share?


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			and to save money. I bought a ton of ice cube trays and spent my weekends making batches of baby food and freezing it. I would cook the food in the microwave and transfer it to my little KitchenAid blender and chop away. I often had to add water or juice to it to get just the right consistency. Cowboy J wasn’t a picky eater and chowed down on all the delicious meals.  As a working mama this was a cheap and somewhat simple way to make my baby food, and it kept my weeknights relatively easy. All I had to do at dinner time was to simply pop a few cubes of frozen food in a bowl, and heat it in the microwave. I did the same thing with Cowgirl G as well.

When I was pregnant with Cowboy W I went over to a friend’s house for a play date and lunch. She had a son the same age as Cowboy J and a little girl who was almost a year old. As we chatted and the kids played she pulled out a big green appliance from under her cupboards and started to add water and food to it. I asked her what on earth she was doing, and she walked me through the wonders of an all in one baby food maker. It steamed the food and then blended it to just the right consistency. She explained that she would never have bought it herself because it came with $150.00 price tag. But, it was a gift from a family member and now that she had one, she couldn’t imagine living without it! My eyes glittered at the thought of not spending hours making food and trying to get it smooth enough. Not to mention having to sometimes throw out freezer burned cubes of food.

I hit my favorite spot for online shopping, Amazon.com and did some looking. The lowest I could get the all in one baby maker was $120.00. Even though I knew I would get a lot of use out of it, between the new baby and any future babies, that was still a pretty steep price for our budget. When I searched for baby steamers I came across a similar product made by Baby First called Babypro All In One Baby Food Maker. The reviews seemed pretty positive and the price was $50 dollars less. I decided to give it a try, with Amazon.com’s return policy I knew it would be simple to return it if it wasn’t working the way I thought.

I am here to say that it’s amazing! It steams food quickly and easily from carrots to apples and any other combination you can think of. The blender works smoothly and gets the food to any consistency needed. Just grind it longer for a finer food. I also like that I can use the water left over from the food steaming (with all those vitamins) to make the baby food creamier, rather than adding water or juice. The first time I used it I had to follow the directions, but after that I didn’t need them. I also had a two year break between Cowboy W and Cowbaby and remembered right away how to use it! It’s small enough to leave on the counter all the time, or to tuck in a cupboard if you don’t like clutter. The BabyPro is a cinch to clean, just throw everything onto the top rack of your dishwasher. Mine has been through 2 kids and I plan on using it for any more that we have. Below I put a few links for other products that I have found useful for making my own baby food, just click on the picture to go the link.

Do you have any baby food recipes to share?

    


    


    

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		30 Day Makeup Primer Experiment
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/30-day-makeup-primer-experiment/
		Mon, 06 Jan 2014 16:46:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=300
		
		I don’t spend a whole lot of time on me and my look. If we are being completely honest there are a good three days a week where I am in sweats all day and most likely unshowered as well. What can I say; it’s one of the perks of being a stay at home mom. So, that leaves me with four days where I spend a little more time on me. On the days I do go out and about town I like to dress it up a little, and you can find me in full makeup and styled hair (or at least a cute hat) and obviously heels of some type.

For me, nothing is more frustrating than taking the time to do my makeup, only to see it smudging and fading and sinking into my wrinkles (caused by smiling of course) by the afternoon. This last month I was inspired by Texas Two Steppin’ and her month long hair experiment and conducted my own experiment, but with makeup rather than hair. I have been reading a lot of articles about primers in my fashion magazines, and frankly the idea sounded too good to be true. According to the buzz, all you have to do is put on the primer after your regular face lotion (and sunscreen) and before your makeup, and you will look flawless…all day long. It certainly sounded fabulous, who wouldn’t want smaller pores, less obvious wrinkles, and no need to touch up your undereye makeup after a nap?

For my experiment I went two days a week with my regular makeup routine, and then the other two days I used primer before I applied my makeup. I kept track of what days I needed to touch up my makeup before I headed back into town for the afternoon or evening. December turned out to be the perfect month for the experiment; I had a of school parties and Christmas programs to attend! We even had a few big holiday bashes that went late into the evening.

On the days when I went with my regular makeup routine it was the same old story. I would check my makeup after naptime and find myself touching up my undereye makeup, and even sometimes needing to add more BB cream or blush. I noticed that the smile lines around my mouth were always more noticeable, but other than tapping a little lotion on them to try and plump them up there wasn’t really anything I could do. For a few of the later night parties I even had to reapply my eyeshadow and eyeliner, what a pain!

So, for my new makeup plus primer routine here is what I did. As soon as I got out of the shower and before I put on myRodan and Fields face lotion I would spray myself with my Urban Decay B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray. Now, I originally got this as a free sample with some other Urban Decay products I had ordered (I love Urban Decay BB cream and Naked Eyeshadow Pallet) but, you better believe that I bought a full size bottle after using it all last month! It freshened up my face and instantly smoothed it without making it feel tight. I felt my lotion going on smoother and sinking in more quickly, and there was no residue. After I had put on my face lotion and sunscreen and before my makeup, I used my Mary Kay Foundation Primer (it now comes with SPF 15). I was expecting it to be greasy but it definitely was not.  A little bit goes a long way, and it instantly made my skin appear smoother.

When I applied my makeup over the prep spray and primer I immediately noticed that I didn’t need to use as much product, and that the color of my makeup was truer and more even. I received compliments about my glowing complexion, and people asked if Cowbaby had finally started to sleep through the night (alas my answer was no). After naptime there was no need to touch up my makeup, and when it was time to go to my evening parties all I had to do was add another layer of mascara to make my look nighttime ready. I noticed that my makeup was not sinking into my smile lines, or the lines under my eyes, and that there was no need to touch up my blush. On the days when I used heavier eye makeup I used Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion just on my eyelids. My eye makeup (even my liner) stayed fresh all day, no shifting and sinking here!

After two weeks it was obvious to me that prep spray and primer were the only way to go, but for the sake of science and honesty I continued to stick with two days on two days off. Happily it is now January and I can stop torturing myself for the sake of my blog. On my makeup days I have added using the Urban Decay B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray and Mary Kay Foundation Primer to my routine, and it has only added a minute or two to my getting ready time. Well worth it, with the time I save now that I don’t have to touch up my makeup in the afternoon and evening. On the days where I am wearing a heavier eye makeup I use the Urban Decay Eyshadow Primer Potion, but for everyday wear, I find that the Mary Kay Foundation Primer keeps my eyeshadow and lighter eyeliner in place.

Click on the links below to buy the products

Urban Decay B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Mary Kay Foundation Primer

Take the Primer challenge and let me know what you think!]]>
		
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			I don’t spend a whole lot of time on me and my look. If we are being completely honest there are a good three days a week where I am in sweats all day and most likely unshowered as well. What can I say; it’s one of the perks of being a stay at home mom. So, that leaves me with four days where I spend a little more time on me. On the days I do go out and about town I like to dress it up a little, and you can find me in full makeup and styled hair (or at least a cute hat) and obviously heels of some type.

For me, nothing is more frustrating than taking the time to do my makeup, only to see it smudging and fading and sinking into my wrinkles (caused by smiling of course) by the afternoon. This last month I was inspired by Texas Two Steppin’ and her month long hair experiment and conducted my own experiment, but with makeup rather than hair. I have been reading a lot of articles about primers in my fashion magazines, and frankly the idea sounded too good to be true. According to the buzz, all you have to do is put on the primer after your regular face lotion (and sunscreen) and before your makeup, and you will look flawless…all day long. It certainly sounded fabulous, who wouldn’t want smaller pores, less obvious wrinkles, and no need to touch up your undereye makeup after a nap?

For my experiment I went two days a week with my regular makeup routine, and then the other two days I used primer before I applied my makeup. I kept track of what days I needed to touch up my makeup before I headed back into town for the afternoon or evening. December turned out to be the perfect month for the experiment; I had a <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">ton of school parties and Christmas programs to attend! We even had a few big holiday bashes that went late into the evening.

On the days when I went with my regular makeup routine it was the same old story. I would check my makeup after naptime and find myself touching up my undereye makeup, and even sometimes needing to add more BB cream or blush. I noticed that the smile lines around my mouth were always more noticeable, but other than tapping a little lotion on them to try and plump them up there wasn’t really anything I could do. For a few of the later night parties I even had to reapply my eyeshadow and eyeliner, what a pain!

So, for my new makeup plus primer routine here is what I did. As soon as I got out of the shower and before I put on myRodan and Fields face lotion I would spray myself with my Urban Decay B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray. Now, I originally got this as a free sample with some other Urban Decay products I had ordered (I love Urban Decay BB cream and Naked Eyeshadow Pallet) but, you better believe that I bought a full size bottle after using it all last month! It freshened up my face and instantly smoothed it without making it feel tight. I felt my lotion going on smoother and sinking in more quickly, and there was no residue. After I had put on my face lotion and sunscreen and before my makeup, I used my Mary Kay Foundation Primer (it now comes with SPF 15). I was expecting it to be greasy but it <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">definitely was not.  A little bit goes a long way, and it instantly made my skin appear smoother.

When I applied my makeup over the prep spray and primer I immediately noticed that I didn’t need to use as much product, and that the color of my makeup was truer and more even. I received compliments about my glowing complexion, and people asked if Cowbaby had finally started to sleep through the night (alas my answer was no). After naptime there was no need to touch up my makeup, and when it was time to go to my evening parties all I had to do was add another layer of mascara to make my look nighttime ready. I noticed that my makeup was not sinking into my smile lines, or the lines under my eyes, and that there was no need to touch up my blush. On the days when I used heavier eye makeup I used Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion just on my eyelids. My eye makeup (even my liner) stayed fresh all day, no shifting and sinking here!

After two weeks it was obvious to me that prep spray and primer were the only way to go, but for the sake of science and honesty I continued to stick with two days on two days off. Happily it is now January and I can stop torturing myself for the sake of my blog. On my makeup days I have added using the Urban Decay B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray and Mary Kay Foundation Primer to my routine, and it has only added a minute or two to my getting ready time. Well worth it, with the time I save now that I don’t have to touch up my makeup in the afternoon and evening. On the days where I am wearing a heavier eye makeup I use the Urban Decay Eyshadow Primer Potion, but for everyday wear, I find that the Mary Kay Foundation Primer keeps my eyeshadow and lighter eyeliner in place.

Click on the links below to buy the products

Urban Decay B6 Vitamin Infused Complexion Prep Spray

Urban Decay Eyeshadow Primer Potion

Mary Kay Foundation Primer

Take the Primer challenge and let me know what you think![/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
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		The Winter Blues
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-winter-blues/
		Sat, 04 Jan 2014 14:23:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=302
		
		

    winter blues
    

    


    Winter blues, the doldrums, cabin fever, that blah feeling you get in January and just can’t shake…it turns out that more people have that feeling than I ever knew, and it has a name; Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I grew up in Wisconsin where the fall was filled with rainstorms that lasted days, and cloudy winter weather would literally last weeks. The wintertime blahs started around November and would continue until March. It was a feeling everyone in Wisconsin was familiar with.When I moved out to Wyoming one of the first things I noticed was how many sunny days there were. Even in February when it was bitterly cold and windy, the sun would shine through the clouds, offering warmth as I hurriedly walked to my classes. Doing research for this article I found that Wisconsin has an average of 190 sunny days a year compared to Wyoming’s 231. Wyoming has over a month more of sunny days than Wisconsin! I noticed that in Wyoming I felt more motivated during the winter, and I didn’t find myself experiencing the winter blues like I did in Wisconsin, and it was one more reason of many that I decided to stay after I graduated from college.Flash forward to two years after I graduated college, and to my first year of marriage. The Cowboy is standing over me, as I am lying on the couch bundled up in blankets. He is insisting that I get up, shower, and get out of the house. I burrow deeper under the blankets and refuse to leave, saying I am just too tired and that I want to relax. He points out that for the last 5 days all I have done is lay on the couch, in the basement, watching TV and dozing off. It was Christmas break and as a teacher, I had big plans of being productive and doing those projects around the house that had been waiting all fall to be finished. Instead I found myself completely unmotivated, depressed, grouchy, and stinky (I hadn’t showered in over 3 days).

The Cowboy was concerned. Where was the annoyingly peppy woman he had married? Was it all a farce to get him to “put a ring on it?” He sat down on the couch, reached a firm hand into my cocoon of blankets and drug me out. He looked at me sternly and told me in no uncertain terms his concerns about my behavior. I started to cry and simply shrugged my shoulders. I couldn’t explain it to him; all I wanted to do was sleep and lay around. I was happy with my job, my marriage, our plans for the future…I just suddenly couldn’t seem to find any joy or motivation. He gently encouraged me to shower and go do something with him. I took a deep breath and agreed. It seemed like such a huge task to get up and shower and put clothes on, but for him I could do it.

We got the dogs and headed up to the mountains in the truck. We spent a few hours in the fresh air enjoying a brisk but beautiful Wyoming winter. I found myself feeling like…well…myself again. I felt so relieved that I could have cried, and I can tell you The Cowboy felt the same way. I called Ma that evening and told her what had been happening. She told me that Pa had the same trouble and their doctor had diagnosed him with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They had just purchased a light therapy box for him, and it seemed to help. The light mimicked the sunlight that his body was craving. He kept it next to his desk and left it on as he worked, it greatly improved his overall mood and disposition. This form of therapy wasn’t really feasible for me. As a first grade teacher there wasn’t a time where I ever sat still enough to benefit from the light.

I did some research and came up with my own plan. I had never felt the winter blues when I was in college, or my first year of living on my own afterwards. What had happened (besides marriage) that had cause me to feel this way? As I reflected, I realized that all through college I walked outside to most of my classes. And before I was married I lived in an apartment and would walk my dogs almost every day. When we married we bought a house and moved in together. The large yard and dog kennel area meant that we only walked the dogs once a week, if that. I would make sure that in the winter months, when I felt myself feeling those winter blues, I would get at least 20 minutes of sunshine. It wasn’t hard to do. I simply parked the car at the end of the parking lot, went outside with my students during their 10 minute afternoon recess, and played fetch with the dogs. I found that I could even skip a day here and there with no problems, but never more than two days.

As years went on and I had children, 20 minutes of sun every few days just wasn’t working anymore to keep SAD away. I don’t know if it had to do with fluctuating hormones or weight. I spoke to a good friend of mine that also suffers from SAD and she recommended taking a vitamin D supplement. I spoke to my doctor and started taking 2,000mg of vitamin D every day…what a difference! I still try and get outside in the winter, but with our busy schedule it can be hard. Now that I have started taking vitamin D I don’t have to worry if I miss a few days of sunshine.

The more I have talked about SAD with friends and family the more I have realized that I am not alone. Big Brother B, Pa, and Texas Two Steppin’ all suffer from SAD (like depression there may be a genetic link) and having people to talk to about it is a big help. If you find yourself feeling the winter blues for weeks on end, sleeping more than usual or being disinterested in things you normally enjoy, you might have SAD. Here is a link from the Mayo Clinic about SAD and as always, remember to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, even over the counter.

Image credit: paulschlemmer / 123RF Stock Photo


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    Winter blues, the doldrums, cabin fever, that blah feeling you get in January and just can’t shake…it turns out that more people have that feeling than I ever knew, and it has a name; Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). I grew up in Wisconsin where the fall was filled with rainstorms that lasted days, and cloudy winter weather would literally last weeks. The wintertime blahs started around November and would continue until March. It was a feeling everyone in Wisconsin was familiar with.

When I moved out to Wyoming one of the first things I noticed was how many sunny days there were. Even in February when it was bitterly cold and windy, the sun would shine through the clouds, offering warmth as I hurriedly walked to my classes. Doing research for this article I found that Wisconsin has an average of 190 sunny days a year compared to Wyoming’s 231. Wyoming has over a month more of sunny days than Wisconsin! I noticed that in Wyoming I felt more motivated during the winter, and I didn’t find myself experiencing the winter blues like I did in Wisconsin, and it was one more reason of many that I decided to stay after I graduated from college.

Flash forward to two years after I graduated college, and to my first year of marriage. The Cowboy is standing over me, as I am lying on the couch bundled up in blankets. He is insisting that I get up, shower, and get out of the house. I burrow deeper under the blankets and <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">refuse to leave, saying I am just too tired and that I want to relax. He points out that for the last 5 days all I have done is lay on the couch, in the basement, watching TV and dozing off. It was Christmas break and as a teacher, I had big plans of being productive and doing those projects around the house that had been waiting all fall to be finished. Instead I found myself completely unmotivated, depressed, grouchy, and stinky (I hadn’t showered in over 3 days).

The Cowboy was concerned. Where was the annoyingly peppy woman he had married? Was it all a farce to get him to “put a ring on it?” He sat down on the couch, reached a firm hand into my cocoon of blankets and drug me out. He looked at me sternly and told me in no uncertain terms his concerns about my behavior. I started to cry and simply shrugged my shoulders. I couldn’t explain it to him; all I wanted to do was sleep and lay around. I was happy with my job, my marriage, our plans for the future…I just suddenly couldn’t seem to find any joy or motivation. He gently encouraged me to shower and go do something with him. I took a deep breath and agreed. It seemed like such a huge task to get up and shower and put clothes on, but for him I could do it.

We got the dogs and headed up to the mountains in the truck. We spent a few hours in the fresh air enjoying a brisk but beautiful Wyoming winter. I found myself feeling like…well…myself again. I felt so relieved that I could have cried, and I can tell you The Cowboy felt the same way. I called Ma that evening and told her what had been happening. She told me that Pa had the same trouble and their doctor had diagnosed him with Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). They had just purchased a light therapy box for him, and it seemed to help. The light mimicked the sunlight that his body was craving. He kept it next to his desk and left it on as he worked, it greatly improved his overall mood and disposition. This form of therapy wasn’t really feasible for me. As a first grade teacher there wasn’t a time where I ever sat still enough to benefit from the light.

I did some research and came up with my own plan. I had never felt the winter blues when I was in college, or my first year of living on my own afterwards. What had happened (besides marriage) that had cause me to feel this way? As I reflected, I realized that all through college I walked outside to most of my classes. And before I was married I lived in an apartment and would walk my dogs almost every day. When we married we bought a house and moved in together. The large yard and dog kennel area meant that we only walked the dogs once a week, if that. I would make sure that in the winter months, when I felt myself feeling those winter blues, I would get <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">at least 20 minutes of sunshine. It wasn’t hard to do. I simply parked the car at the end of the parking lot, went outside with my students during their 10 minute afternoon recess, and played fetch with the dogs. I found that I could even skip a day here and there with no problems, but never more than two days.

As years went on and I had children, 20 minutes of sun every few days just wasn’t working anymore to keep SAD away. I don’t know if it had to do with fluctuating hormones or weight. I spoke to a good friend of mine that also suffers from SAD and she recommended taking a vitamin D supplement. I spoke to my doctor and started taking 2,000mg of vitamin D every day…what a difference! I still try and get outside in the winter, but with our busy schedule it can be hard. Now that I have started taking vitamin D I don’t have to worry if I miss a few days of sunshine.

The more I have talked about SAD with friends and family the more I have realized that I am not alone. Big Brother B, Pa, and Texas Two Steppin’ all suffer from SAD (like depression there may be a genetic link) and having people to talk to about it is a big help. If you find yourself feeling the winter blues for weeks on end, sleeping more than usual or being disinterested in things you normally enjoy, you might have SAD. Here is a link from the Mayo Clinic about SAD and as always, remember to talk to your doctor before taking any medication, even over the counter.

photo credit goes to Yanire Fernandez
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		Next to Love by Ellen Feldman
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/next-to-love-by-ellen-feldman/
		Sun, 29 Dec 2013 16:57:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=304
		
		Next to Love by Ellen Feldman for two reasons. Firstly it was a historical fiction novel (one of my favorite genres) that takes place during World War II (one of my favorite time periods); secondly it takes place before, during, and after the war. Too often when I read books they only take place during the war, and I am always left wondering what really happened afterwards. I was expecting an interesting read, but was instead left with a new perspective on my life, and an overwhelming respect for the past generations.

I began reading this book just after I did an interview with my Grandma Bea for our Prairie Wife of the Week Post. She was the same age as these women when the War started, and I think that this personal connection made Feldman’s book seem more relevant to me. My Grandfather fought overseas in World War II, but I don’t recall him ever talking about it. I now have a better understanding of his silence.

The prologue (July 17, 1944) starts the story with Babe, a young married woman who works in her small towns Western Union Telegraph office. She was hired only when she promised that “once the men started coming home she would give up the job.” It is a day that changes the whole town; as telegraphs beginning with “The secretary of war desires me to express his deepest regrets that…” come flooding in.

Feldman then takes us back to 1941 and we begin to become familiar with the main characters; Grace and Charlie and their baby Amy, Millie and Pete, Babe and Claude. While at first the book seems to revolve around Babe, I came to realize that the other woman’s stories were no less important. As the book continues we see the characters grow and change as the War begins to take hold on America. The man leave, and woman and children are left to live on their own. My heart broke as I read the letters from the men to their wives, and learned how each woman dealt with their worry and grief. I can’t imagine having to wait days, weeks, and even months to hear from you loved one. Not knowing if you are writing letters to someone who is already dead.

The war ends and in its wake we are left with two widows and a wife, with a husband who no longer resembles the man she married. As I read about their journey of grief I related in a very personal way. My heart broke for these woman and men who were changed in ways they had no way of predicting. I particularly like Feldman’s emphasis on the harsh realities for the war vets and their families, this was defiantly not a sugar coated “everyone lives happily ever after” return home. The book continues on though the 1950’s and into the 1960’s where we watch America change, and our characters struggling with these changes. Feldman makes connections between the War and transformations in our society that I had not thought about since high school history class, and I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to our current society.

At the end of the book I was left with a better understanding of what my grandmother’s generation went through, and an appreciation for our current understanding of the emotional effects of war. I am more compassionate than ever towards our current soldiers and the families they leave behind, and thankful for the technology that allows us to talk to family, and even see them, when they are thousands of miles away. I started to read Next to Love because it looked like a good book, I ended it a more grateful person.

Some other books that are similar…

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

War Brides by Helen Bryan

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows]]>
		
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			Next to Love by Ellen Feldman for two reasons. Firstly it was a historical fiction novel (one of my favorite genres) that takes place during World War II (one of my favorite time periods); secondly it takes place before, during, and after the war. Too often when I read books they only take place during the war, and I am always left wondering what really happened afterwards. I was expecting an interesting read, but was instead left with a new perspective on my life, and an overwhelming respect for the past generations.

I began reading this book just after I did an interview with my Grandma Bea for our Prairie Wife of the Week Post. She was the same age as these women when the War started, and I think that this personal connection made Feldman’s book seem more relevant to me. My Grandfather fought overseas in World War II, but I don’t recall him ever talking about it. I now have a better understanding of his silence.

The prologue (July 17, 1944) starts the story with Babe, a young married woman who works in her small towns Western Union Telegraph office. She was hired only when she promised that “once the men started coming home she would give up the job.” It is a day that changes the whole town; as telegraphs beginning with “The secretary of war desires me to express his deepest regrets that…” come flooding in.

Feldman then takes us back to 1941 and we begin to become familiar with the main characters; Grace and Charlie and their baby Amy, Millie and Pete, Babe and Claude. While at first the book seems to revolve around Babe, I came to realize that the other woman’s stories were no less important. As the book continues we see the characters grow and change as the War begins to take hold on America. The man leave, and woman and children are left to live on their own. My heart broke as I read the letters from the men to their wives, and learned how each woman dealt with their worry and grief. I can’t imagine having to wait days, weeks, and even months to hear from you loved one. Not knowing if you are writing letters to someone who is already dead.

The war ends and in its wake we are left with two widows and a wife, with a husband who no longer resembles the man she married. As I read about their journey of grief I related in a very personal way. My heart broke for these woman and men who were changed in ways they had no way of predicting. I particularly like Feldman’s emphasis on the harsh realities for the war vets and their families, this was defiantly not a sugar coated “everyone lives happily ever after” return home. The book continues on though the 1950’s and into the 1960’s where we watch America change, and our characters struggling with these changes. Feldman makes connections between the War and transformations in our society that I had not thought about since high school history class, and I couldn’t help but draw comparisons to our current society.

At the end of the book I was left with a better understanding of what my grandmother’s generation went through, and an appreciation for our current understanding of the emotional effects of war. I am more compassionate than ever towards our current soldiers and the families they leave behind, and thankful for the technology that allows us to talk to family, and even see them, when they are thousands of miles away. I started to read Next to Love because it looked like a good book, I ended it a more grateful person.

Some other books that are similar…

The Postmistress by Sarah Blake

War Brides by Helen Bryan

The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows[/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
	
	
		Holiday Goody Bag Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/holiday-goody-bag-giveaway/
		Sun, 22 Dec 2013 18:45:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=306
		
		Picture

    

    This event is now closed, thanks to all our readers who participated!
Our Holiday Goody Bag Giveaway winner is Emily Naczek!
As a  ...read more    
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		Crock Pot Creamy Tomato and Tortellini Soup
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/crock-pot-creamy-tomato-and-tortellini-soup-2/
		Sun, 12 Jan 2014 22:21:33 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=565
		
		Crock Pot Creamy Tomato and Tortellini Soup
    
I was inspired to make this recipe last year when I was looking on Pinterest for a vegetarian meal to make for a friend. The original recipe was full of ingredients that I didn’t have in my pantry, or didn’t like. So, I made up my own and it turned out wonderful. Frankly I was surprised that it was such a hit around here, because it doesn’t have any meat! It’s rich, flavorful and filling. I especially love that I can throw it in the crock pot in the morning (it just takes two seconds) and be greeted by the warm zesty smell of soup when I get home from getting the kids from school. Let me know what you add to the recipe to make it your own!

 

    Prep Time 15 minutesCooking time 4-8 hours

Serves 8-10

32oz of vegetable broth (beef or chicken is fine as well)

2 14.5oz cans of fire roasted tomatoes

2 14.5oz cans of tomato sauce

1 tbs Italian SeasoningPicture

Salt and Pepper to taste

2 cloves of garlic, minced

1lb mixed cheese tortellini, thawed but uncooked

1pt of heave whipping cream

1. Pour broth, undrained fire roasted tomatoes, and tomato sauce into crock pot.

2. Add Italian Seasoning, salt and pepper and garlic. Let the ingredients simmer in crock pot, stirring occasionally.

3. An hour before serving, add uncooked tortellini, stir well.

4. 30 minutes before serving add 1pt of heavy whipping cream, stir well.

5. Serve warm with mozzarella cheese sprinkled on top and some fresh whole wheat bread.


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		Quick and Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta 
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/quick-and-easy-roasted-red-pepper-pasta-2/
		Sat, 04 Jan 2014 22:24:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=570
		
		

There are some things I am great at, making pie and exaggerating stories for humor. Some things I am O.K. at, designing recipes and keeping the floor swept. And some things I am just no good at, folding and any organized sport know to man. So, rather than spend hours in the kitchen coming up with something new for my family and readers this week, I went to someone who is a genius for inspiration, your hero and mine, Pioneer Woman.

We are carboholics around here, and have pasta at least once a week. But, there comes a time when I am sick of the same old rotation of Spaghetti, Baked Ziti, and Lasagna. Last year I was surfing the internet with the same problem, and as a result I learned how to make a super easy and delicious Pasta Carbonara (I’ll be sharing it with you soon). So once again as I felt myself dreading another meal of the same old same old, I hit the world wide web to answer the question “What’s for dinner?”

Pioneer Woman’s Quick and Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta recipe is aptly named; I made it in less than 45 minutes from start to finish. And that was with all three Cowkids bopping around asking me questions and Cowbaby crawling around the kitchen and getting underfoot. It was a huge hit with my Prairie Family and Ma and Pa (they are visiting)! The only changes I made to her recipe were to use whole wheat pasta, Asiago Cheese rather than Parmesan, and I cooked up some Italian Sausage to add to the pasta (I knew The Cowboy would need meat). Let me know how you like the recipe, and what changes you make. When you stop by Pioneer Woman’s site to get the recipe let her know Prairie Wife sent you!

Ingredients

• 12 ounces, weight Pasta Of Your Choice (I Prefer Short Ones Like Rigatoni, Penne, Etc.)
• 4 Tablespoons Butter
• 1/2 whole Large Onion, Finely Diced
• 3 cloves Garlic, Minced
• 1 jar (15.5 Ounces) Roasted Red Peppers, Drained And Roughly Chopped
• 1 cup Vegetable Or Chicken Broth
• 1/2 teaspoon Salt, More To Taste
• Freshly Ground Black Pepper
• 1/2 cup Heavy Cream (more To Taste)
• 1/2 cup Parmesan Shavings (more For Serving)
• Finely Minced Parsley
• Chopped Fresh Basil (if You Have It!)

Click on this link to see the directions for how to make Pioneer Woman’s Quick and Easy Roasted Red Pepper Pasta

photo credit goes to thepioneerwoman.com]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week January 10, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-jan-10-2014/
		Fri, 10 Jan 2014 22:03:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=817
		
		PWW ginny boots
    
I met Ginny when we moved to the Prairie Homestead almost 6 years ago, and she has since become not only a close friend but a mentor as well. Her open and honest advice about life as a woman, wife, and mother has kept me from stepping in more than a few gopher holes. Add to this a great sense of humor and a desire to share the beauty of the world with others, and I’m sure you can see why she was the perfect choice for our Prairie Wife of the Week.

Prairie Wife

(The above picture was painted by Ginny for The Cowboy’s 30th birthday gift)

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family and who you are right now.

Ginny (G): I’ve been married for 17 years and I live with my husband, dog and cat, outside of a small town in Wyoming. I have a PWW ginny houseson and a daughter and two step sons. This year I am taking steps to reassess who I am as an artist, my style and personality as a painter, and how to better market my work. It has taken me years to form my identity as a painter and now because my main focus is my art, I am beginning to mature as an artist.

PW: When did you first realize that art was important to you?

pww ginny toddlerG: I don’t ever recall a time when it wasn’t. I have always identified myself as an artist and wanted to paint pictures for my career. As a child I remember painting outside with my brothers; we were painting a picture of our house. I always got watercolor sets for any gift giving occasion. My mother was a professional artist in Boston, and she gave me art instruction in drawing. I just thought that was normal, I didn’t’ realize until I was an adult that it wasn’t the normal experience. It was so helpful to me as a budding artist. As a teenager I spent hours drawing hands, faces and feet. Later on I learned that those were called studies, though I had no idea then! When I shared my notion of "painting pictures for a living" with the adults in my life, I was often met with the more practical advice to become an art teacher or go into commercial art.I didn't want to do either of those things so I rather rebelliously turned my back on the whole idea of a career in anything.

PW: How did you fit your art into life as a single mother?

G: As I said I didn’t paint for years, about 20 years. So, when I first became a mother I wasn’t painting. When I became a single PWW ginny limesmom I had the opportunity to attend college and I had to take a Fine Arts course. I chose drawing and the instructor asked me why I was in the Elementary Education program. He felt that my drawing ability was equal to that of the top 10% of the professional art community. I wasn’t that excited about being a teacher anyway, so I changed my major to Fine Art. I started to paint a little bit at home but I was a single mother and working two jobs, so most of my paintings were simply to complete assignments. After I graduated, I did a little painting here and there, but I was still so busy with the necessities of raising a family that I wasn’t able to do much. When I remarried, and only had to work one job (and had some help at home), I began to immerse myself in art again.

PW: What led you to make the decision to try and have art be your “job”?

G: I took a workshop with Dinah Worman (a Taos, New Mexico artist) and she said I should put my work in a gallery; it was another important moment for me as an artist. It encouraged me to take my art seriously and go for it. As I said, I always have considered myself an artist, but this is when I began to focus on painting as a profession, and to try to sell my work. I started to enter painting contests and to show some of my paintings in local galleries..

PW: How have you seen yourself change as an artist over the years?

G: I have grown in patience and perseverance. My work has matured over the years but, I am finding that it is a lifelong pursuit. I PWW ginny cowhave been a professional artist long enough to know that there are only milestones along the way, no arriving. I started out working mainly in pastels and then I switched to oil because I admired so many oil paintings. While I still occasionally work with pastels, I just love oil painting. It satisfies my spirit in an unexplainable way.

PW: What do you do for inspiration, how do you keep from getting bored with a medium or subject matter?

G: I know now that inspiration has more to do with my attitude than anything else. I don’t always feel inspired but, if I redirect my attention to playful exploration I find that inspiration soon comes. For example right now I am painting using only four colors; white, black, red, and yellow ochre (the Zorn pallet). It has taught me about color relationships and how important they are in making a great painting (see pictures below). I feel that God has put so much beauty on this Earth, when I paint I know that I am sharing that beauty with others. I want my art to give hope and comfort to others.
PW: How do you share your love of art with others?

PWW grassG: Well the first art class I ever taught was a 4 week long Plein Air Class (outdoor painting). It was ironic because I hadn't painted Plein Air since my brothers and I painted our house as children! But it turned out alright, and taught me a lot, and my students learned a lot too.

I have taught a few workshops in the past and I am always available to do more. I meet with a group of local artists weekly and we keep each other encouraged. I have a blog Ginny Butcher's Almost Daily Paintings.blogspot.com and I have a Facebook page. And just last year I painted a mural at our local community center. My work is featured at the Deselms Fine Art Gallery in Cheyenne, Wyoming, Blackhawk Gallery in Saratoga, Wyoming, and on Dailypaintworks.com, and of course my studio is always open!





    PW: What advice would you give someone that is interested in becoming an artist, or looking to learn how to paint?
    

    G: If you are interested in becoming an artist don’t be afraid and never give up. Don’t listen to the naysayers; be like Nike “just do it!” Find good instruction and encouraging helpful people. There is so much on the internet; it is an amazing resource for instruction, never underestimate the power of YouTube. Set flexible goals for yourself, and paint as much as you can.
    

    PW: What are your future goals for yourself?PWW ginny horses
    

    G: Improve my work, teach more, participate in bigger shows, and join more galleries.
    

    PW: What is your favorite work that you have done, and why?
    

    G: I don’t have a favorite. I guess I can say that my favorites are the ones where I learned something new, or achieved a new understanding of the process as I painted. It always seems that the paintings I like the least are the ones that sell first at show!
    

    PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?
    

    PWW ginny snowG: Throughout the years there have been many areas of my life where I have been unsatisfied. When I feel myself struggling, I have learned to set a goal and trust in the process. This journey always leads me above and beyond where I planned to end, you just have to stay focused and determined and stick with it. Follow in the footsteps of others, but don’t reinvent the wheel. There comes a point when you need to take courage, and make your own way.
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		Five Style Resolutions for 2014, Prairie Wife
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/five-style-resolutions-2014-prairie-wife/
		Wed, 01 Jan 2014 18:42:38 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=969
		
		always on a quest to improve myself as a mother. Sometimes it is patience I am lacking, other times I focus way more on what needs to be done rather than taking a breath and enjoying the moment. I also find myself struggling with a desire to be the “fun mom” but I am just not the type to wrestle around on the floor…and much to Cowgirl G’s despair I hate having my hair played with! This year I resolve to focus on making the Prairie Homestead “yell free”. I refuse to yell at my kids when I am feeling out of control, and instead use some more of the great coping tools I learned as a teacher (and from my good friend TallGirlJ).

2. This year I resolve to spend a little less time rocking the baseball/knit hat look, and style my hair before I go out. Now that Cowbaby is almost one (sniff) my excuse for having no time to take care of myself is a little worn New years resolutions 2014out. With Texas Two Steppin’ and her shiny perfectly coiffed example as my beacon of light; I plan to put that new blow dryer I bought to good use!

3. Last year I went on a limb and tried two new trends that I wasn’t too sure I could pull off, red lipstick and a white tuxedo style blazer. I find that my fashion risks tend to stick out a bit more amongst the jeans and sweatshirt style in Wyoming! So far I have been rocking them both, and I haven’t been laughed at (not to my face at least) yet. In fact, I‘ve gotten lots of compliments! For 2014 I resolve to not be a big sissy (to quote The Cowboy) and give all the amazing trends (that are age and body appropriate) I see in my many fashion magazines a try.

4. It’s no secret that I love to read. Before this blog took over my free time, I read between three and five books a week. My genres of choice are Historical Fiction, Brit Lit, and Chic Lit with a little Fantasy and a few Young Adult novels thrown into the mix. This year I resolve to read more non-fiction books (at least one a month) perhaps a few auto-biographies or maybe a couple self help or parenting books. I resolve to share my findings (only the good because why should you waste your time on something bad) with you, our readers!

5. Last but not least, I resolve to meet up with my big sis Texas Two Steppin’ face to face (we haven’t seen each other in almost two years) and take a good hard look at our prairiewifeinheels.com site. So far we have been doing all of our collaboration with e-mails and late night phone conversations when the kids are finally asleep. I am SO excited to sit down with her and see what we can do to make our prairiewifeinheels.com site even more stylish, fun, and relevant to our readers.

Let me know what you resolve to do this year!]]>
		
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		Happy New Year To Me (sarcasm)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/happy-new-year-sarcasm/
		Thu, 02 Jan 2014 19:43:13 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=983
		
		hate it when my kids are sick! Of course I feel bad when they are under the weather and uncomfortable but, really it’s all about me. Grouchy whiny sick kids are the worst. It amps up my work load 200% and my sleep level (which isn’t that high anyway) and overall productivity drops at least 50 points. I have be honest, I might break my new year’s resolution to have a “yell free” home today…Unlike all three of my sister in laws who are nurses, I have always known I am not cut out for the medical field. It has nothing to do with blood or body fluid issues, I don’t mind the snot marks on my sweat pants from the waist down. Cowboy J used to actively seek me out when he was a toddler to wipe his nose on my pants. And if we are being totally honest, both my sleeves are covered in Cowkid/Cowbaby snot as well, because sometimes it’s just easier to use them, rather than get a Kleenex (go ahead and judge me I can take it).

I always seem to do great for the first 12 hours. Lots of snuggles and sympathy. Hot lemon and honey tea and blankets calmly tucked around there sweet little bodies. Then BAM right at about 12 hours something snaps and I turns into a snappy grouchy mother bear monster. I find myself twitching at the sound of “Mommmmmmmy?!” and the thought of refilling yet another humidifier and dragging it into the kids’ rooms is enough to bring me to my knees. Not to mention the non-stop symphony of coughing! I acknowledge that part of this (ok maybe all) is my fault, I chose to have four children, and when one gets sick they all do (tag teaming little punks).

I understand they can’t control the coughing. And, because every possible cough medicine that actually works haSick kidss been taken off the market (because of people using them to make illegal drugs), I can’t offer too much to help them. But, do they really need to always cough right in my face as they are talking to me? All four of them, at once!? As for nighttime when they are all lying down? Forget about sleeping, just get a good book and settle in for one hell of a long night. Let’s add to this The Cowboy hacking away all night too, because that’s how my life works. The U.S. military needs to record all four of my Cowkids and The Cowboy coughing and use it to torture terrorists in sleep deprivation chambers, seriously.

Don’t even get me started on the ninja moves needed to hold down a 21 pound 9 month old as you try and remove the guck from their nose. Cowbaby just can’t understand that I am trying to help him. I tell him every time as I sit on (in a safe non gut squishing way) his bucking squirming body, that after I get done squirting a bunch of stinging salt water up his nose at high speed and then sucking it, and part of his brain out, it really will feel better. For at least 10 minutes, and then he will sneeze and green stuff will spray out and we have to do it again…Every time I get out the booger sucker I always think about trying it on myself, I mean it can’t be that bad right? But, then I chicken out and use it on my poor innocent baby instead.

Alright, I’m done complaining. My kids are sick and it’s no fun, and my sympathy goes to anyone else with sick kids this week. But, I know in three days this should all be over and life will resume, and there are a lot of parents who don’t have that comfort. I’m taking a deep breath and getting ready to make another round of tea and put in another super educational DVD, How to Train Your Dragon counts right?  Sorry to Ma and Pa who are headed out here tomorrow morning, maybe it isn’t that contagious. An apology to everyone that came over for our big New Year bash, I’m sure you’ve already broken into a cold sweat and are now clenching your jaw in fear. When your kids get coughing just send them over here, I bought enough cough medicine to cover most of the population of Wyoming.

 

As a side note I have a list of what we do around here to help the Cowkids and Cowbaby feel better when they have a cold and cough. Please remember that my degree is in Elementary Education, not the medical field. Always check with your doctor before giving your child any medicine.

Cowbaby

Vicks Babyrub Soothing Ointment on feet and chest (if you are nursing you can put some on your breast (not anywhere the baby puts its mouth) and when they nurse it helps them breath better)

Spray Saline solution and a booger sucker (google it, apparently it is the correct term) to clean out their nose and sinuses. Don’t forget to clean the booger sucker out every once in awhile!

A soft rag for wiping their nose

Cold air humidifier

Cowkids

Vicks Babyrub Soothing Ointment on feet (it works, put it on the bottom of their feet with socks at bedtime) and chest

Delsym Cough Medicine for Children (12hr)

Children’s Wal Zyr (for runny nose and watery eyes, 24hr)

Hot water with lemon juice and honey (NO HONEY FOR CHILDREN UNDER 1yr)

A spoonful of honey when they start coughing and can’t seem to stop (NO HONEY FOR CHILDREN UNDER 1yr)

Cold air humidifier]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week December 20, 2013
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-december-20-2013/
		Fri, 20 Dec 2013 20:31:27 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1137
		
		pww dentist shoes
    
Texas Two Steppin’ (TTS): Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

Texas Smiles: I am a small town girl with big dreams. I grew up in the most amazing and loving family. We were encouraged to follow our passion and work hard to see those dreams come true. I graduated from Notre Dame in 2001 with a degree in Art & Design. That is also where I met the man of my dreams. We have been married for twelve years and now have three rowdy boys who keep us laughing.

TTS: When I first met you, you were a professional photographer. Now you are heading off to dental school. How did that career change come about?

Texas Smiles: I get asked that a lot! Smiles inspire me. As a photographer, I loved capturing genuine smiles that share a little of that person's soul for a brief moment. Over the past several years, I have met some amazing patients and seen their smiles, self confidence and health improve from the hands of a dentist. From somewhere within, I knew I was meant to serve others in a similar way. So I'm trading in my camera equipment for dental tools.  I love that dentistry combines caring for patients, science, and artistry in a beautiful way to help patients.

TTS: What were some of the factors you weighed as you made your decision to become a dentist?

Texas Smiles: The decision to be a dentist was a slow and gradual one for sure. I first thought about it when I saw an extreme case of a total mouth reconstruction after an unfortunate accident. I felt inspired to help others in such a meaningful way, but didn't know dentistry was the right way for me (I was pretty germaphobic at that point in my life).  A few years later, I saw a restorative case using veneers. I was determined at that point to be a dentist because I realized that I could combine art and helping others, which would be my dream job!

There were tiny factors that, of course, came to mind:

• Am I too old to start this?

• Photography is a passion, will dentistry fulfill me in the same way?

• Can I possibly wear scrubs and running shoes for four years in a row?

But, the biggest factor in all my decisions will always be my family. As a photographer, I made my own schedule. So if the kids had dentist examsa game, I just wouldn't book a shoot that night. I knew that if I were to start this path, it would mean sacrifices and compromises for my entire family. I thought I gave my husband a heart attack the first time I told him I wanted to go to dental school! When he realized how serious I was, he never wavered or doubted me. He has been so supportive of all my dreams, but this one in particular has been the most challenging so far. My entire family has shown so much encouragement. My boys leave me sweet notes wishing me luck on a test or look forward to me teaching them something interesting I learned (usually something gross or weird from Anatomy or Infectious Diseases!) My parents, my siblings, my uncle and friends have all been an integral part of this journey.

TTS: What are some of the challenges you have being a “non-traditional” student, or is college better the second time around?

Texas Smiles: There are definitely challenges that I never experienced as an undergrad.

I remember my first semester back to school…I had to drive about 90 minutes to class that started at 7:30 am. I sat through a full day of class and labs and then get a call from the school nurse to say that my son had a fever and a tummy ache just as school was getting out (my husband commutes out of state for work during the week, so I needed to get home). I drove two hours home in rush-hour traffic and then was up all night with my sick little guy, cleaning up vomit and trying to quarantine my other boys as to not spread the plague. My husband came home the next day, and I rushed up to school to take my test; I remotely remembered the material. I remember sitting there and realizing that there weren't too many other students who could say they had experienced anything similar to my day. I was surprised to not feel jealousy or be burdened by the extra challenges that my life comes with--instead it motivated me.

If I can succeed in this, I can do anything. I think that my life experiences made me a much better applicant during the interview process as well. There are three dental schools in Texas. There are about 5,000 applications submitted to those three schools. Each school has about 100 seats available, so the odds of being accepted are pretty slim. It was obvious to me at the interview that I was at least 10 years older than all the other applicants. But I always like being different; I am confident in who I am now and my desire to be a dentist. The interview process was actually very fun, and I am grateful for all the experiences and challenges I have had, which provided such amazing opportunities.

I definitely value academic success more now. As an undergrad, I was a student-athlete. I certainly placed more emphasis on the athlete part. Now, I use all that competitiveness towards grades and have kept a 4.0 in some of the scariest classes imaginable. I couldn't say that one experience was better than the other, just that I know I will be a better dental student now as opposed to my 21-year-old self.

TTS: What tips and tricks help you achieve balance with your active family, demanding studies and a rewarding job?

Texas Smiles: My very wise mother instilled in me that happiness is not a destination, but a journey. Throughout all the craziness and challenges I have lived so far, finding beauty and happiness in each day is the only way to keep sane, let alone achieving anything worthwhile. There have been times that I have felt like I was treading water, and then sometimes extra weights added to make that struggle even more difficult. I had to learn how to remove those extra weights to keep everything else "above water." Sometimes it meant simply not getting to the gym, or indulging in Facebook or being the homeroom mom. Other times were more personal, like removing the draining or negative people from my life. Some of those choices I have made have been extremely difficult. I look to my family and faith, and those continue to lead me. For me, balance does not equal "juggling it all."  Balance means having priorities and living so that those priorities are given the time and attention they deserve. For example, my family is my priority and I do everything within my power to put my family first. Usually that translates to me studying during the wee hours whenever everyone else is asleep so that I don't miss out on family dinners or sporting events. If I let my studies or work take over my life, I would miss out on my boys' childhoods. That's a regret I couldn't bear.

TTS: Has being a student helped you be more empathetic with your boys and their feelings toward schoolwork? Any studying/test taking tips to share?

Texas Smiles: Being a student again has not really changed my perspective as much as people would expect. Even before I pww post itsdecided to go back to school, I was constantly involved in learning something new. I guess I'm just a nerd at heart. I love books, all kinds of books. I usually read two books at a time: one for fun (mystery or teenage love story drama) and one for knowledge (business, history or an autobiography). That was something I missed terribly when I went back to school--reading the books I wanted to instead of physics or something so serious. So I would say that my boys have always known that I value learning and curiosity. I want them to always be discovering, and I hope that I can be an example of that in life. When I see something they are passionate about, we make the most of it by skewing learning to evolve around their interests. My oldest son came home with worksheets about triangles and definitions that he thought were boring. I showed him a few things about trigonometry, and he was impressed how much could be done with a simple triangle. Nerdy, I know, but to spark an interest in an eleven year old for college math concepts made me proud. As far as studying or test tips-- everybody has the way they learning best. Find that way and go with it. I am a huge visual learner, so when I am preparing for a test, my walls look like an FBI strategy board. I cannot function with flashcards or typed notes, so I paste pictures and colorful notes all over my wall when I am studying. When I am in the test, I can visualize what my wall looked like. Kind of embarrassing, but it's how my brain works, and this was my wall right before my 5-hour beast of a test for admittance into dental school.

TTS: OK, now’s your chance to give us one wonderful or unusual dental tip you have learned and any final Prairie Wife words of wisdom that we just shouldn’t live without.

Texas Smiles: Dental tip--your dentist and hygienist can totally tell if you have been flossing…so don't think only flossing the night before your appointment will impress them. :) Floss often!

My best Prairie Wife words of wisdom:  SMILE! A smile is the best accessory anybody can wear. Teeth never go out of style, so show them off. A happy woman is the most beautiful woman!

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		Prairie Wife of the Week December 27, 2013
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-december-27-2013er/
		Fri, 27 Dec 2013 20:44:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1141
		
		Prairie Wife (PW): The following is an introduction written by the friend who nominated Katie for our You Pick-Prairie Wife of the Week. I am thrilled to be able to share this story of home birth with our readers. As a Prairie Wife (and mother of four) I firmly believe in a woman’s right to have the birth experience she wants. I choose to have my children in a hospital but, I am so thankful that we are making it both safer and easier for women to give birth at home.

Katie and I met on our first day of Spanish class at Black Hills State University. We immediately began a conversation, and I learned that she had just returned from a year-long foreign exchange experience in Brazil. I became immediate friends with this creative, social, and stylish young woman who appreciated language, culture, and the arts. All of what I appreciated about her then, I recognize and admire in her mothering style. Katie has learned to incorporate her uniqueness into her mothering. When I learned about her decision to have a home birth, I was not surprised. Don't get me wrong; Katie isn't a person you would look at and stereotype as a granola, home-birthy, all natural mother. I just recognized her appreciation of nature and the simple things in life. I am proud of my friend for who she is as a woman and mother, and so pleased that she was chosen for this week's Prairie Wife!

    katie shoes
    
PW: First tell us a little bit about your family.

K: My husband and I have been married 8 years and we have two girls, ages 7 and 5, and a two year old boy. My husband works in finance at a car dealership and I am a stay home mom, though I have a degree in English. I am also a MOPS co-coordinator at my church, which is another passion of mine. I live in a University town in Iowa, so we enjoy some of the amenities of a big city, while keeping the feel of a small community. I enjoy taking pictures and I have a small blog called Simple and Special that I write mainly for friends and family, but feel free to stop by!

PW: What happened with the births of your first two children?

K: My daughters were both born in a hospital in South Dakota, with the midwife that was an employee of the hospital. In preparation for my first daughter’s birth, I read every birth book imaginable and attended Bradley birthing classes (which is a lengthy and exhaustive 10 week course).  Throughout my pregnancy I had gestational diabetes. Luckily I was able to keep it controlled with diet. When I went 10 days past our midwife and the hospital decided to induce me,  because they were concerned for both the baby and I. Though neither of us was showing any signs of distress, I agreed with their decision. As I reflect on the situation, I realize that I had become overwhelmed with all of their concerns and opinions, and I feel like this is when I lost all control over my birth experience. I had no pain meds and after 7 hours I held my happy healthy daughter in my arms.

When I was pregnant with my second daughter I had gestational diabetes again, and I was able to control it with diet. We went in for a check up on her due date, and the midwife decided to do an ultra sound. The ultra sound led them to believe that she was over 9lb and they felt that it was best to induce me. I was anxious and stressed because I felt that once again everything was rushed, and my voice wasn’t being heard. I was also disappointed; I had chosen a midwife to keep things as close to how nature intended babies to be born. But, because she was an employee of the hospital, she was still greatly influenced by them and forced by their policies.  I once again felt overwhelmed by their opinions and agreed to be induced. When I reflect on her birth, I feel that the induction was more about their convenience (it was close to Christmas) than about my safety. My second daughter was born approximately 7 hours later and was a healthy 8lb 3oz.

PW: What led you to decide to have your third child at home?

K: We moved to Iowa during my third pregnancy. I began to see the midwife at the hospital like I had done in South Dakota. This pregnancy I did not have gestational diabetes, and I began to think maybe things could be different this time. I felt like maybe this offered me the chance to make more choices. I started to research home births as a possibility for me. I liked the thought of me being more in control and I wanted my voice to be heard. I found a local midwife on-line and interviewed her on the phone and in person. After the final interview my husband and I felt like the midwife was on the same page as us, and we decided to go ahead.

PW: How did your family and friends react to your decision?

K: There were definitely mixed reactions. Even my husband had some concerns. My brother is a doctor and he really worried about the safety issues. I think that is where most of the opposition came from, a place of worry about the safety of the baby and I. My mom and sister were very supportive, and that meant a lot to me. I think too that it was a little bit of a shock for people to hear about it; most people just assume that now days babies are born in the hospital, and it takes them a moment to process the idea of a home birth.

PW: Did this impact your decision at all?

K: If everyone had been against it, it would have maybe influenced my decision. But, no, I really felt like it was truly the best decision for the baby and I.

PW: What were your fears and concerns, and what were you excited about?

K: The individual care and attention from the midwife was so nice! She came to the house for the checkups, and my daughters could be here for the appointment. It was so much more relaxed, and I just felt calm and confident in her ability to take care of me and my baby. I still had hesitations, the what if’s were always in the back of my mind. But, I think that every mother has some fear before giving birth, no matter where she is having her baby. I had confidence that my midwife could handle any emergency, she had medicine for the baby and I as well as oxygen. And, we lived 10 minutes away from the hospital. We had previously agreed that if the midwife or I had any concerns we would immediately go there. She was in good standing at the hospital and had even worked on the labor and delivery floor.

PW: Walk us through the day your third child was born.

K: The day my son was born I went into labor at 4 in the morning and, even though I had never been allowed to go into labor on my own, I knew this was it. I assumed it would be relatively quick and around 7 hours like my daughters. I called the midwife and she said to call when the contractions were 10 minutes apart. My husband stayed home from work and my girls went to a friend’s house. About 12 hours later things started to change, I just knew something was different, and I called my midwife. She had come about a week earlier and set up a birthing tub in our extra room, and we filled it up with warm water. I sat in the tub and worked through the contractions. Even though I didn’t end up delivering in the tub it did help ease the labor pains, and offer some relief from the contractions. During this time I thought about joy and light, keeping the images in my head and focusing on the words as I moved through the pain.

The midwife and her partner (a non-certified midwife) came overbaby weight and helped with the labor. I kept on thinking the baby would come any minute and he just didn’t come! I had expectations that he would come much quicker, and I was starting to get tired and frustrated. I even said “I’m done, just take me to the hospital, and cut me open.” At that point the midwife gave me a light snack and tea and honey and offered to check me (they only check when asked). They realized my water hadn’t broken so she offered to break it, and I said “just do it.” It got really intense as soon as she broke my water. I was struggling to push him out but, the midwife was very supportive and through her suggestions we were able to get him out. Within 30 minutes of my water being broke, my son was born. He was 9lb 4oz!  It was such a sense a relief to finally hold him! All in all I was in labor about 20 hours. The midwives took care of the entire cleanup, and we chose not to save the placenta.

PW: Now that you reflect on your experience what would you change, if anything?

K: I think I would change my expectations. I have come to realize you just aren’t in control, God is. There are just so many factors that can’t be planned, even with a home birth. I was so frustrated when my son wasn’t born in 7 hours like his sisters, and I lost faith in myself. Thankfully I had a caring midwife who kept me focused. You have to let go of your plan and truly trust in your body to take over the process. I also wish that I had thought to have someone there as a photographer. I regret that I don’t have any pictures to help me to remember such a special moment!

PW: What advice do you have for anyone that is thinking about having a home birth

K: There are so many things to consider (medical issues, location, insurance) when you choose how to birth your baby, and it is such an individual choice. I don’t feeling comfortable saying everyone should have a home birth. But, I encourage anyone who is interested to not be afraid. Make sure you have a certified midwife in good standing at the hospital, and have a plan in place for emergencies. No one wants to think about it but, you need to be prepared if things don’t go as planned. This will keep both the baby and mom safe.  Do your research; use the internet, magazines, call the hospital, and talk to other women in your area. My insurance covered my home birth but you need to check what your policy says. If you are receiving a lot of negativity, just understand that it usually comes from a place of love and concern. Trust your intuition and take some time to really think about why you want a home birth. I also think that women need to realize you have choices in the hospital as well. I see that more now, as I reflect on my first two birth stories, I could have taken a more active role if I hadn’t felt so intimidated.

PW: How can friends support a woman that is having a home birth?

K: I think it’s no different than supporting a woman that is about to give birth at the hospital. Just let them know they can do it and encourage them!

PW: How has your decision impacted you as a woman, wife, and mother?

K: I would have to say it empowered me to believe in myself. I know that when things got tough I can push on through, and that when I set my mind on something I can accomplish it. It taught me to follow my intuition as a mother and woman, and it renewed my confidence that my body knew what it was doing. It also strengthened my faith in God, that His plan will come to pass.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

K: I just wanted to share with other women the five things that have helped to keep me strong as a woman, wife, and mother.

1. Read God’s word daily
2. Keep a gratitude journal
3. Exercise
4. Be in community with other women
5. Find a creative outlet

And lastly I think that this sums up what we go through as women during the birthing process…

Psalm 30: There may be pain in the night but joy comes in the morning

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		Prairie Wife of the Week January 3, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-january-3-2014/
		Fri, 03 Jan 2014 20:54:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1143
		
		Elizabeth shoes
    
Prairie Wife (PW): So tell me a little bit about yourself.

Elizabeth (E): I was born in Wheatridge, CO but I grew up in Broomfield, CO. I went to college in North Carolina, I graduated with a degree in Human Services. I have worked for Hope House of Colorado as a GED career specialist as well as a GED teacher for Denver County Jail. I am currently a curriculum developer in Northern Uganda.

PW: Why, and when, did you first felt moved to go to Northern Uganda?

E: I first felt called to go to Africa when I was 15, that’s when I first started to feel the urge to travel there. 15 years later I took my first trip to Africa, and I worked in an orphanage in Sudan.

PW: What led to you being able to go there the first time?

E: I had a coworker at Hope House who had traveled to Sudan when she was a teenager. She was planning on traveling over there again and asked me if I would be interested in traveling with her. I decided to go. My first and largest hurdle was raising the money for the trip. Because I wasn’t going through any organization, I was responsible for all the expenses for the trip.

PW: What are the monetary responsibilities?

E: I had to raise $3,000. That was for the flight to Africa, room and board when I was there, and then food. I also had to pay for shots (typhoid and yellow fever) and medicine (malaria pills). I raised all of the money by asking people I knew through letters to donate. I feel like people were so generous because they knew this was something that had been in my heart for a long time.

PW: What was your first impression when you got to Africa?south sudan kids

E: I hated it! I hated it because I was absolutely shocked by the poverty compared to what I was accustomed to in America. There is trash everywhere and the majority of people lived in huts made of clay. The classrooms are one room with no windows and most of the students sit on the dirt floor or crowded benches. They eat beans and rice almost every single meal every single day. There are of course clean water issues. There are people walking everywhere, children and adults with no shoes. I was struck by the contrast between the abundance of material possessions we have here in America versus the lack of what we consider basic necessities. For example we have a kitchen full of pots and pans and dishes. The average family has a few bowls and they cook over a fire. But, after my third day there, something just changed in my heart and I fell in love with it all! Now I realize it was just my perception of wealth that needed to change.

PW: What was your goal for your first trip to Africa, what was your day to day life like?

E: I spent my time at an orphanage that had on average 60 kids. It was staffed by a Director, a Matron, two part time cooks, and a Pastor. I felt that I could help the most by spending time with the kids. I didn’t teach them or give them lessons. We just played with them and listened to them, all the things that children with families have and take for granted. I was there for 3 weeks and I knew that I had to find a way to come back to Africa.

PW: So then what did you do?

E: I worked extra jobs and did all that I could to earn enough money to go back to Africa. I originally wanted to move there kampala womens homepermanently but the timing didn’t work out. On my second trip, I went to Kampala, Uganda for two weeks. This time I worked with unwed expectant mothers and their babies. Unwed mothers have a hugely negative stigma over there. They are not allowed to attend school, or even go back to the same school after the birth of the baby. Often the girls are raped and the pregnancies are a product of this horrible crime, and nothing happens to the men who have committed the crime. The girls are abandoned by their people and sometimes their families disown them. The organization I worked with provided shelter and care for the pregnant girls, and then for the new mothers and babies. They provided unconditional love. One family we knew decided to allow their daughter and her baby to live with them. But it became so stressful on the family, that the grandmother killed the baby. I know that tragedy happens here in America too. But rape is so socially acceptable over in Africa that it can be overwhelming. Communities just look the other way.

PW: What was your next step after your two weeks were done?

E: I originally planned on going back and working with this community, but it didn’t work out. I was upset with the whole situation, and frustrated. My brother told me that I just needed to find a way to be in Africa if that is what I felt called to do. I contacted the orphanage that I had originally visited. I offered myself as a volunteer to come and work for them, salary free. I left in May of 2012 and I worked and lived there for 11 months.

PW: How did this trip impact you, what were some of the bigger moments for you?Children playing africa

E: Through my time there I really learned that what I considered necessities aren’t really important. A nice house and new shoes, name brand shampoos, these things don’t matter. Most of the people have food and clothing. Once I realized that things aren’t what is important I was more able to focus on what the children really needed- love and attention.

What I feel the people are lacking is “spiritual food” the moral corruption is what needs to be changed. The lack of education for women and children is staggering and I feel called to try and change it. I understand that teaching them basic skills such as tailoring, will help them to provide for their families, but it won’t help them to charge ahead and above to create a better future for themselves and for their country.

PW: What can we do to help?

E: First and foremost prayer, for the people, the government and the volunteers. People are so afraid to go against tradition, so I pray that they will overcome their fear. Of course, monetary support is necessary for all the people who volunteer and offer support and services. I am currently helping to develop a curriculum to use for children preschool to 7th grade, and we hope to eventually develop it for high school as well. The education system in Northern Uganda and South Sudan, barely covers what we consider the basics. We hope that with our curriculum we will create children who have a strong background in reading, writing, and math as well as an ability to ask questions and make decisions based upon facts and knowledge, rather than fear and survival.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of Wisdom?Elizabeth and baby

E: "Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." Martin Luther King Jr.

If you would like to help Elizabeth please visit http://einafrica.wordpress.com/

As always our Prairie Wife of the Week will be stopping by to respond to any questions and comments!]]>    
		
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		Brighten Up Your February With Nail Polish
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/brighten-up-your-february-with-nail-polish/
		Mon, 03 Feb 2014 17:14:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=268
		
		Winter Blues in January, it usually peaks in February and then as the sun begins to appear more in March I find myself once again feeling optimistic and cheerful. While I find that making sure I get some exercise every day and eating healthy helps, I’ve noticed that making a few changes to my personal look helps me to feel a little more cheery! Lately I’ve been in the mood to add a little bit of Spring to my look by painting my toes with some brighter colors. Layering silver sparkles over the mint blue and gold over the orange/red color just makes me happy! For my nails I found a few great almost nude colors that will go with whatever look I wear. The Cowboy and I are traveling out of town in the beginning of March and I am totally throwing my new favorite color, Nudist by Sonia Kushuk into my luggage. As always don’t forget that a good base and top coat goes a long way toward preventing chips. And if you can remember (I hardly ever do) to touch up your top coat every few days, it will make your mani/pedi last days longer!

I also have to share with you a new product I just learned about, Jamberry Nails. I'm sure you've all see the nail stickers at your local drug store, and probably even tried them. I think they are great, but I found that with my Prairie Wife lifestyle they were still chipping after 3 days, and to remove them with nail polish took a lot of effort! These Jamberry nails are stickers as well, and should last up to two weeks. What convinced me to try them is that they are non-toxic, formaldehyde and latex free. They are applied and removed with heat (either with an included heat machine or your hairdryer), no soaking in chemicals. You can even remove them by soaking your hands in olive oil and peeling them off. I have read about them in InStyle, Marie Claire, and People magazine and when an acquaintance of mine invited me to a Jamberry Nail Party, I decided to go ahead and order some. With over 400 designs to pick from it took some time to narrow down my favorites. Take a minute to check out this link, look at the patterns, watch some videos, and even order some of your own!  I’ll be getting back to you to let you know if they really last (fingers crossed).

Nail Polish Colors from left to rightnail polish feb

Nudist by Sonia Kushuk, Target-This is a very light brown with a grey undertone, and my new favorite "nude" for my nails.

Golden Sands by Sonia Kushuk, Target-I absolutely love this color, it reminds me of toffee and caramel candy! It has just enough pink undertones and gold sparkle to keep it feeling fresh.

Petal Pusher by Sally Hansen, Walgreens- The perfect pale pink, and because it is Insta-Dri you can do it 30 minutes before your Valentine's Day Date and still look perfectly polished (pun intended).

Mint Candy Apple by Essie, Target-This color can best be described as cheerful! It was super trendy this summer, and as far as I'm concerned it won't be going out of style anytime soon.

Delicous by Revlon, Walgreens- This blood orange color was big this fall and I still love it for my toes right now, adding a matte coat to the top of it keeps it from being too summery.

How will you brighten up your February with nail polish?]]>
		
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			By now you know that I get a severe case of the Winter Blues in January, it usually peaks in February and then as the sun begins to appear more in March I find myself once again feeling optimistic and cheerful. While I find that making sure I get some exercise every day and eating healthy helps, I’ve noticed that making a few changes to my personal look helps me to feel a little more cheery! Lately I’ve been in the mood to add a little bit of Spring to my look by painting my toes with some brighter colors. Layering silver sparkles over the mint blue and gold over the orange/red color just makes me happy! For my nails I found a few great almost nude colors that will go with whatever look I wear. The Cowboy and I are traveling out of town in the beginning of March and I am totally throwing my new favorite color, Nudist by Sonia Kushuk into my luggage. As always don’t forget that a good base and top coat goes a long way toward preventing chips. And if you can remember (I hardly ever do) to touch up your top coat every few days, it will make your mani/pedi last days longer!I also have to share with you a new product I just learned about, Jamberry Nails. I'm sure you've all see the nail stickers at your local drug store, and probably even tried them. I think they are great, but I found that with my Prairie Wife lifestyle they were still chipping after 3 days, and to remove them with nail polish took a lot of effort! These Jamberry nails are stickers as well, and should last up to two weeks. What convinced me to try them is that they are non-toxic, formaldehyde andlatex free. They are applied and removed with heat (either with an included heat machine or your hairdryer), no soaking in chemicals. You can even remove them by soaking your hands in olive oil and peeling them off. I have read about them in InStyle, Marie Claire, and People magazine and when an acquaintance of mine invited me to a Jamberry Nail Party, I decided to go ahead and order some. With over 400 designs to pick from it took some time to narrow down my favorites. Take a minute to check out this link, look at the patterns, watch some videos, and even order some of your own!  I’ll be getting back to you to let you know if they really last (fingers crossed).Nail Polish Colors from left to right

Nudist by Sonia Kushuk, Target-This is a very light brown with a grey undertone, and my new favorite "nude" for my nails.

Golden Sands by Sonia Kushuk, Target-I absolutely love this color, it reminds me of toffee and caramel candy! It has just enough pink undertones and gold sparkle to keep it feeling fresh.

Petal Pusher by Sally Hansen, Walgreens- The perfect pale pink, and because it is Insta-Dri you can do it 30 minutes before your Valentine's Day Date and still look perfectly polished (pun intended).

Mint Candy Apple by Essie, Target-This color can best be described as cheerful! It was super trendy this summer, and as far as I'm concerned it won't be going out of style anytime soon.

Delicous by Revlon, Walgreens- This blood orange color was big this fall and I still love it for my toes right now, adding a matte coat to the top of it keeps it from being too summery.


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		Love Yourself More, Break Up With Her
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/love-yourself-more/
		Sun, 02 Feb 2014 14:31:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=270
		
		The Metro. It has wonderful drinks and goodies to eat, as well as a super cool and casual atmosphere. The back end of the shop has several sets of gently loved living room furniture arranged in small groupings. It’s the perfect spot to go with small kids because they can spread out and play while you sit and enjoy some much needed adult time! OK plug over…After a few minutes our conversation about our children and husbands took a heavier turn. It turns out that sweetNsmiley was struggling and needed some advice. She had a friend whose personal choices were making it very hard for her to want to continue with their friendship. Not only was she struggling with her “friend’s” choices on a moral level, she was also quickly learning that her “friend” was starting to say things about her that were unkind, and simply not true! Top that off with a full scoop of her time being taken advantage of and you get the picture. While we would all like to think that this kind of crap ended with High School graduation, we all know it isn’t true. As I’m sure you can tell by her blog alias sweetNsmiley is absolutely one of the kindest women I know. And I could see her struggling so I shared my own “break up” story with her.

It started a few years ago when The Cowboy and I reconnected with an old college friend of ours and his wife. We soon began to invite them over for BBQ’s and, because they were new in town, I encouraged the wife to come to several friendly mom play dates. I knew something was a little off with her, but The Cowboy said I was just being judgey, and to back off and be nice, so I ignored my instincts. Flash forward a year and I was stuck in a ”friendship” that was sucking the life out of me and turning me bitter and whiny. She was the type of person who complained constantly, fought loudly and often with her husband in front of others, routinely took advantage of me “not having a real job” (yes she said that) for babysitting, often showing up hours late and never returning the favor. My friends started asking if she was going to attend an event, and honestly telling me that if she was coming, they weren’t. When she started to cause friction between The Cowboy and me, I knew it was time to end our "friendship". I felt guilty, like I was being the mean girl at school, but after I looked at it from the perspective of a mother I knew I was making the right call. What would I tell Cowgirl G if she came to me with this problem? I would say that you don’t have to be friends with someone that hurts you, no matter what the reason. But, you do have to continue to be respectful to them; they are still a fellow human being.

I called her with the intention of “breaking up” with her. She didn’t answer her phone so I left a brief message and said that I needed a break from our friendship and that I wasn’t comfortable with the way I felt and acted when I was around her (see all the I statements, that’s important). She responded by tearfully calling me back and throwing everything she could at me about how she couldn’t survive without me…I stuck to my guns and said this was something I needed to do for me. Things were rough for a while; she called constantly, sent me letters that went from begging and pleading to nasty, as well as texting and calling The Cowboy. I stood firm, and simply kept quiet, even when she began to say rude things to friends of mine. Eventually my lack of reaction spoke louder than any words I could have said, and she finally stopped.

I have to be honest, even with all the “stalking” behavior from her, I was absolutely relieved and light-hearted after I finally took the step of putting me first. A few words of advice…

      
	
    1. Plan what you are going to say first, and practice it with a few trusted people in your life.
      2. 
	
    2. Break up with them in a quiet and private place when you are feeling rested and in control of your emotions (no alcohol or other people watching). I think a phone call or leaving  a message is perfectly acceptable, texting your message is not.
      3. 
	
    3. Use I statements, don’t make a list of everything they have done wrong.
      4. 
	
    4. When you’ve said your piece walk away and let it all go.
      5. 
	
    5. No matter what they say or do, don’t get drawn back in. Stay firm in your decision and keep your mouth shut.
      6. 
	
    6. Your true friends will continue to be there, no matter what this person says about you or does.
      7. 

    
Love yourself more, break up with her! SweetNsmiley gave herself permission to love herself more, and ended her toxic relationship by setting firm boundaries and sticking to them. I’ll share with you what she said to me afterwards “With every end, and with every goodbye, we learn more.”

Even Dr. Phil will tell you that it’s not being selfish to remove toxic people from your life…

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    I met with a friend of mine (sweetNsmiley) a few weeks ago, for coffee. First I have to quickly plug this awesome local coffee shop, The Metro. It has wonderful drinks and goodies to eat, as well as a super cool and casual atmosphere. The back end of the shop has several sets of gently loved living room furniture arranged in small groupings. It’s the perfect spot to go with small kids because they can spread out and play while you sit and enjoy some much needed adult time! OK plug over…After a few minutes our conversation about our children and husbands took a heavier turn. It turns out that sweetNsmiley was struggling and needed some advice. She had a friend whose personal choices were making it very hard for her to want to continue with their friendship. Not only was she struggling with her “friend’s” choices on a moral level, she was also quickly learning that her “friend” was starting to say things about her that were unkind, and simply not true! Top that off with a full scoop of her time being taken advantage of and you get the picture. While we would all like to think that this kind of crap ended with High School graduation, we all know it isn’t true. As I’m sure you can tell by her blog alias sweetNsmiley is absolutely one of the kindest women I know. And I could see her struggling so I shared my own “break up” story with her.

It started a few years ago when The Cowboy and I reconnected with an old college friend of ours and his wife. We soon began to invite them over for BBQ’s and, because they were new in town, I encouraged the wife to come to several friendly mom play dates. I knew something was a little off with her, but The Cowboy said I was just being judgey, and to back off and be nice, so I ignored my instincts. Flash forward a year and I was stuck in a ”friendship” that was sucking the life out of me and turning me bitter and whiny. She was the type of person who complained constantly, fought loudly and often with her husband in front of others, routinely took advantage of me “not having a real job” (yes she said that) for babysitting, often showing up hours late and never returning the favor. My friends started asking if she was going to attend an event, and honestly telling me that if she was coming, they weren’t. When she started to cause friction between The Cowboy and me, I knew it was time to end our "friendship". I felt guilty, like I was being the mean girl at school, but after I looked at it from the perspective of a mother I knew I was making the right call. What would I tell Cowgirl G if she came to me with this problem? I would say that you don’t have to be friends with someone that hurts you, no matter what the reason. But, you do have to continue to be respectful to them; they are still a fellow human being.

I called her with the intention of “breaking up” with her. She didn’t answer her phone so I left a brief message and said that I needed a break from our friendship and that I wasn’t comfortable with the way I felt and acted when I was around her (see all the I statements, that’s important). She responded by tearfully calling me back and throwing everything she could at me about how she couldn’t survive without me…I stuck to my guns and said this was something I needed to do for me. Things were rough for a while; she called constantly, sent me letters that went from begging and pleading to nasty, as well as texting and calling The Cowboy. I stood firm, and simply kept quiet, even when she began to say rude things to friends of mine. Eventually my lack of reaction spoke louder than any words I could have said, and she finally stopped.

I have to be honest, even with all the “stalking” behavior from her, I was absolutely relieved and light hearted after I finally took the step of putting me first. A few words of advice…

1. Plan what you are going to say first, and practice it with a few trusted people in your life.

2. Break up with them in a quiet and private place when you are feeling rested and in control of your emotions (no alcohol or other people watching). I think a phone call or leaving  a message is perfectly acceptable, texting your message is not.

3. Use I statements, don’t make a list of everything they have done wrong.

4. When you’ve said your piece walk away and let it all go.

5. No matter what they say or do, don’t get drawn back in. Stay firm in your decision and keep your mouth shut.

6. Your true friends will continue to be there, no matter what this person says about you or does.

Love yourself more, break up with her! SweetNsmiley gave herself permission to love herself more, and ended her toxic relationship by setting firm boundaries and sticking to them. I’ll share with you what she said to me afterwards “With every end, and with every goodbye, we learn more.”

Even Dr. Phil will tell you that it’s not being selfish to remove toxic people from your life…


    [/text][video source= "youtube" url= "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bKdXwZjjIUU&feature=player_embedded"][text ]
    

    Have you ever had to "break up" with a friend? Any tips or tricks for our readers on how to handle the situation?
    

    

    

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		Prairie Wife of the Week January 31, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-january-31-2014/
		Fri, 31 Jan 2014 14:47:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=272
		
		Don’t forget to enter our giveaway (it is located at the end of the interview) to win a one of a kind handcrafted necklace from Indie Republic Design.

Picture

PicturePrairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about who you are?

Nikki (N): I grew up in Orange Country, Southern California. I lived in Colorado for a while, and then my son and I moved back to Southern California, and the Newport Beach area. Besides designing, creating, and selling jewelry for my company Indie Republic Design, I work as an operations manager for a local art gallery Art for the Soul . There are two galleries, one in a Newport location and another in Laguna Beach, and they are run and owned by my sister. It’s all American handcrafted work that she custom picks, and I am so proud to be part of it.

PW: How has your love of art evolved over the years?

N: I’ve always been a crafty hands-on person. I was actually a huge tomboy growing up, so I loved to work with tools and create and build.  I went to college at the University of San Diego and graduated with a degree in business and communications, and a minor in photography. After graduation I was a photographer for a while, but it didn’t fulfill me in the way I wanted. I ended up doing a little bit of everything, and found myself becoming involved in real estate. This naturally led into construction as well.  I became involved in flipping houses, which was an amazing way for me to be creative. I loved participating in every aspect of the process, from the beginning vision and designing steps to the hands on construction and completion!

PW: What eventually led you to jewelry design?

N: Jewelry making has always been a passion and a love, but other things in my life have always come first. Then a little over a year ago, I started creating jewelry in my free time. It was something that I needed in my life at the time and ended up being really good therapy for me. Naturally I loved what I made and I wore it when I went out. Soon people were coming up to me and wanting to buy the earrings off my ears, and I thought, I can do this! I participated in several craft shows and the reaction from people was above and beyond my expectations. I realized how big this could be, and that if I worked hard enough I could support both my son and I with Indie Republic Design.

PW: How do you decide what mediums you wanted to work with?

N: It really just happens, I don’t have an amazing process or anything special I do. I go to a gem show and walk around and just wait for something that catches my interest. I definitely have a preference for things that are raw cut, and have an earthy organic feel.  Right now I really find myself drawn to Pyrite and Labradorite. I just love the grey colors of the Labradorite and the earthiness of the Pyrite. The juxtaposition of the hard of the raw stones and the delicateness of metal work, appeals to me on a strong personal level. One of the things I enjoy about jewelry design is that it is constantly evolving and I can always change what direction I want to go in.

    

    


    
Picture
Picture
Picture

    
    

    

    
PW: What inspires you when you design?

N: It depends on what my purpose is. When I am creating for me or a non-specific customer, I just kind of go with the flow. I start by pulling various elements out of my drawers, metal, stones, etc. I lay it all out and from there it’s basically a lot of trial and error. Trying out various combinations and patterns, and changing certain elements that don’t seem right to me. I also rely on feedback from my customers, and even people on the street who stop me and compliment my jewelry.  Often times my customers let me know what they really love and what they want to see, so I go back home and try to do what they want.

The versatility of my pieces allows my customers to layer pieces and create a look that is uniquely them. There is flexibility in my jewelry that draws people to it, because they can immediately see how the designs fit them as an individual. A lot of my jewelry designs incorporate imperfect circles. For me they add to the beauty of the jewelry just as the bumps in the road offer uniqueness to our journey in our lives. On a deeper level, I feel that when I create jewelry for Indie Republic Design, I am making beauty out of imperfection. My goal is to be able to communicate that, and inspire others, through my jewelry.

    

    


    
Picture
Picture
Picture

    
    

    

    
PW: How do you fit your jewelry design and selling into your busy life as a working mom?

N: It is pure drive and a commitment to making a better life for me and my son. I admit to often using the wee hours of the night to create a piece of jewelry that someone can wear and be proud of. When my son watches me making jewelry, he sees my happiness, and he knows that I am doing it to create a better future for him. This makes the sacrifices easier for me.

PW: What are your goals for your company?

N: I want to be able to have a constant selling base, I am trying to get exposure and have people see my things. I want to have my jewelry sold in boutiques across the country, but I still want to offer the handcrafted high quality unique products that Indie Republic Design currently has. It is important to me that my jewelry continues to accentuate the customer’s beauty, not overpower it. It is my dream for people to see someone wearing my jewelry and say “That’s an Indie Republic Design!”

PW: What have been your roadblocks?

N: TIME! There just aren’t enough hours in the day. It is so hard for me to build up my inventory because I am the only one creating pieces! If someone puts in an order I am the only one that can fulfill it. I have a 40 hour (or honestly more) a week job and motherhood competing for my time. I have somewhat of a handle on the business aspects of Indie Republic Design, but it can still be overwhelming wearing 20 hats at once!

PicturePW: What advice would you give to other women (and men) that are interested in taking the next step with their jewelry designs?

N: Go for it! Take your drive and passion for what you do and put it into your artwork. Build up your inventory, and find the balance that allows it to represent you, but still meet the needs of your customers.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom for our readers?

N: Listen to your heart and go with your passion.  No one is perfect and the timing might never be right, so go ahead and jump in with both feet, you’ll never know till you try!

Picture

    Take a moment to browse Indie Republic Design’s site to see more of Nikki’s beautiful hand crafted creations!
    

    

    Tell us what you think of our Prairie Wife of the Week Indie Republic Design owner's work in the comments!
    
14 Comments]]>    
		
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    Prairie Wife of the Week January 31, 2014
    
01/31/2014

14 Comments



    

    

    I had never been on Twitter until I started this blog, and while at first it was a little overwhelming, I soon learned how to tweet like a pro. I first came in contact with Indie Republic Design on Twitter. I saw a picture of the beautiful jewelry and commented on it. One thing led to another and after I went to Nikki’s site I was hooked. The rustic yet elegant design of her jewelry called to me. The prices were reasonable for custom handcrafted jewelry, and I immediately thought of my readers. I contacted Nikki about purchasing some of her jewelry for a giveaway for our readers, and when I learned the story behind her jewelry I asked her if she would be willing to do an interview with me. Thankfully she accepted, and I am so pleased that she did. Her passion for her art, and her willingness to work hard to provide for her son, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week.

Don’t forget to enter our giveaway (it is located at the end of the interview) to win a one of a kind handcrafted necklace from Indie Republic Design.



    

    

    Picture

    

    

    

    Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about who you are?

Nikki (N): I grew up in Orange Country, Southern California. I lived in Colorado for a while, and then my son and I moved back to Southern California, and the Newport Beach area. Besides designing, creating, and selling jewelry for my company Indie Republic Design, I work as an operations manager for a local art gallery Art for the Soul . There are two galleries, one in a Newport location and another in Laguna Beach, and they are run and owned by my sister. It’s all American handcrafted work that she custom picks, and I am so proud to be part of it.


    

    

    Picture

    

    

    

    PW: How has your love of art evolved over the years?

N: I’ve always been a crafty hands-on person. I was actually a huge tomboy growing up, so I loved to work with tools and create and build.  I went to college at the University of San Diego and graduated with a degree in business and communications, and a minor in photography. After graduation I was a photographer for a while, but it didn’t fulfill me in the way I wanted. I ended up doing a little bit of everything, and found myself becoming involved in real estate. This naturally led into construction as well.  I became involved in flipping houses, which was an amazing way for me to be creative. I loved participating in every aspect of the process, from the beginning vision and designing steps to the hands on construction and completion!

PW: What eventually led you to jewelry design?

N: Jewelry making has always been a passion and a love, but other things in my life have always come first. Then a little over a year ago, I started creating jewelry in my free time. It was something that I needed in my life at the time and ended up being really good therapy for me. Naturally I loved what I made and I wore it when I went out. Soon people were coming up to me and wanting to buy the earrings off my ears, and I thought, I can do this! I participated in several craft shows and the reaction from people was above and beyond my expectations. I realized how big this could be, and that if I worked hard enough I could support both my son and I with Indie Republic Design.


    

    

    Picture

    

    

    

    PW: How do you decide what mediums you wanted to work with?

N: It really just happens, I don’t have an amazing process or anything special I do. I go to a gem show and walk around and just wait for something that catches my interest. I definitely have a preference for things that are raw cut, and have an earthy organic feel.  Right now I really find myself drawn to Pyrite and Labradorite. I just love the grey colors of the Labradorite and the earthiness of the Pyrite. The juxtaposition of the hard of the raw stones and the delicateness of metal work, appeals to me on a strong personal level. One of the things I enjoy about jewelry design is that it is constantly evolving and I can always change what direction I want to go in.


    

    

    

    

    


    


    

    Picture

    

    

    		


    

    Picture

    

    

    		

    
    

    

    

    

    

    PW: What inspires you when you design?

N: It depends on what my purpose is. When I am creating for me or a non-specific customer, I just kind of go with the flow. I start by pulling various elements out of my drawers, metal, stones, etc. I lay it all out and from there it’s basically a lot of trial and error. Trying out various combinations and patterns, and changing certain elements that don’t seem right to me. I also rely on feedback from my customers, and even people on the street who stop me and compliment my jewelry.  Often times my customers let me know what they really love and what they want to see, so I go back home and try to do what they want.

The versatility of my pieces allows my customers to layer pieces and create a look that is uniquely them. There is flexibility in my jewelry that draws people to it, because they can immediately see how the designs fit them as an individual. A lot of my jewelry designs incorporate imperfect circles. For me they add to the beauty of the jewelry just as the bumps in the road offer uniqueness to our journey in our lives. On a deeper level, I feel that when I create jewelry for Indie Republic Design, I am making beauty out of imperfection. My goal is to be able to communicate that, and inspire others, through my jewelry.


    

    

    

    

    


    


    

    Picture

    

    

    		


    

    Picture

    

    

    		


    

    Picture

    

    

    		

    
    

    

    

    

    

    PW: How do you fit your jewelry design and selling into your busy life as a working mom?

N: It is pure drive and a commitment to making a better life for me and my son. I admit to often using the wee hours of the night to create a piece of jewelry that someone can wear and be proud of. When my son watches me making jewelry, he sees my happiness, and he knows that I am doing it to create a better future for him. This makes the sacrifices easier for me.

PW: What are your goals for your company?

N: I want to be able to have a constant selling base, I am trying to get exposure and have people see my things. I want to have my jewelry sold in boutiques across the country, but I still want to offer the handcrafted high quality unique products that Indie Republic Design currently has. It is important to me that my jewelry continues to accentuate the customer’s beauty, not overpower it. It is my dream for people to see someone wearing my jewelry and say “That’s an Indie Republic Design!”

PW: What have been your roadblocks?

N: TIME! There just aren’t enough hours in the day. It is so hard for me to build up my inventory because I am the only one creating pieces! If someone puts in an order I am the only one that can fulfill it. I have a 40 hour (or honestly more) a week job and motherhood competing for my time. I have somewhat of a handle on the business aspects of Indie Republic Design, but it can still be overwhelming wearing 20 hats at once!


    

    

    Picture

    

    

    

    PW: What advice would you give to other women (and men) that are interested in taking the next step with their jewelry designs?

N: Go for it! Take your drive and passion for what you do and put it into your artwork. Build up your inventory, and find the balance that allows it to represent you, but still meet the needs of your customers.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom for our readers?

N: Listen to your heart and go with your passion.  No one is perfect and the timing might never be right, so go ahead and jump in with both feet, you’ll never know till you try!


    

    

    Picture

    

    

    

    Take a moment to browse Indie Republic Design’s site to see more of Nikki’s beautiful hand crafted creations!
    

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		How to NOT Nurse Your Baby
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/how-to-not-nurse-your-baby/
		Wed, 29 Jan 2014 16:31:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=274
		
		

    

    Photo of baby blanket, baby bottle and baby book.I bet the title of this already has some people steaming, but I ask you to hang in there with me for a minute. My main advice for mothers is always “Do what is right for your family.” I want it to be clear that all my advice in this blog is what has worked for me. It might be right, it might be wrong, it might help you, and it might not. Take what advice you want and leave what you don’t.Until I became pregnant with the future Cowboy J, I had never put any thought into the whole nursing thing. I was the youngest of four, and even though I knew that Ma had nursed us all, I had never seen it. I had actually never seen anyone nursing a baby, until I went to a friend of The Cowboy’s house, and his wife was nursing her toddler. I was newly pregnant and in the course of chatting with her, she asked if I planned on nursing. I was honest and said I hadn’t thought about it. But, sure I guessed I would. It seemed the easiest and cheapest way, and she had filled my head with all the amazing health benefits. She also invited me to a local Le Leche Leauge (LLL) meeting. As most modern mothers do, I went home and started to read up on how to nurse. I became more and more convinced that it was the best thing for me. When I talked to The Cowboy he assured me that it was the way to go. After all, look at how handsome and strong he turned out…I called Ma and asked her, she said she nursed until we had teeth, I felt like that was a perfect goal for me. I attend a LLL meeting towards the end of my pregnancy and was thrilled with the casual atmosphere, and wealth of knowledge these mothers had to offer.
    

    


    

(I could go on for about 50,000 more words about my experiences as a new nursing mother, but you’ll have to just keep on coming by to read those posts. I’m trying to stay focused on my main topic.)

I struggled a lot (understatement of the century) at first to nurse Cowboy J but eventually we got the hang of things. He had his first tooth at 4 months, and I decided that I wasn’t ready to wean him, so I kept on going. Then he hit 9 months and I decided that as much as I loved our nursing relationship, I needed to start weaning him. We were planning on trying for another baby soon, and I wanted a few months of my body to myself, before I had another human living off me again (I say this with love). So I went to my next LLL meeting with the intention of asking for their ideas. Their aid had been invaluable to me those overwhelming first months, and I had continued to attend meetings pretty regularly. I asked them for help, and met with a whole lot of information on baby led weaning (basically let the baby nurse until he decided to stop) but no support or advice for how I could actively wean my baby. I left the meeting feeling guilty for being so selfish, how could I want to end my nursing relationship with my baby?! I found myself questioning my ability to be a good mother. It was hard enough on me to be a working mother, and now I wanted to put myself first again, how dare I?!

But, then I thought about it some more (and cried) and decided I was being a good mother. I was keeping my relationship with my baby a positive one that benefited both of us. The Cowboy wanted to go away on a long weekend together, and Ireally wanted to!  I didn’t want to be the mom that resented her children and lost herself. I ignored the negativity, trusted my instincts, and made the choice that I felt was right for my family.

At that time I couldn’t find any useful information on how to not nurse your baby, so I just followed my instincts. I slowly cut out one feeding after another (more details will follow) until Cowboy J’s first birthday, which was the last time I nursed him. With all of the other Cowkids I have done the same thing, and Cowbaby is down to two feedings a day. I had a reader contact me last week, asking me if I had any advice about weaning. And frankly, I have had more friends (and their friends pointed my direction) ask for advice about weaning, than I have had ask me for help on how to nurse! Before I map it out I have to add one more thing. I struggle with mastitis (another post for another day), because of this I couldn’t just quit nursing cold turkey. I need to mention that I know of lots of mothers that just simply stop one day and give their children a sippy cup or bottle instead. This would literally kill me. So, don’t forget that stopping nursing cold turkey is an option for you too!

I go on a two week schedule where I cut out a feeding every two weeks. This means I only have two days of being uncomfortably full (it takes about two days for your milk supply to regulate) and I don’t have to worry about mastitis.

9 months
Before I start to actively wean my kids I nurse them whenever and wherever they want. When they show an interest in food and can sit up (this has been different each kid) I feed them homemade baby food. I start out by night weaning my babies; this is the hardest one for me, so I do it when I’m the most determined. You need to decide what you idea of night is. Around here it means that I won’t nurse the baby between 9:30pm and 4:30 am. I personally don’t let my babies cry it out at night, so when they fuss I still go into their room and rock and sing to them, but no nursing! I choose not to offer them a bottle or sippy either, I don’t want to have another habit to break. For me the first two days are the hardest, the baby cries, I cry, it’s rough. By then end of the first week we all have the routine down and it’s not traumatic anymore. I recommend starting on a Friday night so your husband can help and you know for sure you can get a nap in.

By this time my kids are eating a few meals or snacks of solid food. I start giving them a sippy at their meals; I prefer the Nubby brand because all they have to do it chew on it to get liquid out. I use mostly water with a splash of juice or organic whole milk. I don’t give my kids formula.

2 weeks later
Now you need to look at your day and see where you can start cutting out feedings or doubling up. My kids mostly nurse on one side each feeding. So after the night feeding is cut out, they are still nursing about 8-9 times a day. I look at my feeding schedule and start feeding them on both sides and using distraction to keep them longer between feedings. Here is an example of the morning feedings at our house…

4:30am nurse
7:00am  nurse
9:00am nurse
11:00 nurse
1:00 nurse

So I would nurse on both sides at 7:00 and cut out the 9:00 feeding. Maybe you need to nurse at 10:30 instead of  11:00 but you can then feed them a bigger lunch and offer the sippy more, to keep them from nursing until 1.

2 weeks later
Cut out another feeding. Here is an example from our afternoon feedings.

1:00 nurse
4:00 nurse
6:00 nurse
8:00 nurse
9:30 nurse

For this I would nurse both sides at 4:00 and cut out the 6:00 feeding offering food and the sippy instead. Then I would move the 8:00 feeding to 7:30 and the 9:30 to 9:00. See, now not only am I nursing one less time, but bedtime got moved a half hour earlier!

2 weeks later
Keep up the same pattern and cut out one more feeding. Just keep on combining feedings and/or replacing nursing with meals or snacks and the sippy. I really try to mostly give my kids Organic Whole Milk rather than water but, I keep a water sippy in my purse.

Naptime and bedtime I usually keep the naptime and bedtime feedings for my last ones. It gives me lots of time to get the baby ready for this transition. When you start weaning is the perfect time to really get your bedtime routine set. You are already tweaking their schedule, so why not make bedtime and naptime easier for you?! Once you night wean your child you have the hardest step done, you have taught them (and you) that you can get them to sleep without nursing. Now you need to simply create a sleeping routine (if you don’t already have one)

At the Prairie Homestead we start out by saying “It’s time for night night!” We change the baby’s diaper (get on jammies for bed) and grab their favorite blanket or stuffed animal and sit for a story. We rock and read and then sing them a lullaby, followed by nursing. Then we put them in their crib, turn on the mobile, and head for the hills. By the time my kids are 9 months old, I do the 10 minute rule. I let the baby cry for 10 minutes and then go in and rock them, and repeat as much as needed. Honestly I can count on one hand the number of times with each kid I ever even needed to go in.

When it’s time to cut out a naptime of bedtime nursing simply follow your regular routine minus the nursing at the end. When I do this with my kids, the first few times they look at me as if to say “wait am I missing something?” but, they never really get upset.

Sick baby This can be a struggle when you are weaning, and it’s up to you how you handle the situation. When babies are sick they want to nurse more and you need to make the call. If it is just a cold I often don’t’ give in and just simply snuggle and rock them when they are fussy. With a tummy bug I get concerned about dehydration and go back to nursing whenever they want. I have found that within a day or so of them feeling better we naturally (with just a little tweaking from me) go right back to where we were before the baby got sick.

Hope this helps those of you that are looking for some guidance. I would love to hear any other tips or tricks that have helped you to wean your babies! Feel free to post any questions too! And remember, you need to do what works for your family. If you start to wean your baby and decided it isn’t the right choice for you, listen to your instincts. No one knows better than you what is right for your family! If you should choose not to nurse I hope my tips for How to NOT Nurse Your Baby were helpful.

 


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    I bet the title of this already has some people steaming, but I ask you to hang in there with me for a minute. My main advice for mothers is always “Do what is right for your family.” I want it to be clear that all my advice in this blog is what has worked for me. It might be right, it might be wrong, it might help you, and it might not. Take what advice you want and leave what you don’t.Until I became pregnant with the future Cowboy J, I had never put any thought into the whole nursing thing. I was the youngest of four, and even though I knew that Ma had nursed us all, I had never seen it. I had actually never seen anyonenursing a baby, until I went to a friend of The Cowboy’s house, and his wife was nursing her toddler. I was newly pregnant and in the course of chatting with her, she asked if I planned on nursing. I was honest and said I hadn’t thought about it. But, sure I guessed I would. It seemed the easiest and cheapest way, and she had filled my head with all the amazing health benefits. She also invited me to a local Le Leche Leauge (LLL) meeting. As most modern mothers do, I went home and started to read up on how to nurse. I became more and more convinced that it was the best thing for me. When I talked to The Cowboy he assured me that it was the way to go. After all, look at how handsome and strong he turned out…I called Ma and asked her, she said she nursed until we had teeth, I felt like that was a perfect goal for me. I attend a LLL meeting towards the end of my pregnancy and was thrilled with the casual atmosphere, and wealth of knowledge these mothers had to offer.
    

    


    

(I could go on for about 50,000 more words about my experiences as a new nursing mother, but you’ll have to just keep on coming by to read those posts. I’m trying to stay focused on my main topic.)

I struggled a lot (understatement of the century) at first to nurse Cowboy J but eventually we got the hang of things. He had his first tooth at 4 months, and I decided that I wasn’t ready to wean him, so I kept on going. Then he hit 9 months and I decided that as much as I loved our nursing relationship, I needed to start weaning him. We were planning on trying for another baby soon, and I wanted a few months of my body to myself, before I had another human living off me again (I say this with love). So I went to my next LLL meeting with the intention of asking for their ideas. Their aid had been invaluable to me those overwhelming first months, and I had continued to attend meetings pretty regularly. I asked them for help, and met with a whole lot of information on baby led weaning (basically let the baby nurse until he decided to stop) but no support or advice for how I could actively wean my baby. I left the meeting feeling <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">guilty for being so selfish, how could I want to end my nursing relationship with my baby?! I found myself questioning my ability to be a good mother. It was hard enough on me to be a working mother, and now I wanted to put myself first again, how dare I?!

But, then I thought about it some more (and cried) and decided I was being a good mother. I was keeping my relationship with my baby a positive one that benefited both of us. The Cowboy wanted to go away on a long weekend together, and Ireally wanted to!  I didn’t want to be the mom that resented her children and lost herself. I ignored the negativity, trusted my instincts, and made the choice that I felt was right for my family.

At that time I couldn’t find any useful information on how to <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">not nurse your baby, so I just followed my instincts. I slowly cut out one feeding after another (more details will follow) until Cowboy J’s first birthday, which was the last time I nursed him. With all of the other Cowkids I have done the same thing, and Cowbaby is down to two feedings a day. I had a reader contact me last week, asking me if I had any advice about weaning. And frankly, I have had more friends (and their friends pointed my direction) ask for advice about weaning, than I have had ask me for help on how to nurse! Before I map it out I have to add one more thing. I struggle with mastitis (another post for another day), because of this I couldn’t just quit nursing cold turkey. I need to mention that I know of lots of mothers that just simply stop one day and give their children a sippy cup or bottle instead. This would literally kill me. So, don’t forget that stopping nursing cold turkey is an option for you too!

I go on a two week schedule where I cut out a feeding every two weeks. This means I only have two days of being uncomfortably full (it takes about two days for your milk supply to regulate) and I don’t have to worry about mastitis.

9 months
Before I start to actively wean my kids I nurse them whenever and wherever they want. When they show an interest in food and can sit up (this has been different each kid) I feed them homemade baby food. I start out by <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">night weaning my babies; this is the hardest one for me, so I do it when I’m the most determined. You need to decide what you idea of night is. Around here it means that I won’t nurse the baby between 9:30pm and 4:30 am. I personally don’t let my babies cry it out at night, so when they fuss I still go into their room and rock and sing to them, but <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">no nursing! I choose not to offer them a bottle or sippy either, I don’t want to have another habit to break. For me the first two days are the hardest, the baby cries, I cry, it’s rough. By then end of the first week we all have the routine down and it’s not traumatic anymore. I recommend starting on a Friday night so your husband can help and you know for sure you can get a nap in.

By this time my kids are eating a few meals or snacks of solid food. I start giving them a sippy at their meals; I prefer the Nubby brand because all they have to do it chew on it to get liquid out. I use mostly water with a splash of juice or organic whole milk. I don’t give my kids formula.

2 weeks later
Now you need to look at your day and see where you can start cutting out feedings or doubling up. My kids mostly nurse on one side each feeding. So after the night feeding is cut out, they are still nursing about 8-9 times a day. I look at my feeding schedule and start feeding them on both sides and using distraction to keep them longer between feedings. Here is an example of the morning feedings at our house…

4:30am nurse
7:00am  nurse
9:00am nurse
11:00 nurse
1:00 nurse

So I would nurse on both sides at 7:00 and cut out the 9:00 feeding. Maybe you need to nurse at 10:30 instead of  11:00 but you can then feed them a bigger lunch and offer the sippy more, to keep them from nursing until 1.

2 weeks later
Cut out another feeding. Here is an example from our afternoon feedings.

1:00 nurse
4:00 nurse
6:00 nurse
8:00 nurse
9:30 nurse

For this I would nurse both sides at 4:00 and cut out the 6:00 feeding offering food and the sippy instead. Then I would move the 8:00 feeding to 7:30 and the 9:30 to 9:00. See, now not only am I nursing one less time, but bedtime got moved a half hour earlier!

2 weeks later
Keep up the same pattern and cut out one more feeding. Just keep on combining feedings and/or replacing nursing with meals or snacks and the sippy. I really try to mostly give my kids Organic Whole Milk rather than water but, I keep a water sippy in my purse.

Naptime and bedtime I usually keep the naptime and bedtime feedings for my last ones. It gives me lots of time to get the baby ready for this transition. When you start weaning is the perfect time to really get your bedtime routine set. You are already tweaking their schedule, so why not make bedtime and naptime easier for you?! Once you night wean your child you have the hardest step done, you have taught them (and you) that you can get them to sleep without nursing. Now you need to simply create a sleeping routine (if you don’t already have one)

At the Prairie Homestead we start out by saying “It’s time for night night!” We change the baby’s diaper (get on jammies for bed) and grab their favorite blanket or stuffed animal and sit for a story. We rock and read and then sing them a lullaby, followed by nursing. Then we put them in their crib, turn on the mobile, and head for the hills. By the time my kids are 9 months old, I do the 10 minute rule. I let the baby cry for 10 minutes and then go in and rock them, and repeat as much as needed. Honestly I can count on one hand the number of times with each kid I ever even needed to go in.

When it’s time to cut out a naptime of bedtime nursing simply follow your regular routine minus the nursing at the end. When I do this with my kids, the first few times they look at me as if to say “wait am I missing something?” but, they never really get upset.

Sick baby This can be a struggle when you are weaning, and it’s up to <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">you how you handle the situation. When babies are sick they want to nurse more and you need to make the call. If it is just a cold I often don’t’ give in and just simply snuggle and rock them when they are fussy. With a tummy bug I get concerned about dehydration and go back to nursing whenever they want. I have found that within a day or so of them feeling better we naturally (with just a little tweaking from me) go right back to where we were before the baby got sick.

Hope this helps those of you that are looking for some guidance. I would love to hear any other tips or tricks that have helped you to wean your babies! Feel free to post any questions too! And remember, you need to do what works for your family. If you start to wean your baby and decided it isn’t the right choice for you, listen to your instincts. No one knows better than you what is right for your family!


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		Highlighting and Contouring
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/highlighting-and-contouring/
		Mon, 27 Jan 2014 15:40:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=276
		
		
If you have spent any amount of time on Pinterest over the last year, I guarantee that you have heard of highlighting. Most of us have seen that picture of a beautiful model or celebrity with streaks of white and dark brown makeup all over her face. Followed by an after picture where her already chiseled cheekbones look even more sculpted, and her eyes look as crisp and clear as a Spring morning (cue the birdsong). Whatever…I could look like that too if I had a professional styling team and a night nanny! But, I’ve been reading all about it in my magazines, forget articles on “how to do the smoky eye”, now it’s all about highlighting. As I have started following more and more style blogs (once you start it is very addicting so beware) I’ve been exposed to more and more YouTube videos, and I admit it, I’ve been sucked in. I mean how great would it be, if all I needed to finally start that lucrative modeling career (this is a joke BTW) is a little bit of highlighting?

So I gave into the hype and hit Pinterest on a mission, to find the best and easiest highlighting tutorial. After hours of looking (thank God for Playhouse Disney) I found one at hairsprayandhighheels.net which is now one of my favorite blogs to check in on every week! Angela Peters did exactly what I’m doing, she saw a “how to” video that she liked and tried it and then wrote about it for her readers. Which I obviously support, I mean really why reinvent the wheel? Plus the makeup items she used are all available at your local drugstore, which means I could afford to give it a try, and I could simply pick up the items when I ran errands that week.

Flawless Face: Subtle Highlight + Contour Tutorial



I watched the video twice, then went out to buy my supplies. I chose a lighter Maybelline FIT Me Shine Free Foundation color than recommended, for my contouring, because I fell like I am pale, pale…pale. I already had a highlighter of my own and matte powder (I’ll list what I used below). I got home and waited until the Cowkids and Cowbaby went to bed. I watched the video yet again and then headed to the bathroom. I took a before selfie and got to work. It was relatively easy to do, though of course more time consuming than my normal date night makeup routine. I took an after selfie and compared the two. I couldn’t see a thing different, other than my makeup looked a little thicker than usual, which is not what I was going for. It was actually, all things considered an epic fail. All the time and money, and no chiseled cheekbones or youthful eyes!

Being a Prairie Wife I don’t give up easily, so I watched the video again. I decided that maybe I had been a little too cautious in getting my defining color, and obviously I needed some help. I called my go to girl TallGirlJ, invited her over for dinner and some makeup experimenting and hit the drug store again for some darker makeup. This time it was way more fun, we were giggling like teenagers as we did the makeup, even our daughters were laughing right along with us. And the results were way better. Especially when we got out of the harsh bathroom lights and into the real world. Then the difference was obvious. I mean let’s be honest, we weren’t suddenly going to be mistaken for Kim Kardashian or anything, but we did look more polished. It moved our normal date night look from subtle to sophisticated. That first night it probably added an extra 5 minutes to my regular date night makeup routine. Now that I have a little practice it has barley added a minute!

I did a few things differently than the video and blog recommended. I used a few different products than they did, mostly because I already had the same basic product, just a different brand (see the list below). I started out by doing my regular prep and primer routine and used my normal foundation rather than the product she recommends. Watch the video at least twice before you try it! I have noticed that you definitely have to make sure you do heavier eye makeup with this look, or you tend to look a little washed out. I used my highlighter powder and lightly layered it over the other makeup; under my eyebrows, the inner corner of my eyes, and on top of my cheekbones. TallGirlJ has added just the highlighter tricks to her everyday makeup routine and it makes her look fresh and amazing! Make sure you take a look at yourself in natural or “normal” light to make sure it is all blended correctly, and that you have the look you want. I say give this a try, but practice these makeup tricks a few times before you head out on date night with it!

Picture
From Left to Right and Top to Bottom

Highlighter-Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Highlighter Stick in Sparkling Sands, Target

Foundation- Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup in Shade 5.0, Ulta.com

Makeup Sponge-SOHO Beauty Sponge, Walmart

Blush- Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin, Walmart (I have to add that this is the most amazing product and color EVER)

Contouring- Maybelline FIT Me Shine-free Foundation in Toffee Caramel, Walmart

Highlighting Powder- Two Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder Duo, Ulta.com

Finishing Powder- Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finishing Powder in Medium, Ulta.com

Have you tried highlighting and contouring? How did it work for you?]]>
		
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			hairsprayandhighheels.net which is now one of my favorite blogs to check in on every week! Angela Peters did exactly what I’m doing, she saw a “how to” video that she liked and tried it and then wrote about it for her readers. Which I obviously support, I mean really why reinvent the wheel? Plus the makeup items she used are all available at your local drugstore, which means I could afford to give it a try, and I could simply pick up the items when I ran errands that week.[/text][video source= "youtube" url= "http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UZgsb2ns5uM&feature=player_embedded"][text ]
    I watched the video twice, then went out to buy my supplies. I chose a lighter Maybelline FIT Me Shine Free Foundation color than recommended, for my contouring, because I fell like I am pale, pale…pale. I already had a highlighter of my own and matte powder (I’ll list what I used below). I got home and waited until the Cowkids and Cowbaby went to bed. I watched the video yet again and then headed to the bathroom. I took a before selfie and got to work. It was relatively easy to do, though of course more time consuming than my normal date night makeup routine. I took an after selfie and compared the two. I couldn’t see a thing different, other than my makeup looked a little thicker than usual, which is not what I was going for. It was actually, all things considered an epic fail. All the time and money, and no chiseled cheekbones or youthful eyes!

Being a Prairie Wife I don’t give up easily, so I watched the video again. I decided that maybe I had been a little too cautious in getting my defining color, and obviously I needed some help. I called my go to girl TallGirlJ, invited her over for dinner and some makeup experimenting and hit the drug store again for some darker makeup. This time it was way more fun, we were giggling like teenagers as we did the makeup, even our daughters were laughing right along with us. And the results were way better. Especially when we got out of the harsh bathroom lights and into the real world. Then the difference was obvious. I mean let’s be honest, we weren’t suddenly going to be mistaken for Kim Kardashian or anything, but we did look more polished. It moved our normal date night look from subtle to sophisticated. That first night it probably added an extra 5 minutes to my regular date night makeup routine. Now that I have a little practice it has barley added a minute!

I did a few things differently than the video and blog recommended. I used a few different products than they did, mostly because I already had the same basic product, just a different brand (see the list below). I started out by doing my regular prep and primer routine and used my normal foundation rather than the product she recommends. Watch the video at least twice before you try it! I have noticed that you definitely have to make sure you do heavier eye makeup with this look, or you tend to look a little washed out. I used my highlighter powder and lightly layered it over the other makeup; under my eyebrows, the inner corner of my eyes, and on top of my cheekbones. TallGirlJ has added just the highlighter tricks to her everyday makeup routine and it makes her look fresh and amazing! Make sure you take a look at yourself in natural or “normal” light to make sure it is all blended correctly, and that you have the look you want. I say give this a try, but practice these makeup tricks a few times before you head out on date night with it!
    

    

    Picture

    

    

    

    From Left to Right and Top to Bottom

Highlighter-Sonia Kashuk Chic Luminosity Highlighter Stick in Sparkling Sands, Target
Foundation- Urban Decay Naked Skin Weightless Ultra Definition Liquid Makeup in Shade 5.0, Ulta.com
Makeup Sponge-SOHO Beauty Sponge, Walmart
Blush- Maybelline Dream Bouncy Blush in Peach Satin, Walmart (I have to add that this is the most amazing product and color EVER)
Contouring- Maybelline FIT Me Shine-free Foundation in Toffee Caramel, Walmart
Highlighting Powder- Two Faced Candlelight Glow Highlighting Powder Duo, Ulta.com
Finishing Powder- Naked Skin Ultra Definition Pressed Finsihing Powder in Medium, Ulta.com
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		Winner of the YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week, Feb 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winner-of-the-you-pick-prairie-wife-of-the-week-feb-2014/
		Sun, 26 Jan 2014 15:24:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=278
		
		Quiet Life which I visit every week (sometimes more). Ms. Boucher offers me a little inner peace each time I stop by, I enjoy her beautiful pictures, candid mussing about her life, and willingness to laugh.

I frankly wasn’t too surprised when Prairie Faith nominated Ms. Boucher for our YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week; after all she was the one who first recommended I stop by Quiet Life. One of my mantras is “you never know until you try” so I sent an e-mail to Ms. Boucher to see if she would be kind enough to accept the nomination and allow me to interview her for our YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the week. I cannot even begin to put in words, the excitement and gratitude I felt, when she emailed me back and agreed to allow me to interview her!

So, I am pleased to announce, that the winner of the PraireWifeInHeels.com YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week is Donna Boucher of Quiet Life. Her interview will be posted the first Friday of February as part of our “We Love Our Readers” month. Please take a moment to stop by her site, you’ll be glad you did, and let her know that Prairie Wife sent you!

I am fairly new to this whole blogging thing, after all I didn’t start until almost the end of October last year! But, I have learned through my own journey as a blogger to truly appreciate excellence in other blogs. Part of what I do as a blogger is to go around and visit my fellow bloggers. I love to read what they are up too, get inspired and have the opportunity to share their ideas with my readers. I have a few favorite bloggers and one of them is a fellow Midwestern gal, Donna Boucher. She has a blog called Quiet Life which I visit every week (sometimes more). Ms. Boucher offers me a little inner peace each time I stop by, I enjoy her beautiful pictures, candid mussing about her life, and willingness to laugh.

I frankly wasn’t too surprised when Prairie Faith nominated Ms. Boucher for our YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week; after all she was the one who first recommended I stop by Quiet Life. One of my mantras is “you never know until you try” so I sent an e-mail to Ms. Boucher to see if she would be kind enough to accept the nomination and allow me to interview her for our YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the week. I cannot even begin to put in words, the excitement and gratitude I felt, when she emailed me back and agreed to allow me to interview her!

So, I am pleased to announce, that the winner of the PraireWifeInHeels.com YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week is Donna Boucher of Quiet Life. Her interview will be posted the first Friday of February as part of our “We Love Our Readers” month. Please take a moment to stop by her site, you’ll be glad you did, and let her know that Prairie Wife sent you!]]>
		
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			Quiet Life which I visit every week (sometimes more). Ms. Boucher offers me a little inner peace each time I stop by, I enjoy her beautiful pictures, candid mussing about her life, and willingness to laugh.

I frankly wasn’t too surprised when Prairie Faith nominated Ms. Boucher for our YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week; after all she was the one who first recommended I stop by Quiet Life. One of my mantras is “you never know until you try” so I sent an e-mail to Ms. Boucher to see if she would be kind enough to accept the nomination and allow me to interview her for our YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the week. I cannot even begin to put in words, the excitement and gratitude I felt, when she emailed me back and agreed to allow me to interview her!

So, I am pleased to announce, that the winner of the PraireWifeInHeels.com YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week is Donna Boucher of Quiet Life. Her interview will be posted the first Friday of February as part of our “We Love Our Readers” month. Please take a moment to stop by her site, you’ll be glad you did, and let her know that Prairie Wife sent you![/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
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		Back in the Saddle Again
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/back-in-the-saddle-again/
		Sat, 25 Jan 2014 14:55:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=280
		
		When Prairie Wife and I discussed taking a little break from the blog the week of Christmas, so we could focus on our family and all the season has to offer, I didn't think it would take me three more weeks before I was able to write my next blog. The good news is that I'm back and wasn't suffering from a severe case of writer's block. In fact, I have a long list of blogs and ideas for PrairieWifeInHeels.com, so be sure to visit us often (Hint, Hint). The bad news? Well, the bad news isn't as bad as it could have been, but I guess I need to start at the beginning...

The Texan and I decided that we would spend the holidays on the Texas coast. Step Girl, Step Boy and Grandbaby totally didn't mind having Santa deliver their gifts by dolphins instead of by reindeer. It was a wonderful, relaxing time, and after the kids hugged us goodbye and headed for home, I pulled out the laptop to work on a PrairieWifeInHeels.com post. A few sentences into the piece, my stomach began to hurt and I felt nauseous. Four hours later The Texan said that although I was a strong woman full of grit and grace, it was time to take me to the urgent care facility so they could figure out what food disagreed with me. After several more hours of being poked and prodded and scanned and suctioned, The Texan and I had to decide if we should travel back home to have the tumor removed from my lower intestines, or have the surgery on the spot.

We are not procrastinators, so I was prepped for surgery right away. All went well, and one of the positives of being in the hospital is I got to spend some time visiting with my wonderful husband, supportive stepchildren, best friends, and family. Everyone took such great care of me! Especially the surgeon who successfully removed the rare, cancerous tumor that was not caused by, or related to, my breast cancer. My oncologist is still doing some testing, but the full body scan was great news-no tumors in any other organs! I've been back at the office for a few weeks, and finally have enough energy to write a couple of blog posts. I even plan to go to Zumba next week!

Being back in the saddle again feels great, but I don't want to lose sight of the many positives that came from this experience. While I am a bit tired of testing the "in sickness and in health" part of our wedding vows, each cancer diagnosis takes The Texan and my appreciation of our life and relationship to a whole new level. I am a bit of a workaholic (OK, more than a bit) but I am renewing my commitment to finding balance, so I can spend as much time as possible with friends and family. I have also become kind of obsessed with anchors, and I have collected some great inspirational quotes to keep me focused. I love to share with my friends and family that I'm Back in the Saddle Again!

You can check out many on our "Words to Inspire" Pinterest board. But, I will leave you with one of my favorites.

Picture

    Do you want a free printable of Texas Two Steppin's inspirational words?
    

    Click on the pic to go to sew.craft.create.com 
    
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			When Prairie Wife and I discussed taking a little break from the blog the week of Christmas, so we could focus on our family and all the season has to offer, I didn't think it would take me three more weeks before I was able to write my next blog. The good news is that I'm back and wasn't suffering from a severe case of writer's block. In fact, I have a long list of blogs and ideas for PrairieWifeInHeels.com, so be sure to visit us often (Hint, Hint). The bad news? Well, the bad news isn't as bad as it could have been, but I guess I need to start at the beginning...

The Texan and I decided that we would spend the holidays on the Texas coast. Step Girl, Step Boy and Grandbaby totally didn't mind having Santa deliver their gifts by dolphins instead of by reindeer. It was a wonderful, relaxing time, and after the kids hugged us goodbye and headed for home, I pulled out the laptop to work on a PrairieWifeInHeels.com post. A few sentences into the piece, my stomach began to hurt and I felt nauseous. Four hours later The Texan said that although I was a strong woman full of grit and grace, it was time to take me to the urgent care facility so they could figure out what food disagreed with me. After several more hours of being poked and prodded and scanned and suctioned, The Texan and I had to decide if we should travel back home to have the tumor removed from my lower intestines, or have the surgery on the spot.

We are not procrastinators, so I was prepped for surgery right away. All went well, and one of the positives of being in the hospital is I got to spend some time visiting with my wonderful husband, supportive stepchildren, best friends, and family. Everyone took such great care of me! Especially the surgeon who successfully removed the rare, cancerous tumor that was not caused by, or related to, my breast cancer. My oncologist is still doing some testing, but the full body scan was great news-no tumors in any other organs! I've been back at the office for a few weeks, and finally have enough energy to write a couple of blog posts. I even plan to go to Zumba next week!

Being back in the saddle feels great, but I don't want to lose sight of the many positives that came from this experience. While I am a bit tired of testing the "in sickness and in health" part of our wedding vows, each cancer diagnosis takes The Texan and my appreciation of our life and relationship to a whole new level. I am a bit of a workaholic (OK, more than a bit) but I am renewing my commitment to finding balance, so I can spend as much time as possible with friends and family. I have also become kind of obsessed with anchors, and I have collected some great inspirational quotes to keep me focused. You can check out many on our "Words to Inspire" Pinterest board. But, I will leave you with one of my favorites.



    

    Picture

    

    

    

    Do you want a free printable of Texas Two Steppin's inspirational words? Click on the pic to go to sew.craft.create.com 
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		Does Your Baby Sleep Through the Night Yet?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/does-your-baby-sleep-through-the-night-yet/
		Wed, 22 Jan 2014 14:12:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=284
		
		As a mother of four kids that are fairly close in age I have heard just about every comment in the world…”Don’t you know how that happens?” “You sure have your hands full!” “Why are you having another one, you already have a boy and a girl?” (Seriously that one was the worst) “How old are you?!” Through the years my pregnant stomach has been molested by more strangers’ hands than I care to think about. At this point, my standard response to them all is “The more the merrier!” and “How old do you think I am?!” I have learned to spot a caressing hand from a mile away and deflect the touches with either my purse, the grocery cart, or whatever child is closest. But without fail, there is one dreaded question I get as a mother that makes me seethe, I mean it seriously makes my blood pressure rise every single time!

Does your baby sleep through the night yet? I need to admit here, that some of my rage probably is hormonal and caused by exhaustion as well. But, I have found that in my experience most of the people that ask this question are just waiting to tell you how fabulously wonderfully long their baby (or grandbaby) sleeps. I always try to cheerfully answer with a “No not yet!” and shrug my shoulders. Only to be told how their baby started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks old, or to receive tons of not helpful in any way advice.

Look I know I am a little touchy about it. The Cowboy knows that when he calls in the morning to talk to the Cowkids, not to ask how I slept, so it’s not just strangers. Here is our family history of bad sleepers… Cowboy J didn't sleep through the night until 9 months, which seemed like it took forever, but in retrospect it was pretty darn good! Cowgirl G started at about 18 months and Cowboy W was still getting up between 2 and 6 times every night until he was 2 years old. I did the same thing with each and every single one of them. Night weaning at 9 months, and I totally wean my kids on their first birthday (not the best present but you know…). I have the same routine for naptime and bedtime of reading a story, singing, and cuddling/nursing. Going down isn’t a problem, they hardly even cry when they get put down in their crib, even after I stop nursing them. Naptime is a joy around here, no troubles at all! It’s the staying asleep for more than two hours that causes the problems…

I have learned to function quite well on four hours of sleep, a term that I have labeled “sleep deprivation mode”. I may occasionally have attack of baby brain, but really most of the time I feel totally fine about not sleeping! I keep it all together around the Prairie Homestead, and have what I consider a pleasant and cheerful attitude. I have come to accept that my children are born without the gene that allows them to have a consistent sleep pattern at night. In my day to day life it really and truly doesn’t bother me that I haven’t had more than 4 hours of sleep in the last 7 years. By kid 3 I knew what I had signed up for.

But, then someone asks me the dreaded question “Does your baby sleep through the night yet?” and something happens. I start to think about how little sleep I do get, and how many times I was up with the baby the last few nights. I start to wonder how much more productive I could be with more sleep. And then I get to hear about how much sleep they are getting, and they start to offer me advice. I get that they are just trying to share their wisdom with me. I am sure that as they look at my heavy exhausted eyes, they are struck instantly with the need to help. But seriously if I have to listen to their well meaning words of wisdom one more time I might scream! Here are the top 5 things they tend to say followed by my inner monologue in parentheses…

1. If you give the baby solids they will sleep! (Because my 18 month old that still wasn’t sleeping through the night was on a totally liquid diet? Doesn’t work! Giving my kids solids had made no difference in anything other than their poop)

2. You can’t nurse them to sleep, that ruins them (I nursed Cowboy J to sleep and he slept through the night just fine at 9 months! Are you kidding me? Who in their right mind is going to wake up a baby after it falls asleep (which my kids always do when they nurse) just to wake it up, and then put it back to sleep?)

3. They need to sleep with you or They need to sleep away from you (I can’t have a baby sleep in bed with me all night long, I just don’t sleep as well. I know bed sharing works for tons of people, and I have been known to grab my kid at 4:00am and bring them into our bed but, for all night long, all the time…not for me. They sleep next to me in a bassinet for the first four months and then into their own room they go. This room change has never resulted in more or less sleep than before, just more calories burned as I get in and out of bed and walk down the hall.)

4. You need to keep their daytime schedule consistent. (Anyone that knows me is aware that I am very scheduled. It’s partly due to my ex-teacher status but mostly it’s just who I am. Around here my girlfriends call me the “Nap Nazi”. And with 4 kids and just me most days, you better believe that naptime and bedtime are always on time!)

5. You can’t let it be too quiet, they sleep better with noise or Do you try and keep the noise level down? (So the quiet/noise thing…where to start? Bedtime is pretty quiet around here, after all everyone is asleep! And nighttime on the prairie is pretty darn quiet other than the odd coyote call. Maybe too quiet you say? I turn on the baby’s mobile and I have a fan going at all times in the baby’s room because I am super afraid of SIDS, and fans have been proven to reduce the risk.)

SO thanks for your help I really appreciate it but trust me, if there is a trick to get babies to sleep through the night I have probably tried it, and it hasn’t worked. And I have driven myself to the brink of insanity more times that I care to admit trying to figure out just what I did or didn’t do to get my baby to sleep. In the end I have just learned to accept it and slather on the undereye cream. And if you ever see me please don’t ask if the baby sleeps through the night yet, you might be the unlucky straw that breaks this camel’s back…]]>
		
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			are you?!” Through the years my pregnant stomach has been molested by more strangers’ hands than I care to think about. At this point, my standard response to them all is “The more the merrier!” and “How old do you think I am?!” I have learned to spot a caressing hand from a mile away and deflect the touches with either my purse, the grocery cart, or whatever child is closest. But without fail, there is one dreaded question I get as a mother that makes me seethe, I mean it <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">seriously makes my blood pressure rise every single time!

“Does the baby sleep through the night yet?” I need to admit here, that some of my rage probably is hormonal and caused by exhaustion as well. But, I have found that in my experience most of the people that ask this question are just waiting to tell you how fabulously wonderfully long their baby (or grandbaby) sleeps. I always try to cheerfully answer with a “No not yet!” and shrug my shoulders. Only to be told how <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">their baby started sleeping through the night at 6 weeks old, or to receive tons of not helpful in any way advice.

Look I know I am a little touchy about it. The Cowboy knows that when he calls in the morning to talk to the Cowkids, not to ask how I slept, so it’s not just strangers. Here is our family history of bad sleepers… Cowboy J didn't sleep through the night until 9 months, which seemed like it took forever, but in retrospect it was pretty darn good! Cowgirl G started at about 18 months and Cowboy W was still getting up between 2 and 6 times <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">every night until he was 2 years old. I did the same thing with each and every single one of them. Night weaning at 9 months, and I totally wean my kids on their first birthday (not the best present but you know…). I have the same routine for naptime and bedtime of reading a story, singing, and cuddling/nursing. Going down isn’t a problem, they hardly even cry when they get put down in their crib, even after I stop nursing them. Naptime is a joy around here, no troubles at all! It’s the staying asleep for more than two hours that causes the problems…

I have learned to function quite well on four hours of sleep, a term that I have labeled “sleep deprivation mode”. I may occasionally have attack of baby brain, but really most of the time I feel totally fine about not sleeping! I keep it all together around the Prairie Homestead, and have what I consider a pleasant and cheerful attitude. I have come to accept that my children are born without the gene that allows them to have a consistent sleep pattern at night. In my day to day life it really and truly doesn’t bother me that I haven’t had more than 4 hours of sleep in the last 7 years. By kid 3 I knew what I had signed up for.

But, then someone asks me the dreaded question “Does your baby sleep through the night yet?” and something happens. I start to think about how little sleep I do get, and how many times I was up with the baby the last few nights. I start to wonder how much more productive I could be with more sleep. And then I get to hear about how much sleep <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">they are getting, and they start to offer me advice. I get that they are just trying to share their wisdom with me. I am sure that as they look at my heavy exhausted eyes, they are struck instantly with the need to help. But seriously if I have to listen to their well meaning words of wisdom one more time I might scream! Here are the top 5 things they tend to say followed by my inner monologue in parentheses…

1. If you give the baby solids they will sleep! (Because my 18 month old that still wasn’t sleeping through the night was on a totally liquid diet? Doesn’t work! Giving my kids solids had made no difference in anything other than their poop)

2. You can’t nurse them to sleep, that ruins them (I nursed Cowboy J to sleep and he slept through the night just fine at 9 months! Are you kidding me? Who in their right mind is going to wake up a baby after it falls asleep (which my kids always do when they nurse) just to wake it up, and then put it back to sleep?)

3. They need to sleep with you <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">or They need to sleep away from you (I can’t have a baby sleep in bed with me all night long, I just don’t sleep as well. I know bed sharing works for tons of people, and I have been known to grab my kid at 4:00am and bring them into our bed but, for all night long, all the time…not for me. They sleep next to me in a bassinet for the first four months and then into their own room they go. This room change has never resulted in more or less sleep than before, just more calories burned as I get in and out of bed and walk down the hall.)

4. You need to keep their daytime schedule consistent. (Anyone that knows me is aware that I am very scheduled. It’s partly due to my ex-teacher status but mostly it’s just who I am. Around here my girlfriends call me the “Nap Nazi”. And with 4 kids and just me most days, you better believe that naptime and bedtime are always on time!)

5. You can’t let it be too quiet, they sleep better with noise or Do you try and keep the noise level down? (So the quiet/noise thing…where to start? Bedtime is pretty quiet around here, after all everyone is asleep! And nighttime on the prairie is pretty darn quiet other than the odd coyote call. Maybe too quiet you say? I turn on the baby’s mobile and I have a fan going at all times in the baby’s room because I am super afraid of SIDS, and fans have been proven to reduce the risk.)

SO thanks for your help I really appreciate it but trust me, if there is a trick to get babies to sleep through the night I have probably tried it, and it hasn’t worked. And I have driven myself to the brink of insanity more times that I care to admit trying to figure out just what I did or didn’t do to get my baby to sleep. In the end I have just learned to accept it and slather on the undereye cream. And if you ever see me please don’t ask if the baby sleeps through the night yet, you might be the unlucky straw that breaks this camel’s back…[/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
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		Put Some Spring into Your Wardrobe
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/put-some-spring-into-your-wardrobe/
		Mon, 20 Jan 2014 15:28:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=286
		
		


Picture

    Macy's-Le Suit Skirt, Pleated Hem Pencil Skirt
    
Picture

    Target- Mossimo Woman's Cropped Ankle Skinny Denim
    
Picture

    Amazon.com-Seven for all Mankind Josephina Skinny Jean
    



Accessories are a super easy, cost efficient, and fun way to add some Spring into your wardrobe. As I was walking through Target a few weeks ago I saw these bright colored accessories and I just HAD to have them. They add just the right amount of zing to my Winter wardrobe but, are practical with the below zero Wyoming weather that is still ahead! The bright green of the loafers makes them chic not old lady, and what says Spring better than cheerful polka dots and a bold floral pattern?! I've already worn the green loafers with a pair of skinny jeans and a bright colored sweatshirt (and gotten a ton of compliments). I can't wait to wear my floral scarf with a nice white t-shirt, my light wash denim jeans, a pair of heels and my sunglasses...I can hear the birds singing now!

    


    
Picture

    Target- Merona Classic Dot Scarf-Red
    		
Picture

    Target- Mossimo Supply Co. Lark Moccasin
    		
Picture

    Target- Merona Floral Scarf-Blue
    		

    
    

    
How are you going to put some Spring into your wardrobe?]]>    
		
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			I admit that having Spring in the title of this post is a little optimistic, and in Wyoming about four month premature. But, if your anything like me, once it's the middle of January you start dreaming of warmer weather. I find myself on Pinterest lusting after bright floral skirts without tights and knee high boots minus thick wool socks. Silly right, when I spent hours last fall pinning outfit ideas with those same thick wool socks, dreaming about cozy sweaters and knit hats!

One of the best ways for me to make it through these next few months of cold is to inject my wardrobe with a few hints of Spring. Nothing lifts my spirits better than a cute pair of bright shoes, or a little bit of floral added to my outfit! Then, when Spring really and truly does come, it's easy to just pick up a few more key pieces to update my looks and prepare for the sunny skies and my warm weather ahead!

As always click on the pic to go right to the site

There are two things on my wish list right now, a classy and chic light colored pencil skirt and light wash jeans. Both add a little bit of Spring into my Wardrobe with their light colors, but are practical for year round wear. Simply add a cute sweater, tights, and ankle boots to the skirt for cold weather. To bring the skirt into Spring wear it with a nice floral blouse and strappy sandals! The jeans are a nice way to lighten up your wardrobe but still stay nice and warm! The light colored jeans in the middle are perfect to dress up or down. They will look perfect with a pair of knee high boots and a nice t-shirt and blazer this Winter and a bright tank and some sandals in the Spring and Summer. I just had to add the ripped jeans because I just LOVE them!



    

    

    

    


    


    

    Picture

    

    

    

    Macy's-Le Suit Skirt, Pleated Hem Pencil Skirt
    		


    

    Picture

    

    

    

    Target- Mossimo Woman's Cropped Ankle Skinny Denim
    		


    

    Picture

    

    

    

    Amazon.com-Seven for all Mankind Josephina Skinny Jean
    		

    
    

    

    

    

    

    Accessories are a super easy, cost efficient, and fun way to add some Spring into your wardrobe. As I was walking through Target a few weeks ago I saw these bright colored accessories and I just HAD to have them. They add just the right amount of zing to my Winter wardrobe but, are practical with the below zero Wyoming weather that is still ahead! The bright green of the loafers makes them chic not old lady, and what says Spring better than cheerful polka dots and a bold floral pattern?! I've already worn the green loafers with a pair of skinny jeans and a bright colored sweatshirt (and gotten a ton of compliments). I can't wait to wear my floral scarf with a nice white t-shirt, my light wash denim jeans, a pair of heels and my sunglasses...I can hear the birds singing now!
    

    

    

    

    


    


    

    Picture

    

    

    

    Target- Merona Classic Dot Scarf-Red
    		


    

    Picture

    

    

    

    Target- Mossimo Supply Co. Lark Moccasin
    		


    

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    Target- Merona Floral Scarf-Blue
    		

    
    

    

    

    

    

    What clothing item do you have that adds Spring into your wardrobe?
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		Bribery Works for Me
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/bribery-works-for-me/
		Sun, 19 Jan 2014 14:05:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?p=288
		
		fresh New Year’s resolutions this year, my workout/health resolution was the same as every year. To get back on track.

Everyone is different, and I get that and while the following works for me you might need to tone it down or amp it up depending on your weight and health goals. I’m just going to share what works for me here on the Prairie Homestead.  I officially lost all the weight from Cowbaby months ago, and my routine for the last few months is what I needed to do to keep myself at my bodies happy weight (give or take a few pounds). I have had to cut back a little on my portion size since I am weaning Cowbaby and no longer need an extra 500 plus calories a day. But, I find that my appetite normally diminishes as his number of feedings go down. Living 30 minutes out of town means we hardly ever eat out, and I cook most of my meals and treats from scratch (homemade cookies have no calories). So really my main focus these last few weeks has been getting back into my workout routine, and I am here to say I am barely squeaking it in. And sucking at it…

It is just not realistic for me to go to the gym, so I normally work out by running outside down our dirt road or DVD’s, even 20 minutes on the Wii Fit counts in my book. My goal was to workout 20-30 minutes at least twice a week and shoot for three times. I added 10 minutes of yoga everyday because I have been feeling especially vulnerable to the winter blues and yoga really helps combat the symptoms of SADD for me. I know right? Two days a week for 30 minutes should be a piece of cake. But in all honesty it’s been really hard for me. Weather has a lot to do with it, it’s been freezing and windy. That means running is out and I have to spend more time getting the kids to and from school. Excuses excuses I know…So, I decided to do what I always do when I need to do something but am struggling with motivation…I use self bribery (this is probably not the correct term but you know what I mean).

I first learned about this technique from my 8th grade teacher (and one of my favorite people) Mr. Taylor. One day during class he told us how in college he had a class he didn’t like to go to. So, he decided that if he went to class, he would get to go get a slice of pie (or maybe it was cheesecake) at a local café as a treat. I filed the story away for later use, in 8th grade I still relied on my parents for motivation and bribery. I started to really use self bribery on myself after I had kids. Nothing sucks out your motivation faster than weeks of no sleep, and a screaming colicky baby.

For example, when all my chores are done on housecleaning day, I throw Cowboy W in front of the TV and enjoy my cup of tea and magazine guilt free. When I was trying to lose the baby weight from Cowboy W the Keurig was brand new, and <strong> man did I want one</strong>. I could have just gone out and bought it, but instead I set up a goal. Workout three times a week for three months, and I can get it…I’m sipping my fresh Keurig brewed cup of coffee as I type this. This year I planned to get back on track during Christmas break, but  when I realized that I had gone yet another week without meeting my goals, I decided it was time to get real and use my secret weapon of self bribery.

The kids Cowgranny gave me a gift card to one of my favorite stores (TJMaxx) for Christmas, I couldn’t wait to spend it (and maybe a little more). The Cowboy and I are headed on two trips without the kids this Spring, and I am chomping at the bit to get some new clothes. I want to look as good as I can as we head out on our vacation, and March is only weeks away! So I hit myself where it hurts the most, no buying any clothes for myself until I workout 6 weeks in a row at least two times a week and do 10 minutes of Yoga a day. Spending freezes are always good self bribery for me, it makes me more conscious when I do go shopping again and it gives me time to make up a list of what I really want (I’ll be sharing that with you next week). This time I have a gift card to dangle in front of myself too!

I am proud to say that I am into week one of my 6 week challenge and no problems yet. I was actually into week 3 but then I skipped a few yoga days. For self bribery to work you have to be honest with yourself…It’s probably not really motivating to hear that I am back to square one right?  But hey, if I stick to it this time, I’ll still have plenty of time for all my online orders to get to the Prairie Homestead before we have to head to the airport!

Check out our Health and Motivation Board on Pinterest for more tips and tricks]]>
		
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			fresh New Year’s resolutions this year, my workout/health resolution was the same as every year. To get back on track.

Everyone is different, and I get that and while the following works for me you might need to tone it down or amp it up depending on your weight and health goals. I’m just going to share what works for me here on the Prairie Homestead.  I officially lost all the weight from Cowbaby months ago, and my routine for the last few months is what I needed to do to keep myself at my bodies happy weight (give or take a few pounds). I have had to cut back a little on my portion size since I am weaning Cowbaby and no longer need an extra 500 plus calories a day. But, I find that my appetite normally diminishes as his number of feedings go down. Living 30 minutes out of town means we hardly ever eat out, and I cook most of my meals and treats from scratch (homemade cookies have no calories). So really my main focus these last few weeks has been getting back into my workout routine, and I am here to say I am barely squeaking it in. And sucking at it…

It is just not realistic for me to go to the gym, so I normally work out by running outside down our dirt road or DVD’s, even 20 minutes on the Wii Fit counts in my book. My goal was to workout 20-30 minutes at least twice a week and shoot for three times. I added 10 minutes of yoga everyday because I have been feeling especially vulnerable to the winter blues and yoga really helps combat the symptoms of SADD for me. I know right? Two days a week for 30 minutes should be a piece of cake. But in all honesty it’s been really hard for me. Weather has a lot to do with it, it’s been freezing and windy. That means running is out and I have to spend more time getting the kids to and from school. Excuses excuses I know…So, I decided to do what I always do when I need to do something but am struggling with motivation…I use self bribery (this is probably not the correct term but you know what I mean).

I first learned about this technique from my 8th grade teacher (and one of my favorite people) Mr. Taylor. One day during class he told us how in college he had a class he didn’t like to go to. So, he decided that if he went to class, he would get to go get a slice of pie (or maybe it was cheesecake) at a local café as a treat. I filed the story away for later use, in 8th grade I still relied on my parents for motivation and bribery. I started to really use self bribery on myself after I had kids. Nothing sucks out your motivation faster than weeks of no sleep, and a screaming colicky baby.

For example, when all my chores are done on housecleaning day, I throw Cowboy W in front of the TV and enjoy my cup of tea and magazine guilt free. When I was trying to lose the baby weight from Cowboy W the Keurig was brand new, and <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">mandid I want one. I could have just gone out and bought it, but instead I set up a goal. Workout three times a week for three months, and I can get it…I’m sipping my fresh Keurig brewed cup of coffee as I type this. This year I planned to get back on track during Christmas break, but  when I realized that I had gone yet another week without meeting my goals, I decided it was time to get real and use my secret weapon of self bribery.

The kids Cowgranny gave me a gift card to one of my favorite stores (TJMaxx) for Christmas, I couldn’t wait to spend it (and maybe a little more). The Cowboy and I are headed on two trips without the kids this Spring, and I am chomping at the bit to get some new clothes. I want to look as good as I can as we head out on our vacation, and March is only weeks away! So I hit myself where it hurts the most, no buying any clothes for myself until I workout 6 weeks in a row at least two times a week <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">and do 10 minutes of Yoga a day. Spending freezes are always good self bribery for me, it makes me more conscious when I do go shopping again and it gives me time to make up a list of what I <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">really want (I’ll be sharing that with you next week). This time I have a gift card to dangle in front of myself too!

I am proud to say that I am into week one of my 6 week challenge and no problems yet. I was actually into week 3 but then I skipped a few yoga days. For self bribery to work you have to be <strong "mso-bidi-font-weight:="" normal"="">honest with yourself…It’s probably not really motivating to hear that I am back to square one right?  But hey, if I stick to it this time, I’ll still have plenty of time for all my online orders to get to the Prairie Homestead before we have to head to the airport!

Check out our Health and Motivation Board on Pinterest for more tips and tricks[/text][/one_col][/row][/section]]]>
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
		
			
			
		
	
	
		Make It Your Own
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/make-it-your-own-2/
		Sat, 01 Feb 2014 22:10:12 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=555
		
		

Allergic to nuts? On a diet? They’ll each get exactly what they want!

Try this approach for your next party and I bet you will get more compliments with less work. Here is a bit of inspiration to get you started, and don’t be afraid to go bold:

Baked Potato Bar with chili, sour cream, cheese, green onions, chopped tomato, ham, queso, bacon, green chiles, salsa, etc…

Taco Bar with corn and flour tortillas, salsa, shredded lettuce, chopped tomato, cheese, sour cream, pickled jalapeño, green chile, pico de gallo, refried beans, queso, chicken, ground beef, fajita meat, shredded pork, shrimp, etc…

Sandwich Bar with salami, roast beef, ham, turkey, sliced cheeses, lettuce, tomato, spinach, olives, mustard, mayo, ranch dressing, french bread, croissant, ciabatta, etc…

Cupcake Bar with chocolate and white cupcakes, chocolate and buttercream frosting, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, colored sprinkles, coconut, chopped nuts, chopped candy bars, oreo cookie pieces, etc…

Sundae Bar with vanilla ice cream, chopped fruit, whipped cream, chocolate sprinkles, colored sprinkles, coconut, chopped nuts, chopped candy bars, marshmallows, oreo cookie pieces, granola, chocolate syrup, caramel sauce, etc…

Coffee/Hot Chocolate Bar with whipped cream, mini marshmallows, chocolate syrup, caramel syrup, Kahlua, cinnamon schnapps, creme de menthe, etc…

As a side note my three crock slow cooker is a necessity for every hostess!

What bar are you planning on trying, how will you make it your own?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week, January 24, 2014 
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-january-24-2014-2/
		Fri, 24 Jan 2014 22:36:09 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=584
		
		

I first met Lindsey and Ryan when Cowgirl G started preschool. As our girls ran off to play together on the playground, we casually bonded over our shared experiences. The more I grew to know Lindsey and Ryan, the more I thought of them as “Lindsey and Ryan”. They were always together; dropping off or picking up their daughter or out and about town, I rarely saw them apart. As a single mom most days of the week, I not only found it sweet, but I was a little jealous too! It was obvious that they had a deep bond and love for each other that is a rarity in many of today’s marriages. Lindsey and I have since become close friends (being pregnant together and trying to lose baby weight forms a strong bond) and I have learned that there is so much more to admire about her, than her devotion to her husband and their relationship. Lindsey is one of the hardest workers I know, and is always striving to improve herself. Whether it’s motherhood or her professional life, Lindsey is always putting in the extra hours needed to do the job right. Lindsey’s strong devotion to her family and passion for life, along with her admirable work ethic, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week.

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PW: Tell us about your relationship with your husband.

L: Ryan and I actually met through my mom; she kept on telling him to call me and was constantly trying to set us up. Ryan finally gave in to her and asked me (in a not very smooth way) out on a date. I was 19 and we have been together ever since. We have always been close, and began a business relationship soon after we started to date. He is my husband, best friend, soul mate, and business partner. Our relationship works the best when we are focused and working together in all areas of our lives.

PW: What was your first experience working with your husband?

L: The summer after we met, Ryan had the opportunity to purchase a local outdoor business, where he was currently an employee. It was a hard decision, because he also had the opportunity to travel to Belgium as a professional road bike racer. We knew that our relationship was more than just dating, and Ryan decided to take the leap and purchase the outdoor business, and stay in Wyoming with me. I was still going to college so I was only able to work in a part time capacity. With Ryan’s hard work and business savvy the business grew. We got engaged in 2004 and that same year decided to open a Cold Stone Creamery. Between Cold Stone Creamery, the outdoor store and my hours in Dental Hygiene school, we were getting stretched pretty thin. We decided to sell the outdoor business in 2006, right after we got married.

PW: What was the process in deciding what franchise you wanted to start here in Casper, Wyoming? What did you need to do to prepare?

L: When my husband and I went to Denver, Colorado I always insisted that we stop at Cold Stone Creamery. Every single time I had the same thing, Birthday Cake Remix in the Love It size. On one of our trips back home I looked at Ryan and said “We should open a Cold Stone in Casper!” We drove the rest of the way home, and that night we went online and put in an application to Cold Stone Creamery.

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To purchase the franchise rights for your location you have to apply to the Cold Stone Corporation and be approved. As part of the application process we had to travel to Denver (more ice cream!) to meet with the area developer to learn more about the franchise and what the corporation’s expectations were. Once we were approved, we received our franchise agreement in the mail. I remember Ryan sitting on the floor of our house, all night, reading through the massive stack of paperwork. We had to get our finances in order and set up an incorporation that would own our Cold Stone franchise. Figuring out the financial part of it was obviously stressful, especially when you add to it planning a wedding!

When everything was approved by the cooperation we had to schedule a rigorous two week training in Arizona. This involved working in local stores and opening and operating a store on our own. We attended classes on decorating cakes, making ice cream and waffle cones, how to manage employees, accounting, completing a store inventory and purchasing inventory. On the very last day you had to take a test and if you didn’t pass it you had to redo the entire course, no pressure! Then came the hard part; which was trying to find a contractor to build our store. At that time Casper was booming and we couldn’t find a general contractor so, Ryan put on yet another hat, and handled all the contracting for remolding our space. We opened in July of 2006, two years after I first said to Ryan “We should open a Cold Stone in Casper!”

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PW: Tell me about some of the ups and downs you have had?

L: One of the major positives of owning our own business is the flexibility in our schedules. We are able to travel to California often, and when my daughters are sick both Ryan and I can be there. Obviously I love the fact that I get to spend time working alongside my husband to build a future for our family. We have met some amazing people through this journey, and the relationships we have created with our employees over the years are something we greatly value. As for the negatives, there are sacrifices you have to make when you own your own business. At first we had a lot of 90 hour work weeks. When an employee doesn’t show up it is the owner’s responsibility to cover for them. Because of this we have had more than one Sunday spent as a family working at the store! I am sure that all business owners can relate to this one, we are always the last to get a paycheck.

PW: What led you to your decision to open another franchise along with Cold Stone?

L: The opportunity to open up a Rocky Mountain Chocolate Factory (RMCF) became available when the corporation that owns Cold Stone made an agreement for the two stores to be together. There are only a handful of these “combination” stores. Ryan and I felt that it would be a good fit for our store because RMCF Factory would offer a different kind of treat to our customers that may not want ice cream. RMCF makes all of their handmade chocolates in Colorado and ships them directly to us. We make all of the caramel apples and chocolate dipped strawberries by hand in our store. This allows us to customize these luxury treats depending on our customers’ needs. RMCF has added a new kind of inventory (gift baskets, holiday treats and personalized goodies, just to name a few) that we can offer to our customers.

    Picture
    
PW:  How do you keep the balance between work and home in your marriage?

L: Sometimes we do and sometimes we don’t! We have found that we just have to do the best we can. We have definitely learned that we need to guard our family time, and stay firm on our boundaries. It’s a process and we are getting better and better at it. We have learned to recognize that sometimes the business does need to come first; after all it is what pays the bills.

PW: What are the benefits you have seen for your family?

L: Just this week my oldest daughter saw a stack of dishes and by herself, pulled up a stool and started washing them. It was a proud moment to see her stepping up and working hard without anyone asking her too. She sees the business as our whole family’s and that is so wonderful. I am proud of the work ethic that we are installing in our children through our example. Being able to take our children to work with us means that we don’t have to worry about childcare, which is wonderful! We have been able to give back to our community through class tours and donations to local charities, and that is a legacy we are proud to share with our children.

PW: What advice would you give a couple thinking about starting a business together?

L: Take some time to honestly evaluate your relationship. You aren’t going to always see eye to eye at work, and at the end of the day you have to go home together and function as a family. You need to make sure that your relationship can handle the stress, because there will be some. It’s also important that you have the same business goals.

PW: What are your future plans and hopes for your business?

L: We hope to eventually have our whole business paid off. I want to be able to give our children an opportunity to work there, and if they want to, take over the ownership. Our current focus is to let the community know about the addition of RMCF to our store, it’s relatively new and we are excited to offer more choices to our customers.

PicturePicture

PW: Any Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

L: When you own your own business balance is the key. Don’t lose sight of your family, which after all is the whole reason you are working. Keep your focus on your family and your business goals, in the end everything will come together.

As always, our Prairie Wife of the Week will be stopping by throughout the week to answer any comments or questions!]]>    
		
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		Bared To You by Sylvia Day
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/bared-to-you-by-sylvia-day/
		Sat, 08 Feb 2014 02:41:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=657
		
		

    This post was contributed by TallGirlJ
    
Bared to you by Sylvia Day.

    If you were a fan of the Fifty Shades of Grey trilogy, The Crossfire Series  by Sylvia Day is a must read! If you like romance, drama, and suspense look no further. But beware; this series will suck you in. The male main character is Gideon; a Billionaire with a lot of deep secrets.  Our leading lady is Ava; a woman who has her own money but hates it for the demons it comes with. Her best friend Cary has his own crazy past (and I have to mention he is bisexual too, drama and more drama).
    

    The first book Bared to You by Sylvia Day, starts with Ava and Gideon “bumping” into each other, from that point on they can’t get one another out of their minds. As the story continues Day throws in ex-Fiancés, famous ex-boyfriends, and a sexaholic best friend who can’t commit. I was constantly left wondering what will happen next. Why did Gideon turn ice cold towards Ava again? Will Cary commit to his boyfriend (or will it be his girlfriend)? Will Ava change Gideon into a committed man and make him give up his hotel suite he has reserved for one night stands (shocking right)?
    

    Needless to say, I read all three books in Sylvia Day’s Crossfire Series in less than a week, ignoring my kids and skipping sleep. The story will rope you in and keep you wanting more. There are so many more juicy twists and turns I wanted to share with you, but I don’t want to spoil the book for you.  Just trust me, once you start, you’re guaranteed to be sucked in!
    

    Warning: The only thing that will disappoint you is the fact that there is a fourth book yet to come out. I am stalking Sylvia Day’s site, waiting for the news that the fourth book in her series, Captivated by You has finally been released!
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		Do the USA Opening Ceremony Uniforms Deserve Gold?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/do-the-usa-opening-ceramony-uniforms-deserve-gold/
		Sat, 08 Feb 2014 02:41:16 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=662
		
		

This post was written by Texas Two Steppin'

I am an Olympic junkie and have been since I was born. According to one story told by Ma and Pa, I was a colicky baby who only settled down when they put me in front of the black and white TV to watch the ’72 Winter games. So it’s no surprise that from February 7-23 I will be DVRing my favorite shows and watching the XXII Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia.olympics

I’ve already started preparing for the Olympics. I have pinned some Russian fashions to my Pinterest board and am gathering some recipes for borscht and other Slavic treats. I’ve also worked to prepare myself emotionally for the videos chronicling breakout stars, family tragedies, catastrophic injuries, unexpected victories, and comeback stories. I am a sucker for the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat.

I also love the coverage of the opening ceremony—one enormous, international fashion show! Team USA’s uniforms for the event have been unveiled, and the response on Twitter has been less than stellar. Because Prairie Wife and I have a guarantee to our readers that says, “We promise that we will present our ideas and opinions in a positive light,” I won’t comment on the sweaters by Ralph Lauren, other than to say not everyone gets a medal at the Olympics. But I did do a quick search to see how they compare to outfits of the past. Check out the faux shearling coats in the 1980 Lake Placid game and my favorite winter parade ensemble in 2010.

What color medal (if any) would you award this year's USA opening ceremony uniforms? Which “blasts from the past” are your favorite?

 

 

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		Prairie Wife of the Week February 7, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-february-7-2014/
		Sat, 08 Feb 2014 02:40:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=671
		
		Prairie Wife: I am so pleased that my good friend and neighbor, Prairie Faith, nominated our Prairie Wife of the Week Donna Boucher of the blog Quiet Life to be our YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week! And even more pleased, that “Miz Booshay” was gracious enough to answer my questions. After you read this wonderful interview please take a moment to stop by the Quiet Life and read some of Miz Booshay’s posts. When you comment make sure you tell her Prairie Wife sent you! Here is the introduction written by Prairie Faith…

      “Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life and attend to your own business and work with your hands. ~1 Thess. 4:11”
    

    ~From the Introduction to Donna Boucher’s blog, Quiet Life
    
 I have followed Donna Boucher’s blog, Quiet Life, for many years.  I first clicked on a link to her site while checking out some photography tips on The Pioneer Woman’s website, where Donna was a frequent contributor.  I loved Donna’s photos and was eager to learn all about how to make the backgrounds of my pictures all fuzzy and glowy.

So I clicked.

And I found Quiet Life.

I was battling (and continue to battle) the pressures of motherhood in the 21st century.  Am I crafty/creative enough?  Do I sew in a straight line?  Do I teach my children to read at an early enough age?  Should my family be gluten-free?  Is it better to buy party decorations or make them all by hand?

The internet is full of resources that help me if I want to find answers to the above questions.  But, there are few web addresses that feed my more invisible and eternal needs…

Am I grateful in all circumstances?  (1 Thessalonians 5:18)  

Am I wise in the way I interact with people?  (Colossians 4:5) 

Am I generous with my children (and others)?  (Proverbs 11:24) 

Do I seek/accept help from those whom God has put in my path?  (Hebrews 10:25)  

Am I slandering and gossiping?  (Psalm 15:1-3) 

Donna’s simple and faithful blogging encourage me in all of these areas, and more.  She is consistently gracious toward others, servant-minded especially with respect to her family, grateful for the simple beauty in her every day life, generous with her time and gifts, willing to share the joys and sorrows of her soul, eager for input and assistance from the people God has been pleased to acquaint her with, gracious and encouraging in her talk about others…and a mother whose children are calling her blessed.

I am convinced that these are God’s blessings that flow from a simple and quiet life.  It is hard to share that with so many people and remain humble and gracious…but Donna does it…and for this reason, I nominated her for YOU PICK Prairie Wife of the Week!

Prairie Wife (PW):Tell us a little bit about you and your family.

Miz Booshay: Hi!  I'm Donna Boucher also known as Miz Booshay.  I'm a midwest girl who was born in the late 1950's.  I come from a large family of six girls and one boy.  I am the middle child.  My blissful childhood was shattered by the death of both of my parents when I was 16 years old.  My older sister Nancy (20 years old) became our guardian.  She married soon after our parent's car accident so she could have the help and support of her finance'.  Our family remains incredibly close to this day even tho we are scattered across the country.

I was married to my husband Patrick in 1980.  We have four children. Patrick Jr. (1982) Matthew (1985) Emma (1989) and Katie (1999).  We moved to northern Wi in 1983 when my husband bought his family's bakery.  TheDonna and her children years to follow were such a wonderful time of raising a little family.  The boys went to public school until I got the notion to home school in 1994.  I home schooled the boys for a few years, Emma for all of her school days until college and Katie until 3rd. grade.  Since Katie is in school now, I volunteer, enjoy my love of photography and drive Miss Katie all around southern Wisconsin for school and sports.

PW: What led you to begin blogging 10 years ago?

Miz Booshay: Ten years ago I listened to a radio show with Elisabeth Elliot.  Miss Elliot said older women should teach younger women to love their husbands and children.  I was not at a church where I could teach at the time...so I decided to encourage younger mom's thru my blog.  (Titus 2: 3-5)

PW: 10 years down the road how do you stay motivated and engaged in the process?

Miz Booshay: I continue to blog because number one, I remember my little calling ; to encourage other women.

The second reason is because I have become friends with the women who come by and read my blog.  They have given me much more than I have given them.

Thirdly, I would be lonely without my blog friends.

PW: What has been your favorite post over the years (or top 3), and why?

Miz Booshay: Oh gosh.  I don't know.  I always like year end reviews where I post a ton of pictures.  I love the posts I wrote right after Matthew and Melinda had their babies.  That was such exciting news to share.  I loved sharing the wedding we went to in Florida with all of my siblings present and I loved sharing about our trip to Paris/Rome in 2007.   Lots and lots of pictures....lots of wonderful memories.

PW: What has been the most difficult post for you to write (or top 3), and why?Donna and Siblings

Miz Booshay: By far the hardest thing to post and go thru on my blog was when my sweet sister Sue got brain cancer and died within two months.  My heart was broken and I went along on automatic pilot for many months there.  My Quiet Life comment section was instrumental in healing my broken heart and always pointing me to God as my faith wavered and was near crashing.  They prayed for me and my siblings and always said the most beautiful things in the comments.

PW: How do you deal with other’s negativity towards you and/or your blog?

Miz Booshay: I do not feel any negativity toward myself or my blog.  In ten years I may have gotten three jerky comments....so I deleted them.  (They did upset me but I got over it.  heh.)

I try to be kind and that kindness has come back to me.

(I also steer clear of controversial topics.  That's not what I want to do on my blog.  And I know that kind of blogging brings with it so much negativity and strife.)

PW: You have been so inspiring and encouraging to so many people through your blog, what inspires and encourages you?

Miz Booshay: I am inspired by art,  music, writing, quotes, scriptures and generous, kind people.  I am a Christian so I am inspired by people who live out their faith in loving, tender ways like Jesus did.  I am inspired by people who work hard.  I am inspired when I hear wise words spoken with love.

PW: As a busy mother and wife how do you find time to stay true to yourself and your needs?

Miz Booshay: I hardly even know what that means staying true to myself....

Feeling beloved by my parents and loved by God has made it easier to live with myself.  ha.

With all my flaws I have felt I was just fine the way I was.  I have felt loved and I am thankful for that because I know not everyone does.

PW: Now that you have grown children, any advice for parents of teenagers?

Miz Booshay: Gosh.  You'd think I have a ton to say...but I really don't.

Parent with love and prayer.

I thought my children would be perfect because I tried to be the perfect mother.

But they are not.  They sin too.

All I could do was love them, be there for them, advise them,  pray for them and then trust them to God.

You can do no more than try your hardest for them...then it's their turn.

PW: As a Grandmother what have been your biggest joys?Donna And Her Grandbaby

Miz Booshay: I just love those little boys...that is the biggest joy right there.  We live far away so I don't see them as often as I would like.

This is a painful thing for me.  But it is life.  It is especially sweet to see my son with his boys.  He is a hands on daddy.  My daughter in law is a wonderful momma too.  They are both extremely patient and selfless.

PW: What are your hopes for the future of your blog?

Miz Booshay: I don't have any hopes and dreams for the blog.  I just plug along one day at a time...

PW: Where do you see yourself and your family in another 10 years?

Miz Booshay: Oh my.  No idea.  My fondest wish is for our children to live nearby.  And if they won't come to us...perhaps

we will go to them somehow.  I tell them I'm getting an Airstream and I'm visiting each one of them for three months at a time.

I am thankful for every year I get to live on this beautiful planet.  My mom died when she was 39 and that puts things in perspective for me.  Always thankful.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife Words of wisdom?

Miz Booshay: How about a lovely quote by someone much wiser than me.

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace.  God is awake.
~Victor Hugo

I will say....

Always. Love.

Encourage one another,

Donna

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		Take Two, The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit Products
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/take-two-the-body-shop-pink-grapefruit-products/
		Sat, 08 Feb 2014 09:00:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=683
		
		

This post was written by Texas Two Steppin'

The Body Shop Pink Grapfruit Body SprayA few months ago I wrote a post about The Body Shop's amazing soap, and how much I loved the pink grapefruit scent. I was traveling this week and was stranded in the Houston airport for a few hours, so I had time to pop into The Body Shop (what a nice coincidence they have one there). Lo and behold, they now have a pink grapefruit body spray and perfume! Living in Texas where hot, humid weather can lead to embarrassing personal odors, I am a firm believer in layering scents to ward off “the funk”. Now I have the soap in the bathroom, perfume on my vanity, and the body spray in my gym bag; so I will always smell fresh, pink and grapefruity!

What products in The Body Shop Pink Grapefruit scent do you love?]]>
		
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		Magazines Are My Luxury #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/magazines-are-my-luxury/
		Sun, 09 Feb 2014 09:00:22 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=687
		
		

As I was sitting on the couch paging through my January issue of Marie Claire (I am a little behind right now) I was struck by a thought. Why does this feel so much more luxurious that sitting and reading a book (well actually my Kindle but you get the point)? I know right, luxury is sitting on a chair covered in dried snot and who knows what else, and paging through a magazine? But, to this Prairie Wife and mother of four it is! Reading books is as necessary to me as breathing and completely ingrained into my daily routine. As soon as the kids go down for their nap I ignore everything else that needs done and take that time to read…and sleep. Same for bedtime, after I watch an hour of trashy totally not kid appropriate TV (Girls is a current vice) I read from my bible and spend the rest of my time reading my Kindle, until my eyes are drooping and I absolutely have to go to sleep!

But magazine reading is a special treat, magazines are my luxury! Something I can only do in a few stolen minutes; when I suddenly realize the house is clean, the kids are quiet (in a productive and safe way), and I’m caught up on my blog. I can curl up on my “snot chair” with a cup of tea and page through the glossy pages of a magazine. The bright photographs, the intriguing articles and even the ads, pull me into a trendy chic world that is completely different from my current Prairie Wife gig. I see ways that I can update my wardrobe, change my makeup routine for a fresh new look, and organize my closets…all in three simple steps! Current events articles and exposés on the struggles and victories of people an ocean away, make me feel intelligent and connected to the professional world of Texas Two Steppin’.

Maybe it all leads back to my first exposure to fashion magazines. As a freshman in high school (in the 90’s) I was totally Seventeen Magazine from 90'sinto Nirvana and the combat boot wearing, flannel shirt, greasy hair look. I had two older brothers living at home (Texas Two Steppin’ is 10 years older and had flown the coop long ago) and was solidly stuck in my tomboy roll. Ma would drop me off at the orthodontist every month to go get my braces tightened while she ran errands. As I entered the waiting room I knew I would have at least 20 minutes to wait before my name was called. I would slowly sneak to the magazine rack and grab Seventeen and devour every page of it, they even had Cosmo Girl! It went against everything I thought I was; tough and totally above wearing makeup and dresses (can you see that teenage eye roll and sarcasm)…but I couldn’t help it! I loved to read about how to “combine a crop top with you overalls” or the quizzes “Are you the popular girl or a nerd?” and let’s not forget about all the “real” live things that happened to readers…”I was swimming in my friends pool and I farted, when I turned around her totally hot older brother was there!” Oh no…

It was many years later when I actually had enough nerve to admit to the world that I was over the tomboy thing, and ready to embrace being a woman. Some people, like The Cowboy, may say that I have gone overboard with my love of fashion and beauty. But what does he know? For the first two years we were dating all I wore was jeans and a University of Wyoming t-shirt and hoodie. And a girl can NEVER have too many shoes! I have my magazines to thank for my new found confidence in who I am as a woman, wife, and mother. Rather than be intimidated by the beautiful models and way out of my price range clothing, I am inspired! I look at what I already have in my closet, or browse the clearance racks at Target and find ways to take their high end fashion looks, and make them my own Wyoming Prairie Wife look! I appreciate being able to add something to a dinner conversation with The Cowboy besides nursing and discipline tips. And I am the crazy lady that actually tears out the workout cards, and uses them to liven up my boot camp routine.

So I say thanks to all the magazines out there, for allowing me to be the best version of myself. Thanks for giving me a reason to take precious minutes when I probably should be cleaning or playing with my kids, to indulge and focus on myself as well as broaden my horizons. And finally, thanks for giving me a ton of inspiration for both my life and my blog!

As Texas Two Steppin’ and I were discussing all the things we love and wanted to share without readers for the month of February “We LOVE Our Readers” giveaways, I immediately thought about my favorite indulgence. So, make sure you enter to win a year subscription to either Marie Claire (One of Prairie Wife’s favorites) or Lucky (One of Texas Two Steppin’s top picks)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Going Yell Free, Prairie Wife
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/going-yell-free-prairie-wife/
		Mon, 10 Feb 2014 14:00:58 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=747
		
		TallGirlJ wrote a wonderfully inspiring post about going “yell free.” I had originally planned on writing the post myself, but felt that having my readers learn from the friend that inspired me would be much better than hearing about it second hand. I decided to follow her example and go “yell free” for a month here at the Prairie Homestead. As part of my plan I also started to check in weekly with The Orange Rhino Challenge, the blog that started it all.

For those of you that are new to PrairieWifeInHeels.com I am the mother of three Cowkids and one Cowbaby, all under the age of yell free PW8 (and three of them are boys). I am not a yeller, at least not unless really provoked. But, recently due to the stress of the holiday season and the many days of terrible winter weather, I have found that I am yelling way more than my usual one or two times a week. It broke my heart one day when I heard my three year old Cowboy W yelling at his sister, scolding her for being mean, and using the same impatient tone I had used with him mere hours before. I knew something had to be done and so I took TallGirlJ’s challenge and went “yell free”!

I am here to say that going “yell free” can be done…but I can’t claim that I personally achieved perfection. Within my first week of going “yell free” I figured out that most of my yelling was caused more by my attitude than actual misbehavior from the kids. When they were really naughty I almost never yelled; it was a timeout followed by a calm conversation about what the right choice for next time would be. But, have them come up and ask me for the 5th time “What‘s for lunch?” as I am trying to make said lunches, while Cowbaby screams and clings to my leg and the clock is headed way too fast toward time to leave for school…well that instantly resulted in me yelling “Why aren’t you dressed, is your hair brushed, where is your backpack?!”

It didn’t take me long to realize that I needed to learn to take a deep breath before I opened my mouth, especially when I could feel my blood pressure rising. It was amazing how well it actually worked! Simply taking a deep breath and a few seconds to think of a non-yelling response resulted in all of us feeling better. The Cowkids weren’t sad and hurt by my overreaction to them being normal kids, and I wasn’t wracked with guilt for being the grouchy mommy!

I also brought The Cowboy on board in regards to Cowboy W. He is a three year old boy, something that we haven’t had around here in a while. We had Cowgirl G after Cowboy J and anyone that says a three year old girl is just as challenging, well I’m not buying it! Three year old boys are busy, crazily energetic, and wonderfully and terribly filled with joy at every little thing that there is on this planet! Sometimes channeling all that energy and joy can suck the life right out of you! But, it is also so stinking fun to watch them experience everything for the first time…three year old boys are so alive! So instead of yelling at Cowboy W for all that joy and energy I remembered to put it to good use helping me. Singing and dancing to keep Cowbaby happy, sweeping the floor, and picking up toys as fast as we could. The Cowboy and I made a conscious effort to talk to Cowboy W and find out from him the real motivation behind his bad choices, rather than yell. Then we could have a calm conversation and a positive learning moment.

I really encourage you all to try and go “yell free” in your home. I still have my moments of losing my temper, but they are fewer and fewer each week. My kids are kinder to each other and I am finding myself feeling less haggard and run down at the end of the day. And somehow, even with all my breathing breaks, I’m still finding time to get things done!

Have you gone “yell free”? Tell me your story in our comments section!]]>
		
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		Going Yell Free
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/going-yell-free/
		Mon, 10 Feb 2014 04:02:59 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=755
		
		the way my now five year old daughter speaks to her little brother, and I have to constantly remind her use a kinder softer voice. Where and when did she learn that yelling was what you do to get a point across? Oh that’s right, from me.

Two months ago I had a rude awaking. I was in the shower and my son got into the toothpaste. He rubbed it on himself, the wall, and into the carpet. I lost it like normal and yelled! But, not only did I yell at him, I yelled at my five year old, asking her why didn’t she stop him? Telling her that she knew better and on… and on. Well, of course once I calmed down, I knew I had to apologize. Of course she couldn’t stop him; I can’t even stop his tornado like behavior! So, I went into her room where she was still sitting and crying, and I apologized. I told her that I had been upset, and I knew it wasn’t her fault and I shouldn’t have yelled. That’s when she hit me with her words, but it was a hit I needed. She said, “Mommy I just feel sorry for you when you are like that”. OUCH! That’s when I knew something had to change.

The next day, as I was scrolling through Facebook, I saw a post that had a friend has put on their timeline . An article from the Huffington Post called 10 Things I Learned When I Stopped Yelling at my Kids. I of course clicked on it, and it was one of the best parenting articles I have ever read. Perhaps it struck a chord because the effects of my yelling were still so fresh, but I felt like it was a sign from above that I could do this! It just really stirred my heart, and I hope that it does the same thing for others that read it. In this article there was a link to a blog called The Orange Rhino Challenge so I went and explored, and continue to stop by.

I made a pact with myself that day; I would start going yell free for 3 weeks, we would be a “yell free” family. I shared my goal with my husband and a few great friends, knowing it would be good to have someone hold me accountable. I am currently into week 5. Yes, I have had some relapses, but they are nothing like I was before! I have learned that instead of yelling I can just take a breath, walk away, jump up and down, or simply stand in absolute stillness. I can control myself and as a result I have learned that there is usually a somewhat reasonable (in their mind) reason behind why my kids are doing something I tell them not to. And now I can calmly turn it into a teachable moment.

I also have learned my personal triggers. I know now that I want to yell when I feel like my time is being interrupted, and have faced the fact that I don’t have my own time, and that’s O.K. My kids will only be little once. So yes, I might have to stop and pause at work and loose my train of thought, or I might not get to read the article I want in one sitting, but that’s O.K. It will be there when I am done with my kids.

I feel so much better when I go to bed at night, and I have seen a dramatic change in my kids and how they react to me. And amazingly with less yelling they listen better than they ever did before! Even my husband has noticed the changes, and he himself is trying to go “yell free”. There is no real secret. I think the best thing to keep in mind is that it’s hard. Be patient with yourself as well as your children. This is a life style change, and just like any other change it will take time and work (trust me it is well worth it). Just becoming more aware of when and why you yell is a big step. As you see the positive changes in yourself and the love you receive from your children, you will be encouraged to continue your “yell free” life. I know that going “yell free” has been one of the best choices I have made for both myself and my family!]]>
		
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		You Never Know What You'll Get
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/you-never-know-what-youll-get/
		Mon, 10 Feb 2014 21:59:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=804
		
		One of the joys of having a whole herd of children is seeing who each child resembles in personality and looks. Our first child, Cowboy J looks almost exactly like The Cowboy, we even had an Asian man come up to us at the airport and say “He is your photo copy!” while pointing at Cowboy J. He is a scarily intelligent and insightful little boy who is more worried about right and wrong than anyone I have ever met. Let’s just say it was really no surprise, when our doctor explained that while the warts that had suddenly spread across his stomach were caused by a virus, they were usually seen as a reaction to stress. Because Kindergarten is really stressful… Even as a baby Cowboy was anxious, nursing anytime we went anywhere new, and crying when anyone unknown tried to interact with him. When discussing if we were ready for another child we literally said “It can’t be any worse than this!”

Cowgirl G sleeping so peacefully at the hospital. Wow. You Never Know What You'll Get!

Cowgirl G came along and was an absolute piece of cake. She was content to hang out in the swing and would smile at anyone who came near her. She was born with a mop of dark hair and dimples on both cheeks (the jury is still out on who she looks like). Then at about 6 months we noticed that rather than coo delicately at her admirers she smiled and growled. Little ladies would slowly back away in fear. It soon progressed to a loud aggressive yelling that sounded like a drunken Russian soldier (no offense to all the Russian soldiers reading this). As soon as she was old enough to be told “no” we realized that we had been a little premature in our celebration. It turns out that the growling Russian voice was an early insight into her temper. At 1 year old she threw a tantrum that lasted 2 hours…over her socks. You never know what you'll get!

After a particularly rough week with my tantrum throwing 2 year old (did I forget to mention she bit, too) The Cowboy came home and I promptly burst into tears “I can’t do anything right, all she does is scream at me, she hates me!” The Cowboy in all seriousness asked me if perhaps Cowgirl G was bipolar. This of course wasn’t the case. We sat down and had a brainstorming session, and I am proud to say that with a ton of consistency, firm love, and patience (I can proudly say I can outwait the longest of tantrums) Cowgirl G has learned to control her temper…most of the time.

liCowboy W looks just like Father Cowboy. Amazing!

Next came Cowboy W, another boy that looks exactly like his father…other than the red hair (which should have been our first hint into his personality). Once again we had ourselves the sweetest baby! He was so easygoing, and he took a pacifier for the first 4 months, an unheard of luxury in this family. From the start Cowboy W had this amazing sparkle in his eye and a crooked smile that just melts your heart. But this time we weren’t fooled and kept on waiting for his “true” personality to come out. He turned one and still was just the happiest little boy. Men and women alike were drawn to him and would stop to chat with him; it took me an extra 20 minutes to get through the grocery store when he came with me. When he was about 18 months old I began to notice though that our sweet little Cowboy W was beginning to use his powers for evil rather than good. When I would admonish him for bad behavior, like climbing onto the kitchen table and screaming for no reason, he would flash his sparkling eyes at me, smile his crooked smile, and whisper words of love for his mommy. Now by this point I had a heart of stone and this did nothing for me…but I realized that I was the only one immune to his powers. The Cowboy, Ma, Pa, our neighbors and even my ally TallGirlJ, would all melt and smile and hug him rather than chastise his often very naughty behavior. I am happy to say that with a whole lot of nagging most of them are now on my side, or at least have learned to turn their backs to deflect his powers.

I'm a Prairie Wife who has some kids who are picky eaters. Meal times can be rough around here.
When it came time for Cowbaby’s birth I spent hours trying to decide what personality we would get, I mean really we didn’t have too many choices left! To add to the excitement, for the first time ever we didn’t find out what we were having (though I said it was a boy all along). When Cowbaby was born he looked so much like Cowgirl G that I thought my instincts were wrong and it was a girl. Which is funny, because after a few hours it was clear that he is the spitting image of Cowboy J and his daddy. I braced myself for a high strung baby because of his physical resemblance to Cowboy J. Nope, you never know what you'll get. He is easygoing as can be just like Cowboy W, and will hang out happily with anyone that gives him any kind of attention. He has just started to crawl and now that he is hearing the word “no” we are seeing the beginning of Cowgirl G’s temper (thought he seems to speak a less harsh German instead of drunken Russian), and he bites just like his big sister. I was just starting to relax and feel confident about this kid being a piece of cake; after all I know how to deal with manipulative charm and tantrums!

Then this last month I got thrown a curve ball, it turns out we have a picky eater. I usually make my own baby food (I’ll be sharing more about that with you on Monday) and all my kids have loved it. Not Cowbaby - as soon as he sees a bowl rather than a glass jar or yogurt container, he turns his head, clams shut his mouth and waves his hand in scarily accurate ninja baby moves. So, fine after a few weeks of this I gave up and just bought a bunch of baby food, I’m not too proud to give my kid jarred food (and it is a little easier anyway). Well that lasted about two days, and then he did the same thing again, turning up his nose at the mango and kiwi concoction that he had just gobbled down the day before. I put on my thinking hat. He loves his little dried yogurt bites; maybe he just wanted to feed himself? He sees his brothers and sister doing it that way, maybe he felt ready. I cut up the pasta we had for dinner and put it on his tray, he couldn’t get enough! So the next day for lunch I cut up blueberries and cheese and put them on his tray. First he looked at me like I was crazy, then he slowly stuck a blueberry to his finger and put it in his mouth. He chewed it slowly and rolled it around his mouth and smiled that sweet Cowbaby smile. And then simultaneously spit it out onto me, and swept all the other pieces onto the floor while screaming and blowing raspberries.

Really it’s my own fault. I have had friends with picky eaters and I carelessly doled out advice like, they’ll eat when they get hungry, and as long as you don’t feed them junk they’ll be fine. I thought I was being helpful, and my other kids had gone through picky stages, so I thought I knew what they were going through. And secretly yes, I might have thought in my head, thank goodness it’s you and not me! I am putting it in writing now, I am sorry. I should have shut up and listened to you and encouraged you to never give up! I am now resigned to the fact that I will need to always wear dark clothing because I am going to spend the next two years covered in smashed up smeared food. And, I am seriously wondering what on earth we will get next if we choose to have more children…because you just never know…

Any tips or tricks from other moms with picky eaters? Please help me!

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		Organic Body Essentials Products
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/organic-body-essentials-products/
		Wed, 12 Feb 2014 14:00:03 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=787
		
		I’ve said before that Twitter has been an amazing way for me to connect with people all over the globe. This review is about a product that I learned about when one of the owners of Organic Body Essentials contacted me. She offered to send me some of her products to try. I agreed and told her that I would be happy to share my opinions with my readers, but only if I liked the product. I received no monetary compensation for this review.
    

    Organic Body Essentials
    
The first thing I did upon learning about Organic Body Essentials (OrganicBE) was to check out their website, after all even if I liked the products it wouldn’t matter a bit if they were charging $100.00 a bottle! Imagine my surprise when I saw that the price tags on their all natural organic body products were completely reasonable. A 5oz bottle of Marula Oil is only $18.50 and a 6.8oz jar of body butter is $13.50. That is pretty great considering the quality and quantity of the product. All of OrganicBE’s products are Paraben and fragrance free, 100% natural, and fair trade products. You can get more information about how their products are made on their site.

I am pretty familiar with all natural body products, I used to make and sell my own Shea Butter, beeswax, and olive oil lotions. So I wasn’t surprised at all that the body butter isn’t as smooth as the regular creams you buy at the store. It has a somewhat gritty texture when first removed from the jar, but as soon as your body heat warms up the butter it glides on smoothly. It has an earthy smell and is very moisturizing, perfect for feet and rough hands, knees, and elbows. It works wonderfully as an all over body lotion but, you’ll need to give yourself time for it to soak in before you get dressed. You can even use it as a hair mask on dry and damaged hair.

The oils come in wonderful containers that can be “locked” by simply turning the top, a necessity when you have an inquisitive three year old that can reach anything on the counter! The Baobab oil is a golden color and thick. It is very luxurious, and I found it was exactly what my skin needed after the last few months of dry winter weather. It gave my legs that silky glow that you see on all the models in magazines! This oil also took a few minutes to soak in but, not as long as the body butter. It has a light natural smell that disappears quickly.

My personal favorite product was the Marula Oil. It is thinner than the Baobab Oil and clear in color. It has an almost non-existent scent and it soaked into my skin immediately, leaving my skin feeling soft and silky but not greasy. This oil is going to live in our swim bag this summer, it’s perfect for both the kids and I after we get out of the drying pool water! I almost wish I was pregnant right now because I have a feeling that these oils would feel wonderful on my itchy tight skin during those last few months of pregnancy. I know that I plan on stocking up on some of these to give as baby shower gifts. Because they are all natural and organic I felt secure in using them on Cowbaby’s skin, and he didn’t seem to mind a bit! I even put a few drops of the Marula Oil in my bath water, and when I came out after a long soak my skin felt supple and moisturized rather than tight.

If you are looking for an all natural, organic product to help get rid of your dull and dry winter skin, look no further. Organic Body Essentials products truly deliver what they promise; healthy, smooth, and glowing skin.

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		Hearty Broccoli Cheese Soup (Crock Pot)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hearty-broccoli-cheese-soup-crock-pot/
		Sat, 15 Feb 2014 14:00:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=798
		
		Prep Time 20 Minutes
Cook Time 4-8 hoursCrock Pot Hearty Broccoli Cheese Soup
Ingredients

1lb Ground Italian Sausage
12 oz frozen chopped broccoli (feel free to use fresh if you have it)
32 oz chicken broth
2 10 ž oz cans of condensed cheddar soup
4 medium potatoes, chopped
½ medium onion, diced
2 garlic cloves, minced
Salt and Pepper to taste
1 cup heavy whipping cream
Âź cup cornstarch
Shredded cheese as garnish

1. Cook the Italian Sausage on the stove until brown (you may want to add 1tbs olive oil)

2. While the sausage is cooking put the broccoli, chicken broth, soup, potatoes, onion, garlic and salt and pepper into the crock pot.

3. Set the timer on the crock pot

4. When the Sausage is cooked add it to all the other ingredients in the crock pot. Stir until combined.

5. One hour -30 minutes before you are ready to serve the soup, combine the whipping cream and cornstarch in a small bowl. Whisk until creamy. Pour the mixture into the crock pot and stir until combined. Add more salt and pepper if needed.

6. Serve warm with shredded cheese on top and garlic bread.]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week February 14, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-february-14-2014/
		Fri, 14 Feb 2014 13:00:05 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1106
		
		PWW Katie Shoes
    
Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family.

Katie (K): I was born and raised in Wyoming and I have always lived in the same town. When it came time for college I couldn’t wait to get out, and I went to nursing school in Minnesota. I planned on being a hospital nurse after graduation, but there were no jobs for me in MN so I came back to Wyoming. The only job I could find was working with Community Health…in the STD clinic. Oh the crazy stories I could share! It wasn’t a terrible job, but it wasn’t where my heart was. When the opportunity came for me to travel to Belize and volunteer as a nurse in a clinic, I took it. I could go on and on about that experience! People would walk for miles and miles to get to us; we were their only access to health care. And they were always SO sick, the sick kids we saw was just heartbreaking. It was such a change for me, but it was so eye opening and allowed me to be selfless and learn to work hard to make a little go a long way.

I met Bob before I left for Belize, and when I came back to Wyoming we got engaged and married. We moved to Tucson, AZ where PWW Katie and Bobhe completed his pediatric residency. I worked for Community Health once again, this time with a focus on pediatrics. I would make home visits and teach people how to take care of their children at home. Whether it was the basics of childcare or helping them navigate the needs of severely special needs and sick children, I loved it. Taking care of sick children became a theme in my life, and Bob’s too with his work as a pediatrician. We moved back to Casper before our first child Grace was born. It took me a while to get used to the idea of living in Wyoming again. But now I know there is no better place for us to raise our family. I never returned to nursing after Grace was born, instead I spent my time making and raising babies! All together my husband and I have 8 children ranging in ages from 14 years old to 5. We have 3 boys and 5 girls.

PW: What led you and your husband to think about adoption?

K: All three of my siblings and I are adopted. It was always normal to me to think of adoption as how families were made. As I grew up I felt, and knew, that I wanted to adopt children but also be pregnant. Bob had never thought about until he met me, but he was open to it. After we had our first child I said, “Let’s start looking at adopting!” Bob just wasn’t ready yet, and we decided to keep on having birth children. Now that I’ve been a part of the adoption process, and met more and more people that have adopted children, I’ve learned that it’s a fairly common reaction for the men. He had a lot of fears about his ability to be a good parent. He was concerned about loving our adopted child as much as our other children. Providing for another child in our already large family, and coming up with the money and even time for the adoption process, weighed heavy on his mind. Three children later my heart was bursting, and I had a feeling of urgency that it was time. We had spent years discussing and even times fighting about adoption, feeling out our extended family, and tossing back and forth the pros and cons. I was done with it, and I told him it was time to move forward despite all our fears.

PW: I know that a lot of people ask you why you chose to adopt children born overseas rather than children from America, what’s your answer?

K: We looked at foster care and adopting children from in our area, and then adopting domestically from other areas, and it didn’t seem like the right fit. We spent a lot of time praying and discussing our options. When we looked at China, we knew that was the right spot for us. It was in my heart and I had to listen to my instincts. I always say that China is where my kid was waiting for me, and that is why we were led to pick it.

PW: I’m sure there is no short answer to this, but do you have any advice for our readers that may be considering adoption, or are currently going through the process?

K: I started out by calling agencies; there wasn’t the information on the internet like there is now. Go through a state or church agency. Make sure they are Hague Accredited for international adoptions. This basically is a set of rules and guidelines that the agency must follow, it keeps them ethical and legal. Catholic Social Services was another wonderful resource for us. Do your homework, and trust your instincts. Every agency has fees but a legit agency will never ask for a massive amount of money up front. After you pick an agency, you start on the paperwork and do a home study. Then you wait to be matched with a child.

It’s important for people to remember that you can take time to decide if the match is right, and if you don’t think that child is the right pick for your family, you need to be honest with yourself. We looked at several children that we were matched with, and we decided they weren’t the right fit for us. It was hard, but in the end we knew it was the right choice for our family.

You need to be careful about what information you share with people close to you and who you choose to talk to about being in the adoption process. Develop a thick skin, not everyone is going to be as excited as you are. And that’s Ok, just you need to be. Once your child is there and a part of your family you’ll be surprised, some people that may have reacted negatively will begin to understand.

Everyone always wants to know the cost, but it’s difficult to say for sure because the financial spectrum is so broad. For adopting a child through the foster care system it can be free. For a private domestic (from the US) adoption I don’t know enough to even guess. For an overseas adoption of any age, I would say $20,000-$30,000 is a realistic guess. Basically I’m going to say it this way…You need to get over the idea of money. We thought of this as our children’s ransom money, it’s what we needed to pay to get their home country to let them go. Is it terrible that is cost so much? Yes! Does it make a good excuse to not adopt a baby? No! There are so many grants and scholarships available to adoptive parents through a wide variety of organizations. There are brilliant ideas for fundraising out there. Do the foot work; don’t let the cost keep you from your child!

PW: How can we be supportive to friends and family members going through the adoption process?

K: Not everyone is called to adopt and I understand that, but there are lots of ways you can help a friend who is adopting. Something as simple as praying for the family and child can be a help. Offer to watch their kids while they spend hours filling out paperwork. Help them run a fundraiser to help pay for the cost of adoption. Being gracious and welcoming to their new child can make such a difference to everyone. In a lot of ways adoption is just like having a new baby, you have jet legged exhausted parents, and a child that is completely new to everything and everyone around them. Think about helping them in the same ways you would help a friend with a new baby. Cooking meals, taking older children to school, coming over to help with cleaning and laundry, offering to stop by the store and pick up milk…even simply being a sympathetic ear during the process can be so helpful.

PW: All three of your adopted children have special needs, what challenges has that presented for you and your family?

K: The waiting for a non special needs child at the time we first looked at adoption was 2-3 years, now it is 6-8 years. The waiting time for a child with special needs was 18m. So we did special needs. Part of this process is filling out a special needs list. This is a list of special needs ranging from birthmarks to missing limbs, even severe brain damage; you check off what you feel comfortable handling in your family. Within two weeks of returning our paperwork we were matched with Nathaniel (he is now 7). He was 18 months old when he became part of our family, and he had a cleft pallet, which has since been repaired with surgery. You don’t have to pick the child they match you with, but we knew that was our kid.

The Orphanage/Adoption agency he came from had 700-800 children they were responsible for, all with special needs. He had PWW Katie Boys400 kids living with him in the orphanage. I can’t even begin to tell you the tragedy of what we saw. You think about how terrible the conditions are, but 1 person to 12-20 kids, how can they focus on all the children? The children would line up and open their mouths and they would simply squirt the food in. Children with a cleft pallet usually have trouble eating this way or even taking a bottle, so often they were moved to the dying room. Yes there is such a thing, and you can imagine the horror. There are so many emotional and physical issues for these kids after they are adopted. They have had to fight for their mere existence since the day they were born! It can be hard, but with love and patience, that survival instinct can be turned into such strength!

Pww Katie girlsOur daughters Hope (now 9) and Camille (now 5) are from China as well, but different orphanages. We got them at the same time when Hope was 6 and Camille was 2. Both of them have Spina Bifida. Hope has a pretty severe case and it affected her nerves from the waist down. Hope was abandon at a month old with a note from her birth mother. By the writing, it was clear that she came from a poor peasant family. The note said “My baby my baby we are so sad. But we are poor. We love you very much and we want you to have a chance to have the medical care.” Since we have adopted her she has had to have several surgeries. I am so glad that we were able to make her birth mother’s dream come true. Frankly it is amazing that she can walk, but she has such a determined fighting spirit there is no way she’s going to let something like Spina Bifida slow her down. She has this inner motivation that makes her the fantastic strong girl that she is. I know in part this is due to the love from her birth parents those first few weeks, and I will be forever grateful to them for that.

Camille has a heart defect that repaired itself, as well as Spina Bifida. But, her Spina Bifida defect was repaired two weeks after her birth. Her agency was able to find a doctor that agreed to do the surgery on her. She is fine now.  It’s amazing to see what a difference having that early medical intervention can make. It’s a reminder that even if you don’t feel called to adopt, there are so many other ways you can help.

Having children with special needs had been easily manageable for us, with the resources in both Wyoming and neighboring Colorado. It has not been a burden on our family, and has made our family much more selfless, patient, and accepting of others with challenges. We have learned so much from our children with special needs, and they have given us so much more than we can ever give to them!

PW: The face of today’s families has changed drastically over the last 50 years between divorce, remarrying, and adoption. What advice do you have for other parents with blended families?

K: I think that honesty is always the best policy. I always find that my little ones do better than my older ones when we have added a new child to our family, whether through birth or adoption. Leading by example is huge! If they see you freaking out, you can bet they will pick up on it. If you show them confidence and assurance they will follow your example. When you have a blended family things can get pretty emotional at times, you need to validate these emotions. You have to openly address the issue and validate their struggles with the transition. Then give them the tools to deal with their struggles. Kids need to be heard, and they need to know that you and your partner are solid. Consistency with routine, rules, and discipline are a major way to offer children comfort and security. Communication with your partner and other care givers is key to this part. It can be hard when you are emotionally and physically exhausted but it’s so important!

PW: What questions do you wish people would NEVER ask?

K: I am fairly easy going so I can’t really think of one particular one. In my experience it is less about the questions people ask and more about their intention and tone. If they are asking because they are genuinely interested and care, I am totally cool with almost anything. Though there are some questions that I won’t feel comfortable with answering in front of my kids. “Are these all yours, and the Chinese ones too?” “Do you love your adopted kids as much as your real kids?” isn’t my favorite one! I do get defensive when people ask “Why didn’t you adopt from America?” It makes me feel guilty, and it makes my heart heavy when I realize all over again that there is such a need. The feisty part of my always wants to say back “Why don’t you adopt a child from America?”

PW: When other children notice that your family is special, how do you wish their parents would respond to their questions?

K: Just saying there are a lot of different ways that a family can be made would be perfect. Teach your children the beauty of what makes a family… The way our children love each other, the simple act of me holding my daughter’s hand, my husband and I watching our family pray together over a meal. These are the things that make a loving family, not sharing the same birth parents.

PW: As a mother of 8 kids, how do you keep a balance between your needs and the needs of your husband and children?

K: Naptime is my time. My kids know that I don’t care what they do, but it has to be quiet and in their rooms. I take that time to read, sleep, catch up on Facebook, and watch brain sucking TV. With so many kids everything our life is scheduled.  So, I make sure that Bob and I schedule a date about once a month. We take time to discuss our family and any family business for part of it, and then just relax and enjoy each other for the rest of the time. I also make sure I schedule time for me to get out; I need that adult interaction for my sanity!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

K: If you are in the place of deciding if adoption is for you, be patient but proactive. Get in there with your dukes up, and when it’s time, take the gloves off and fight for your child. Listen to your heart and don’t give up. Whether you’re struggling with your family or the adoption agency, use all your strength to get to where you need to be.

As always our Prairie Wife of the Week will be stopping by to respond to any questions or comments.

Read another interview with Katie (posted Oct 31, 2014) as we celebrate her winning our Prairie Wife of the YEAR 2014 award!

Some helpful links about adoption:

http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/agency_accreditation/agency_search.php

http://www.rainbowkids.com/ArticleDetails.aspx?id=790

Link for our adoption Hague accredited agency based in Colorado but service the U.S. http://adoption.state.gov/hague_convention/accreditation.php

Chinese and Haitian adoption http://www.ccaifamily.org

Photo Credit goes to H.K. Walker Photography]]>    
		
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		Going Overboard #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/going-overboard/
		Sun, 16 Feb 2014 14:00:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1154
		
		 Charming Charlie the other day, I was able to find a few inexpensive accessories that gave me a polished look that suggested I was going yachting.

Now, when you are doing a nautical theme, you have to be careful so you don’t look like you are celebrating Independence Day a charming charlie jewleryfew months too early. That’s why I picked items that weren’t a set or too matchy-matchy. I also plan to wear the necklace, which makes a subtle statement, in unexpected ways. For example, I’ve wanted to try the “mixing prints” trend and think that the striped necklace with a yellow and white polka dot pullover, jeggings, and boots would be cute. For work, the entire set would perk up a cobalt blue oxford, tan pencil skirt and some nude heels. But the outfit I’m really excited to try the necklace with is for weekends--rolled, faded jeans, white oxfords, pink T-shirt and neutral cardigan.

Note: While Charming Charlie does have a website, if you have a store nearby, stop in for the shopping experience. There is jewelry, purses, tops, scarves, hats and heels. Because pieces aren’t expensive it is a great way to indulge in a trend guilt-free (though it was hard to keep myself from going overboard with purchases). But, the best part is that the store is organized by color. Trust me; you’ll love it!

What other outfits do you suggest trying and have you seen any other great nautical looks?

Check it out...as part of our "We LOVE our readers" Month of Giveaways Texas Two Steppin' is giving away a Texas Tote full of some of her favorite goodies worth $100! Prize includes: Green Pashmina Cashmere Scarf, nautical earrings, bracelet and necklace from Charming Charlie, and a Thirty One bag in grey pin dots!

    texas tote
    
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		If I was Raising my Daughter to be President
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/raising-daughter-president/
		Mon, 17 Feb 2014 13:00:57 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1160
		
		traits Americans felt a president should possess. I didn’t quite find what I wanted, so I queried leadership traits in general. This got me a bit closer to what I was looking for and a bit closer to my area of expertise since I am familiar with business, not government. I happened upon a post by Ekaterina Walter focusing on the essential characteristics of female leaders and was intrigued with the findings of her interviews with CEOs and entrepreneurs. Be sure to follow the link after you’ve finished reading my post, but (spoiler alert!) the seven common characteristics were perseverance, nurturing spirit, confidence, volunteerism, education, balance and vision. All great qualities and all values I think we should instill in our children regardless of their gender.
This was great stuff, but not original work. So I decided to answer the question, “If I was raising my daughter to president, what characteristic would she be remembered for?” It needed to be something Step Girl exudes, something that others recognize and praise and something that would actually benefit the office of the presidency. I closed my eyes, and it came to me in a flash.

Manners.

Maybe it is because my Steps were born in the South and I was raised in the Midwest, but they truly have beautiful manners that are a natural habit, not an afterthought. In our household we decided that if we used our manners in public and with strangers, shouldn’t we be just as polite and respectful with the people we love most? Without fail you would hear, “Please pass the salad dressing, Step Boy,” “Yes, sir, I brushed my teeth,” and “Thank you, Texas Two Steppin’, for the sleepover.” Even as teenagers, a group stereotyped as being rebellious and rude, they were always quick to end their comments with “Yes, sir” and “No, ma’am.”

Adult relatives, friends’ parents, teachers, waitresses, strangers of any age—all receive the same polite treatment. In her current role as a high school teacher and coach, I have seen Step Girl’s poise in action with students, coworker and parents, and her polished words serve her well. It really is something that makes me proud, and a quality that I think would be a welcome addition to the White House--or any house for that matter.

Image credit: gelpi / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		House Cleaning and Mary Poppins
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/house-cleaning-mary-poppins/
		Wed, 19 Feb 2014 13:00:05 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1185
		
		keeping things clean can be a bit of a struggle! More often than not as I get done cleaning one area of the house and move on to another the Cowkids and Cowbaby are right behind me making it messy again. Most of the time I just let it go, and stick with the philosophy that whenever I clean, it is one less layer of dirt. I’m sure that by now you have realized that I’m a bit of a meany (read this as hard ass) when it comes to giving my kids responsibility. I firmly believe that as a mother it is my job to teach my children how to do things for themselves. My hope is that one day when they go out into the world, they can add something to our society, not spend their time taking something from it.

As soon as my kids can crawl they begin to help me put toys away. This usually means handing me toys or me taking their hands toy bucketsand moving it to the toy and then the bucket. Right around the age of one my kids can pick up toys. I help the process along by making sure that all of our toys are easy to put away, in buckets labeled with a picture and words. They help hand me clean silverware out of the dishwasher when they can stand (note: remove all the sharp knives first) and throwing away their own diapers is something most 18 month olds can do. By the age of three my kids are starting to put laundry away and can clean their own rooms with minimal guidance.

Now I am not going to lie, at first this process takes way longer than me doing it, and there are times when I want to claw my eyeballs out…but having done this a time or two I know that eventually it will make my life easier. Cowboy J and Cowgirl G have been cleaning their rooms and putting all their laundry away (including hanging up shirts and folding socks) since the tender young age of 5. It really is nice, and they feel so proud when the job gets done.

I also need to be honest and say that house cleaning day isn’t a process full of singing bluebirds and chipper mice. When Wed night rolls around it can get a little rugged. Wed has been house cleaning night around here for years, but I still get the eye rolls and whining when I tell them what day it is. They get their standard hour to relax and play when they get home from school, I think that wind down time is so  important. Then at 5:00 I announce it’s time to get their rooms clean. This gives them an hour before dinner to get it done. It should take them 15 to 20 minutes to get things picked up in their rooms, and then we work as a team to get the living room and playroom clean.

Anyone with children knows that the actual time spent “cleaning” their room completely depends on their individual personalities, their mood, and what phase the moon is currently in. Being the mean mom I am, they don’t get to join me for dinner until the work is done. You can also imagine that I walk by their rooms often to nag them to get grooving and give them warnings about their delicious dinner getting closer to being done. Without fail Cowboy J and Cowboy W are done in plenty of time to eat dinner, and Cowgirl G is pitching a fit in her room as we sit at the table eating. More often than not she is miraculously done within 10 minutes after we sit down to eat. It never changes; she always plays and dinks around until the very last minute. I’ve tried speeding up the process by spanking (doesn’t work), taking toys off the floor and giving them away (she acts like she doesn’t care), and yelling. But, with my recent journey into a “yell free” home I have decided to just back off. She knows the routine by now, and when she hears us say our dinner prayer over her screams, the next sound is usually toys being placed quickly in a plastic bucket.

Sometimes though, I like to be the nice mom. And if I’m having a mellow Wednesday morning I’ll put Cowboy W in front of the TV and pick up the kids’ toys by myself. Amazingly it usually takes me less than 30 minutes to get all 4 rooms clean, this is when I have to remind myself that having them do it is better for them in the long run, no matter how miserable it makes me. On the way home from school I’ll be extra tough and read them the riot act about it being housecleaning day. They drag themselves into the house and pout about their rough life. Only to open the doors to their rooms, and see them miraculously clean! The first time I did this Cowgirl G came running out and said “Mary Poppins was here!” We had recently watched the movie and she was fascinated by the toys picking themselves up. Cowboy J ran to his room and saw that his chores were all done as well. He had a better idea of what happened but went along with the game.

Mary Poppins LetterNow every few months when they come home and see their clean rooms they always shout “Mary Poppins came!” This last time Cowgirl G even took the time to write a thank you note to Mary Poppins. I still think that it’s important to make them do chores themselves but sometimes, it’s fun to just be the nice mom and have Mary Poppins stop by!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week February 21, 2014 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-february-21-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 21 Feb 2014 13:00:06 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1195
		
		 Texas Smiles, and now you get to meet her wonderful sister-in-law, Lindsey. I met Lindsey and her precious family a few summers ago at the lake, and we bonded when I asked her where she got her cute embroidered tote bag and matching thermal. She immediately introduced me to the wonderful world of Thirty-One and fashionable organization. [Warning: if you read this article you run the risk of becoming an organized addict like me, especially if you win the giveaway!] I was impressed with her enthusiasm for her business, but was even more in awe of her generous spirit, kind heart and genuine smile. We spent hour after hour on the lakeshore chatting and laughing, and I never realized that she was legally deaf. Because she focuses on her strengths, inspires those around her to work harder and is an incredible example of how a positive attitude can overcome any obstacle, Lindsey is our Prairie Wife of the Week

    PWW Thirty one shoes
    
Texas Two Steppin’ (TTS): Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

Lindsey (L): Hi, I am Lindsey! Also known as the Bag Lady, Party Lady or Thirty-One Girl! I was raised in a little country town in Texas called Alvin. Most people only know of its existence because Nolan Ryan (famous baseball player for the Houston Astros) raised his family there too. I was very blessed to be raised by a mom and dad who knew nothing was just handed to you. If there was something you wanted, then you had to work hard to get it. I thank my parents and God every day for those strong work ethics because of the challenges I would soon have to face as a young child. I met my husband when I was just 15. Yep, you read that right--I was a freshman in high school, and he was the 6'5" star of our HS basketball team. I had no idea he would become the love of my life. We were just kids when I think back on it! We were more like best friends who hung out when we were not busy playing sports. We both attended Texas A&M and earned our degrees. We had so much fun at college together and even got married during our last year of school. Just a few years later we decided to start a family of our own. Today we have been married for almost 11 years and have known each other for more than half of our lives!! We have two very smart and beautiful little girls—Lily, who is seven, and Kylie, who just turned six.

TTS: When I first met you at the lake, you introduced me to Thirty-One and showed me how easy it is to be organized when you have the right products. How were you introduced to these products?

L: That is a great questions because never in my life did I think I would end up in direct sales. For me, Thirty-One is one of my happy places!! I have always been a teacher at heart, and Thirty-One allows me to mentor, lead and help other women. My very best friend had a party, and I can't remember why, but I was not able to attend. We sat down at a later time to look at the catalog together and admire the new things she earned for free. I immediately fell in love with the prints and the quality of all of the products. It was not hard to get me hooked as a customer. I was a full-time teacher with two babies, and I was in desperate need to feel organized. My babies were only 18 months apart, and I had only been teaching for two years when I had my first baby.

TTS: What were some of the factors you weighed before joining the company? What have been the benefits and challenges?

L: Once I truly understood that Thirty-One was so much more than just selling a bag, I knew I wanted to be a part of this growing company. Thirty-One derives its name from Proverbs 31. My faith is very important to me; without faith I am not sure how I would make sense of all the challenges I have dealt with. The fact that Thirty-One not only has high quality products to help woman get organized at home, work or on the go, but they also truly believe in celebrating women for who they are! I have never had a job that celebrated all my accomplishments with me, that has encouraged me every step of the way and that rewarded me for all of my hard work until I became a consultant for Thirty-One Gifts. The benefits of being your own boss are endless!!! I get to set my own office hours, I don't have to ask my boss off when my girls are sick or if I want to attend a field trip with them and I can work as much or as little as I want. I get to determine the success of my own business. But most important of all, I get to be a stay-at-home mom while working from home! Every time I go to work I end up at a party--I love my job! But, of course, it does not come without its challenges; it's just part of life. I am constantly working to meet new people so I can keep expanding and growing my business. I am always willing to travel so I can meet a new group of ladies. It is so nice that I have a wonderful husband and fantastic friends who will help me with the girls when I have a show. So before you jump on board, I recommend you get your family on board too!

TTS: Speaking of challenges, would you mind telling us a little bit about your hearing impairment?

L: Of course, being legally deaf is definitely something I am not shy about. I have found by being "ME" and sharing my story with others, I have helped encourage many friends in more ways then I will ever really know. One day, when I came home from kindergarten at the age of five, I walked in the door shouting, "Mommy, Mommy, guess what? I got to take the hearing test twice at school!" My mom did not find that quiet as amusing as I did. After visiting numerous doctors and specialists to gather some answers, we discovered I had been born with a condition known as hereditary progressive deafness. Every year I lose a little bit more of my hearing. Now that I am 32 years old there has been quite a bit of hearing loss, and I am now considered legally deaf.

TTS: It is easy to focus on the negatives, but are there positives to not being surrounded by sound all the time?

L: Ha Ha Ha, oh my goodness, yes! When I was little I was not always a little angel (I know that might be hard to believe for those of you who have known me for a long time). I clearly remember being lectured by my mom and secretly turning my hearing aids off so I did not have to listen. It took her awhile before she caught on to what I was doing! As an adult, I have truly enjoyed being able to lay my head down at night and not be kept up by crickets outside the window. When my husband and I had our first baby we were a little nervous, like all new parents, but also worried about how I would handle little obstacles like waking up to a crying baby. Thankfully I have an incredibly supportive husband who is very patient, and he was always there to wake me up for the feedings. I cannot sleep with hard, bulky hearing aids in my ears, so it was nice that I never had to wake up by myself when the girls were babies. As for the mornings, I usually wait about 30 minutes before using my hearing aids because I enjoy the quiet before the hustle and bustle of the day begins.

TTS: I was reading your Facebook post the other day and love that you shared, "I am the worst singer in the world, trust me. This is coming from someone who is legally deaf. But each night when I put the girls to bed they ask me to sing them our version of Hush Little Girl." Does your hearing loss register with your girls and have you had to provide them with detail?

L: Oh, yes, they are very aware! Even when I taught kindergarten to hearing students they knew. I want everyone to know that you can do anything as long as you have the heart and desire to work hard. My girls know they have to be in front of me and looking directly at me so I can read their lips. I can still hear sound even if you are not directly in front of me, but I don’t know what you are saying. Nothing in life comes easy to anyone. I have worked very hard at instilling strong values with my girls. I want them to be confident in themselves! They have big dreams, and I believe in them. It is my goal to raise girls that are compassionate for others and confident in themselves!

TTS: Although it seems contradictory, I've found children are often more accepting of individual differences than adults. I am sure you have examples of individuals who ask about your hearing aid or lip reading in inappropriate ways, but what would be an acceptable way to inquire?

L: You would actually be surprised at how accepting the majority of adults are. But out in the corporate world it is a whole different story. I love my job, and when I am invited into someone’s home it is very relaxed and we have so much fun. Most people do not realize or cannot visibly see that I am deaf. I grew up with a hearing family and they treated me like any other hearing person. For that I am grateful because the majority of the world is made up of hearing people, but I do wish I could connect better with the deaf culture. There will be a day when I have to rely only on lip reading or investigate another option such as surgery to be able to hear. There is really no wrong way to inquire when you want to know more about someone's hearing a loss. I would tell those curious folks out there, don't be afraid to ask. I am honest and would much rather you go straight to the source than a third party. Sometimes it is easier to start at the beginning. For example, “When did you first start wearing hearing aids?” “How did you find out?” “What type of hearing loss do you have?” I want my friends and family to fully understand what it is like and help anyone else that might be dealing with a similar situation. The unknown can be scary but I take it one day at a time. I feel very blessed for all that I have been able to accomplish and look forward to helping so many more women!

TTS: Any final Prairie Wife words of wisdom or organizing tips that we just shouldn't live without?

L: As far as life goes, don't judge someone based on their outside appearance. I understand that we all are human, but you cannot tell I am deaf just by looking at me. Someone might just assume I am being snooty if I don't respond to a question you asked while you were standing behind me. Take time, slow down, get to know people on a personal level. Building relationships, truly getting to know one another, and making life-long friends--this has been one of my favorite parts of being in direct sales.

Organization: I have always loved cleaning and organizing. Life just tends to flow a little bit smoother when you are organized and know where things are. A big "AHA moment" for me was when my customers loved the idea of getting organized but could not afford to do it all at once. I now encourage my customers to focus on one area of their life each season. It might be a closet, a pantry, an office space or even your car. This keeps my customers and hostesses coming back throughout the season until we finish a project. Then the next season we move onto to a new area of their life. My hostesses love to earn free products so they can organize the different areas of their life, plus they get a fun excuse to spend time with their girlfriends. Getting organized is a process! It is not something that will happen overnight or even from just one purchase. We do it together a little bit a time! I have not only become a professional organizer, but I have become a Thirty-One sister, a relationship builder, a professional partier!! I love sharing the gift of Thirty-One with everyone I know!

As always our Prairie Wife of the Week will be stopping by to respond to questions and comments!

Don't forget to enter to win a Thirty-One Zip-Top Organizing Utility Tote! It can be used as a diaper bag, gym, bag, mobile office, swim bag...the options are endless!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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			so much for allowing us to share your story with our readers! We are so pleased to have you as one of our Prairie Wives!]]>
			
			
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		A Day of Fashion with PrairieWifeInHeels.com
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/day-fashion-prairiewifeinheels-com/
		Sat, 22 Feb 2014 16:01:46 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1200
		
		Weekday Wardrobe

TTS: I am in management in a somewhat conservative organization. While most people feel comfortable in “casual corporate,” I Anne day outfitam often in a role that requires I represent the company, so I go a bit more polished. I love jewel tones, so I have a sapphire tank that has a modest cut (read no cleavage; fodder for another post…). The houndstooth jacket is double knit but the belt keeps it from looking sloppy. I bought the black pants 10 years ago, but they still look great and reinforce the philosophy that you should buy quality basics. New coworkers know me as “the lady in heels,” and I never disappoint! [Michael Stars tank from Bay Window in Rockport, TX, Xtaren jacket from Rural Roots in Johnson City, TX, Harold’s pants and Guess booties from Nordstrom Rack]

PW: While we both chose hoodies, mine is less “casual corporate” and more just plain casual! Most Prairie Wife Day Lookof my weekdays are full of running kids to and fro from school, playdates at friends’ houses, and keeping up with the mess we seem to always have here at the Prairie Homestead. While I do dress up for errands and volunteer days, at least four days a week my sweats are my uniform. Wearing a matching track suit makes me feel a little more put together as I run in to get Cowboy W from preschool with Cowbaby on my hip. [Track suit from Victoria’s Secret PINK, T-shirt from Target, Rocket Dog Tennis Shoes from Amazon.com]

Wonderful Workouts

TTS: If I don’t exercise right after work it’s not going to happen. It also takes a village to keep me motivated, Texas Two Steppin' Workoutand I have the best group of ladies at Zumba. The Texan claims that I only workout because it means I get a whole new wardrobe of exercise clothes (partially true). He also gives me grief about the drop crotch pants, but I love my “poopy pants,” and Heidi Klum endorsed them on an episode of Project Runway so they must be fashionable. [Outfit from Zumba.com and Nikes from Amazon.com]

PW: Because I have the single mom gig during the week, going to workout classes just isn’t an option. My weekly Praire Wife Workout Outfitworkouts consist of Yoga, Jillian Michales DVD’s and running on our dirt road. In the summer TallGirlJ and I take turns watching our kids while we go for a run in the fresh Wyoming mountain air. I can handle running on a treadmill at a hotel when we are out of town, but there is something about feeling the wind and sun on my face that brings me a whole new level of zen. Texas Two Steppin’ couldn’t believe that I was bundling up to go for a run yesterday in 20 degree weather! Nothing gets rid of my mommy stress better than putting on some loud (and sometime raunchy) hip hop tunes, and pushing myself physically to go a little farther and faster each time. As a nursing mom I have to make sure I keep my protein levels up, so post workout I always have a HerbaLife Protein drink. [Champion Tank and Leggings from Target, New Balance Trail Running shoes from Amazon.com]

Night Out

 TTS: Believe it or not, Zumba energizes me so I am ready to hang out with The Texan and/or the girls at our local restaurant/brew Texas Two Steppin' Night Outfitpub after a quick rinse and wardrobe change. I find styling going out outfits troublesome and usually rely on my BFF’s advice in this area, but I am proud to say that I did develop this look on my own. I love that I don’t have to wear lot of jewelry with this tunic and that it also looks great with shorts and sandals in the spring. Ripped jeans for the office? No way. At night, they’re perfect. [Black modesty tank from Anthropologie, Lucky Brand tunic and Democracy jeans from Nordstrom Rack]

PW: Nights out with the girls happen pretty rarely around here. My group of friends are so busy with kids and Prairie Wift Night Out Outfithusbands, and with The Cowboy gone all week, our weekends are usually sacred family time. But, on the rare occasion my girls and I get to go out, it’s usually dinner and a movie. A rowdy meal spent catching up, followed by a nice bit of relaxing, grown up TV time…without having to pause the movie to wipe bums or change diapers. I like to dress up for our girl nights, but I still need to be able to sit and move comfortably, and of course I wear heels! [Polka Dot Shirt and Black Jeggings from Target, Vera Wang Nude Pumps from Kohl’s, and Ox Blood Leather Jacket by Sarah Borman]]]>
		
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		Quick Carmelitas #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/quick-carmelitas-giveaway/
		Sun, 23 Feb 2014 13:00:16 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1212
		
		the original recipe for Betty Crocker Sugar Cookie Carmelitas on Pinterest. As I read the super easy recipe it occurred to me that I could make it even simpler…and Quick Carmelitas were born. This is one of my favorite treats to make for guests. This recipe is best served warm with vanilla ice cream, and feel free to add nuts or toffee bits to the caramel layer…yum! You will need parchment paper for this recipe, trust me, follow my directions and all will go well. Ignore me and I am not responsible for what happens. As a special treat for our readers page down and enter to WIN a Prairie Wife Package full of goodies for our readers, it’s one of our last giveaways for our “We LOVE our readers” month of giveaways!

Quick CarmelitasPrep Time 10 minutes
Cook time 40 minutes

Ingredients
2 rolls of pre-made sugar cookie dough
Âź cup of flour
11oz bag of Kraft Caramel Bits
2tbs heavy whipping cream
a pinch of salt
1 cup of chocolate chips

1. Turn the oven onto 350 degrees.
2. Unwrap one roll of sugar cookie dough and using ½ of the flour spread on the counter, roll it into a ball with your hands.
3. Spray a 9x13 glass pan with baking spray and spread dough out evenly on the bottom (I just use my hands). Cook for 20 minutes or until light brown on top. Take out and let cool for 5 minutes.
4. While first cookie layer is baking unwrap the second roll of sugar cookie dough. Roll into a ball using remaining flour and place on parchment paper. Using your hands or a rolling pin, evenly spread it to a 9x13 size. Place it in the fridge or freezer while you wait for the bottom layer to cook.
5. While your bottom cookie layer is baking. Place caramel bits, heavy whipping cream, and pinch of salt in a small pot on stove. On medium heat setting, stir constantly until smooth. Turn to low and let sit until bottom cookie layer is cooked.
6. After bottom cookie layer is finished baking and cooled for 5 minutes, pour the caramel on evenly and sprinkle the chocolate chips on top.
7. This is the tricky part. Take the cooled sugar cookie dough on the parchment, and as quickly as you can, flip the parchment over so the dough lands on top of the caramel. This forms your top layer. Place the pan into the oven and cook for another 20 minutes. I don’t know how but the bottom will not burn…some crazy baking science thing I can’t begin to understand…
8. Serve warm with vanilla ice cream…mmm delicious!

This Prairie Wife Package is full of some of my favorite treats! Luxurious facial and body products by H2O, $10 Starbucks gift card, Michael Kors Perfume and beauty bag, Urban Decay B6 Prep Spray, Evian Spray mist, EOS lip balm, and the GRAND PRIZE a copy of A Winter's Tale signed by the author Trisha Ashley!
a Rafflecopter giveaway

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		Cowbaby No More
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cowbaby/
		Mon, 24 Feb 2014 12:18:10 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1225
		
		for me. On one hand I am so proud of this sweet little boy and how he has grown from a tiny little baby that can only eat, sleep, and poop…to this wonderful bright and strong willed little toddler that I see before me. It’s a popular saying because it is true; time goes by so quickly. With my first baby I couldn’t wait for him to grow up and walk and talk. Each baby afterwards I appreciate that sweet snuggly baby stage more and more. Now as watch Cowbaby sitting in his high chair, babbling to his brothers and sister, feeding himself and taking a swig of milk from his sippy, my heart aches.

I find myself thinking of all the late night hours, just him and I rocking in the darkness. His chubby little starfish hands batting at my chin and hair; moving slower and slower and finally resting still as he fell back asleep. That sweet smile he made as he fell deeper into his dreams, that sigh that tells me it’s safe to kiss his smooth cheek one more time, and tuck him back into his crib. I remember all the hours spent walking and bouncing him as he screamed for no apparent reason. The exhaustion and the frustration over the sleepless nights. All the while knowing that it would be over one day…and here that day is.

The joy Cowbaby has brought to our family is immeasurable. With four children we have a house full of laughter, love, and more than a few messes. Cowbbay has taught us yet again that there is always room in the hearts of a family for one more. So, with this short little post I encourage you to both treasure the moments with your children and also know, that this too shall pass. Being a mother is a double edged sword of joy and sorrow and my favorite phrase “This is just right now, it is not forever!” can offer comfort in times of stress and tears in times of happiness.

Without further ado I would like to say a tearful goodbye to Cowbaby and introduce you all to Cowboy C.]]>
		
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		A Whisper Is Like the Shadow of a Shout
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/whisper-like-shadow-shout/
		Wed, 26 Feb 2014 13:00:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1230
		
		"A Whisper Is Like the Shadow of a Shout"
This quote from self-published author Jarod Kintz really resonated with me when I read it. It totally captures the first step I took when I needed to discipline my stepchildren. Taking corrective action with “steps” is a tricky thing. You can’t be a total pushover, but you don’t want to be seen as “wicked” either. You want to respect the system of punishment that was used before you came onto the scene, but it might make you uncomfortable to try to repeat it yourself.
    

    To help you understand this story, I need to give you a little bit of personal history. When I decided to move in with The Texan, I knew that I loved the kids just as much as I loved him. All three of them made my life complete. I planned to be there forever (we’re at 18 years and counting…). But I also realized that I was the new variable in the family equation and didn’t want to make things more complicated than they were already. Because The Texan and the kids’ mom were not fierce enemies, I had become friendly with her and was accepted as a member of the extended family after several months. Yes, I do realize that I had an exceptional situation!
    

    But back to discipline. Even when you have permission to punish your stepchildren from your spouse and his/her “Ex,” I would suggest taking a light approach. I actually got this idea from The Texan after he mentioned that he always hated yelling at the kids. I thought back to my childhood, and while I was never yelled at (really!), I do remember feeling uncomfortable when stern words were directed at one of my siblings in a less than conversational volume.
    

    So, I decided to try an experiment the next time I needed to get them to stop squabbling. While they are the best of friends now, whisperStep Girl and Step Boy are just 1 ½ years apart, very competitive, very confident and very opinionated. These are wonderful qualities in adults; difficult to manage in children. But I was determined to ban yelling from my new household. So, the next time I heard them yelling at each other in the living room, I went in, stood nearby and whispered, “Please stop.” The kids, who obviously had been considering whether or not they should get physical to prove their point to each other, stopped in their tracks, leaned closer to me and in unison said, “What?”
    

    I calmly whispered again, “Please stop.” By that time they had moved away from each other and toward me, and the physical distance had a positive effect. They both mumbled sheepishly, “OK,” and went to play in separate rooms. I almost yelled with joy that my experiment worked, but then remembered that would defeat the whole point!
    

    I used this technique over and over again, and for some reason the kids usually responded. Now, I must confess that in emergency situations, like when the river was flooded and the kids grabbed a canoe because they wanted to try to brave the raging waters, I did yell (to this day I still remember how scared I was; the kids claim they were just joking, but I’m not so sure). But 90% of the time I was able to discipline the steps using the "shadow of a shout."
    
Image credit: vlkvojtech / 123RF Stock Photo]]>    
		
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		Jamberry Nails #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/jamberry-nails-giveaway/
		Sun, 02 Mar 2014 13:00:05 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1239
		
		brightening up your February with nail polish, that I was going to be trying a new product out called Jamberry nails. Here is the little blurb I first read about them “Jamberry Nails are vinyl adhesives you can apply in your own home in fifteen minutes for less than $4 an application!! Lasting up to two weeks on your fingernails and up to six weeks on your toenails, these heat-activated beauties are sure to become a staple in your wardrobe!”

Sounds pretty good right?! So I did some more research because I had tried nail “stickers” before and not only did they still chip after a few days but, it took about a gallon of nail polish remover to get them off. The result was brittle peeling nails for weeks. I knew I had heard about them in my trusty Marie Claire so I started there. When I started to read up on Jamberry there were several things that appealed to me.jamberry nails

      
	
    • They are non-toxic
      • 
	
    • Formaldehyde and Latex free
      • 
	
    • Over 400 designs to pick from
      • 
	
    • No dry time
      • 
	
    • They can be used over acrylic and gel nails
      • 
	
    • Made in the good old USA
      • 

    
Jamberry nails are also gluten free, so if you’re watching a scary movie and feel compelled to bite your nails you won’t ruin your diet (this was super funny to me). For me what sealed the deal was the removal process. Instead of soaking your nails in acetone like gel nails, or scrubbing with a non acetone remover like regular polish you can simply use the same heat (like a hairdryer or the standing heater they make) that you used to apply them to remove them. Or even better you can simply soak your nails in olive oil and peel off your Jamberry nails.

So I fell for the pitch and ordered the whole shebang, 4 sheets of nail stickers and stand up dryer. As soon as I got my order (a jamberry nails 1 weekfew days later) I tried it all out. I would like to say it was all for the blog, but really I was super excited. It was a piece of cake to put them on and I even had Cowboy W and Cowboy C (formerly known as Cowbaby) “helping” me. I would say it probably took me about 10 minutes and I have a feeling it will be mucjamberry on gelh quicker without “help”, and now that I know what I am doing. I took a close up picture of my nail after a week to show you guys how awesome they truly are. Keep in mind I am a Prairie Wife who does chores, gives baths, and even went swimming with the kids. And they are only worn down a bit at the tip. No peeling or chipping at all! I even gave Texas Two Steppin' a Jamberry accent nail on her gel nails, so cute!

When I removed the nails I decided to use heat, simply because while a 3 minute soak in Olive Oil sounded wonderful “ain’t jamberry offnobody got time for that!” It took literally 30 seconds and my nails were just as healthy afterwards as they were before, no peeling or tearing at all. I even waited a few days just to make sure. Sometimes my brittle nails take a while to show the true effects of everything I do to them. Perfectly fine 3 days later, and I’m chomping at the bit to put on another set! I didn’t do my toes because I like to switch my polish every week on them, it makes me happy what can I say.

I loved the products so much that I did a Facebook Jamberry party. Yup a Facebook party. No need to clean the house or find a sitter. And my girlfriends could order and check out the products when they had time. My Jamberry consultant and new friend Cindi offered to do an amazing giveaway for PrairieWifeInHeels.com readers, thanks Cindi! Just enter below to earn points towards her amazing Jamberry giveaway!

    jamberry nails giveaway
    
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Going on Vacation...Without the Kids
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/going-on-vacation-without-the-kids/
		Sat, 01 Mar 2014 13:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1264
		
		and finding a babysitter. More often than not our date night slips in right at the end of the month on the 30th or 31st, but we get it done! Our rule is that in between kids, or about every two years, we go on a trip all by ourselves. Going on vacation without the kids has been vital to keeping our marriage (10 years this June) happy and healthy! In the past we have gone to the Kentucky Derby (so fun), Hawaii (personally I feel it wasn’t worth the long flight), and Costa Rica (this is by far my favorite place I’ve been).

This year we actually get two trips away from the kids. A long weekend in Vegas for a work trip (Cowgranny is coming up to watch vacation couplethe kids) and then…wait for it…the French Riviera for a week! I know crazy right? We actually won the trip through a fundraising raffle at the Cowkids’ school! Thankfully Ma and Pa are willing to fly in to watch the Cowkids for us for that trip. I know that we are so blessed that we have such amazing family willing to travel across Wyoming and the US to take care of our kids and give us a break. With new technology like FaceTime and Skype it’s even easier for us to leave but still stay connected to our kids. Because this isn’t my first time leaving the kids with Grandparents, gathering up all the paperwork only took me about 30 minutes. I just had to add Cowboy C to the lists.

But, it made me think about how challenging it was for us the first time we left. Not just emotionally but there is a lot of must do’s before you leave your kids for more than a few hours. So, to help all you mom’s and dad’s out there I’ve compiled a list for you of what you need to do before you hit the road and leave all your troubles (aka children) behind!

      
	
    • Medical Release Form- This is super important! You need to fill out one for each child (it was a pain for 4). This gives the caregiver permission to take your child to the ER and make medical treatment decisions if you aren’t available.
      • 
	
    • Medical information clearly posted- I tape this on the inside of the bathroom cupboard where all the kids medicine is kept (stock up on Tylenol and cough medicine etc. just in case). Have the children’s full names, birthdays (and age), and weights clearly listed. Doctor names and numbers. Then I put a list of symptoms and what medicine to use. With the weights and ages it is a piece of cake for caregivers to figure our dosages.
      • 
	
    • Basic Information- Put a paper on the fridge with your home address, your home and cell phone numbers, doctor name and number, and a few numbers of friends that can come in an emergency. If your caregiver has to call 911, your address is one of the first things the operator will need. We always have it up for sitters. (we also have a CPR picture guide up too)
      • 
	
    • Daily Schedule- Now this one is up to you on whether or not you want to do it. With school, preschool, and naptimes it just makes it easier for everyone if you type it all out. I know that they might ignore it half the time but it’s nice to have in one spot the ballet days and times and preschool times so no one forgets. We also have feeding animals (horses, dogs, and cats) down on it too so no one forgets.
      • 
	
    • Will- No one likes to think of this, but frankly if you have kids you need to have a will. A verbal direction to a friend or family member, telling them who you want to take care of your kids if the unthinkable should happen, won’t hold up in court. Death can make people do strange things, and it’s better to have it written clearly want you want to happen to your children and your assets should you die. I also write a personal note to each of our children when they are born and slip it in there as well. It simply gives me piece of mind to know that what we want is written our clearly before we leave.
      • 
	
    • Information for where you will be- We always leave a paper with our flight information, the name and contact information for our hotel, and if necessary the contact information for the name of our tour group and the information for the American Embassy if we head out overseas. If there is an emergency at home or abroad we want to be sure that our family can reach us.
      • 
	
    • Groceries and Money- I always try to stock up the house with groceries before we leave, the last thing I want my parents to have to do is drag my kids to the store. We also like to leave some cash in case of emergencies, or if Cowgranny or Ma and Pa want to treat the kids while we are away.
      • 

    
I think this is everything that you’ll need, and I know it seems a little overwhelming. But, it’s worth it to know that you’ve dotted all your i’s and crossed all your t’s. I find it so much easier to relax and enjoy my time with The Cowboy when everything is taken care of at the Prairie Homestead!

Think I forgot something? Please let me know!]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week February 28, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-february-28-2014/
		Fri, 28 Feb 2014 13:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1269
		
		Addition: Since this interview was posted Lelia has established her own shop. Feel free to contact Leila through her  shop Sweet Misery Electric Tattoo (make sure you LIKE her FB page  (and ours)) or WilcoxLeila@yahoo.com (307)441-4379

As most of our readers know I am a city girl living in a country world, and my type of city girl has a little bit of a rocker edge. So, it will probably not come as a surprise for you to learn that I have a tattoo…or a few (all tasteful I assure you). I met this week’s Prairie Wife of the Week Lelia, when I went in a year ago to get a tattoo to commemorate the birth of Cowboy C. I had heard about her amazing work as a tattoo artist, and specifically her beautiful artistry with flowers. I was immediately struck by her super cool vibe, and as I got to know her I was more and more impressed with her poise, positive attitude, and artistic talent. Tattooing is becoming more and more socially acceptable and respected as an art form across the world. Lelia has more than her fair share of Prairie Wife grit, which she has used to charge forward in a male dominated field. Her determination to follow her dreams with the support of her family, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week.

    Leila Key tattoo PWW
    
Prairie Wife (PW): First tell me a little bit about your family.

Leila (L): I come from a big family with 11 of us all together; I grew up in the middle of Alaska with no electricity and no roads. When I was in my early teens we moved to Iowa and the family kind of separated. I was pretty much on my own when I was 14, and I lived with my 16 year old sister. I eventually wound up in Minnesota because of some family connections. It’s where I met my husband through friends when I was in my early 20’s. We connected and moved apart a few times but after about a year and a half I ended up seeing him at a bar and reconnecting, it was one of those crazy fate things. We’ve been together for a little more than nine years. We have three children, two boys and a girl ages 9 to 4 years old. We have lived in Wyoming for 8 years, I love Wyoming because of the stability it offers my family.

PW: Has art always been part of your life?

L: I can’t remember when I wasn’t drawing, I never had the opportunity to take art classes, even in school. As a child I spent most PWW Leila drawingof my time drawing on the inside covers of books because we didn’t have paper and pencils readily available. Almost every day I worked on my art, especially during those tough teenage years. It was therapeutic and offered an escape from the pressure of the world. It was great to create something positive. When I was older I tried painting a little bit, but I never got that into it. I always kept things simple with a sketch book and pens, I didn’t really think of it as something that was worth focusing on. One day as I looked back at my work, I realized that I was improving steadily every year and that motivated me to keep working at it. Then suddenly one year, I realized that nothing was changing, so I actually gave up on the drawing because I wasn’t improving at all. During that time I branched out with other things, like pottery and woodwork. After a time I realized I was missing drawing and started back up again.

PW: What led you toward tattooing as a way to express yourself?

L: I had a few tattoos and one of the times I went to Andy (current owner of Black Sunday Tattoo). It was such a great experience and his work was amazing. I reconnected with him several times and it turned out that he was building his own shop. One of my friends brought up my art to Andy, and I was so embarrassed that I didn’t really follow through. Later, the same friend set up a meeting with Andy. I put together a portfolio and he said that he was interested in having me as an intern.

PW: What does becoming a tattoo artist involve?

L: It depends on how you go about it. I went about it the traditional way. Basically you put together a portfolio of your art and research a shop that fits you. You get them to agree to train you. You then do a two year apprenticeship, this means working for free. That apprenticeship was so hard mentally, physically, and emotionally for me. I was a wife, mother, and held down another paying job besides doing the apprenticeship. I wanted it so badly, so I just plowed on through, I knew this was my future and I wasn’t going to let anyone take it away from me. The first year was the hardest, and I am thankful for my husband and his belief in me.

I would arrive at work 3 hours before everyone else and do the cleaning. Then any free time I had I was watching others tattoo or I Lelia Bird Cage tatwas drawing. They would give me an assignment of what to draw and when I showed it to them they would tell me everything that was wrong, and have me redo it. Sometimes I would have to do drawings over and over for days. This is how you get better and learn, you draw they tell you what sucks, and you draw it again and fix it. Flowers were the hardest for me, I had never liked them and I just fought it. My first rose took me weeks to get correctly. When I finally got it done, Andy of course said it looked bad, but it resulted in me finally breaking through my mental block. And now it’s one of my favorite things to tattoo and I’m known for my flowers!

I was told at first that it would only be a few months before I could actually tattoo but it turned out to be over a year. We had some tattoo artists come in from Utah (1896 electric) to the shop, which we all really admire and look up to. The owner of the shop (Nate) and I struck up a conversation and we had this wonderful talk where he just told me that I had what it took, and that week is when I got to start tattooing. My husband was my first customer, which is pretty typical. Usually your first tattoo is on yourself and I’m thankful that Andy allowed me to start out on whatever friends and family members were willing, they were all free of course.

Then after a few months Andy said I was allowed to start charging $10, so using the wonders of social media I would advertise that I was doing simple all black tattoos. Then as Andy saw my work improve he would add another level (color and what I could do), and allow me to charge more. After 2 years I finally was able to charge the regular shop fee and was able to do whatever my customers wanted.

PW: Can you walk us through a normal day for you?PWW Leila Rose

L: After I get all my kids taken care of and dropped off at school I try make sure I get to work a little bit earlier than everyone else. That strong work ethic is just part of who I am, I never want anyone to be working harder than I am, or learning more. I use that time before my clients come in to straighten up the shop. I drink my coffee and draw while I listen to classical music. It seems like I always have one appointment a week that pushes me out of my comfort zone, something that I am stressing over. Not because I can’t do it but, because I want it to go well and be my best work. Those pieces are usually the ones I end up being the most proud of. Then my customers start to come in I am usually booked back to back, no time to eat, and half the time I don’t even get a bathroom break! Any minute left in the day I am drawing and designing new work, or trying to get new customers by posting and advertising myself and our shop on social media.

PW: You know everyone wants to hear a few stories…can you share one good one and one bad one?

L: Let’s see…this is a funny one. One time a Nurse came in for a wrist tattoo. Her husband came in as well and joined us to watch. Her tattoo is almost done, we’ve all been talking and chatting, and she gets up and asks her husband to get her purse. He stood up to get it and suddenly was all wobbly and fell over. We hadn’t even realized it, but he had passed out while watching her get tattooed! That’s a man for you!

The worst one I can think of happened when I was just starting out. A gal came in for a big flower on her shoulder; she already had one on the other side. She told me that she usually cries when she gets tattooed which was fine, I feel like you need to do what you need to do to get through it. So I start and she starts to pull away from me, so I am trying to hold her in place while I tattoo, which is pretty tricky. Then, she starts crying and then screaming. Just absolutely screaming the entire time! I was mortified, it turns out that everyone could hear and then they all started to make fun of her so it was even worse. She called back for another one and I just couldn’t do it.

PW: Tattooing is a mostly male dominated profession what kind of challenges has that caused for you?

L: Being a woman made my apprenticeship harder because other artists didn’t have the same confidence in my work or my ability to handle the career as a whole, that they would have had in a man. There was definitely a lot of teasing that went too far. I ran into more than a few male tattoo artists that felt strongly that women don’t belong working in the shop. They had no problem sharing their feelings with me, loudly and frequently. I’m not going to lie, there were times when what they said and did really affected me on a personal level. But in the end I kept my focus, I wasn’t going to let their ignorance keep me from the future I knew was waiting for me.

    PW: Any advice for people out there thinking about getting a tattoo?PWW Leila Before
    
L: I would strongly advise against getting a significant others name, I know it’s silly but I think it jinxes things. But other than that, the biggest thing is you need to shop around. It’s not about the price it’s about finding a tattoo artist and shop that is doing work that you connect with. It’s a special thing getting a tattoo, and their work is going to be on your body forever. Look at their portfolio, check them out on social media and watch them for a bit. I know it’s hard to wait but don’t just rush in. No price shopping, PWW after Leilayou get what you pay for, and it’s just not worth it. When you find someone you like take care of them, be respectful of their time and remember that this is their job.

PW: How about advice for people interested in becoming a tattoo artist?

L: A lot of people aren’t aware that you have to buy all your own equipment. The machines (buy the best it’s worth it), the power supplies, the containers, cords, and inks. I would say that initial monetary investment for me was $10,000. And now even though I don’t need to buy as many new machines, I go through the ink and needles fast, so I would say I still end up spending that amount yearly to replenish supplies.

As a tattoo artist I would really encourage you to treat others how you want to be treated. Remember that it’s a special moment for them even though you do it every day. They are thinking about it for days, months and even years before they come to you. Make your customers feel welcome, and show them how you value who they ar. Even if it is simply a tattoo of initials put everything you are into what they are asking you to do. Talk to them and keep them comfortable and they’ll keep coming back, and tell their friends about you too. Never underestimate the importance of word of mouth, positive or negative.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife Words of wisdom?

L: Find what you love and let it kill you!

Addition: Since this interview was posted Leila has established her own shop. Feel free to contact Leila through her  shop Sweet Misery Electric Tattoo (make sure you LIKE her FB page, tell her PrairieWifeInHeels.com sent you) or WilcoxLeila@yahoo.com (307)441-4379

She will be checking back in over the next week to answer and comments or questions!]]>    
		
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		I am NOT a Nurse
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/nurse/
		Wed, 05 Mar 2014 13:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1298
		
		 I am not a good mom when my kids are sick. I usually have only about a day’s worth of nurturing and patience in me and then I start to slowly descend towards more of a Annie from Misery type caregiver rather than Florence Nightingale. Which really makes me feel bad for my Cowkids, because in total they have all had 7 surgeries and one three day hospitalization…and who knows what Cowboy C will bring to the table. My kids were cursed with bad ears, it comes from my side of the family. Ma’s maiden name is very German and literally translates to mean “evil ear” (thanks Grandma Bea). If that’s not a warning I don’t know what is!

By now having tube surgery is old news, the nurses at the surgical center know us so well that they recognize my familnot a nursey and I in public and come over to chat. After each kid has gone through their first surgery with no reactions to the anesthesia I breathe a little easier the other times. I’ve even done the last three surgeries on my own (once with a Cowboy C only a few months old and nursing in the recovery room) because of The Cowboy’s work schedule or needing him to stay with big kids. It still makes my stomach drop when I sign the waver that says I understand that my kid may die on the operating table, and I won’t get too upset. And my time in the waiting room is spent pretending to read my Kindle while I secretly shove down all my worried thoughts, and pray fervently that all goes well.

This is fresh on my mind because Cowboy W just had his third surgery last week. Tubes in for a third time and adenoids out. I was dreading this one because of past experiences. Just getting in tubes is no big deal, the hardest part is keeping the kid “still” for the first 24 hours after the surgery! But, Cowgirl G had tonsils and adenoids out and tubes in and it was one of the top 10 worst experiences in my parenting life so far. She was absolutely screaming mad when she woke up in recovery and it went downhill from there. I figured a diet of soda, Popsicles and ice cream would be the stuff of dreams for a 2 ½ year old girl…not so.

The nurses and staff pounded into me the importance of keeping her hydrated and the dangers if she wasn’t drinking enough (fever, hospitalization, IV fluids, death) so I hovered over her trying to get her to eat and drink. She wanted nothing to do with it and screamed kicked and pushed us away. I’m sure you already know you can’t physically force them to drink or eat. So, there I was, 24 hours later, crying and screaming at my sweet little girl to just “Eat some %&^$* ice cream!” Not a shining moment for me…it all worked out fine and two days later she was better than ever, and speaking so much clearer.

So, I mentally prepared myself for Cowboy W’s surgery. The doctor told me that just doing adenoids wasn’t going to be nearly as rough as tonsils and adenoids but, I wasn’t buying it. I began to have flashbacks in the recovery room when Cowboy W reenacted a scene from The Hulk. He was angrily arching his back while kicking and screaming and trying to pull his IV out. After three days spent in Denver Children’s Hospital (while he enjoyed the helicopter ride, overall it wasn’t very fun) with IV’s in both arms and tons of tests, he isn’t a big fan of needles. I finally got him calmed down and he fell back asleep while the rest of the anesthesia wore off.

He woke up much more like himself and I drove home slowly in 6 inches of snow, crossing my fingers that he wouldn’t barf in the car. I got him home and he devoured 3 Popsicles in 10 minutes. I began to feel the stirrings of hope in my heart, perhaps they weren’t lying to me. I can now confidently say that the hardest part of the surgery is post op day two, trying to keep a three year old boy still is no easy trick!

I am thankful for my Otolaryngologist (say it three times fast) and his ability to help my children to heal, though The Cowboy thinks he should give us a punch card. Every time I go through this I am thankful for the health of my kids, I know that this is just a short term thing, and there are so many parents that don’t have that luxury. I am also thankful for all the nurses (shout out to all three of my sister-in-laws) and doctors that are so wonderful and compassionate. I am good at many things but I am not a nurse!

Are you good with your sick kids?]]>
		
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		Winter Watch by Anita Klumpers
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-watch-anita-klumpers/
		Mon, 10 Mar 2014 12:00:16 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1303
		
		Prairie Wife of the Week, Donna Boucher. She has a blog called Quiet Life that I just Winter's Watchlove, and I stop by every week. She mentioned that one of her friends had recently written a book. The book, Winter Watch by Anita Klumpers intrigued me for several reasons. I am usually not interested in mystery’s but, I like the link Donna made between the real death of Anita Klumpers’ grandfather and the plot of the book. It made me want to see how Anita changed the story. I also liked that Anita was a fellow Wisconsin girl. So I got the book on my Kindle and snuggled under the covers and started to read…and read…and read until I just couldn’t keep my eyes open any longer.

The main character is Claudia, a strong woman who is abandon at a gas station by her boyfriend. She is slowly but surely welcomed into the town, and quickly becomes involved in the lives of several of the more eccentric characters. Her love interest is a pillar in the community (and the local dog catcher), and Klumper’s writing keeps you guessing as to whether there really is something there, or if we are just imagining it. I was instantly drawn to Claudia and found her likeable and just flawed enough to be relatable. The mystery gets deeper as the book continues, and soon a murderer is afoot in the snowy winter town of Barley, Wisconsin. Anita wraps up the story in an unhurried fashion, wrapping up all the loose ends in a realistic way. I started the book somewhat interested, and ended it in love with the characters, and their town. Anita hinted in her interview that there might be more adventures coming, and I can’t wait to read more about Barley, Wisconsin!]]>
		
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		Hot Sauce in a Hurry
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hot-sauce-hurry/
		Mon, 03 Mar 2014 13:00:13 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1354
		
		

Ingredients
2 large white onions, peeled and quartered
3 large jalapenos (Remove the seeds and membrane if you would like it less spicy. Also feel free to use fewer to adjust the burn factor.)
1 large serrano pepper (Same advice as above, and you can omit this pepper altogether.)
3 cans (14.5 oz each) fire roasted diced tomatoes
1 tbsp Sriracha (If I can find it in my small town market I’m sure you can find it too!)
1 tbsp coarse ground black pepper
3 tbsp fajita spice
Âź cup lime juice
1 tbsp chopped garlic
1 tbsp cumin

1. Put the onions and peppers in the food processor and chop until super fine, almost liquefied.

2. Add in the canned tomatoes and seasonings. Pulse the ingredients until the hot sauce is at the desired consistency. Chunky or smooth, you can’t go wrong!

3. If you have any leftover hot sauce, put it in an airtight container and keep it refrigerated for up to one week. We often use mason jars; when we are invited to a party it makes a great "hostess gift."]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week March 7, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-march-7-2014/
		Fri, 07 Mar 2014 13:00:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1358
		
		everything), there is still a certain taboo around woman and alcoholism. I first came in contact with Amanda on FB as a follower of her now closed virtual newspaper The Glenrock Bird. I was officially introduced to her by a past Prairie Wife of the Week, Ginny Butcher, when she suggested that Amanda might be the perfect candidate for a future Prairie Wife of the Week. When I heard Amanda’s story I knew that it was one I just had to share with my readers. Her determination to take responsibility for her life and her addiction (no matter how overwhelming it was at times) as well as her strength to share her story with others, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week.

    PWW Amanda shoes
    
Prairie Wife (PW): Can you tell us a little bit about you and your family?

Amanda (A): Hmmm, where to begin? I hail from the great state of Michigan, probably one of the most wonderful states in the United States, aside from (of course) Wyoming.  I moved to Wyoming in 2005 and met my current husband, a cattle and sheep rancher, in 2010.  I am a mother to four horses, a dozen assorted chickens and a rooster, three amazing dogs, one cat, several Koi and a turtle we call Jack.

PW: I know that you are a woman of many talents; can you tell us a little about what you do?

A: I am a Professional Photographer and Western Photographic Artist, I teach photography lessons part time to a plethora of students, from age 5 to 87.  I love all of my students very much. I donate several classes a year to our area 4H kids who are a real hoot to work with and the very foundation that our Country is built is on.

I owned The Bird Central Wyoming News in Wyoming which eventually covered all of Wyoming for news and information including breaking news alerts and information. We branched our breaking news and alerts information nationwide before I retired The Bird in April of 2013. She ran fast and furious for 8 wonderful years! And made history as being the first small newspaper published on the iPad and the Kindle, and the first news entity in Wyoming to provide live updates, information and breaking news to the communities that make up our great state.  I loved every single minute of it, and I miss it and my employees more than I have ever missed anything.

I work with my husband on our ranch and have become an absolute "City to Ranch" expert in moving cows through various terrains, branding, doctoring, weaning, pregnancy testing, etc., etc., etc. I've even got the scar on my head to prove my expertise!  My husband and I raise our own food and practice sustainable living as much as possible, both of which have proven themselves to allow us the more even keeled life that we love.

I am currently writing a book called Hope.Still (Š) which tells the story about my previous marriage.  The very real physical and emotional abuse I endured (and allowed) for fifteen years, and how I survived it and learned to live again. I also share the story of my ridiculous and very real addiction to Alcohol. Something I at one time, considered to be my best friend and confidant.

PW: I know that you have had some struggles in the past. Could you share with us a little about your past, and what led you to your alcohol addiction?

A: In retrospect, it was me that led myself to my alcohol addiction. That my friends, is the cold hard truth that is most difficult to accept, but it’s true.  Through the abuse that my previous husband reigned upon me, I turned to alcohol (a substance I have always loved, by the way... the Alcohol, not my previous husband, haha.). I was a connoisseur of wines and fine whiskey's and I thought my shit didn't stink when it came to that.  I now know that it did.  I slowly started to depend on the bliss that I mistakenly thought was real, of what having a drink or five could provide for me.  Before long I was no longer just enjoying that wonderful sting that would creep down through my body after a long, hard day. I was depending on that feeling, and then no feeling at all, to overtake my mind and my body whenever the abuse from my husband (that I hid from almost everyone) would happen.

I was drinking when I woke up. I was drinking during the day. I was drinking until I passed out at night. I was hiding bottles of Smirnoff in my bedroom closet, under the mattress on my bed, in various places around the yard of my beautiful home, and in the cabinet in my kitchen that housed all my cooking oils.  I drank to forget that my husband was disgusted by me, and hated every single thing I ever succeeded at, including breathing. In fact it felt so good to "Get Away" (as I called it) that I began to partake in that lovely, slippery, liquid sensation whenever I started to feel bad. Whenever anyone hurt my feelings (yes, even if a customer hurt my feelings, when my workday was over, I would drink for that reason too). I began to let everything around me take the backseat to my drinking and when my business and my world started to fall apart, I drank to forget about that.  If my lawn was dying in my front yard, I drank.

Alcohol became the only "friend" I could really depend on, and the only "person" that if I caused any pain to, would still be there for me in the morning.  In my mind Alcohol didn't care if I was about to hit rock bottom, alcohol didn't care if my life was a shambles, and alcohol didn't care about all the mistakes I was making with people, my life and my business.  Alcohol was still there for me no matter the aforementioned, and that seemed like a really good best friend to me.

To reiterate the answer to your question, it was me. I led myself straight into my addiction. Am I justified in the reasons I had for trying to run away and hide?  Sure, I won't deny myself that. But I'm not justified in the path I chose that eventually caused the demise of a lot of good things, and a handful of excellent relationships. Nobody else did that, nobody else put that bottle to my lips but little ol' me!

PW: Can you walk us through a typical week when you were struggling with your alcoholism?

A: Hmm, a typical week. Maybe a typical week for me and my alcohol use would be a topic in itself for another time. It is quite interesting, to say the least.  ;)

I can tell you this though, no one tried to help me, and I don't blame anyone, one bit. Had somebody yelled to my face " YOU HAVE A REAL PROBLEM, AMANDA" I wouldn't have listened anyway. I'd of yelled even louder than them "GOOD, THEN LETS GO DROWN IT OUT WITH A BEAM AND WATER!" and they'd have happily gone with me. Having said that, no one really knew for sure if I had a problem or not. All the while my life was crumbling down around me, I was a happy drunk.... that's why I drank.  And that's why people liked me, because I was happy.  On the outside.

It wasn't until I was no longer a happy drunk, but rather a drunk, drunk, and I hit rock bottom and lost my ass, that people started to NOT like me.   And they dropped like flies.  And rightfully so! When I hit rock bottom is when I started to hurt those people that I loved dearly.  I refused, while I was wallowing around on rock bottom, to accept that it was I that caused a breakdown in friendships, and it was I that then started choosing new friends (and boy were they the wrong kind of friends). I hurt my family.  I hurt my mother, and my father, and my brother.

I could continue to blame it all on my previous husband, and sometimes I really, really, really want to. But, the truth of the matter is that I chose my abusive husband over my life, and I chose alcohol over living. I tried for years to make both somehow fit into who I was, and now I know that doing so was simply not possible. You cannot live a normal life when someone is abusing you, and you cannot live a normal life when you are abusing alcohol.

PW: What led you to seek help?

A: My Dad. During a surprise visit to my parents after not seeing them for almost 10 years, we all went to dinner. I drank too much, had a fight in the restaurant parking lot, went home to their house, and went to bed. Around 2am I snuck downstairs to their pantry where a nicely hidden airplane sized bottle of liquor was tucked away behind the Morton's Salt. It was within super duper easy reach for me.  As I twisted off the cap, the light in the kitchen turned on behind me. I turned around just as my father fell to his knees and wrapped himself around my waist and through sobs told me I was a drunk.  Just like this:  "Manda, Manda, honey... please, Manda, you have a problem and I want you to stop, Manda... please.”  I will never forget those words, they ring in my ears daily.  When a father cries openly in front of his daughter, because of his daughter, while clinging to her body as though it would be the last time he would see her. Well, it’s enough to wake anybody up.  That is when I began my road towards recovery. That was in November of 2010, but I didn't take my very last drink until two months later on January 1, 2011.  January 2nd, 2011 is when I started my recovery and I have been sober ever since.

PW: What was the recovery process like for you?

A: It was hard. Damn hard. I met a man in the local grocery store that chased me for weeks in December of 2010. I knew I wanted to quit drinking and I sure as hell didn't want or need a man in my life.  He caught up to me on December 20th and convinced me to begin going to AA with him.  He was a recovering alcoholic and he became my husband in July of 2012.

My husband and God, became my joy. My husband re-introduced me to life by working my ass off on his ranch (and my God did I work, to the tune of a weight loss of 70lbs in three months). He re-introduced me to my relationship with God. I was miles from anywhere that I could easily access alcohol, and I rode with him to our AA meetings. Getting sober was the hardest thing I have ever done.  Changing my life and removing myself from society was the hardest thing I have ever done. And running my newspaper sober, was the hardest thing I have ever done.

When I become sober I was tried to make amends with those I hurt, some accepted, and some understandably did not. In either case, it was a lot of pride to swallow and it was painful and embarrassing. But, I did it.  Some people see that I have changed; some people would prefer to believe that I am still the same person I was when I was drinking. I am not.

My greatest struggle today is being alright with the reality, that those who refuse to see that I have changed, are no longer worth beating myself up over. Not turning to alcohol when I stumbled, or when something would hurt me, or when I would become afraid, was a huge struggle. Believe me when I say, the craving to numb oneself, when one is faced with having to face things, is still very much real. I switched my mouthwash to mouthwash that clearly stated on the bottle NO ALCOHOL because A: it didn't have any alcohol in it and B: the label was a constant reminder for me that I could not drink. I not only stayed out of bars, but I also stayed out of restaurants except for a few special dinners. When I was newly sober, even the smell of a glass of wine at the table next to ours, would send me reeling. I can go to restaurants now.

I would switch check out lanes in the grocery store if I could smell alcohol on the person in front of or behind me.  I stayed home A LOT.  I still stay home A LOT because I have only now just turned three years sober, and I still fear the unknown. But, I am getting much better at this, and (just ask my husband) I successfully shopped at Wal-Mart, by myself, just a few short months ago.

PW: So much positive has come from your experience, can you share some with us?

A: Meeting my new husband, and rejuvenating my relationship with God and my family were my most positive experiences. Taking my newspaper to a level I never knew was possible, because I was sober, became a huge positive for me. Learning that I don't have to allow or accept toxic people in my life was a huge positive. Re-entering myself back into the world of Western Art, and into my photography was and still is an amazing experience. One that I truly thought I would never be able to, or even want to, enter back into again.

My western art does very well now, and in some cases better than ever.  I love creating now, more than I ever have in the past, because I am doing so sober. I can actually "remember taking that photo" now.   Learning and accepting that I was an alcoholic before my move to Wyoming (I just wasn't a raging alcoholic in my earlier years), was a positive because it allowed me to reflect and realize where I made my mistakes. I realized why I made my mistakes, and how to never, ever, make those mistakes again.

PW: What advice do you have for someone who thinks or even knows they have an addiction to alcohol?

A: It is hard for me as a recovering alcoholic, to give advice to those who may or may not have a problem, because I am still to this day, learning to live without alcohol. I can say this - don't wait for someone to come along and "save" you... take it from me. When I was watering the lawn and at the same time digging through the dead bushes in my front yard for a bottle of vodka, I knew I had a problem.  Waiting for someone to "save" me only allowed me enough time to completely destroy all that I had built in my life.  I had ample opportunity to save myself, but I purposely ignored all the signs, and took great pompous joy in doing so.

Ask yourself if you think you drink too much. If the answer is "yes" then find a way to stop. Force yourself to go to an AA meeting. Don't allow yourself to make excuses, just get up and go. Don't wait for someone to invite you (remember by the time I was invited, I had already destroyed everything). Read and re-read my answers to Prairie Wife’s questions. Understand fully that I allowed alcohol to become my addiction.  Understand fully that perhaps there isn't a choice (some people can become alcoholics based off of genetics alone) to become addicted to alcohol, or any other substance for that matter, but there most certainly IS a choice to STOP.

Only you can tell yourself if you are addicted to alcohol, but those who are, know that they are.  It is an argument that happens deep within, that you must battle and win and accept that you are an alcoholic. So that you can STOP, and realize that life can go on without alcohol.  You can still have fun without alcohol. Your real friends and your family will still love the new and sober you, even if you were the life of the party when you were drinking.

Last but not least, don't expect everyone to pay for your addiction. If my husband and I are out somewhere together or alone, at a restaurant or a group gathering and someone, or a waitress/waiter asks us if we'd like a cocktail, we don't respond with "No thanks, I don't drink" we respond with "Sure, I'll take an Iced Tea."  If an unsuspecting person offers you a cocktail, don't say "I don't drink" ... I have learned that it puts people on the defense. As though I think anyone drinking is a monster (not true). I have found that doing so makes the unsuspecting person feel as though they've committed a cardinal sin by asking.  Don't expect people to not drink around you because you have a problem.  It isn't their problem, it is yours.  If you can't be around it, then don't.  You can always politely bow out.  But don't make people feel uncomfortable in their surroundings because you can't drink.

And last but not least again (there are so many last but not leasts!)  DON'T under any circumstances, use your alcoholism or addiction as a crutch to allow yourself excuses for certain areas of your life.  I do not allow myself to say to me (or anyone else) "I'm sorry I acted that way, I'm a recovering alcoholic" or "I have an addiction, and it’s a disease and therefore I don't have to take giant leaps to change my life" ... you are NOT allowed to use your addiction as a crutch to get through life, you are NOT allowed to use your addiction or your recovery to make people feel sorry for you.  If you are a recovering addict, like I am, allowing yourself excuses for not moving forward in your life, or making excuses to those around you, will only turn into another addiction. I call it the "Crutch Addiction" and it will do you no good, at all.  You have a choice to begin your recovery, and pull yourself up by the bootstraps, and live. I did it, it was hard (it was INCREDIBLY hard) but I did it, and so can you.

PW: Many of us have family members and close friends who may be addicts, what can we say or do to help them to get help, or support them during the recovery process?

A: You could try dropping to your knees in a fit of utter despair and quietly, through sobs, tell them that they are an addict and that you are willing to help them begin their recovery when they are ready.  It worked for me.  But I don't think that will work for everyone.  I can't really tell you how to approach someone that might be an addict, but I do know that criticism and name calling "you're an alcoholic!", and fighting do not help the addict see that they are an addict.  Instead it may very well put some on the defense, and pull the ol' "I'll show them I'm not an addict" as they take a good long gulp.  That's what I did many times.

PW: Is there anything that friends and family of addicts should NOT do or say?

A: I can't answer what they should or shouldn't say...  I can suggest that friends and family of addicts definitely seek some guidance. Especially in the area that many people have experienced, of picking up the pieces for an addict. I'm sure I will get backlash for this but in my experience, if you pick up the pieces for an addict, they will always be an addict.

PW: As you look back at your journey from alcoholism to recovery is there anything that you wish you could have done differently?

A: Absolutely, I wish I would have paid attention to all the red flags that were waved in front of my face. Starting with my previous husband. I also wish that I would have taken more responsibility for my own actions that caused my demise. I wish I would have been smarter in my choices, and not tried so tirelessly to please everyone, including my previous husband. I wish I would have learned much, much sooner, that it is perfectly fine to live life for me. To say no, and to stand up for myself even if it means upsetting the applecart. And I wish beyond all wishes, that the first time my previous husband cold cocked me, that I would have had enough of my wits about me to make the choice to leave. No matter how much I thought I loved him, not matter how hard it might have been to start over, and no matter how much he apologized.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

A: Don't blame your demise on anyone else. We all have choices. We just need to realize that no matter how hard a choice might seem, we still have the ability to make a different choice.  Take responsibility for your own actions.  Don't use bad things that happened to you in your life as a crutch. Be alright with yourself when you feel pain, or sadness. But don't let it consume you.  And if it does consume you, promise yourself (and me) that you will go seek help from a professional.

Bake, garden, tinker, putz, get up out of bed and go ride your horse, or your ATV. Take your dogs, or other assorted animals for a walk. Finish each task you set your mind to. Be honest even if it hurts.  Pray, constantly. Love yourself, be proud of your own accomplishments. Love those who truly love you back.  And remember when you feel like you are so low that you couldn't swing your legs over the side of a book of matches, get up and put one foot in front of the other. In fact, start singing that song: "Put one foot in front of the other, and soon you'll be walking on your way..."

Amanda will be stopping by throughout the week to answer any comments or questions you]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife and TallGirlJ in Vegas
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-tallgirlj-vegas/
		Sat, 08 Mar 2014 13:00:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1381
		
		Technically this trip is a work trip, we are both accompanying our super hard working husbands and acting as their arm candy at Con Expo statuevarious business events. The Con Expo is in Vegas and is a HUGE event for CAT salesmen and their customers. I admit that my visit to the Con Expo was not high on my list of things I was excited about but, it really was an amazing experience. The sheer size of the equipment was amazing, and it was the only time in my life I have seen the line for the men's bathroom stretch for miles...and no waiting for women...at all!

As I am sure you know, the food in Vegas is amazing. I can't begin to list all the fabulous places we ate at but...there is one that is hands down my favorite, and we have eaten there every day! Serendipity 3. Oh my goodness it is the best place ever for breakfast. Hot Chocolate Pancakes? A French Toast Log? And the potatoes, they are a divine mix of crispy salty goodness.

    serendipity menu
    
There are so many sights to see in Vegas there is no way I can show you them all. So, I just picked a few of my favorites...

    temple in vegasfountain
    

    Wyn
    

    wrap dressTallGirlJ and I headed out for some shopping, and though we ended up not making any purchases the first day we sure had fun looking. The ladies at Diane Von Furstenburg in the Forum Shops, were so sweet! I had my heart set on investing (because with the cost it truly is an investment for me) in a classic wrap dress. I had visions of wearing it for years to come and then one day handing it on to Cowgirl G. The more I looked the more I became convinced that it was the perfect souvenir, and TallGirlJ cheered me on. The lovely sales staff (thank you Jade) gave me a few choices and a quick lesson in how to wear and tie a wrap dress. I put it on and stepped out. The look on TallGirlJ's face sadly showediane shoesd that she agreed with my inner thoughts. When she calmly shrugged and said "Well it looks great from the back, and the belly button down in the front!" my fears were confirmed. It appears that Diane Von Furstenburg (DVF) wrap dresses are made for woman that have more than double A longs on top. While Jade did find me two dresses that looked O.K. I just couldn't justify spending the money on an O.K. dress (even with the 15% off sale on everything in the store). I sadly put the dresses back on the hangers and thanked TallGirlJ for being a true friend. We did agree that the DVF purses and super cool cork shoes were totally on trend, especially the rose gold colored weaving on the purse!
    

    nailsLiving in Wyoming we don't have a wide variety of stores, so getting the chance to peruse the amazing displays at Sephora was a blast. TallGirlJ saw a color pallet in the polishes that she was drawn to, it was super fun and springy with a mixture of bright greens, violets, and grays! We also saw one of the coolest inventions ever (the picture didn't turn out) for checking out fake lashes. They glue the lashes to a mirror and you hold it up to your face to see how you look with that particular style of lashes...genius....and super fun to use!
    

    We probably spent almost half an hour trying on sunglasses at Tiffany's. It's nice to have a friend Tiffany glassesthat lets you know the truth about how a shape of sunglasses truly look on you. Even if their way of letting you know they aren't quite right is to A. Say "Umm yeah why don't you just take those off, you don't need to look in the mirror" or B. Hysterically laugh and shake head no...
    

    pool drinksWe ended our afternoon of shopping in true Vegas Style with drinks at the pool! Nothing feels better than stretching out in the sun watching the people go by, and giggling with a good girlfriend. I'll admit that a couple of cold fruity drinks helps everything seem a little more shiny and golden too!
    

    show in VegasI also recommend taking a night or two to see a Vegas show. We went and saw a Cirque Du Soliel show and when I wasn't curled up in a ball and covering my face in fear that one of the performers would slip and plummet to their death, I absolutely loved it. The talent and pure brute strength of all the men and woman made me vow to start doing more Yoga.
    

    And it wouldn't be Vegas without this...a faded stamp from the bar last night! We still have two night outdays to go before we head back to Wyoming, and more memories to make. I'm sure we'll keep you posted on Facebook and Twitter. Please forgive me if this post is full of errors, in true Vegas style I am typing this at two in the morning!
    

    Whats your favorite part about Vegas?
    ]]>    
		
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		Spring 2014 Trends: Dos or Don'ts?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-2014-trends-dos-donts/
		Sun, 09 Mar 2014 16:14:40 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1419
		
		judge a few trends we've been seeing on the runway and in fashion magazines. As you know, although we are sisters we have different style aesthetics. Remember I am a grandmother with a corporate job and Prairie Wife is a mother of four with a rocker vibe. It stands to reason that we would disagree on a few, but read on to see if anything is declared a unanimous PWIH must have. We'd love to hear if you will be trying any of these styles this season, so leave us a comment and click on the photo to visit our Pinterest page and more favorite looks!

widelegjeans

Wide Leg Jeans

Texas Two Steppin': I have always liked this look, and a few sizes ago I had a fabulous pair of wide-leg jeans. I am going to have to admit that I am copying Prairie Wife blatantly because she let me try on a pair she had bought. I fell in love all over again! I have a small waist but "curvy" thighs, and this design is very forgiving and flattering. I went right to the laptop and found a non-distressed, medium wash pair from Gap to wear on weekends and casual Fridays. My verdict--give it a try!

Prairie Wife: I saw a pair of wide leg pants on Pinterest last year and fell in love. They were J Brand, which is more than a little out of my price range, so I filed it under inspiration. Imagine my surprise when I saw the same pair for $32 on HauteLook.com. I immediately ordered them and have been rocking the look ever since. I call them my Farrah Fawcett jeans because they have an undeniable '70s sex appeal. Dress this look down with a tank and strappy platforms, or dress it up with a tucked in blouse, sky high heels and a cute blazer. My verdict--buy a pair...NOW!

orangelipstickOrange Lipstick

TTS: When Prairie Wife and I discussed this trend, I said this was a don't. See, I have full, Angelina Jolie lips. Yes, many women want this look today, but this wasn't a beauty ideal from 1970-99, so I was teased mercilessly. I always have on lipstick, but I usually do a subtle pink or berry and haven't embraced red like my sister. But after reading the Harpers Bazaar article, I'm warming up to the idea of an orange lip. I wouldn't do the bold, matte lip, but maybe a sheer wash of color when I'm feeling exceptionally brave?

PW: This one is a total DO for me. I fell in love with last summer's blood orange color and immediately went out and got a somewhat sheer shade from L'Oreal's Colour Riche Line. I love this lipstick brand because it allows you to "build" the color to get just the right the shade for your personal look. Just like with red lipstick, this one may take a little time to get used to. But really, just think how cute and summery this will look with a simple white top, shredded skinny jeans and nude heels for a date night out?!

shaveheadShaved Head

TTS: I'll make this one short and sweet. Beautiful and edgy on this woman but not for me, not for my lifestyle, not for my career and not for The Texan.

PW: LOVE IT! I think this is one of my favorite looks, and I've been dieing to try it for years, ever since I saw Anya on Project Runway with it. Just this last week I was SO close to doing it, the only thing that held me back was the growing out stage. I have two friends that have done it, and I am so jealous. I know this is the rocker, ex-Nirvana lover in me, but I say heck yeah, go for it!

floralpantsFloral Pants

TTS: This look really isn't for me. I might do a dark floral, but not a print with a light background. I don't think it would look professional enough for the office, and I don't think I could work it into my weekend-wear wardrobe easily. If I'm going to invest in a trend, it still has to work for more than one occasion and more than one look. This just won't. Plus, it reminds me too much of Molly Ringwald in Pretty in Pink. Fabulous movie, but remember her character was portrayed as a fashion fail.

PW: I love all things floral; somewhere inside of me is an 80 year old English woman just waiting to be released. But even with my fanatical  love of tea and obsession with Trisha Ashley and British Lit, I can't bring myself to wear this. I don't have the legs for it, mine are too short and my thighs are just too curvy (let's be honest and say fat). It accentuates everything wrong on me. For all of you tall, slim legged ladies I say do. For the rest of us keep the floral for a top or dress.

perforatedleather

Perforated Leather

TTS: This is a do, for sure. This is a look I would wear every season except summer (too hot for Texas). You will probably see it everywhere in every color. While it is awesome and I do recommend a few key pieces, don't go crazy and purchase matching tops, purses, jackets, belts and heels. That's something we would have done in the '80s, and the '80s are over.

PW: My turn to keep it short. Leather=Rocker. Rocker=Always a good idea. Perforated Leather=Even more edgy Rocker...DO!

whiteheels

White Heels

TTS: For me, this is a don't. Again, I can appreciate this look on others, and I know PW would look fab in it, but I can't pull it off. Part of it is because I wore something similar in high school. I would probably look like I was trying to revisit my youth if I put a pair on today. I loved it when the fashion magazines suggested we pair white dresses and pants with nude heels, and I'll stick with that.

PW: I love Doris Day. To me the white heel with a sweet floral or swiss dotted dress is a do. I even have the perfect pair of white patent leather peep toe pumps that I wear with one of The Cowboy's favorite dresses. I say white heels are a do, but only if you are channeling the '50s vibe with a charming dress. A don't with jeans or dress slack; wear a nude heel instead.]]>
		
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			moncler メンズ  
衿やポケット口が黒ずんでいて、多分汗だと思うので、水洗いをしてほしい。 今年スタジャンはどうなのかな？まだまだ本格的な寒さがこないので実売は見えないけどダウンが本命なんだろうな。  
moncler v ide,モンクレール アンデルセン そのことが完璧な人間なんていないにつながってくるんだろうな。 ディズニー　エコカイロモンクレール ダウンベスト メンズ Moncler モンクレール ダウンベストモンクレール ダウンベスト メンズ Moncler モンクレール ダウンベスト。  
モンクレール 代理店  
足に最初からフィットして、長時間はいてもつかれることがありません。 久しぶりにやってきました、ファッションウォーカー！日本最大級を誇り、取り扱いブランド数が200を超えるという。 モンクレール ダウン 正規品  
今回のクリーニング代は、２．０００円、染み抜き代３００円となりました。 怪しい勤務実態…西川農相「政策秘書」長男の“本当の仕事”    2014年10月31日Ads by Yahoo! JAPAN問題のフェイスブックはすでに閉鎖拡大する 　安愚楽牧場からの献金に続き、政治資金の“私物化”疑惑、加えて収賄容疑で逮捕の過去…。  
moncler メンズ 父親の西川大臣は「たまたま休んだ時に書き込んだのではないか」などと答弁していたが、ＦＢには釣り以外にラーメン、焼き肉、とんかつを食ったとか、バーで酒を飲んだとか、政治とはまるで無関係の話が２、３日おきに書き込まれている。 ■国内正規品　超美品■モンクレール毛皮フードダウンＪＫＴ４■狙え、“お宝”写真集シーズン到来、スキー＆スノボをお得に手に入れよう。  
モンクレール ダウン 正規品]]>
			
			
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			レディース ダウン  
アルピニストに愛用されてきましたが、1968年のグルノーブルオリンピックでフランス・ナショナルチームの公式ウェアに採用されたことで、高品質なダウンジャケットメーカーとして定着しました。 　とまあ、いろいろ“ホコリ”が舞っているが、２つの釣り堀に電話をしたら、いずれも「（長男は）たまに来ます。  
moncler v ide,モンクレール アンデルセン ディズニー　エコカイロモンクレール ダウンベスト メンズ Moncler モンクレール ダウンベスト充電式の湯たんぽがいいよ 簡単な充電式で布団の中はあったかぽかぽか節電効果抜群！蓄熱式湯たんぽ。 取り扱い表示に日本のものはありませんでした。  
モンハミネ  
どうも寝かせて撮りますと、膨らみが伝わりにくいですよね。 例えばBossって缶コーヒーのブランドというイメージが日本では強いのですがメジェーブにはBossショップがありレギュラーのショップにも陳列されていてBossショップは大変な人ごみでした。 モンレール  
仕方なく、チロクマとアチャモのどちらかが見たい店にはいり、一方はティラたちと店前で待つというスタイル。 レギンス履けばいいのに（笑）このアンバランス差がいいのかもね。  
モンクレール バディア フランスの牡蠣だそうです確かに、モンブラントンネルをくぐればフランスですもんね。 しかもユナイテッドアローズ別注ということで裏地が可愛い小さな水玉ガラwwwロゴマークも別注ならではのブラックタイプ。  
モンハミネ]]>
			
			
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			http://www.b2bglobal.ca/fashion/
			
			
			
			モンクレール中古  
５分や10分、零下数℃の中を歩いても、耳以外は平気な私です。 約10年前に　日本から同僚が来仏した際に、このメーカーのダウンがほしいといわれ、お店を探しにいった記憶があります。  
duvetica emiさんと、yohkoさんへのプレゼントの話をしてから、BURBERRY神戸へ。 僕はダウンスーツ睡眠してましたが、今はやめてます。  
モンクレール ダウン  
娘と行き、ほとんどいきわたりばったりで購入。 kondoh君の同僚の女性スタッフがルイヴィトンの水が欲しかったみたいで、また、emiさんから頂いた。 duvetica ダウン  
これに対してあるユーザーは「海外のオンラインショップでは21万ウォン（約1万4400円）ほどだ。 以下は、本日更新した会社のホームページでの、おいらのブログ・・・・。  
モンクレール アウトレット 1980年代、セレクトショップなどでモンクレールのダウンジャケットが置かれるようになる。 今どこにいるかも、いつ来るかも分かりません」って、政策秘書がそれでいいのか。  
duvetica ダウン]]>
			
			
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			http://newswatch24.com/jackets/qcs05/index.html
			
			
			
			レデースファッション 通販  
とりあえずWindows7でのワンセグ再生には成功しました。 ◆国内在庫が無い場合は、海外からのお取り寄せとなり入荷まで土日を除く３～４週間ほどお時間がかかる場合がございます。  
moncler メンズ 元社長の男は「ネットは実店舗と違って２４時間、全国から注文を受け付けられ、店番もいらない。 ・・・嫁さんの財布は、クリスマスかなんかに私がプレゼントしたパトリック・コックスの2～3万のヤツ(^_^;)しかも、そのとき既に3年以上使っていて、結構ボロボロの状態だったんです。  
moncler メンズ  
今回の旅行の目的の一つ、母ちゃんが行きたかった「御殿場アウトレット」でお買い物にお付き合いです後方に世界遺産の富士山を見ながらお買い物が出来ます。 チュイルリー公園を通って、コンコルド広場凱旋門方面。 moncler v ide,モンクレール アンデルセン  
しかも高速生産タイプ・・・中国製の資材が粗悪で調整もシビア。 その後お伺いしたのはケイタマルヤマの「Boy meets Girl」展。  
モンクレール ダウン 正規品 ディズニー　エコカイロモンクレール ダウンがおすすめです モンクレール ダウンがおすすめです。 しっかり梱包されているのでではなく、ダンボールもヘタヘタだし、なかの製品を包むものも頼りない。  
モンハミネ]]>
			
			
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			http://blog.livedoor.jp/kingkeygood
			
			
			
			windows 8 䞥栟  
新規に始めたので簡単なクエストしかできませんでしたが。 あまりにも使わなかったので存在を忘れていました。  
windows 8 販売 　その画像等をご覧になった事によって、精神的ストレスなどを生じる可能性もあります。 2013年以降に生まれた人間は処方される薬により、それ以前の人間と免疫力や寿命といったあらゆるものが細胞レベルでタイプが変わっていきます。  
windows7  
世の中のパソコンに「良いパソコン」というものはございません。 DVD Decrypterエラー一覧：１．DVD Decrypterエラー i o：書き込み速度を速く設定しすぎたり、バッファーの能力を超えていたり、そもそもメディアの質が悪かったりする場合、DVD Decrypterエラー i oが出る。 windows7 購入  
色んな音の再生が有りますからお好きなミュージックを　　　　　（ログオフ、ログオン等々） これ以外で音に関する設定は・・・下のタスクバーにスピーカーのマークが有ると思います。 　それでも、StreamシリーズのノートPCを「ネットブック」と呼ぶのは、やはり少し失礼かもしれない――ネットブックに対して。  
win 8 携帯の方はガラケーだけで、スマホは持ってないです。 突然母から、「iPhoneの電話帳データが消えてしまった。  
windows os]]>
			
			
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			http://ameblo.jp/softwarekeys/
			
			
			
			office 2010 䞥栟  
↓（ぜひ見てみて、聞いてみていただければと思います）/?p=custom&id=19102034GANJINさんのページです。 　また新たな製品がご紹介されました際には、覗いていただけたら嬉しいです。  
office プロダクトキー スピードを上げ、増発に対応できるダイヤにしたいところだ。 さて今回は、モンクレールのダウンコートの袖口の汚れです。  
Office pro  
あとは1320Ⅱと1320Ⅵをのぉ～～～んびりと仕上げるべ。 私が習得したコツは、正確な位置より大げさに手前をポイントするとスムーズにハンドルをドラッグすることができます。 office 販売  
⑤　手書き入力は　やはり　横置きのほうが枡の数が多いので入力　　　しやすいです。 「毎回日本に来るたびに、胸がいっぱいになるほど温かく迎えてくれてありがとうございます。  
office2010 そんな幼いころの思い出とともに親子で一緒に遊んでもらいたいと、タカラトミーが雑誌『VERY』（光文社）と共同開発した『VERYコラボ　コーディネート リカちゃん』（税抜4000円）を、11月15日に発売する。 それどころか、「ガンはうかつに治療するな」はごく一般的選択肢のひとつです。  
office 購入]]>
			
			
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			http://www.b2bglobal.ca/fashion/
			
			
			
			タトラスダウン 2014 メンズ  
せっかくのダウンコートが重いのは、どうかという意見もあるかもしれませんが、そこは、見た目重視ということで（＾＾；）。 そこにアメリカン・カジュアルのスタイルがあるのか？ピカピカのワークブーツ？なんじゃそりゃ？？バイクと過ごす時間が増えるたびに爪先に傷が刻まれていく。  
MONCLERモンクレール ダウン ダンナ君が若い頃はスキーウェアだったそうで、今はタウンユースのダウンのお店な感じ。 今も、ダウンパンツにダウンベストに、ダウンジャケット姿です。  
デュベティカ ダウン  
あなた？なあに？関電の同期集まるのいくの？どうしようか迷ってる。 ★Monclerモンクレール★ ★Monclerモンクレール★メンズ★機能性とファッション性の両方を併せ持つMKF-001 商品コード：08-0994 ●こちらの商品は代金引換は行っておりません。 バイマ モンクレール  
で、目的は完了ってことで腹ごしらえをフードコートで三田屋のステーキ。 試着したらジャストであったが、去年より2万円高くなり16万超えでは、んーと考えていると、家計から出してくれるという奥さんの一言とラスト１点ということで即買ってしまいました。  
モンクレール中古 ・・・嫁さんの財布は、クリスマスかなんかに私がプレゼントしたパトリック・コックスの2～3万のヤツ(^_^;)しかも、そのとき既に3年以上使っていて、結構ボロボロの状態だったんです。 モンクレール、マッキントッシュ、ラベンハムなどが出ます。  
モンクレール 2014 秋冬レディース]]>
			
			
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		Packing for a Vacation...Without the Kids
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/packing-vacation-without-kids/
		Wed, 12 Mar 2014 12:00:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1307
		
		Vegas and Nice, France (so excited)! I am looking forward to the time away from the hustle and bustle of our lives, but of course I am already missing the Cowkids! For me the hardest part of traveling is packing for a vacation. What I will need all depends on our itinerary and the weather. Traveling with The Cowboy means we usually don’t have a plan (it drives me crazy but I just need to remember to breathe…breathe…) and as we all know the weather is subject to change at any moment. I usually solve the problem by basically packing everything I own. But starting the trip out with The Cowboy shooting me dirty looks as he forks over $50 for an overweight bag isn’t very pleasant! So, over the past few years I have learned how to pack for just about every occasion and not break the bank with fees. Now, what you pack does of course depend on where you are going. A trip to Costa Rica means a few more flip flops and swim suits, and a trip to Vegas calls for clothes that are a little tighter. I’ve shown some examples that will work for a long weekend trip to pretty much anywhere. Simply change your look from day to night by adding some accessories and vamping up your makeup. Don’t forget to pack a swim suit (you need to prepare for a spontaneous dip in the hot tub) and a cute little track suit for lounging around the hotel, or for the plane ride home!

These first looks will work for traveling on the plane (layer a black tank under in case you start to overheat) and sightseeing, as wellPacking casual clothes as dinner out at quaint local restaurant. Change the shoes from flats to heels and cuff the jeans to take the oxblood and leather sleeved shirt out to a club! A scarf can add some flair and a sparkly clutch makes the striped shirt, leather jacket, and jeans appropriate for a nicer restaurant. Packing a dark wash jean ensures that they don’t show dirt as you wear them more than once, and adds a level of sophistication to your outfit. Trust me it is always better to be over dressed than under!  [Striped Shirt, Black Jeggings, Polka Dot Shirt, Black Sparkle Flats, Print Scarf and Oxblood Shirt with Leather Sleeves from Target, Black Mary Jane Pumps by Steve Madden, Ox Blood Leather Jacket by Sarah Borman, Clutch by Betsy Johnson]

These looks are a little dressier but will still work for wandering around exploring a new town. The Dressy Clothes for packingBlack dress is a sophisticated look that can be made edgier with the leather jacket from the last look. This dress has a lace detail down the side but, if it didn’t, I would add the striped top from above over it and the ballet flats for another versatile semi-casual look. I love this floral dress; the colors are so fresh and go with just about anything (it has pockets too). To make it appropriate for a colder day throw on the boots and chambray top. For a warmer Spring day, slip on your sandals and head out for a lovely jaunt about town. With the new trend of mixing black and brown you can wear the black jeggings from above with the boots and Chambray top (with a light colored tank under) and look classically cool. If a heat wave hits, roll up the jeggings and wear a light colored tank with your gladiator sandals to look effortlessly chic. [Black Dress by Catherine Malandrino from Kohl’s, Black Mary Jane Pumps by Steve Madden, Floral Dress by Simply Vera Wang from Kohl’s, Chambray Top from Banana Republic, Sandals and Boots by Madden Girl]

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		Mmm Lip Syrup
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/mmm-lip-syrup/
		Wed, 19 Mar 2014 14:06:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1352
		
		R+F Lip Serum
    
That’s what Cowgirl G said when I put some of this wonderful, thick, hydrating lip serum on her chapped lips. I loved that description so much I didn't correct her (sorry Prairie Wife), and I was a good aunt and left her a few ampules as a memento of my visit (never too early to promote good beauty habits).

I have mentioned before that I have very full lips. Even though I live in Texas, they still get dry, cracked and flaky if I don’t moisturize them every night. Trust me, it’s a challenge to keep that amount of surface area hydrated 24/7! Growing up I was addicted to Carmex, but recently I had been using a swipe of Burt’s Bees followed by a bit of Blistex. Now I only use Rodan + Fields Redefine Lip Renewing Serum. If I don’t put it on at bedtime or forget to pack it in my overnight bag, I wake up the next morning full of regrets. My R+F consultant (and former Prairie Wife of the Week, Katy) says she can get several treatments out of one ampule, but I love the luxury of slathering a whole one on (after The Texan gives me my last kiss of the night, of course!). I haven’t had to exfoliate my lips nearly as much, and there are no signs of chapping, even after this uncommonly cold and blustery winter.

Cowgirl G and I both love this lip syrup/serum, so give it a try and let us know any other tricks you have for keeping lips soft and smooth.]]>    
		
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		Packing Beauty Products for a Vacation
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/packing-beauty-products-vacation/
		Sat, 15 Mar 2014 12:00:39 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1367
		
		trip to Vegas was a blast! The Cowboy and I enjoyed our alone time and all the fabulous food and sights. TallGirlJ and I had a blast people watching, lounging, and seeing as much as we could of the amazing things that Las Vegas has to offer. All the Cowkids had a blast with CowGranny and are ready to be spoiled some more by Ma and Pa as The Cowboy and I head off to the French Riviera. I’ve already given you some tips on leaving your kids behind, and some tricks to packing less and still having plenty of outfit choices. Today I thought I would share with you some tips and tricks for packing beauty products.

On an airplane you never know exactly what you’ll need, and depending on the length of your flight you may need to pack more or vacation purse must havesless. But there are a few products I keep with me at all times in my purse, products I always find I need. Especially on a 12 hour plane ride to France! Airplane air is always so drying and stale so a lot of my products are moisturizing and perfect for helping me to quickly freshen up in the bathroom on the plane or right after we land. I haven’t actually used the “silence of the lambs” face mask before, but I have heard from all the fashion magazines that it’s a must for long flights (I’ll keep you posted on how it goes). No matter how exhausted we are when we land, I always find that a little shot of adrenaline always hits when we get to our hotel. More often than not we end up wandering around rather than resting. Keeping some of my must have beauty products in my purse allows me to look put together rather than haggard when we look at the sights. A small first aid kit always stays in my purse, because you never know when you might need a band-aid! [Purchased at Target-Masque Bar Sheet Mask, First Aid to Go, EOS lip balm, Say Yes to Cucumber traveling Face Towlettes, L’Oreal Double Extend Illuminating Eyeliner, Maybelline Falsies Mascara, From Ulta.com-Urban Decay BB cream, H2O Body Butter, and Evian Facial Spray]

shower stuff for vacationI always keep a bag packed with all my shower products all the time. We end up going on a quite a few weekend trips with the kids and it makes my life easier to simply grab it and throw it in my suitcase knowing it’s ready. When you travel out of town the last thing you want to have is skin issues, so I make sure I take along my Rodan and Fields face wash and creams. Living Proof PHD product is wonderful because it eliminates the need to pack 10 different hair products, all I need to add is hairspray. Put in extra bobbi pins and pony tail holders, I always seem to lose a few wherever we go. Don’t forget to throw in a new disposable razor and some moisturizer to keep your skin looking fresh and beautiful. If you’re headed somewhere warm or plan to do a lot of walking, pack sunscreen. It won’t hurt to pack a few extra bottles; I can tell you from experience buying sunscreen from the resort store is insanely expensive!

Last but not least you need to pack makeup, this can get tricky because it varies somakeup for vacation much depending on what your regular routine is. I always pack what I need for my five minute face (BB cream, undereye concealer, blush and mascara) and then add some products that bring my look from day to night. Even a light daytime makeup makes me feel better, and I am more willing to let The Cowboy take those candid vacation pictures (and share them on FB). Primer is a must when you plan on having a late night out (in Vegas I swear I used a pound of it) and red lipstick always keeps you looking chic and classy! I find that my favorite way to glam up my look is to swipe on some eyeliner and a little darker eyeshadow over my day look, a darker eye instantly ups your makeup’s sex appeal.

What beauty products do you HAVE to have on vacation?]]>
		
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		Busy Boys
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/busy-boys/
		Mon, 17 Mar 2014 12:00:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1373
		
		Texas Two Steppin’ is my older sister by 10 years and then I have two older brothers (Big Brother T and Big Brother B). I spent half my childhood begging Ma for a little brother and when I realized it wasn’t going to happen I decided that having 6 boys of my own would be perfect (I have since changed my mind). Flash forward a few years and The Cowboy and I are holding our first son, Cowboy J. I had always been a tomboy growing up, and really didn’t start turning into a fashion and makeup obsessed woman until my early 20’s. I was thrilled with the thought of having a sweet little cowboy running around in wranglers and a cowboy hat, imitating his daddy. And my dream of a herd of boys seemed to be coming true!

Then Cowboy J became mobile, at 8 months he was walking…and into everything, Saying that he was busy would be an jd bootsunderstatement. In one afternoon alone he got into The Cowboy’s cologne and razor (thank God it was a safety one and he didn’t get hurt), sprayed the kitchen floor with Pam, and dusted the table with a thick coating of salt. I was pregnant with Cowgirl G at the time and had to go to the bathroom more often than usual. After the third incident the little punk started going with me…and this was just the beginning! Holy cow are boys busy, they are excited and enthusiastic about everything, which is an absolute joy, but exhausting as well!

I definitely got the little cowboy I wished for, complete with endless hours spent “elk hunting” where we wandered around the house looking for elk and then gutting them. This was a special kind of torture for me because I kept on having flashbacks to my first elk hunt. For his third birthday The Cowboy got Cowboy J a set of spurs and those suckers went everywhere. I still have scrapes on all of our leather furniture. We ended up going through three pairs of cowboy boots a year because he would literally wear holes in the soles he wore them so often.

When Cowgirl G was born we were ecstatic, and as she grew older the inherent differences between girls and boys became quite clear. She was dressing herself at two years old, when it had been an outright battle to teach Cowboy J at three years. She would sit and color at the table for 30 minutes and would play in her room with dolls for hours. We gave Cowboy J a doll to play with before Cowgirl G was born, to get him ready for the baby. He took one look at it and threw it down the stairs, literally.

wes muddy bootsWhen Cowboy W was born it was more of the same busy boy. Except that he was a climber and had this super power of a shit eating grin that makes it impossible for anyone to discipline him (I am immune to it). One day when he was 18 months old I was vacuuming in the living room right next to the kitchen. I kept on hearing him say “Mama, Mama, look!” So I finally turned off the vacuum and walked into the kitchen, only to see him standing on the kitchen table holding a butter knife and trying to hit the chandelier with it! That’s another thing about boys (and men too let’s be honest) they come up with these ideas they think are genius and as mothers we are left either rushing to save their lives (jumping off the roof of the pickup onto the trampoline) or shaking our heads (building a gold mine in the canyon).

Cowboy J just turned eight last week (sniff) and I now have 3 boys. Cowboy C is barely one and already crawling on the ground with a truck in each hand pushing them and making a loud diesel engine noise! We’ve tightened all the safety locks on the doors and made sure all the heavy furniture is bolted to the wall (seriously you need to do this if you have boys, or really kids at all). Seven year old boy humor causes me to forcibly focus on not rolling my eyes and when the neighbor boys come over I watch as each boy losses 9 IQ points for each friend in the room, another trait that occurs with men as well.

I love my boys, and they are truly a gift from God. For all the noise and dirt and busy exhausting days…the light in their eyes when they proudly tell me they killed a Spider for me, or hand me a bedraggle Prairie Daisy that’s been in the pocket of worn out Wranglers all day makes it all worthwhile. My collection of rocks is museum worthy, and the smell and feel of a freshly bathed boy in footie pajamas will always bring a smile to my face. Thank heaven for those busy little boys.

What do you think about busy boys?!]]>
		
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		Tickle, Tickle, Tickle
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/tickle-tickle-tickle/
		Sun, 16 Mar 2014 13:58:46 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1414
		
		Tickle
    
With this title, I’m sure you’re thinking that you’re about to read a post about humor, ways to play with toddlers, etc. Nope, that’s Prairie Wife’s area of expertise, not mine. Instead, this is a post about disciplining stepchildren.

Step Girl and I were just talking about this technique a few weeks ago.* I’ve mentioned previously that I had a yell-free home before “yell free” was even a phrase. About 90% of the time my whisper technique worked beautifully, but every once in a while I needed to get my message across more forcefully. I had permission from both The Texan and The Ex to spank the kids, and I know they would have totally supported me whenever I decided this course of action was necessary. Heck, the elementary school principal even had permission to paddle the kids in lieu of detention or suspension! However, I was never able to administer the paddling properly. The Texan just had to think the words “spanking” or “butt busting” and the kids straightened up. Me, not so much.

I can’t remember which waiting room magazine I was reading when I found this article, but I do remember being excited to try this new form of corporal punishment. [Note: I become a stepparent in rural Texas in 1996. No Internet+No Google+No Facebook+No Parenting Blogs+No iAnything=No simple way to figure out how to be a stepparent in rural Texas]

Just like the whispering technique, you have to wrap your head around this concept--the primary purpose of a reprimand is to have the bad behavior stop. What is one of the best ways to distract kids? Tickle, Tickle, Tickle. I’m sure the first time I said, “If you don’t stop, I’m going to tickle you,” the kids thought I was crazy. They probably thought, “What kind of inhumane, “Yankee” tickle torture are you introducing into our house?” But it was effective, I never tickled until they were gasping for breath and both of us were in a better mood after the punishment than before. You sure can’t say that about spanking.

Although Grandbaby is just a few months old and could never do any wrong in my eyes, I’m sure her father will feel differently one day. I asked Step Boy (should that be Step Man?) if he thought he would spank like his dad or tickle like me, and he blurted out, “Spank.” But then he followed that up with, “Well, probably both, depending on how naughty she’s being and how many times she’s done it before.” So bottom line, do what is best for your child and your parenting approach, but also consider having several disciplinary tactics in your punishment toolbox.

*Someday I will tell you in detail about the wonderful way The Texan proposed. For the purpose of this post, he asked the Steps’ permission to marry me, and they quickly agreed. But Step Girl can be a smart and shrewd negotiator, so after I had my ring she (jokingly) told me that she would oppose the wedding unless I agreed to not tickle her for six weeks. I agreed. Why? Because I knew that even though there was a ban, if I said I would tickle her she would stop what she was doing to tease me! We both made it through those tickle-free weeks and still laugh about it more than a decade later.

Image credit: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/photo_24826456_fun-with-tickling.html'>peter1977 / 123RF Stock Photo</a>]]>    
		
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		Homemade Seasoned French Fries
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/homemade-seasoned-french-fries/
		Sat, 22 Mar 2014 12:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1433
		
		 Chili Cheese Fries! I keep the skins on out of pure laziness and I really think they are healthier that way. And I have to share that my favorite way to eat fries is dipped in mayo instead of ketchup…try it!

Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook time 20-35 minutes

Ingredientsseasoned fries
5 medium potatoes cut into fries (I don’t peel mine)
Âź cup finely grated Parmesan Cheese
1 tbsp dried Parsley
1 tsp each Garlic and Onion powder
Olive Oil (approx 3 tbsp)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Turn oven on to 400 degrees
2. Place cut potatoes into a zip lock bag with all the ingredients.
3. Close the bag and shake so that all the fires are evenly coated, you may choose to add more Olive Oil.
4. Spread fries evenly on cookie sheet and place in oven, after 15 minutes take them out and flip.
5. Every 10 minutes check on fries and flip them until they are a golden brown and ready to eat.

What do you like to have with your French Fries?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week March 14, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-march-14-2014/
		Fri, 14 Mar 2014 13:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1438
		
		Prairie Wife is in France right now, and I know she’s upset she is missing out on this story (I told her it would be waiting when she returned). I have known Morgan since I moved to Texas, and she has always been a busy lady. I’ve watched her grow from student to hairstylist/nail technician to business owner to landlord. In August, I heard all about her home purchase. In September, The Texan and I celebrated as she became a wife. In February, we rejoiced when we learned she was about to become a mother. Yes, Morgan does have a lot of different titles, but that’s not what makes her the Prairie Wife of the Week. What truly sets her apart and earned her this honor is that she just turned 21 last week! Read more about Morgan’s story, and please leave some comments so Prairie Wife knows I did a good job minding the blog while she was out eating croissants and bonbons--LOL.
    
WeeksHeelsTexas Two Steppin’: Tell us a bit about yourself and your family, Morgan Moreland…I mean Weeks. Sorry, I’m still getting used to your name change!

Morgan: Yeah, it’s new to me too! I live in Johnson City, Texas, and was born and raised here. I just turned 21 years old. I got married to my husband when I was 20, but we’ve been together since high school. I’m about to have a baby, but I’ve been a mom to our three dogs, Harley, Livi and Lulu, for some time now. I treat them like children. Harley was even in my wedding! It’s funny, but my parents met here, got married at 21 and had my older brother, Mason, about 11 months later. Now I’m in the same situation!

TX2S: Did you like growing up in a small town?

Morgan: It sure was hard to get away with anything, but if I ever needed anything my whole family was right there to help. I like being close by to my parents, especially because I can still go over to their place every week for family suppers. When I got to high school and my brother graduated, I felt the public high school wasn’t for me, so I went to a private one with a homeschool-based environment. I got lots of one-on-one attention there.

TX2S: Is that when you realized you wanted to be a hairstylist?

Morgan: I have always loved hair and makeup and was always experimenting on my own. I really appreciate great hair. When I was younger and my Mom and I would go to a store, I would always comment on people’s hair! When I graduated high school I went to a one-year cosmetology school in Austin and then worked in a salon in town.

TX2S: So how did you become a business owner?

SalonMorgan: My parents encouraged me to do this. We felt that although I was young, I didn’t have kids and would have time to establish myself and create the exact spa-like environment that I envisioned. We offer cuts, color, nails and mini facials. I love color and highlights—those and the pedicures are the most popular. I feel because we’re young, clients trust us to do new things and follow trends when they’re ready for a change. Now, this is Johnson City, so you won’t see shaved heads. I guess we’re more natural but still have a bit of edge.

The best thing is that this salon is all mine. I only have myself to blame if something goes wrong, and I’m good with that. The biggest challenge for me is keeping organized tax-wise and making sure we don’t run out of supplies. I never thought I could do this, but once I started on this path it made sense. I’ve even expanded and have another stylist renting a booth from me—my future sister-in law Brittany!

TX2S: Has your age been a challenge?

Morgan: When someone new comes into the salon they often think I’m the owner’s daughter or friend, but I know how to nicely set myself up as the owner. It hasn’t even been an issue for most customers, like my Dad’s friends who I’ve known since I was little. They are my regulars. “Men’s Mondays” has been a huge hit with the “old timers” who wanted a place that felt more like a barber shop. They are very possessive of “their” day and don’t tolerate any other women around.

TX2S: How are you adapting to your new roles of homeowner and wife and preparing for motherhood?

Morgan: It’s good except I’m tired! My husband helps pick up and clean, which is soooo nice. The new baby was not planned, especially not two months after the wedding, so I’m working a lot now because I’ll change my schedule from six days in the salon to three days. But we’re getting used to the thought of being parents. My husband was adopted, so I’m really excited to see him as a dad. But having a new life to take care of is a big gulp!

WeeksWeddingTX2S: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom you want to share?

Morgan: As a salon owner, I look to give value to my customers and give them a local option instead of having to travel miles to Austin. Personally, I trust in God. I think it’s important you don’t let anyone tell you  you can’t, because you can do whatever you want. I had faith it would all work out, and it has.

Please like Morgan’s Facebook page—M Style Salon & Spa—and if you’re ever in the area, schedule a mani/pedi with her or Brittany. Be sure to tell them Texas Two Steppin’ sent you!]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week March 21, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-march-21-2014/
		Fri, 21 Mar 2014 13:36:27 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1449
		
		Growing up I was a stereotypical bookworm with glasses, introverted personality and absolute loathing of gym class. So imagine my surprise (and fear) when I learned that not only was The Texan a state champion football player but my Steps were also pretty talented athletes. Sports and competition were literally a part of my family's DNA, so to make our family work I needed to learn about the wide, wide world of sports. Each and every day for years we had a game, practice or training activity in addition to homework and housework. I remember being busy, but I can also see that athletics had a positive impact on my kids. Among other things, they learned about competition, teamwork, perseverance, discipline, dedication and determination. Plus, some of the most exhilarating and proudest moments of my life took place at football games and track meets.

    

    So I have a lot of experience in the stands and on the sidelines at Little League, Pop Warner, middle school, high school and even a few college events. And I must say that over the years I have seen a lot of unsportsmanlike conduct from parents toward other fans and athletes. But the group that bears the brunt of the abuse is the coaching staff, often regardless of whether the team wins or loses. Recently I spoke to former contacts about coaching experiences, and I hope the information here helps you understand their point of view so you can be an even better fan to the team and your child.
    

    

    

    Coach
    

    TX2S: Were you an athlete growing up?
    

    

    

    Coach: Yes. My competitive nature started at a very young age, so naturally my days revolved around sports. I participated in both team and individual sports. Luckily, I was surrounded by other talented athletes. Therefore, winning came as an expectation from not only our coaches, but from ourselves as well.
    

    

    

    TX2S: Did you enter college planning to be a coach?
    

    

    

    Coach: Not at first, but it didn't take long to make a decision. I knew sports and competition would always be a part of my life. After reviewing a few sports related careers, I found the education route offered the best option for coaching.
    

    

    

    TX2S: Once you had your teaching degree, what were some of the factors you weighed as you made the decision to coach?
    

    

    

    Coach: Factors involved with coaching include which sports to coach and at what level. I started at the high school level as a junior varsity coach, but found it too time-consuming and very stressful. I thought I wanted to become a varsity coach, but being newly married and very young, I couldn't deal with being away from home all the time. As soon as a junior high position became available, I made the switch. For me, it was the right decision.  The stress level is very low, the number of hours is minimal, and there really is no pressure to win. Don't get me wrong, I want to win, and I coach to win, but if I lose, it's not a big deal.
    

    

    

    TX2S: Which aspects of your job do you love?
    

    

    

    Coach: I get to see my athletes grow from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. It's exciting to see them get stronger, faster, smarter and better.
    

    

    

    hurdle
    

    TX2S: Protecting students from injuries is an obvious challenge, but what other hurdles come with the job?
    

    

    

    Coach: The biggest challenge I face is getting my athletes to understand that not every athlete is equal. Some are going to be better than others. That's just how it is.
    

    

    

    TX2S: What approach do you use with your students so they understand wining, losing and doing their best?
    

    

    

    Coach: Win or lose, I make sure I'm smiling at the end of the game. I don't want my athletes to feel worse than they already feel because it's not only about winning. It's about learning and growing as an athlete and a team. I try to encourage a loss by pointing out the good, and I try to wrap up a win by pointing out the good qualities the other team had. I never want my team to think they are better athletes just because they won or vice versa. It's about being humble, win or lose. It's ok to give the other team credit, win or lose. As a coach, I've learned through the years that my attitude will be reflected by my athletes. I look at it as though they are representing not only the school but me too. We are a family that shares the same school name. It's important to me to give and get respect.
    

    

    

    TX2S: Of course, every parent thinks their child is the best athlete, deserves more playing time, etc. How do you balance parents’ expectations for their children with the school’s expectation of a winning season?
    

    

    

    Coach: This is a hard one. I know I stated earlier that winning is not a big deal, but as a coach, I have to make decisions that are best for the team. I'm going to coach to win. To do so, I'll have to play the best players for longer periods of time. I get accused of playing "favorites," but in reality, my "favorites" are the better athletes. I don't care who you are, no one likes to lose. Athletes don't join sports for the heck of it, right? People don't show up to games and cheer for a loss, right? Sooooo, why would I coach to lose? The only reason some athletes get more playing time than others is because they are better and can help the team win. Plain and simple. It has nothing to do with anyone or anything else. It doesn't mean I dislike your kid. It doesn't mean I'm being hateful toward your kid. It doesn't mean I'm trying to sabotage your kid. It doesn't mean anything other than your kid just isn't as good as the kids you're comparing him/her to. Believe me, if your kid is outstanding, he/she will see a lot of playing time.
    

    

    

    TX2S: OK, now’s your chance to give us a key coaching tip you have learned and any final Prairie Wife words of wisdom...
    

    

    

    Coach: Remember, the coach, the players, the parents and the fans want to win! All decisions made by the coach are made with winning in mind. Life isn't fair. Sports isn't fair. Stop expecting equal treatment. It just isn't going to happen. Do as the coach does. Keep the team in mind, not your kid.
    

    

    When Coach gets a chance to come in off the field, comments will be checked!  
    ]]>    
		
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		Beauty Blogger Darlings?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/beauty-blogger-darlings/
		Tue, 01 Apr 2014 12:12:09 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1458
		
		I was in the check out line at Ulta when this box caught my eye. I thought, "Wow, if the bloggers like it, maybe I should grab it." I am a huge fan of the Too Faced Perfect Lips Lipliner in Perfect Nude, and I had been looking for a new mascara to try. It wasn't until I was driving home that I realized that I could be considered a beauty blogger and should see if these products could outperform my current products.

You've probably read that  I love testing beauty products and try to be incredibly thorough. So, several months later, I am finally ready to give my semi-expert opinion on these "darlings." I have olive skin and typically don't use a bronzer, but I do like the feather-light consistency and subtle color of the Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzer in the pack. And although I probably should use it each and every day, I usually skip the Primed & Poreless Skin Smoothing Face Primer (which does work well) unless I wake up extra early or have a special occasion.

One thing I absolutely do wear daily is eyeshadow primer. I have oily skin--a blessing because I don't have many wrinkles or crow's feet, but a curse for all the reasons you can imagine. But if I don't use a heavy duty primer my eyeshadow will crease within two hours and disappear after four. I had been using MAC Paint in Bare Canvas religiously. It kept my shadow crease free for eight hours and was heavy enough to cover up any new eyebrow growth that I might have missed during my morning tweeze. So when I squeezed out the first bit of Too Faced Shadow Insurance I was skeptical that it would work because it was so light it could be applied without a stiff makeup brush. But it does such a great job that when it was time to reorder primer I went with the similarly priced Shadow Insurance.

I have just recently begun using mascara, and I am here to say that once you start, you just can't stop. I am still working on my application technique, so having a formula that is rich and black but doesn't clump is critical. I also don't like any makeup that feels heavy, so I had settled on Revlon Grow Luscious Mascara and was pretty pleased with the results. Enter the Too Faced brand mascara. It may be because I am using the small, 0.17 oz. size, but every swipe of the small wand leaves my eyelashes perfectly curled and separated. Using it makes me feel like I could become a professional makeup artist, and the days I use another formula it takes longer to brush on the mascara and I'm a bit disappointed with the final results. But although I totally recommend the mascara, I'll leave it up to you to decide if it truly lives up to its name--Better Than Sex.]]>
		
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		Workplace Wellness: A Step At A Time
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/workwellness/
		Sun, 23 Mar 2014 12:28:11 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1466
		
		I have been working in an office environment for more years than I'd like to admit, but last year was the first time I had a chance to participate in a corporate wellness challenge.

I think most people recognize that office work is usually sedentary work. You are sort of being paid to sit still and think for hours. Maybe you're at a meeting or training your team or answering calls or typing away on a report. But nevertheless, you are sitting and not getting nearly enough exercise. Which leads to health issues. Which leads to extensive medical treatments. Which leads to more sitting.

Our organization has been trying to stop the cycle by challenging us to do something simple, and I think it's a great idea. We are being asked to walk 200 miles in 10 weeks to win prizes and bragging rights (which are often more valuable than the prizes LOL). I know 20 miles a week--about 3 miles a day--sounds relatively simple. But when you wear a pedometer and actually log your steps, you realize how little you truly move during the day. Some days I don't even make it a mile, and I always skip the elevator and take the stairs, even in my four-inch heels!

After Week One it was obvious to all of us that you'd never meet the goal unless you put in some walking time after-hours. I committed to Zumba three times a week, but that wasn't even enough to get me to 40,000 steps/week. So weekends, after my morning coffee, I would grab my iPod and walk around town to log some miles. Now, that might not sound like an extraordinary feat to you, but in my small town people don't walk unless they are too young to have a driver's license or are a tourist from up North.

Although I tried, I missed the goal in the first challenge. I didn't participate in the second one, but the third time was the charm! Our fourth challenge starts tomorrow, and I know I will be successful because I plan to update you on my weekly progress. The fear of public humiliation is a great motivator, and while I know you will be kind, I know you will keep me focused on the goal. I'd love to hear any advice you have for incorporating exercise/steps into your daily routine, and who knows, maybe you'll even join me on this walking challenge?

Image credit: http://www.123rf.com/photo_10172604_business-woman-walking-on-the-street.html'>yuriyzhuravov ]]>
		
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		YOU ask Prairie Wife
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/ask-prairie-wife/
		Mon, 24 Mar 2014 12:00:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1471
		
		

This week for our Prairie Wife of the Week we decided to do something a little different. Rather than have Texas Two Steppin’ or I interview someone we decided to let you the readers ask us some questions! This month it’s my turn and Texas Two Steppin’ will be under the microscope in May.

Feel free to ask any question you want, on any topic. It can be a parenting question about discipline, nursing, or early childhood education. Maybe a more personal question about my likes or dislikes, The Cowboy or the Cowkids, hobbies, or something you wondered about as you read a past blog post. Perhaps you have a fashion or beauty question and just aren’t sure who to ask…It's your chance to ask Prairie Wife whatever you want, nothing is off limits…and I mean nothing!

Please put your questions in the comment section of this post, on our Facebook page, Twitter account, or e-mail me at prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com . Make sure you use whatever name you want to us to use when we write the blog, because we will be listing you as the author of the question. Start typing away and feel free to ask more than one question; I can’t wait to see what you guys want to know!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife Goes to France
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-goes-france/
		Wed, 26 Mar 2014 12:00:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1474
		
		Collette tour where we flew into Nice on the French Rivera. Nice was our home base and we spent each day loading up on a tour bus and heading to nearby cities and points of interest. We were kind of nervous about being on a bus full of strangers all day but we ended up traveling with some very lively and interesting people! Before we went on the trip we envisioned having to follow after the guide like sheep and having to stop every few minutes to hear a lecture on the history of a specific house, or painting...and that's not really our style. So we tentatively made plans to skip a few of the days and explore on our own.

Our lovely Collette guide was nothing like this, and we ended up going on every tour offered! As we drove she would explain where we were headed and highlight a few of the places we might want to see, and slipped in a few educational facts about French culture or the region. Upon arrival she would bid us adieu and we were told when to meet back at the bus. She always gave us the option to walk with her, and we learned so much when we did. We spent hours wandering around the quaint twisting stone streets of France. We ate no less than two ice cream cones a day, my favorite was Caramel while The Cowboy liked Grapefruit the best. We came back home tired from the traveling, but brimming with stories and new experiences to share with our family and friends. It always fills me with so much joy to know that we can go away for a week without the kids, and enjoy each others company just as much as when we were first dating!

One of the best things in France was the Market. Watching and listening to all the locals purchase and barter was wonderful. The smells and colors are forever etched into my memory. And the strawberries...they were heavenly!

    flowers at the market
    

    veg at market
    

    Spices at the Market
    

    Walking through the towns was like walking through a period movie. The twists and turns offered multiple opportunities to explore, and the shadows cast by the buildings made it nice and cool. Every once in a while you would turn a corner and come across a bit of sun, a breathtaking view, or a charming little entryway.
    

    streets of France
    

    French Steps
    

    small door
    

    overlooking grasse
    

    French door 
    

    courtyard
    

    Arched door
    

    The views of the Mediterranean Sea from the coastal villages were stunning. The water was always several shades of blue and we were lucky to have weather in the 60's for the whole trip. We bought some of the wonderful strawberries and some delicious French bread from the Market, and had a picnic on the beach.
    

    View of sea
    

    cliffs of Monaco
    

    on teh beach
    

    Every town we went to we made sure we stopped by the cathedrals. The stonework and art was impressive to say the least. But, I was more struck by the thought that for hundreds of years, generations of families had been gathering together in these churches to pray and worship...amazing. Can you imagine what the walls of those churches have seen?
    

    Chapel
    

    angel
    

    French Monastary
    

    Everyone talks about the food in France, and thank goodness we did so much walking because we didn't pass up a single opportunity to indulge. Every meal was a work of art! One of my favorites was a stuffed vegetable dish that was a specialty to the region...yum! The Cowboy's favorite place to eat was Restaurant La Bergerie d'Eze, it was a quaint French building set in the cliffs high above the town of Eze. The food, view and atmosphere couldn't have been more wonderful!
    

    Franch salad
    

    Stuffed Vegetables
    

    french food
    

    Spring arrived in France just before we did, and I had to take a pictures of the beautiful colors!
    

    Spring in France
    

    The Cowboy was fascinated with all the history, and one of his favorite things was an old Roman amphitheater.
    

    Roman Amphitheater
    

    As I look out the window and see the sun shining on three inches of Fresh snow, I know I have at least a month before Spring arrives in Wyoming. I am so thankful to Ma and Pa for watching the Cowkids so we could travel across the world and have some amazing memories to keep me warm!
    

    Where would you love to travel? What picture was your favorite!
    

    ]]>    
		
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		Weekend Wear: Texas Two Steppin' AND Prairie Wife
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/weekend-wear/
		Sat, 29 Mar 2014 12:00:47 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1503
		
		TX2Steppin': I have a confession to make. I do not have good "weekend style." Formal occasion-check. Zumba class-check check. Business attire-check check check. Drinks with the girls-sorta. Friday night date-not really. Fair and rodeo-hell no.

So when Prairie Wife suggested we do a blog on "weekend style" I decided to use it as an opportunity to reexamine my wardrobe and see if I could take some of my typical work outfits and make them casual. I personally challenged myself 1) not to buy anything new 2) only change one or two pieces 3) find a cute outfit for a day of shopping and 4) do a look appropriate for the seashore (where I spend nearly every weekend). So, how did I do?

    business_skirtBusiness Outfit #1: I love T-shirts from Loft because they are dressy enough for work and always have something special (like an exposed zipper in the back). The pencil skirt is from Nordstrom Rack and fits perfect. These Chinese Laundry heels are my favorite because they go with everything, and the scarf was an impulse purchase from Loft that I couldn't live without.
    

    skirt_flatsCoast Outfit #1: Replacing the heels with a cute pair of gladiator sandals by Pikolinos makes this the perfect outfit for drinks at the Tiki Bar on Friday nights!
    

    jeansShopping Outfit #1: Goodbye skirt and heels; hello pink Me Too flats and Democracy-Declaration of  Jean Dependence distressed boyfriend jeans from Nordstrom Rack. Looking at this photo, I bet this outfit would work with the flat sandals too. Hmm, even more options :)
    

    shirtdressBusiness Outfit #2: This Esprit shirt dress has been in my closet for 10+ years and is one of my go to pieces. While it doesn't look great on a hanger, trust me when I say it looks great on when it's belted. I was feeling brave when I bought these comfy red sandals by Miz Mooz, and by some fashion miracle I had the matching belt already in my closet. Yes, I know you really aren't supposed to/don't have to match shoes and belts, but I grew up in the '80s and some habits are hard to break. The grey tank from Loft tones down the bold red and puts me back into my comfort zone.
    

    shortsCoast Outfit #2: I love these shorts, even if I would prefer them to be a bit longer to cover my cellulite (I am over 40 after all!). And you'd never guess where I bought them--Bass Pro Shop! Of course I could do a white T-shirt or tank, but I like that the grey is a bit more unexpected. I think it has to have a necklace to give it a little something, and this one was purchased from Loft to support breast cancer awareness efforts. If it gets a bit chilly, I think this would look great with a jean jacket or even a simple white cardigan.
    

    stripeddressShopping Outfit #2: This long hoodie (another find from Bass Pro Shop!) was probably designed to be a cover up, but it hits at my knee so I feel comfortable wearing it as a dress without legging or shorts. The deep V-neck is a little too deep for me, so the grey tank is a perfect, modest addition.
    
*All shoes in this post were purchased at Nordstrom Rack.

Prairie Wife: Alright, now it's my turn to show you my Weekend Wear! The weekends are my favorite time of the week for several reasons. The Cowboy is usually home, and our family is together--obviously the most important. For purely selfish reasons I love the weekends because I have some help! The Cowboy feeds the horses and takes the morning shift with the Cowkids. I get to "sleep in," though really as soon as The Cowboy shuts the door (and locks it to keep out the kids) I usually roll over and grab my Kindle and read for a luxurious 30 minutes! Most of my Saturdays are spent in my saggiest and most worn-out sweats and hoodie...ahhh I love it!

We only go on one date a month (which is harder to arrange then it sounds) so I didn't feel that posting a date night outfit was realistic. Now that Cowboy C (formally known as Cowbaby) is weaned I am taking advantage of this freedom and going out with the girls more often, so I thought it would be fun to show you an outfit I would wear to dinner and a movie with the gals. We have Church every Sunday (and I teach Sunday school), so that's really my most dressiest day of the week. I always go all out for church and wear full makeup and usually heels and something super feminine like a skirt or dress. Ma and Pa ingrained in me that your shoulders have to be covered in church, so you'll never see me in a sleeveless shirt or dress!Casual outfit for weekend

    Saturday Outfit: Sloppy and oh so comfy. I live in these Wyoming sweats (or one of the other 3 pairs I own!). We can purchase University of Wyoming college attire from our local Target; that's where this pair came from. My CAT hoodie was a surprise gift from The Cowboy after he visited the CAT factory in Peoria, Illinois.
    

     Girls Night OutGirls Night Out Outfit: We usually go out to dinner and a movie so I love to get a little dressy, but I still want to be comfy as I sit and watch a movie. This light weight White T-shirt is DKNY purchased at Marshalls. It has a super cool white "leather" detail on the top. It is flowy and may look big but, one of the benefits to having no boobs (I never had much anyway, but nursing took away what I did have) is that flowy tops always hang just the right way and make me look super slim (trust me, try it out). The black pants are from Loft and taper at the bottom. They are made out of  a super light fabric and feel just like pajama pants, perfect for curling up at the movie theater. The leopard booties, silver necklace, stackable bracelets, and purple clutch all came from Target and add a little bit of the rocker edge I love to this outfit!
    

    Church outfit
    
Church Outfit: I never shy away from color, even on Sundays! This bright coral top from Target has a higher neckline and short sleeves that allow me to pick up Cowboy C and teach Sunday school comfortably. I tuck it into my favorite black pencil skirt from Express (5 years old) and add some sensible (for me) heels from Anne Klein for a more polished look. The bulky gold jewelry from Francesca's (my favorite boutique) adds a little bit of edge and keeps the look from being to stuffy.

Whose look matches your personal style better, Texas Two Steppin' or Prairie Wife? What do you wear on the weekend?]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week March 28, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-march-28-2014/
		Fri, 28 Mar 2014 12:00:29 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1530
		
		 fashion and beauty news but that counts). We thought it would be fun to let you, our readers, get a chance to ask us anything and everything. It’s a wonderful way for me to see what you want to hear about, and for you to get to know us better. Because today is my birthday (whoop whoop) we thought it would be the perfect day for me to be Prairie Wife of the Week.

PW fringe booties

Colleen: Knowing that life doesn't stop especially when hubby works out of town, how do you cope when you get sick? Any natural remedies, or preventative measures you usually use for yourself or the rest of the family?

Prairie Wife: A mother never gets to take a sick day, and it usually turns out that when I get sick it’s on a Tuesday and I just have to struggle through until The Cowboy gets home on Friday. Which of course means that I am healed up by the time “help” arrives. I usually just put on my big girl panties and stumble through the sickness. I have been known to call the kids in sick to school and turn on Disney Junior for hours at a time. Usually it’s easier to have two less kids to watch when I am under the weather. There was one time when I had a really bad fever and cough. I remember putting the two kids (I just had Cowboy J and Cowgirl G) into the baby’s room because it was the safest room in the house, and lying in front of the doorway so I would know if they got out. I’ve also had some great friends, thank you TallGirlJ, that have come over to help out when I was simply too sick to take care of a small infant (mastitis is a total bummer).

I am almost always pregnant or nursing so most medicines are off limits for me. I swear by sinus rinses and Vicks Vapor rub when I have a cold. And honey and lemon tea is a must when I have a sore throat. The last year or so I have really gotten into tea. I have green tea every day to help rev up my metabolism as well as my detox water. Chamomile tea and peppermint tea always help me when I have an upset stomach, and pineapple tea can help keep a cold at bay! As for the kids I always try to help them as naturally as possible but, medicine was invented for a reason!

As far as preventative medicine we really try to eat homemade and healthfully (two meals a day with large servings of fruits and veggies) and get sunshine and fresh air. I think not being a super careful mom about germs also helps…I stand by the statement that a little bit of dirt goes a long way to keeping kids healthy. Because my kids eat healthfully we don’t have a vitamin regimen. I also strongly believe in vaccinating my kids.

Colleen: With warm weather and summer coming, what’s in your purse?

Prairie Wife: My purse is always packed LOL, but in the summer I do add a few extra goodies. This powder sunscreen is phenomenal. You simply turn the bottom to open it and tap it a few times. The powder goes into the brush and you brush it on. I can easily brush it on over my makeup and the part in my hair with no sticky mess, and it’s invisible! I use it when I run too, because it doesn’t run when I sweat or sting my eyes. It’s on the expensive side to initially buy it but, all you have to do for refills is buy more powder. Because of the cost I use it only on me (or the kids in a pinch) and I make sure I have a stick sunscreen to use on the kids. Neutrogena Wet Skin Kids Sunscreen Stick is my favorite.

Kristen: As a mother of four like you, I find it hard to equally divide my time between my girls. It’s so hard to have individual one on one time with them. Do you struggle with this problem? How or what do you do to give them each some one on one attention?

Prairie Wife: I feel like I could do a week or two worth of posts to answer this one! Early on The Cowboy and I, who both come from families on the larger side (him 5, me 4) decided that we would try and do something special with our kids to help them feel like they had some special time without their siblings. So we invented date night.

We take turns rotating through the kids and take them on dates. It’s just one parent and one kid and they usually get to pick the activity and parent they want to go with. It can be something little like a trip to town for ice cream or something big like traveling on the road with The Cowboy for a week. We call it a date and dress up and keep the phones turned off, just like we would for a grown up date night. The kids left behind usually don’t mind because they understand their turn will be coming too. It has made such a big difference in our relationships with them. It’s amazing what a few hours with just one kid can do for both of you! They each get a date every two months or so. I’ve even found that when you are the parent left behind with the other kids it can be a special time with those kids!

Hannah: How do you fit in “you” time when the cowboy is gone on business and you have all the Cowkids on your own?

Prairie Wife: Life is a balancing act and while I don’t have this down all the time I’ve gotten a lot better at it over the years. First you have to get rid of the guilt. My favorite trick when I am feeling guilty about something is to think about what I would say to a friend of mine if they came to me with the problem. If Prairie Faith came to me and said “I feel bad because I read a book today instead of cleaning my dirty house.” Would I tell her she was a bad mom? No! I’d say the mess will still be there tomorrow waiting!

Naptime is sacred in my house. Even the big Cowkids have to go and play in their room and aren’t allowed to bug me unless blood is involved! My rule is that no matter what the state of the house I have to use naptime as me time. Usually this means I read and then either take a nap myself or just simply read the whole time. Sometimes I use the time to work on PrairieWifeInHeels.com but while I love blogging it isn’t really a break. This naptime break allows me to refresh and rejuvenate my spirit and even though it takes me longer to do chores with the Cowkids awake and helping I am a better mom once I’ve taken some time for myself.

Another way I get me time is keeping bedtime for the Cowkids simple and structured. They get to bed with no fuss or muss and this allows me to relax before my bedtime. This is my TV time and one of the benefits of having The Cowboy gone during the week is I can watch my girly shows with no groans from him. I’ve learned that taking this time to “be lazy” is necessary with no relief from the mom gig for days at a time. When I skip my reading or TV time I’m a wreck by the time The Cowboy comes home and I often end up pushing the kids at him and locking myself in the bedroom (it’s the only way to keep the Cowkids out) for a few hours of bath and reading time. This is much more guilt inducing because we are so rarely together as a family. So, I really try to take my time during the week!

Hannah: How would you handle the following situation…a person you don’t know (I.e. tour guide lady at the state Capitol) or don’t know very well asks to touch or hold your baby? I never know quite how to handle this…I don’t want to be rude because they most likely mean well but also there are way too many creepers out there! What to do??

Prairie Wife: This is a hard one, and while I don’t really like lying to people I would probably say something like “Oh I’m sorry she missed her morning nap and is super cranky.” Or “She’s been sick I’d hate to get you sick too.” Simply saying “She is in that crazy stranger danger stage so I’d rather she stay with me.” Is another great way to keep people from grabbing the baby. When my kids are super little I often use a sling because it’s an easy way to keep people from even asking. I have found that the more kids I have the less I worry about these things (Cowboy C gets passed up and down the pews at church), but I strongly believe in trusting your gut. If someone seems like a creeper don’t feel a bit guilty about saying “I’m sorry I don’t feel comfortable letting strangers hold her.” Anyone normal will totally understand, and someone who is offended will just help you to know you made the right choice!

Nicci and Lizzi: Hey prairiewifeinheels.com can you help me? I need some suggestion on how to find balance in my life between family, work, and personal time! HELP!!

Prairie Wife: If only I had the answer! Once again like I said in the answer to Hannah’s question remember that things like housework can wait, but left to long things like that can really add to your stress. Perhaps it’s the teacher in me but I am a big fan of scheduling and I have found that it really helps me to keep balance in my life. I have a day set for laundry and another one for housecleaning. It helps me to not spend all my time doing chores. I’d rather clean a big mess one day and enjoy my kids and time the rest of the week, even if things start to get a little cluttered by Wednesday. As far as fun time…schedule it. The Cowboy and I go on a date every month and while I know it doesn’t sound like a lot it makes a big difference. Time with the girls and play dates are written in on the calendar and scheduled well ahead of time, it makes sure that it really happens.

Remembering that things like sick kids or a new baby are going to throw your balance off is important. I always say that I am in survival mode the first four months after I have a baby. All I focus on is keeping the kids alive and sleeping. I don’t do anything extra and if I do get a break and/or a warm meal I really appreciate it. I know that when things get off balance with a little effort and time things will eventually get back to where they need to be. Just being aware is the first step!

Big Brother B: Who is your favorite brother?

Prairie Wife: I had to add this because it made me laugh…I also had a few who is your favorite “insert friends name here” questions too! I have to say that one of the things that I have learned through this blog is that everyone has something to share of value. I value all of the people in my life for what they have to give and share, and the lessons they have taught me about myself (some good, some bad). So while I can’t pick a favorite friend or sibling, I can say thank you to everyone for what you have taught me!

Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

Everyone has a story to share, never underestimate what you can learn through simply taking the time to hear that story. Ask for help from others, look inside yourself to see how you need to change and grow, and be willing to learn from your past. And finally, you know what is best for you and your family. Take the time to listen to your instincts and use the wisdom that is already in you to live your life with grit and grace.]]>
		
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		Don't Eat the Mudpies
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/dont-eat-mudpies/
		Sun, 30 Mar 2014 12:00:30 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1532
		
		Friday's post I was reminded of an incident that occurred about four years ago. While I strongly believe that exposure to dirt and germs ends up making healthier kids, there can be too much of a good thing…At the time this was a horrible experience but, since we all know it turned out OK it has now become family lore. (Warning: if you have a sensitive stomach don’t read this)muddy baby

Cowgirl G had a strange love of eating dirt. As soon as she was mobile her favorite place to hang out was the floor by the front door, where she would spend her time picking clumps of dried mud and rocks out of the rug and eating them. I would then spend most of my time saying “yuck” and fishing them out of her mouth. We even began keeping our shoes out on the front porch because, she had learned that the bottom of our shoes was a gold mine of tasty dirt…ugh it was really gross! Things tapered off at about 18 months but we still had to watch her pretty carefully outside, and I shook out our front door rug daily.

One day Cowboy J and Cowgirl C were playing in our “yard” while The Cowboy and I tried to do some landscaping. I have yard in quotes because at the time it was really a fenced in clay/mud pit. We were still saving up to install a sprinkler system and sod. The kids were playing nicely and we were enjoying the lovely fall weather. It had been pretty rainy for Wyoming and it was finally the perfect day to get things ready for winter. When it was time to get inside Cowgirl G was covered in mud from head to toe. This was no big surprise with the state of our yard, and we didn’t think anything about it.

Then later that night she started to throw up, and have the worst stinky diarrhea I have ever smelled in my life. We had just potty trained her (she was ready really early) and she didn’t have any accidents but we kept her in a pull-up anyway. She had her normal appetite and attitude, and I pushed fluids and the BRAT (bananas, rice, apples, and toast) diet to help ease her tummy. At first I thought it was a normal bug and waited for it to hit the rest of the family. But after day two I began to wonder. The kids and I went into our doctor on the fourth day and had a chat about the symptoms. When I mentioned that the diarrhea was frothy and extra rank her eyebrows went up and she asked if Cowgirl G had eaten anything different lately. I shrugged my shoulders, but we both noticed Cowboy J start to wiggle and look uncomfortable.

We exchanged a knowing look and nicely asked Cowboy J if he had fed her anything that might be unusual. “Well I made her mudpies and she really liked them!” My stomach dropped, of all the things to offer her; of course she loved them…and probably ate every last bite! It turns out he had found some water that had been sitting in our empty sandbox, you know the turtle one, and mixed it with dirt and served her mud pies using his digging shovel. We had her tested for Giardia and while the test was inconclusive it was clear that the mud pies were the cause of all the trouble. While Cowboy J didn’t eat any “I don’t eat mud, that’s gross!” he was lectured sternly on not feeding any mud pies to anyone else either.

Cowgirl G got to be a pro at getting to the bathroom in time and sadly was trying to clean up her own vomit out of the sink by the end. She was so familiar with the process that she insisted on turning on the water and getting out the paper towels and Lysol. She recovered within a week and we were blessed that she never suffered from dehydration or needed to go into the hospital.

Every summer we tell the story to all the Cowkids to help remind the other kids what Cowgirl G learned the hard way. Lesson learned…Don’t eat the mudpies!]]>
		
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		Great Books for Young Boys
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/great-books-young-boys/
		Mon, 31 Mar 2014 12:00:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1541
		
		8 year old boy I am learning all sorts of things. I now know more knock-knock jokes then I ever cared to, and I can name more than a dozen of the Skylander characters from the Wii game. My son loves to read; in fact he often gets in trouble for reading instead of doing his chores. Most of the books that we have around the Prairie Homestead are picture books from my days as a first grade teacher, or old books of mine from my childhood. Cowboy J was not oblivious to this fact and began to hem and haw about the lack of “interesting” books for him to read on the weekends. I am a huge fan of the library, and we go almost every week in the summer. During the school year we simply don’t have the time. So when it was getting close to Christmas and then his birthday, I began to keep track of the books that Cowboy J brought home from the library, and we began to talk about what he enjoyed reading and why. The following three books are of course only a few of the many that he loved, but ones that are all in series’. This is great because if they like one, you instantly have over a dozen more that you know they will love. These books for young boys are probably best for 2nd -4th grade children. As always click on the book to go to Amazon.com and purchase it!

Ninjago, Masters of Spinjitzu is a series that goes hand in hand with Lego products. The series includes both graphic novels and ninjago book regular chapter books. This is great because if you can get your reluctant reader to start with the graphic novels it’s easy to push them towards the chapter books. The characters are four boys who each have a specific strength tied to an element. These strengths can be both good and bad and through many of the books the boys struggle with typical problems like controlling their anger and jealousy. Their sage teacher Sensei Wu helps guide them through their battles against a variety of bad guys. The adventure and Ninja focus draws the boys in, and they can’t help imagining themselves as their favorite character. If they love these books it also makes gift buying super easy with the Lego products and DVD’s.

Encyclopedia Brown is a series some of you may recall from your childhood. My own brothers used to read them, and I bought one Encyclopedia brown bookfor Cowboy J to see if he would like them, he did! After I explained what an encyclopedia was (sigh) I sent him on his way. He loves the interesting facts stuck throughout the book, and once again it appeals to young readers because they can easily put themselves in the place of the main characters. Cowboy J particularly loved trying to see if he could put the clues together and solve the mystery before Encyclopedia Brown! While these books offer a little bit of suspense it is in a non-threatening and wholesome kind of way.

The BeastQuest series is by far Cowboy J’s favorite. To quote him “They are full of adventure, and I like adventures!” There are wellbeastquest book over 50 books in the series so this is another great one for those reluctant readers. The main characters are Tom and Elenna (a strong female so this is wonderful for young girls as well) and you follow them as they travel around the fictional land of Avantia. An evil sorcerer has turned normally friendly beasts into evil monsters. Tom and Elenna have the hard job of both finding the beasts and turning them back to their normal selves. Some of the language and concepts (it takes place in medieval like times) in the books will be a little hard for the younger readers, so I encourage you to read the first two or three books along with your child. After Cowboy J had read the first three he took off and hasn’t stopped loving them yet (it’s been over a year).

What books do your kids love to read?]]>
		
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		The FitBit Flex...Buy It or Not?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-fitbit-flex-buy-it-or-not/
		Sun, 06 Apr 2014 12:00:35 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1550
		
		last week was my birthday. The Cowboy is not known for his gift giving skills (more on that next week) and is usually hit or miss. Sometimes he does an amazing job, though it is usually because he calls Texas Two Steppin’, Cheleeo, or TallGirlJ for advice. Other times he does absolutely terribly! This year for my birthday he got me a FitBit Flex Wireless Activety + Sleep Tracker from our local Best Buy store. Now you might think that this was another oops for The Cowboy, because a FitBit is a way to help you keep on track with your exercise and usually weight loss goals. But, I lost all the baby weight from Cowboy C months ago and I had actually hinted that I wanted one. With all this blogging I am finding that I am sitting on my butt a lot more than usual. Add to that back to back trips to Vegas and France as well as this never ending Winter/Spring and I was hoping that having a FitBit would motivate me to move more.

Here is the verdict. I LOVE it! All you do is slip the super lightweight and simple bracelet on, register online (5 minutes tops) load FitBit Braceletthe app on your phone, and get on with your life. The Cowboy was smart and bought me a pack of colored “bracelets” that you can slip the FitBit in. So, I never have to worry about it being super obvious. My watch fits comfortably next to it, and my bracelets all slide easily over it. You never need to take it off (it is completely water proof) but I do after the shower. Just to air it out, and so I don’t get lotion on it. It keeps track of all your movement as well as calories burned and distance in steps and miles. You can add workouts like Yoga that don’t register as steps into your app. It also has a food plan option and a calorie and water intake section. I am not particularly counting calories right now so, I haven’t messed with that part.

I was particularly excited to use the sleep tracker. All you do it tap the top of your bracelet rapidly for few seconds before you go to bed. It keeps track of your restless minutes, awake minutes, and sleep time. It’s pretty accurate (I noticed it took a day to really figure out my nighttime movements), it was right on track with the times I was up with the baby, and it was nice to see that it adds it all up for you and gives you the total time asleep and awake! Just don’t forget to tap it again rapidly to turn sleep mode off when you wake up, or your step count will be off! It can also be set with a silent alarm that simply vibrates when it is time to get up. This would be great for The Cowboy who often gets up for work at 5:30 (and wakes me and sometimes the baby with his alarm) but, for me it wasn’t any more of a help than my regular alarm.

The FitBit is set for 10,000 steps a day as your goal but I changed mine to 8,000. Right now with snow almost every day it might be weeks before I get to go for a run. And while yoga counts as a calorie burner it doesn’t add to your steps. On my errand days I easily made it over my 8,000 count but on days when we are at home I had more trouble. But, this is the great part…when I saw it was 4:00 and I still hadn’t met my goal, it motivated me to throw on some mud boots and go outside with the kids. I played a pickup game of soccer with Cowboy J and we walked to the mail box on several days I otherwise would have skipped it. I even found myself asking the kids to get things for me less, and instead did it myself, just to get steps in!

My verdict is this. If you are looking for a way to be more aware of your fitness level, whether for overall health or fFitBit Dashboardor weight loss, I think this is a wonderful tool. It took me maybe 10 minutes to figure out how to navigate the app and even less to learn to read the information it gave me. I am very excited to wear it on a run (if it ever stops snowing) and see how it measures up to my Nike Running app. It has definitely motivated me to get off my butt (literally) and get moving. The one day I didn’t make my goal I was really kinda bummed, and the next day I went out of my way to go above and beyond my 8,000 step goal! It made me more aware of my sedate times (it vibrates if you have been still too long, which I haven’t had yet) and I realized I do a lot more running around the house than I thought. Will this change your life? Maybe not, but I always think that being more aware of where you need to do better is the first and most important step towards positive change!

What has kept you motivated during this never ending Winter?]]>
		
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		You Pick Pasta
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pick-pasta/
		Sat, 05 Apr 2014 12:00:35 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1556
		
		Pasta-use the whole box unless stated differentlyYou Pick Pasta
Spaghetti (1/2 box)
Rotini
Farfalle
Macaroni
Stuffed Tortellini
Stuffed  Ravioli
Meat-1lb cooked
Chicken (I like shredded rather than cubed)
Italian Sausage
Prosciutto
Beef or Elk
Turkey Sausage
Raw or Frozen Veggies chopped-4 cups all together (I usually use 3-4 different kinds)
Onion
Broccoli
Sweet Pepper
Asparagus
Tomatoes (sundried are great)
Fresh Spinach
Fresh Kale
Peas
Shredded Cheese-1 cup and some extra to put on top
Mozzarella
Provolone
Parmesan
Asiago
Romano
You will also need
½ pint cream (milk or half and half will work as well)
2 cloves minced garlic
Olive Oil for cooking meat and vegetables
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Set your water to boil while you cook your meat choice and chop up your veggies.

2. Place pasta in water and remove cooked meat from pan and set it aside. Add Olive Oil, chopped veggies, and garlic to pan. Cook on medium heat until veggies are soft (not limp) and still brightly colored, about 10 minutes.

3. When pasta is ready set aside 1 cup of the past water. Drain pasta and put it back in empty pot.

4. Add cooked meat and veggies, ½ pint of cream, and 1 cup of shredded cheese to pasta. Stir. Add salt and pepper to taste. If your sauce is too thick add small amounts of past water until it is the correct consistency.

5. Serve warm with extra cheese sprinkled on top.

How would you make your You Pick Pasta]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week April 4, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-4-2014/
		Fri, 04 Apr 2014 12:00:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1561
		
		many adventures and she is my go to girl for help with parenting issues. As I am sure you know April is Autism awareness month. While TallGirlJ does not have a family member who is autistic, her older brother is handicapped. I knew that I wanted to share her story this month to offer support to not only other men and women that have siblings who are handicapped but, to parents as well. Too often I have seen friends of mine worry about the effects of the necessary extra care of their handicapped child on their other children. Guilt about time in therapy, or days and even weeks, spent in the hospital with illness and surgeries. TallGirlJ answered some pretty hard questions very honestly about what it was like as a child and now a mother, having a sibling who is handicapped. Her love and loyalty to her family, her determination to help her brother succeed in his life, and her grit and grace in teaching her children that no family is the same, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week.

    TallGirlJ boots
    
Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

TallGirlJ (TGJ): I am a mom of two: a 5 yr old girl and 2 yr old boy. I am on my 7th year of marriage to a wonderful husband and daddy. I have some great role models in marriage in my parents who will be married 40 years this fall. I also have one older brother, we are 7 years apart. I grew up in the small town of Glenrock, Wyoming. To be honest I always thought I would leave, I did for a bit, but couldn’t stay away! I am now raising my little family here. I am a stay at home mom but, I do office work part time for my parents’ company. I enjoy riding our horses, caring for all our animals, tractor pulls and horse clubs. It’s a busy life, but a great life.

PW: You older brother is handicapped, but he wasn’t born that way. Can you share his story with us?

TGJ: My brother was born in the 70’s when all the vaccinations we have now were not available. Michael was born a healthy “normal” little boy, when he was 9 months old he became ill and the doctors treated him for what seemed to be an ear infection. My parents felt there was something more but, by the time they got him to a new doctor he was very sick. It turns out he had Cerebral Meningitis. By the time they received the correct diagnosis things were bad, he ended up in a coma, had multiple seizures, and a stroke. He is very blessed to be here with us today. The left side of his brain was permanently damaged from the meningitis, and this is what caused his handicaps.

PW: There are 7 years between you and your brother, was it planned?

TGJ: Michael was a very high needs child, between Grand Mal seizures, a severe lack of communication skills, and being very active and hyper my parent’s hands were pretty full! Not to mention my dad worked many hours leaving most of the caretaking responsibilities to my mom. I think that having another child just seemed out of the question. I am not sure if they ever talked about more kids, or if it just seemed like the obvious answer would be no. It seems God didn’t agree, as my mom got pregnant, surprise!

It’s a funny joke now but, my when my mom found out she was pregnant she didn’t tell my Dad for quite some time. Her reasoning was “It never came up!” Of course why would it lol?

PW: How did your birth impact your brother?

TGJ: When I was born my brother was still struggling with communication and what we would consider simple skills. He loved being a big brother so much, that they had to tie a net over my crib so that he couldn’t get to me. On more than one occasion he had gone to my room to drag me out of the crib and pull me around by one arm while I slept! As I grew and began doing things, so did he. He developed right along with me. The biggest thing was when I started talking his verbal skills started to improve a ton too!

PW: Did you even know anything was different about your family when you were younger?

TGJ: This question really made me think. And, the more I thought about it, the more I realized I must not have known it was different. I did realize that my brother wasn’t the typical big brother. In fact I always felt like I was more of a big sister (being bossy came easy), even with him being 7 years older and a lot bigger. I just knew that I was the one who had to protect him. It seemed right and totally “normal” in fact he was often just like an annoying little brother. I would have friends over and they would want to laugh and play with him!

PW: Can you share some stories about things you remember from when you were younger?

TGJ: My brother is quiet a character, and is very smart in many ways. For example, he doesn’t forget a thing! I can remember him always getting himself in mischief by trying to build or take something apart. You never want to mention in front of him that something needs fixed because he will make sure it gets done (whether it’s done how you want it or not) or he’ll bug you until you do it.

I can remember when he was in middle school and sat and watched a guy take a computer apart to fix it. The next day he took his school computer apart. The guy couldn’t believe how he did so correctly, and was able to put it back together!

Michael is also VERY VERY strong, almost unnaturally so. My friends and I would go hide in his room and he would pick us both up, one in each arm, and throw us out. So funny!

He is super funny too! My favorite story to this day happened on when my brother was in his early 20’s. We were playing with our cousin and he went downstairs and came up with a board type paddle that had little birds all over it. He then proceeded to tell our cousin he was going to “Crack a birdie on his butt!!”

PW: Were there any negative experiences you had to deal with because of your brother’s handicap?

TGJ: It’s nice to say that I don’t have a lot of experiences of people being mean. Of course there are those bad eggs out there that can’t be nice, but for the most part people are very accepting of Michael. In fact, he is very likeable and has always had more friends that I could ever imagine having! I can remember two experiences that will always stick with me.

The first is when I was about 8 and we were at a horse sale one Saturday, which was a very common thing for us. I was out playing with my friends when I thought I could hear my brother yelling/crying (which he never did). I went running to find a kid about 13 had knocked him over and was proceeding to ride him like a bucking bull. I knocked the kid off and gave him a right hook. At about that time my dad showed up to find out what was going on. The boy ran back to his dad and told him my dad had smacked him… Needless to say when the kids’ dad found out what really happened, thankfully his father then went on to teach that kid a valuable lesson.

The second incident was at a Church Camp. My brother always came to the same camp as me, even though he was older and should have gone to the older kid’s camp. Both my parents and the camp agreed that being with me was better. He of course had to stay in a cabin with boys and I with girls.  We had had a great week and it was time to go home. I went to find my brother only to find a kid ripping the arms off his treasured Pee-Wee Herman doll and throwing eggs at him. I retaliated by throwing eggs at the bully...and pushing him in a creek. It’s times like these I can remember wondering how kids could be so cruel. The good news is the kid was kicked out of camp for the next year… but so was I.

PW: Is there anything you wish people would or wouldn’t say when asking you about your brother or talking with him?

Michael TractorTGJ: I can’t really think of anything right off that would be offensive to me or my brother. I know that a lot of people are against the word retarded… Which I am too, and I would never use it. It repulses’ me to hear people say it to truly describe someone but, not because I feel like it insults my brother (he is not retarded), but just because it is a crude word.

I also know that my brother can come across as a little too interested in women sometimes. He looks like a “normal” 37 year old, but acts like a hormonal 17 year old boy. In fact, he is GIRL crazy!! So at times I will have to just find a way to introduce him to the person and mention that he loves to meet a pretty girl. After a few minutes talking to him they realize what is going on, and for the most part the women are very receptive and sweet. (He also Love Love Loves all of my pretty girlfriends)

PW: As you grew older and more independent, how did this impact your brother?

TGJ: Just like him talking when I talked, he tends to take cues from me. I am sure some of it is a little bit of sibling rivalry, which I believe is a healthy thing! When I moved out Michael decided it was time for him to go too.

He still talks about how he is going to get married, which I find hard to believe because he is quiet a dancing ladies man. I am not sure he can give up his flirtatious ways!

PW: Has having a brother who is handicapped influenced you as a mother?

TGJ: Knowing my brother got sick as baby, made me paranoid. At first I didn’t really notice I was paranoid or think about how I might be overreacting more that the average first time mom. Until one particular moment…it was the moment I was making my pediatrician measure my daughter’s ears to see if one was bigger than the other. As he kindly did what I asked, my doctor began asking me questions about why I so worried all the time. That’s when it clicked, and I blurted out my brother got meningitis at 9 months. My kids pediatrician doesn’t know but he was a great psychiatrist for me that day, and he never once made me feel silly or crazy (I am sure my kids' charts state otherwise I know under mother it says CRAZY). That day a light bulb came on, and I realized I needed to be more aware of my fears and talk myself through them. I am proud to say it has been much smoother with my little boy, and I have never had his ear size measured!

PW: What is your relationship with your brother like now?

TGJ: My brother lives 30 miles away in a group home. He calls daily and persistently (it’s nothing to have 15 missed calls in a 30 min window) until you speak to him about his day.

He is probably one of the best and most fun uncles there is! Who else has and uncle that still believes in Santa, The Easter Bunny michael and babyand all of that? And is just as excited about it as you are?!

I do of course worry about the trouble that him and my son are going to get into… I find myself often having to remind him that he is an adult and knows what a good decision/bad decision is!

It is one of the greatest things to see the fun and love that him and my kids share, and to see him introduce the kids to people he knows. He is one beaming proud uncle! As I mentioned before, he is a dancing fool (with everyone but my mom or I) and he will never turn down his beloved niece!

PW: What advice do you have for parents who have a mixture of children who have handicaps and “normal” children?

TGJ: I think people who have a mixture of special needs and “normal” (I always use air quotes when speaking of normal because seriously… what is normal?) children need to just know that there is nothing odd about their family. In fact if anything, their kids will learn more empathy and know that God makes all people different. I know my daughter learned this at a very young age and still says it. I have heard her tell people “You know, I am different. That is how God made me.” I know most parents try to ingrain this in their kids but, when a child is around it all the time they have a deeper understanding and it makes more sense!

I would say if you have a super high needs child and feel like you don’t show as much attention as you would like to your other children, just make sure you make time once a month or whatever fits your needs to spend alone time with each child. This is good practice whether you have 1 child or 15 even if they are all “normal”! Every child wants to feel like they matter to their parents, and giving them the gift of time rather than things is the best way to show them you care.

PW: What are your hopes and concerns for your brother’s future?

TGJ: My hopes are that he continues to learn and succeed (whatever his personal definition of success is), and that he stays the amazing carefree soul that we all love and cherish.

My concern would be that there won’t always be people around that love and care for my brother and his best interest. This is a responsibility that my family and I take on happily but, I know there are people and organizations that want to cut help for people like my brother because they are not “functioning” members of society. This is so sad. He would do anything to have a “normal” job and he is one heck of a worker. He has more heart and drive than a lot of people that haven’t had to fight the same battles as him…I could go on about this forever though.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

TGJ: I guess my wisdom would have to be, don’t be so quick to judge a person. I have met many amazing men and women who, like my brother, just want to be accepted. When you take the time to know them they are all very fascinating people who have a lot to offer. If you ever have a chance to volunteer at a Special Olympics, do it! You won’t regret the laughs and fun you have, and the positive impact Special Olympics has on the participants and their families, is beyond measure.

Make sure you stop by next week to read her interview with her mom!

As always our Prairie Wife of the week will be stopping by to answer any questions or comments.

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		What you NEED in Your Nursery
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/need-nursery/
		Mon, 07 Apr 2014 12:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1578
		
		I’ve got a soft spot for first time moms. Being pregnant for the first time can be really overwhelming. It’s hard to deal with the hormones, a rapidly expanding waist, and worrying constantly if all is well inside there…Add to that trying to decide what you truly need for your future bundle of joy and it can be a tear filled journey. Well, I am here to help you! I’ve already given you a list of what to pack in your hospital bag and diaper bag (as well as car) and now here is what I feel you truly need in your Nursery to survive the first year of motherhood. I’ve listed my favorite brands and even a few links for you!

Keep in mind that more money does not always equal better. We were on a super tight budget (actually wChanging tablee had no budget we were so poor) when our first Cowkid was born. Four Cowkids later our crib from Walmart is still in tip top shape and ready for another Cowbaby if necessary…Stay tuned in the next weeks for a list of what you might want/need in the rest of the house (including the bathroom) for your baby, as well as how to register for your baby shower!

Remember this is what I think is necessary, please let me know if I’ve left anything out …or if you disagree!

    For the Nursery (furniture, necessities etc.)
    
Crib that converts to toddler bed (more bang for your buck)
4 sets of sheets
3 warm blankets
4 swaddling/light blankets
Crib musical/light toy (Fisher Price)
Set of cloth diapers (amazing spit up rags not to mention a billion other uses)
Diapers (I use Luvs, don’t buy too many new born sized they grow fast once they are out)
Large refillable wipe container and a box of wipes to refill it (they make heated ones, I think they are overrated)
Changing table (now this is debatable, you can change the baby on the floor. But, I use mine not only for diaper changes but for clothing and necessity storage as well)
  In your changing table drawer keep these items

      
	
    • Baby lotion (Burt’s or Aveeno)
      • 
	
    • Desitin
      • 
	
    • If you are planning to Nurse- Nursing pads, Lanolin cream
      • 
	
    • Medicine-Gas drops, baby Tylonol and IB Profin,Baby Vicks
      • 
	
    • thermometer (ear or temporal),
      • 
	
    • Fingernail clippers, nose sucker, rubbing alcohol, and q tips.
      • 

    
Changing pad and 3 covers
Covered trash (I use a diaper genie 2)
Small baby hangers
Small lamp (it is nice to have a low light source when you need it in the middle of the night)
Laundry Hamper
Rocker/chair/ball (I love my glider rocker, an amazing garage sale find)
2 Rubbermaid container (keep them in your closet one for too small clothes, one for clothes to grow into. Simply throw them in when they are washed)
Basket for toys (not needed for first 4 months)
Fan (research says that it may reduce the risk of SIDS it is also because of this I have not listed crib bumpers or stuffed animals because they may endanger the baby)
Clock

    Clothes (included are the ones you need for the car and diaper bag)
    
10 short sleeve onesies
4 long sleeve onesies (not needed until Oct if you live in a cold climate)
8 jammies (I prefer zipper to snap)
8 pairs of socks (you can also use these to cover their hands if they tend to scratch themselves)
2 fancy outfits
4 rompers (short sleeve if your baby was born in summer/ long sleeve if born in winter)
3 separates/mix and match outfits
1 heavier jacket (from October on you will want a full suit, Columbia makes an amazing one)
1 light jacket
3 hats
Shoes (cute but not really needed until they are 9 months or so)

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		Beauty Tips for Spring Skin
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/beauty-tips-spring-skin/
		Wed, 09 Apr 2014 12:00:49 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1586
		
		Spring is slowly but surely on its way here in Wyoming. We have had blizzards and over six inches of snow immediately followed by beautiful 45 degree days full of sun and light breezes. In Wyoming this bipolar type weather means that soon we will have green grass and singing birds! Shorts and tank tops are still a ways away but, the sunny days that we have had, reminded me that it’s time to get my skin in shape for the big reveal. Dry Wyoming winters with a steady 35-90mph wind (this is not an exaggeration) mean that my skin is rough, dull, and blindingly pale by the time April rolls around. I’ve got a list of my favorite products and how I use them to get my spring skin back to a “shorts worthy” summer state. Use these products on your face and body and you will have glowing, smooth and (slightly) less pale skin in mere weeks!

Spring face products

For my face I really need to get some moisture back into it, and I have found that my favorite mask for this is Burt’s Bees Intense Hydration Treatment Mask (purchased at Target). Not only does it smell divine but, it really works! For the first two weeks I use it twice a week and then only once a week as my skin gets back in shape. If you have oily skin I recommend the Mary Kay mask.  My Neutrogena Cleansing Wipes in Pink Grapefruit (purchased at Target) are a must for post workout cleaning. Even though I workout at home, I don’t always have time to shower afterwards, and I always notice more breakouts as the weather gets warmer and I sweat more. I simply wipe my face (and my chest and back) and put on my regular Rodan and Fields face cream, voila no more zits! I know you are supposed to wear sunscreen year long but let’s face it, in the winter I don’t worry too much. In the Spring I start to get back in the habit again by religiously using my Rodan and Fields mineral Sunscreen. It has an SPF of 30 and works flawlessly with my other beloved Rodan and Fields products. It is light and soaks in evenly, so my makeup applies smoothly over it.

Srpign BOdy products

For my body I am a stickler for products that really work! I am a diehard Olay fan and I can’t live without my huge pump bottle of Olay Quench Body Lotion (purchased at Target). It has a light scent so I can still wear my perfume and it has a slight shimmer that evens out your skin tone. Not to mention it works! Slather it on the second you get out of the shower, and thank me in two weeks for your glowing smooth skin. To give my skin a little bit of a sun kissed glow with no mess and no orange streaks I rely on Jergens Natural Glow Products (purchased at Target). They have a whole line of products and I haven’t been disappointed yet, and I love that this one has an SPF 20. I use my Yes to Cucumbers Natural Sunscreen (purchased at Target) on my chest. Ladies I am telling you, every day you should be putting sunscreen on this area. It sees just as much sun as your face and maybe more if you wear a hat. I am trying to fight the freckles and damaged skin I see on lots of woman. Too often they have flawless faces but neglected their necks and chest. This light sunscreen soaks in quickly and doesn’t give me acne (a big bonus). Last but not least my Neutrogena Wet Skin Sunscreen Spray (purchased at Target). I keep this in the car to quickly spray on my arms, legs and any other bare skin (and tattoos) when we hit the park. It isn’t greasy and only takes two seconds to apply.

Take care of your skin ladies (and men too) and remember, it’s never too late to start!

What products do you use to get your skin ready for summer?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week April 11, 2014 
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-11-2014/
		Fri, 11 Apr 2014 12:00:34 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1594
		
		 Prairie Wife of the Week last week and afterwards, Prairie Wife asked me to interview my mom. She felt that it would make a great addition to my story. I am completely honored that that I got the chance to learn about my Mom’s story. This interview shows a mother and father's true love and determination to get the best for their child. I hope and believe this can help many people whom have a special needs child, or that just need a reminder that life can throw you curve balls. My Mom shows us (in true Prairie Wife style) that with determination, perseverance, and love you can turn life's tragedies into something beautiful.

    PWW patti
    
TallGirlJ (TGJ): First tell us a little about yourself and your family.

 COWGIRLONGREEN (CGOG): I grew up in a small town in Iowa. I started dating my husband in October of 1972. We were high school sweet hearts and we were married in October 1974 just after I graduated high school. We moved to Wyoming in March of 1975. Our families weren’t happy we were leaving, but we had to go where there was work and that was in Glenrock, WY. The oil field was at the beginning of the big oil boom of the 70's.

I'm a mother of 2 great adult kids and two of the most special grand babies anyone could ask for and I also have a great son-in-law! My wonderful hubby and I will celebrate our 40th anniversary in October. I think moving 700 miles away from all our family and friends made our marriage stronger, all we had for the first 2 years was each other. I now work at a grade school as a Para Professional in special education. I love the kids and my job! We own an oilfield company that my husband runs. I love my horses and we raise a few cows, we never have trouble staying busy!

 TGJ: Up until the time Michael got sick was he healthy and meeting milestones?

CGOG: I got pregnant in 1976, I had a normal pregnancy and loved being pregnant! I had normal delivery and Michael was a healthy little boy. He was meeting all his milestones, in fact he was walking at 9 months. He did have a few ear infections which weren’t surprising as they kind of run in my genes, and he was of course teething.

TGJ: Tell us Michael’s story.

CGOG: It was Friday January 13, 1978, Michael had been crying a lot and he had spiked a fever, it was over 102. I don'Michael 3 monthst remember who we called but we were getting him dressed to take him to see a Dr. 30 miles away in Douglas WY. It was at night and really cold so we bundled him up in his snow suit, when I picked him up he went into a seizure. We didn't know what to do; I thought he was going to die right there! I had never seen anyone have a seizure before it was horrifying. While I tried to revive Michael, my husband called 911. Since we lived outside of town (in what we called the little house on the prairie) we drove to town with him and meet the ambulance at the police station.  I was allowed to ride in the front of the ambulance and Mike followed. Turns out I probably caused the first seizure, bundling him up like I did. I of course had no idea it would cause his temperature to rise even higher, and resulted in a fever induced seizure. The Dr. we saw said he had a bad ear infection and was teething, so he started him on penicillin and admitted us. Two days later on Sunday we were sent home. By Tuesday he wasn't any better, he had started vomiting and had diarrhea, and his fever would not stay down. So, we were admitted back to the hospital. Michael was not showing any signs of improvement, in fact he was getting worse! He had developed hives along with everything else. After 2 more days in the hospital and no signs of improvement, an incident occurred that probably saved his life.

A nurse came into our room, it was just me and Michael at the time, she closed the door and said "If you want to save your baby you need to get him out of here”, then simply left. I don't know who she was I never got to thank her! I called my husband and told him what had happened and that we were taking Michael to the Casper Hospital. Mike came and picked us up and we drove to Casper after being refused an ambulance. In Casper we were met by a young Dr. Horan, (who aged a lot over the next 6 weeks). He took one look at Michael and was sure he had meningitis. They did a spinal on him but, because of the medications he was put on in Douglas the test came back inconclusive. Since the test was inconclusive they couldn’t begin treatment for meningitis. Instead, they had to stop all medications he was on. They tested him for Giardia, because we'd been in Iowa at Christmas time drinking well water, and the test came back negative. They poked and prodded him; and all the while he was getting worse! Within 24 hrs they did a second spinal and he tested positive to meningitis.They called it Cerebral Meningitis, which meant he wasn't contagious.

At this point he was having lots and lots of grand mal seizures and they were coming nonstop. The doctors couldn’t keep his fever down so they had to place him in a medical induced coma. He was in the coma for 7 days. (I didn't know until later that the Doctors had told my husband his odds of surviving were very low at one point 20/80). Because of the hives they thought he was allergic to Penicillin the drug of choice for meningitis and they were afraid to give it to him in the IV. The alternate drug they had to use was very hard on his veins. An IV would only last about 2 to 3 days and he would blow that vein. The poor kid was like a pin cushion. Our last chance to end the infection was to put tubes in his ears and remove all the fluid. This was a risky procedure because he wasn’t healthy and was so weak, but it was our only hope. They did the surgery and released a lot of fluid, and Michael immediately started improving. His condition continued to improve, and we finally got to come home March 15th 3 days before Michael's 1st birthday.

They say total recovery time for Meningitis is two years; although what he had was Cerebral Meningitis and his prognosis was good. Looking back we should have known that something just still wasn't right but, he had been in a coma for a week and we were just so thankful he was alive!

Michael started have seizures again in May. We went in and did a CT scan (the CT scan was new to the hospital then and it was a Michael 12 monthsbig ordeal to get one done). We found out that there was a blood clot (he had most likely had a stroke at some point) that had formed on his brain causing the brain to atrophy; this is what caused the seizures to start up again. Michael did learn to walk again after all his time in the hospital, though he kept his right hand behind his back and started using is left side more. The seizures got worse and we could not get them under control! We took him to Denver Children's Hospital for evaluation when he was 4. Truthfully I think that experiance was probably worse than when he was sick. They set us in a little room and told us that he was low functioning, using the word "retarded”, and told us we needed to put him in an institution and forget about him. I sat there crying and they had the nerve to ask me why I was crying!? We never went back there and I am happy to say we never took their advice (they wrote in our file we were immature and in denial).

TGJ: Tell us what it was like to raise a child with special needs?

 CGOG: I felt alone a lot. I had a son that was so hard to care for. He was active all the time, and he had a hard time understanding so there was no reasoning about his behavior with him. I didn't sleep much back then.  You couldn't turn your back on him or he was into something or gone! He wore a helmet for years because of the seizures. I didn't get to go and do girl friend things like most because sitters for a little boy with his special needs were hard to come by. I had one true friend who didn't move here till a couple of years before TallGirlJ was born. My husband and I didn't do much if we couldn't include Michael. It was okay though, he was our son and God had chosen us to take care of him!

TGJ: What kind of emotions did you go through within yourself and your marriage after Michael got sick?

CGOG: I blamed myself.  I remember feeling that my husband was blaming me. He never did say those words, but my grief made me insecure of myself! We were the lucky ones though; we grew closer instead of separating after our tragedy.  My husband and I went to grief counseling at one point. Losing the health of our son brought out the same emotions as if we had lost him all together.  So we had to work through the grieving process.

 TGJ:  You guys chose to put Michael in public school, was this the norm? Was there a good system in place?


CGOG: When Michael was ready to start school there was no program for someone with special needs in Glenrock.  The only option at that time was at Woods, a school 30 miles away in Casper. I went and visited Woods. Special eduction was different back then form what it is today. that was when they put all special needs students in one school, they didn't want them out in the public or around other students. Thank goodness we mainstream all of our students now, I truly believe it is a good choice for everyone.
I went to the Glenrock school district and told them that Woods would not work. I wanted Michael in school in Glenrock. He was the first special needs student to start school here. They had another student that they were funding and sending to Casper at the time. His classroom was in the school board office but, I was okay with it. He was being mainstreamed (this means that he spent as much time as possible in the regular classroom environment) and in school.  Michael has always been the pioneer student for Glenrock. He was the first special needs student to be mainstreamed. Maybe we missed some important things he could have had at another school but, we did our best!

TGJ: Is there in anything you would do different in helping Michael?

CGOG: I should have kept him in early education classes. I pulled him out because I felt the teachers were frustrated with him. The school wanted to teach Michael sign language and I fought them on that. I always believed he would talk and I was afraid that if he learned sign language he would never try to talk. We did use pictures that allowed him to point and communicate the things he needed or wanted. We had a picture board at home and one at school. It really seemed to help with his frustration (and mine) over not being able to let me know what he wanted!
I do wish they would have had the programs they have now back then. Michael has always wanted to learn to read. Now he can read some sight words and write his numbers and letters. However, back when he was in school they concentrated more on life skills than reading and writing. Knowing what I know now, and the resources available now. If I could do it over I would push for more academics!

TGJ: 7 years after Michael was born you had ME; were there any fears in your mind about me getting sick?


CGOG: I was scared to death! I did worry about you getting sick but Dr. Horan had been through so much with Michael, he always made me feel confident that you were okay. You were the only child back then that got your meningitis shot at the age of 9 months though! I don't think I obsessed with it like I see you do sometimes. I knew God would only give me what I could handle, and he had given us you for a reason!

TGJ: What kind of improvements did you notice in Michael after I came along?


CGOG: Michael adored you!  I can still see him carrying you by one arm like a rag doll down the hall, and your dad trying to get to him before he dropped you (you slept through the whole thing). He always wanted you with us and he learned so much from you. That was about the time we started to feel like he was making himself have seizures. Of course the neurologist thought I was nuts, but Dr. Horan  believed me. We decided that when I thought he was going to the have a seizure I would get his attention, and try to get him doing something else. When I began doing this the seizures wouldn't happen!

He started talking when you did, before that he had very few words. He had rode his bike for several years with one training wheel, when you took yours off we caught him trying to take his off! We helped him remove it and he mastered it!  He got to do 4H when you started. He learned to ride a horse when you did. When you started driving we got him a 4wheeler to drive around! When he finished high school neither him nor I was ready for him to move out. But, when you got your first apartment and moved out that is when he started talking about moving out. The talk about getting married didn't start till you got married... You are his hero!

TGJ: What are some special memories about Michael growing up?

CGOG:I could blow this page up with stories of the naughty things he did! He is so strong I always say he could tear up an anvil! He has a memory like an elephant, and he is also very literal!
To hit on a few, he drained his water bed and flooded my house. He put the garden hose in the dryer vent on the outside of the house and flooded the dryer. He loved to flush thing down the toilet, boy was I a pro at pulling a stool!
With Michael he doesn't know when to "shut his screen door." By that I mean this...We all have a screen door in the front of our brain, when we are told to do something, or that we can hurt ourselves, or whatever, we know when to shut the screen door and stop. With Michael that screen door doesn't close as quickly, so if you give him a task to do, you better be there when he's done or he's going to continue on, which usually ends up in a disaster!

Example: he was working at a local restaurant here in Glenrock, the cook loved him and watched over him. He always there to help shut that screen door. Until the day he put him painting the back hall. When Michael got done painting the hall his screen didn't close. As soon as I pulled up I knew what had happened, because Michael had continued to paint out the door and right down the side of the building! All I could do was smile.

When his Grandpa borrowed Michael's  wagon that  he pulled  behind  his 4 wheeler  he asked me when he would get it back. I told him he'd probably not get it back till Grandpa passed away. He thought about it for a minute and asked "How old is Grandpa?" So literal lol!

TGJ: Are there any negative experiences that stand out in your mind?


CGOG: Not really, I think we were able to give him a pretty "normal" life. We never treated him any different. He had his own horse; he did 4H and sold his swine every year. He had a great bunch of friends from school. He even had a girlfriend and got to go to prom. He was the water boy for football team. Everyone loves Michael!

TGJ: Is there anything you wish people would or wouldn’t say when asking you about Michael or talking with him?


CGOG: Most people have been great. I do know that he can make people feel uncomfortable at times, especially if you’re a pretty girl or women! With girls he is a 17 year old boy trapped in a 37 year old man's body! I wish if he was making them feel uncomfortable they would just say "Give me space Michael." It wouldn't make him feel bad.

TGJ: What kind of advice would you give to someone with a special needs child?

CGOG: If I could do a do over with him, I wouldn't of tried to do it all myself. There are so many resources out there. I would of stood my ground and said "No" more and "He needs more" and made the school and doctors help us, instead of trying to do it all by ourselves. Let people help you! I would have continued with the early childhood development classes, the earlier the intervention the greater the outcome.  I see that life skills are pushed a lot once they move on to 5th grade. I would encourage any parent today, say "NO" the child needs to continue with his/her education first and then life skills second. We sat in an IEP meeting once and had the director  try to tell us that after 16 their learning is done. I remember my husband asking her why she went to college then? She didn't like us much after that...

TGJ: Tell us where Michael is now.


CGOG: Michael is a very strong young man, with more friends than I will ever have! He always has a smile and a hello and a hugMichael Tractor ready. He lives in a group home in Casper with full time care. He has a part time job and has just started riding the CATC bus to and from work. He still has speech weekly and he will always need help in caring for himself. He loves to travel, to go out to eat, and holidays which always means family time! He loves his cell phone and calling us every night. He has done so much more than those doctors in Denver said he would.

TGJ: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?
CGOG: I can't say I wouldn't change anything, if I could go back, I defiantly would! I would have gotten a second opinion much earlier when he was sick and I would have pushed for more education.
But that being said, I love my little family. Sure Michale is missing out on having a family of his own, and we are missing out on some more grand babies but God gave us this path. Not everyone is as lucky as we are to have a son who at 37 still makes Christmas and Easter and for that fact every holiday as special as Michael does! I remember a friend telling once how lucky I was "because I will always have my little boy".

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		My First Mother's Day
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/first-mothers-day/
		Sun, 13 Apr 2014 12:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1596
		
		very business oriented older sister Texas Two Steppin’. So, I picked being a teacher because this was as close to being a mom as any job and, would allow me to work while the kids attended school. I kid you not, this was my thought process at 4, I was very goal oriented and had the big picture in mind early on.

I attended the University of Wyoming and eventually met The Cowboy and got married. After a year of marriage we decided to Pregnant Bellystart a family and in March of 2006 Cowboy J was born. I was completely overwhelmed and overjoyed at the same time but, charged forward on my journey of motherhood. The Cowboy was so excited to have a son to show off that we planned a trip up to Cody over Mother’s Day weekend to show him off to both relatives and family friends. By this time Cowboy J and I had nursing down. After all, with him eating every two and half hours since birth I had lots of practice! Add to that a major case of colic and you can imagine my mental state. But, being a new mom I had no idea the absolute suckiness of traveling with an infant and staying in a hotel.

After three days of a screaming baby and a tired and overwhelmed mother I was more than looking forward to a little bit of a Mother’s Day break. Frankly, I am sure my poor SisterInLaw1 was looking forward to a break from a high strung mother and baby too! I wasn’t expecting a big gift, we were way to poor for this, but I was hoping for a day lounging around. I was woken up by The Cowboy at 6 am with a soft kiss and an “I’ll be back later this afternoon.” In my tired weary haze the “this afternoon” didn’t register and I rolled over to get a few more minutes of sleep before the baby woke up. When I arose to the fussing of the baby and The Cowboy was not there to help or offer me breakfast while I nursed, I began to wonder what was going on.

Once the baby was calmed down I call The Cowboy’s phone and received the news that he was headed out with his Step Father to go fishing for the day and would be back a little after lunch. Notice there was no “Happy Mother’s Day my dear beloved wife”… I admit to putting the phone down and hysterically crying tears of sadness and self pity. My whole life I had wanted to be a Mother, and this was my first celebration of achieving my dream…and I was exhausted and overwhelmed with the not so much talked about terrible side of motherhood! I put Cowboy J in the sling and walked to a nearby gas station for food and pouted in the hotel room. Secretly hoping that The Cowboy still had something up his sleeve.

When 1:00 rolled around with no sign of The Cowboy my sadness turned into a white hot rage at being completely abandon for a day of fishing…I finally fell asleep at 2:30 only to be woken up at around 4 by The Cowboy saying my name softly. He gave me a kiss and a big smile and handed me a card while saying “Happy Mother’s Day!” As the baby stirred in the crib I opened up the envelope that was obviously bulging, hoping that it was sweet and had a long handwritten note…maybe a gift card even to save the day. No such luck…

It was a cheesy cartoon card and in it was two buttons. Yup buttons, like you would pin on your acid wash jean jacket if you were Mother's Day Buttonsalive in 1985…It was clearly bought only moments ago, at the same gas station I had previously purchased my Mother’s Day breakfast and lunch! The Cowboy even had the intelligence to look slightly embarrassed. The truth is, I acted thankful and kept the rage and tears inside. I was so upset I couldn’t even begin to verbalize my feelings rationally for months. When we finally had a conversation I explained that it was the lack of thought, not money spent that made it painful…

Husbands, we know that we made the decisions to be mothers, and most of us love our job. But, the truth is that changing diapers, rocking cranky Cowkids, making countless meals, and worrying endlessly about everything is a tough gig. We just ask on one day a year, you tell us how frickin’ amazing we are to keep everything all together and lavish us with love and praise about our ability to be the most amazing wife and mother ever! Do NOT do what The Cowboy did! Write a note, have the kids do an incredibly cheesy art project, buy a terrible gaudy necklace, make us dinner (and CLEAN IT UP AFTERWARDS)…just put a little thought into whatever you do.

PS I would like to say that my second Mother’s Day was much better…but…well that’s a post for another day…

Husbands: For extra hints on great gifts take a look at our Pinterest Board (Prairie Wife Add Ons is a great one to start on)

What was your best or worst Mother’s Day ever?]]>
		
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		Wantable
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wantable/
		Sat, 12 Apr 2014 12:00:30 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1619
		
		Note: I was NOT financially reimbursed in any way for this review. I purchased my Wantable box with The Cowboy’s hard earned money…shhh don’t tell him!

I have already mentioned how much I love Twitter. Its been a vital tool for me as a blogger and a great way to socialize with people from all over the world. I’ve “met” some amazing people including one of my favorite authors, an amazing jewelry designer, and some super driven woman (who have created an incredible product). But, I am equally fond of Facebook. It has been wonderful to get in touch with friends from grade and high school. With my family living so far away, it is fabulous that they can log on and see pictures of the Cowkids almost daily. One of my best friends from second grade on (BeautyGal) found me on Facebook, and we’ve been in touch for years now. Last time I flew back to The City we got together…and it was like we were sophomores in high school again--giggling and talking about makeup. She chatted with me about her new job working for a company called Wantable.

I’m sure a lot of you have heard of “beauty boxes” where you pay a flat rate and a box of products are sent to your door each month. Wantable box openIn theory these sound great; they even have bacon boxes now! But, my concern has always been…what happens if you only like one product? For example, the Ulta.com packages always come with a bunch of free samples. Usually I only really use one and the rest sit on the counter, eventually ending up in the trash. Also, what if money suddenly gets tight and you can’t justify the expense each month?

Wantable is a subscription service that sends you a box of products to try each month, or you have the option to sign up for just one delivery if you have commitment issues! When BeautyGal started to talk to me about Wantable, I told her right away why I wasn’t too excited about the whole “beauty box” idea. There are several things that BeautyGal told me about Wantable that convinced me it was worth a try.

¡         They offer three bWantable box insideox types-Makeup, Accessories, or Intimates

¡         You answer a series of questions about your personal tastes and preferences (it took me five minutes)

¡         They use this data to fill your boxes with goodies that are perfectly suited to you

¡         Your first box is delivered to your door in a few days

·         Return any products you don’t like (for free), no questions asked…and a new product will be sent to replace it

¡         You will never get anything that you put on your dislike list and mostly what you put on your love list

¡         You can easily cancel your subscription at any time

When I got back home I took some time while the Cowkids were napping and answered their questions for my subscription. I, of course, picked the makeup box. You know me, I love to try new makeup trends! Like the good little sister I am, I shared the site with my big sister, and Texas Two Steppin’ went for the accessories box (watch for a post about that later). Within three days of putting in my order my box was here…and so cleverly packaged too! It was like it was my birthday, and I couldn’t wait to tear into it and see what goodies were waiting for me!

I wasn’t disappointed! I had a super foxy red lipstick, fun teal nail polish, sapphire eyeliner, highlighter powder, and liquid eye Wantable Box Productsshadow. The red lipstick was obviously a hit with me, and the blue undertones go perfectly with my medium skin. That night I painted my toes the super beachy teal color, and days later they are still in great shape. I have never tried liquid eye shadow and frankly had the most reservations about this product. But, just like the lipstick and highlighter, it went great with my skin tone. It’s a light cream color that brightened up my whole eye area. It never sunk in my eyelid creases or smudged, even after I took a nap. The sapphire eyeliner is something I never would have picked but, I’ve worn it twice now with a light brown eyeshadow, and it adds just the right amount of variety to my daily look.

My favorite feature is the paper insert that lists all of the products as well as a short explanation of the brand and how to use them. It also includes the estimated retail value of the products (the listed prices matched what I got when I Googled the products). I paid $35.00 for my box and it had a retail value of $90.00 worth of products! Yup…that’s a $55.00 difference! I was sold anyway but after doing that math…well I couldn’t wait to tell our readers about it.

Not only did I get some wonderful new products that look fabulous (if I do say so myself), but I tried some new trends that I would Wantable toe nail polishprobably have passed up! Now I’m bouncing up and down in anticipation of what I’ll be getting next month. I also need to mention that they do gift subscriptions (or one-time boxes) as well. You simply pay for the box and they email the link to your lucky friend. She clicks the link, answers the questions, and a perfectly tailored-to-her box arrives at her door in days!

Try out Wantable.com--you gotta have these boxes! Click on our handy links (located in the upper right side of our site) to go directly to the site, and tell them that PrairieWifeInHeels.com sent you!

Which type box are you dying to try?]]>
		
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		Éclair Dessert
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/eclair-dessert/
		Mon, 14 Apr 2014 12:44:53 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1634
		
		I must confess that I have unique taste in food, especially when it comes to dessert. For example, if you give me a choice between dessert and mashed potatoes, I will pick mashed potatoes every single time. I will pick a simple slice of apple pie (never a la mode) over any type of cake, and a plain slab of zucchini bread over anything chocolate. However, while I don’t like to eat sweet treats, I absolutely love to make them and always get rave reviews. A coworker gave me this recipe years ago; I had to have it after she got tons of compliments during an office potluck. I haven’t whipped it up in many, many years, but I think it is perfect for most Prairie Wives because it uses basic ingredients, incorporates a bit of chocolate, looks delicious and tastes better the day after it is made. Let me know what you think!

[Note: I wrote this introduction and then made the Éclair Dessert to make sure it was worthy of the blog and tasted as good as I remembered. OMG, it was so much better than I remembered. It seriously took all of my self-control to not go back for thirds (yes, you read that correctly, but I did share my first piece with The Texan). I was still thinking about it the next morning and treated myself to a big helping with my morning coffee (please don’t tell my family). Anyway, you really need to try this one. It truly is AHMAZING, and I don’t even like desserts!]

1 cup water

1 stick unsalted butter

1 cup flour

4 eggs

1 large box (5 oz.) instant vanilla pudding (I don’t use the sugar-free version because an éclair dessert should have a few calories)

8 oz. cream cheese (bring it to room temperature before you start Step 2)

12 oz. Cool Whip, thawed (I absolutely, positively prefer homemade whipped cream but if you are going for simplicity, this tastes great and won’t have separated by day two)

Chocolate syrup (If I’m going to do chocolate, I use the Hershey’s Special Dark)

Step 1: Bring water and butter to a boil in a large saucepan (the pan will act as your mixing bowl). Remove the pan from the heat, and beat the eggs into the mixture, one at a time, using a wire whisk. And when I say beat it, I meant beat it or else the eggs will “scramble.” Add the flour slowly while you are whisking and don’t stop until it is incorporated thoroughly. Pour the mixture into a lightly greased, glass 9x13 inch pan and bake it at 400 degrees for 30 minutes. Let the “crust” cool a bit before moving to Step 2.

Step 2: In another bowl, prepare the large box of pudding according to the directions, add the cream cheese, and beat the mixture until it is smooth. Pour the pudding mixture on top of the crust and top the pudding with Cool Whip or whipped cream. Refrigerate, and just before serving, drizzle chocolate syrup on top of the whip.]]>
		
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		Wanting Wantable
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wanting-wantable/
		Wed, 16 Apr 2014 12:03:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1639
		
		wantableboxNote: If you haven't read Prairie Wife's Wantable post, please take a second and read it. Done? Well, I was NOT financially reimbursed in any way for this review. Unlike Prairie Wife I purchased my Wantable box with my hard earned money-LOL!

First, let me start by saying that while I am intrigued with the concept of subscription-based style boxes and think they would rev up my wardrobe, I haven't taken the plunge for a few reasons. First and foremost, I am the sister that inherited all of the German and Scotch frugality. Now, Prairie Wife is not a shopaholic or designer label-obsessed and we both love to talk about our latest steals and deals. But unlike Prairie Wife I had to be pushed into online shopping by The Texan, who frequently complains that I should spend more on myself and get over feeling guilty when I shell out more than $25 on anything. Seriously, the few designer pieces I own are because of him! I usually only purchase an item if I absolutely love it and will have it for decades. Plus, I hate dealing with returns, so if I received something I didn't like I would feel compelled to wear/use it, hate every single moment and have to listen to my inner voice complain about my bad style day.

So I was way out of my comfort zone when I visited Wantable to sign up for an accessories box. But the quiz used to determine my style profile was very intuitive and actually fun. I also liked the fact that I could choose a one-time box or enroll in the subscription service, but this was an agonizing decision for me (I took a leap of faith and did subscription). I was working late at the office all week, so when the box arrived I set it aside until Saturday morning because I wanted to savor the experience and take photos as I decided if they got my style right.

WantablebagsIt really was fun opening up the box, and I was surprised to find the items were in black velvet bags with snap closures. Wow, now I don't have to put my jewelry in an old cardboard box when I travel! I was also impressed with how substantial the bags felt--this was quality stuff and on par with what I purchase at Nordstrom Rack or Loft.

bangleseditI took a deep breath and opened the smaller of the two bags. The bangles were "Springy" and actually go perfectly with the dress I had purchased the day before. I hadn't been able to find any jewelry I liked at the store, and while I usually tend to grab gold rather than silver, these bracelets are versatile and fit my style. What a relief!

ringeditWhen I pulled the ring out of the bag, I couldn't believe it. I am sorta, kinda still obsessed with anchors and nautical items. Somehow Wantable had picked a ring with red and white stripes and an anchor! I know I hadn't been given special treatment by someone who reads the blog because I purposely placed the order using my real name, not my blogging alias (yup, the label shown here was edited to conceal my true identity).

necklaceeditOK, they were 2 for 3--no way could they get my style 100% correct. But they did! I have been looking for a statement necklace, and while I couldn't bring myself to buy an investment piece, I didn't want anything that looked cheap. Yes, I am cheap, but I don't want to look like I'm cheap-LOL. The photo doesn't do it justice, but the necklace really does live up to their description, "...a gorgeous collection of pearls, faceted beads, and metallic details in a variety of shapes and sizes for a beautiful spin on the traditional pearl necklace." I also love that the clasp can be adjusted and that there is a little extra charm at the end--nice, unexpected details.

Try out Wantable.com–I agree with Prairie Wife that you gotta have these boxes. I really am happy I signed up for the subscription service--$36 got me a box with a retail value of $70! Click on our handy links (located in the upper right side of our site) to go directly to the site, and tell them that PrairieWifeInHeels.com sent you!]]>
		
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		Our New Look
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/new-look/
		Tue, 15 Apr 2014 12:00:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1661
		
		

Some of you may have noticed we have a bit of a new look on our PrairieWifeInHeels.com site. We created this blog to offer support to other women (and their families) through humorous, honest and heartfelt blog posts about our experiences. We want to encourage others to lead their lives with grit and grace so they can discover the “Prairie Wife” within. While Texas Two Steppin’ and I love blogging just for the sake of blogging, it has taken a little bit of money. Between getting our new site up and running, and all our amazing giveaways we have had to spend some of our hard earned cash to keep things going.

This month I have been given the amazing opportunity to be a contributing author to mommyhotspot.com! Twice a month (today is the first day) a post written by me exclusively for mommyhotspot.com will be posted on their site. Please take some time and visit and read my posts.  When you go to our PrairieWifeInHeels.com site and look to the right of any page (or at the bottom if you are on your phone) you can see a picture that says “Vote for me @ mommyhotspot.com”. The more votes I have the higher the chances I will get paid (in amazon.com gift cards but hey, that counts). You can stop by our site every 24 hours and click on the picture to vote for me daily. It’s just a way to let them know you like what I’ve been doing both here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com, and on their site.

I’m sure you’ve also noticed our new links to Wantable.com located on the right side of every page (or at the bottom of the page if you are on your phone). We have been given the opportunity to help support our blog through a Wantable.com affiliation. After trying the products ourselves we felt comfortable that Wantable.com fit in well with our site and our guarantee. Anytime you click on the link and make a purchase PrairieWifeInHeels.com will be given credit…so if you’re thinking about subscribing to their amazing makeup, accessories, or intimates box please use our links! We would also appreciate you directing your friends this way as well!

Things have been going wonderfully with our blog, and we are so proud that we have been able to stay focused and true to our mission. The comments from readers on the blog, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and even in person have been more rewarding to us than we ever imagined. Thanks for stopping by and we hope to continue to see you around, don’t forget to tell all your friends to stop on by!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week April 18, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-18-2014/
		Fri, 18 Apr 2014 13:18:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1667
		
		Prairie Wife and I are city girls who have gone country for the love of a man. But one of the unexpected blessings of our unplanned adventures is that we also fell in love with our land and new environment. I know PW loves her mountains and prairie, and I felt immediately at home in the hardscrabble Texas Hill Country with the Pedernales River literally in my backyard.

Earth Day is April 22, and I wanted to feature a Prairie Wife of the Week who shared my love of Texas and not only felt connected to this rugged and wild part of the world but was also passionate about sharing its hidden beauty with others. So I’d like to introduce you to Mary Jo Bogatto of Cactus Creek Ranch in Cameron County, Texas. Also known as Cactus Rose, she was awarded the 2013 Texas Environmental Excellence Award for Individual Achievement, 2011 Texas Parks and Wildlife Department Education and Outreach Special Recognition and earned countless other environmental awards and recognition. She is also an award-winning photographer and has graciously shared her work with us. I hope her story (which she called A Woman…A Wildlife Ranch and Her Love of Critters) inspires you to visit her 400-acre ranch. But if you can’t make the trip out to Texas soon, why not begin exploring the amazing plants and wildlife in your backyard?

    Cactus Rose SnakebootsCactus Rose: So I looked for my camouflage stilettos for the photo, but I could not find them. I retired them when I moved to the ranch full time. Snake boots are the best foot attire for my daily routine. The animals do not care for a fancy scene.
    

    When you imagine a ranch, its ranch-hand lady, and the wildlife, you probably imagine being outdoors in a relaxing one-on-one experience with nature. While this is true for part of my day, as a ranch owner there is another side that must keep the tractor tires turning. Research, ranch development, and education mean office time!
    
copyrightcactusbootsMy Days

My day is get up, feed my critters, check the feeders, and take a walk around a three-mile tract that gets me exercise and citizen science at the same time. Then I come back to my office and put in too many hours on the computer.  Migration and spring are always full of great photo opportunities. From my office window, I am often happily distracted by a critter and grab my camera to catch the image.

Sometimes I am interrupted by the dogs barking or the green jays squawking. This means there is an intruder close by--this loud chorus is usually signaling a rattle snake passing through the yard. Now it’s time to get the snake stick, put the snake in a barrel, and move it to the back of the ranch. There seems to be a constant push and pull between what my calendar says is necessary to be completed for the day and what nature demands of me.

We have one ranch member that is the toughest son of a gun you might ever meet. Hot Shot--a dog very appropriately named since he showed up on my back porch with a bullet in his back--has been bitten and survived three rattler bites. After I rescued him, he has returned the favor tenfold by protecting our territory and myself!

copyrightsnakeMy passion of the outdoors began at youth; I was brought up hunting and fishing. I never learned to rollerskate as a child because I lived at the coast or in the woods on the weekends. Then one day, in my early 20s, I met my husband on the back of a 58 foot Bertram. Michael was going marlin fishing. He invited me to go, and I was hooked from there. Michael and I dated for five years; we explored each other’s minds while trekking through Costa Rica, Panama, and many more places. We raised two children, Duane and Michelle, who have blessed me with many grandchildren that seem to be multiplying. When my husband passed in 2007, I returned to the ranch and picked up where we left off. There was a lot of restoration to do, and I wanted to add more education to our venue.

    copyrightMaryjomomMy mom, Mary, is a licensed family counselor--my Prairie Wife mentor. Her nickname is “longest wind” because she takes many words to express her feelings. I have been called “no wind” because I am to the point. But as it should be, I am following in my mom’s tracks in order to protect and educate others about the outdoors. When I first started my solo ventures, a friend told me to go out there, kick ass, and take names later! I did--in a very lady like fashion.
    
copyrightsilverbootOne day my Mom handed me a silver boot that had a handwritten note that said “kick ass in a gentle way.” From this I have learned the art of balance in human interaction as I have in nature. I started referring to my mom as my “compass rose.” The compass rose is a navigational term; it is a circle divided into 32 points or 360 degrees numbered clockwise from true north. It is used as a means of determining the course of a vessel or an aircraft. copyrightnotefrommomMy mother has helped me keep my direction and path in life solid. She is my true north. She is a Prairie Wife of 81 years who says she feels 18 and is living her life accordingly. She laughed last night and said, ”Hey '18' is 81 backwards!” She is engaged to a WWII Marine Ace, Dean, who is just '19' (aka 91), and I cannot keep up with them. I am truly blessed!

copyrightgoodwomen

    Last year my daughter, Michelle, gave me a plaque that is hung high above the mirror for everyone to see. Michelle has taken what she learned from both of us and added her own special touches to become the newest generation of Prairie Wife. She has given me two Prairie Girls and a wonderful Prairie Son in Law, Jeremy. We also have great Prairie Men in our family, and my son, Duane, has given me Prairie Young Ladies that are unique and all love the outdoors. He is a true outdoor enthusiast and keeps me laughing all the time. I do not know how to say how proud I am of my Prairie family. copyrightkids
    
Conservation and Education

The stories from the ranch are numerous and just as entertaining and unbelievable. Trapping alligators in hog pens, fighting rising water and wind during Hurricane Dolly, pig slapping, and much, much more.

I am vehemently involved in conservation and preservation of wildlife. Cactus Creek Ranch borders a 60,000 acre refuge called Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge. I work with the refuge to promote conservation. Here on my little, personal refuge my critters consist of everything South Texas has to offer. We have too many to list but we see ocelot, mountain lions, bobcats, white tail deer, Nilgai, hogs, alligators, snakes, birds, tortoises, Texas horned lizards and many more.

copyrighthornedtoadI am number #23 on the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. I am involved in many organizations to promote wildlife education including Texas Master Naturalists, NAI, Audubon (ACAS) and have earned awards for photography. I love to write and am trying to develop a style that is just my own. I also cooperate with Texas Parks and Wildlife on horned lizard and Texas tortoise research. This place has come a long way, and I only hope that it continues to teach and protect our environment for many years to come.

I want to share the ranch with as many people as I can because it has been such a healing place for me. Currently I am involved with providing wheelchair-friendly photo blinds, educational and outreach programs, as well as school credit projects with local high schools.

“Rebuilding family traditions” is our motto. Parents and teachers bring us their children to help them recognize the importance of protecting the outdoors. Our slogan is “Life is Prickly, Bloom Anyway.” This saying is representative of our life struggles and challenges living on a ranch. I could tell you how hard my life has been but it is like so many others--heartache, illness, challenges, life and love lost. You know the story. Life is hard and it stays hard…you have to squeeze, create, and cherish the good moments each day and make them better! My life is no different than yours…always changing…always challenging…always rewarding. The biggest difference is that my neighbors howl, hoot, and holler to a different tune.

SONY DSCI am part of this land. My blood, sweat, and tears lay upon the soil. I have five generations of footsteps on this land. I watch the birds migrate to the exact same tree and the same branch each year to have their young on this ranch and share this sanctuary with their all of their offspring. Some may ask, “How important is it to keep this land natural?” In my opinion there could be nothing more important than to nurture the soil we live upon.
campfire cooking

Feel free to come down and visit! CCR has a small cabin that can be leased for two people to get back into nature for a two day minimum. It is the only cabin on the premises, and it a relaxing nest to get away and not be interrupted. We are close to South Padre Island and nestled between sleepy fishing villages. There are lots of things to explore or you can just stay put and relax.

Please be sure to learn more about Cactus Creek Ranch and Cactus Rose’s amazing work. You can also visit the Facebook page for Cactus Creek Ranch (be sure to find the one in Rio Hondo, Texas!). 

Also take the time to check back here on Sunday, April 20 as we'll be sharing some of Cactus Rose's poems and photographs. ]]>    
		
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		Spring In Wyoming
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-wyoming/
		Sat, 19 Apr 2014 12:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1672
		
		 past Prairie Wife of the Week Amanda Smith who provided me with some pictures of what Springtime brings to her ranch.

    The snow has finally melted on the Prairie (for today) but Casper Mountain is still covered.
    

    Spring snow
    

    Some green grass is startling to grow.
    

    Spring grass
    

    The Prairie Clover is starting to flower.
    

    Prairie Clover
    

    A small sign that all my landscape work last year might have actually been worth it!
    

    Spring Bulbs
    

    The Cowkids have finally been able to spend some time outside (notice it is snowing again)!
    

    Muddy snowy truck
    

    Oh look...more snow!
    

    Spring snow
    

    The Cowcats are enjoying some time in the Spring sun.
    

    Cowcats
    

    Mud...
    

    Mud
    

    And of course what happens when you have little boys and mud?
    

    Wes
    

    And last but not least some amazing pictures of some brand new Spring calves!
    

    Group of Calves
    

    This one makes me think that maybe we should add some cows to our brood...
    

    lone calf
    

     A mama cow and her sweet "little" baby!
    

    Calf and mama
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		Cactus Rose Imagery and Poetry
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cactus-rose-poetry/
		Sun, 20 Apr 2014 13:28:58 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1703
		
		rabbitOur first Earth Day Prairie Wife of the Week, Mary Jo Bogatto (aka Cactus Rose), was featured for her tireless efforts to encourage Texans to preserve their precious natural resources. She is truly passionate about preserving the environment and has graciously shared her poetry and photographs to inspire us all to get involved. If you'd like to learn more, please visit her Cactus Creek Ranch website or friend her on Facebook!
    

    deerbird
    

    Hope Migrating
    
The wind was like my mother's voice, soothing and calming telling me it was okay to go and play beneath the trees and upon the soil. Her voice would encourage me to go and look for buried treasure and fasten forts from vines and limbs and built fires to cook my china berries.

copyrightsnakeToday, as I lay in this hammock, the sounds of birds singing and tree limbs tapping remind me of my youth. My mother Mary, with the support of Mother Nature, parented me jointly with in the outdoors.  Living along the sandy beaches of the Gulf of Mexico to the rolling plains of Colorado County.  Ice cold water filled the river streams, curved earth of mountain ledges and the caverns where I played as I grew into a young woman.

Today the hummingbirds arrived and I opened the door for my morning coffee break. To my surprise, there must have been forty hummingbirds. I spent the morning watching them as they flickered, suspended around two feeders. They love the new shiny bases to the feeders of past years. They prefer the feeders that have the perches to those without.

The hummingbird show went on for hours interrupted by a wasp, woodpecker and mocking bird.

My mind wanders and I think how wonderful it would be to have a hummingbird Christmas tree. My Christmas tree would have little red feeders and lots of yellow perches outlined in white lights.

My mind wanders again, “The garden must be a manger for the raccoon's in this drought as the flowers are all matted from them sleeping in them last night.”

The quail flush and sounds of tiny prop propelled engines fill the air as the hummingbirds move from feeder to feeder and I watch as a wood ant scurries down my dress.

My eyes and body are full of the weight of my world. Exhausted by reality and relaxed by hope.

purpleflowerHow hard I try to make a difference in the outdoor world, protecting, educating, and passing on my passion, respect and wonder.

Purple Flowers dance in the shadow of the mesquite trees.

The tree tops howl as the mesquite forest protects me and I am swung in my hammock surrounded by green.

Tiny chirps from hummingbirds surround me and if you listen you will hear four chirps followed by one more in a higher pitch as they hasten from feeder to flower and favorite perch.

They climb to the highest limb and then watch anxiously, turning their heads from side to side. What are they looking and watching for with such intent?

Maybe it is to guard their precious nectar. But now there are so many and they sit almost shoulder to shoulder all starring upwards and heads moving from side to side.

What are they searching for?

copyrightcatWhat is the sign, the one that says it is time to move with this autumn wind? What is the key? Is it the change in pressure or in the degrees of the northern wind, pushing, guiding them? Why do they let me sit so close just feet away and share their cycle of life?

The cat lies beneath my feet and they are not afraid or are they so confident in their abilities and just worn from their travel.

They are newborn, young and old all on the same journey. Migrating through life and to life!

I am not sure why today but the sounds, smells, and caressing touch of wind have taken me back to my favorite childhood memories. They are the memories of the outdoors where I felt safe.

The sound of the wind through the mesquites reminds me of the ocean raising to the shore and then retreating. The tides are calming and then fierce with the return of the waves.

bugI wonder if Mother Nature intended us to hear and feel the same in the woods and upon the sands of the oceans door.

Mother Nature has created lullabies to help us feel free and safe.  My precious memories and Mother Nature’s daily gifts of wonder supply our hearts and souls with poetry that help us understand..--©2014Mjo/The Cactus Rose

    The Hummingbird Tree
    
This tree so rich with the shimmers of green, white and red feathers glistens to the sway of the wind and boughs of trees dancing.

I have not felt this weight of comfort for many years and possibly not since I was a child.

A child filled with hope, hope for my future and hope for the future of my feathered friends.

The hummingbirds and I came together today and as I shared my wealth of water and nectar, they trusted and shared their life.

I feel as though they have brought back my youth.

The sight of their beauty and the frailness of their size combined with the determination to survive.

So tiny and the only thing they seem to fight is each other?

I wonder if our creator sees the same in us.

The leaf reaches for the sun as if to waltz.

A hummingbird flutters level to my eye and stays for 60 seconds looking at me with questions and I return the stare with no answer.

Exhausted by reality and relaxed by hope.--Š2014Mjo/The Cactus Rose

    SONY DSC
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		We Need Your Help For Mother's Day
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/need-help-mothers-day/
		Thu, 17 Apr 2014 19:24:03 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1708
		
		definitaion of mother
    
Hey readers! As you all know Mother's Day is coming up. Texas Two Steppin' and I were talking about what we wanted to do here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com to celebrate this special day. As a mother of four young children (and based on past Mother's Day experience) I don't have big plans just maybe a day of not changing any diapers. Texas Two Steppin' is a stepmother to two adult children and talking to each other about what makes a mother really got us thinking. With adoption, divorce, remarriage, and the legalization of same sex marriage in many states, the shape of today's family is changing and so is the definition of the word mother.

We wanted to ask you our readers What makes a mother?

Tell us in your own words what you think makes a mother, and then we would LOVE you to ask your kids. Please leave your answers in the comment section of this post, our Facebook page, Twitter, or e-mail us at prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com. Please leave us your name and age (you can give us an approximation for your own age ;) ) as part of your comment and the name and age of your child along with their answer. Please know that we may be publishing your answer on our site, and consequently the whole internet world.

We can't wait to see what you come up with.]]>    
		
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		Earth Friendly Fashion
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/earth-friendly-fashion/
		Tue, 22 Apr 2014 12:08:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1731
		
		It is Earth Day, so we wanted to do a quick post that showed that PrairieWifeInHeels.com supports the environment. Of course, I felt the best way to support the Earth Day efforts was to feature a Prairie Wife that truly believes in conservation education, but Prairie Wife always gives me a challenge. She suggested tying the Earth Day message to fashion. While Cactus Rose does have some stylish boots, I really don't think that's what PW had in mind.

Initially I thought this post would lead me toward fashions that look like they came from a Project Runway challenge. You know, the episode where they must produce a gown with 50 plastic grocery bags, one old newspaper and two twist ties? But I took a step back and decided a more practical approach would be more...me. So how am I "earth friendly" with my fashion?

I guess the first thing is that I always wash my clothes in cold water and air dry my favorite outfits rather than putting them in the dryer. This not only saves electricity but also saves the fibers from damage so I can wear the clothing for more than six months.

That's my second point--treat your clothes right and you don't need to purchase excess. I honestly am still wearing items I purchased between 1985 and 2014. I admit there are only one or two pieces from the '80s, but the point is that if you take care of your clothes you don't have to run out and buy more every season. OK, so maybe the primary driver of this habit may be my frugal nature and not my desire to save the world, but it still counts as earth friendly!

Finally, when you realize that you are no longer wearing an article of clothing or heels (gasp!), the best thing you can do is pass it along. You can always make a donation to a local charity, but I first try to see if a friend or friend's daughter could benefit from my gently used items. When I peek into Step Girl's closet, it is often a trip down memory lane. We always have fun "shopping" in my closet, and when I picture her teaching in front of a class, I love the fact that she has a bit of my style (and a piece of me) with her most days.

P.S. As you know, Prairie Wife and I are sisters, and we are often on the same page. I wrote this post before she did hers on closet organization, but it's funny how similar the last paragraph is!]]>
		
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		Time for a Closet Purge
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/time-closet-purge/
		Mon, 21 Apr 2014 12:00:15 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1736
		
		clean freak I do like my messy clean closet before and afterhouse to be organized, and somewhat uncluttered. One of these days I will put up a post about my incredibly functional and perhaps a little anally (this word looks very funny typed out) organized playroom. Some of this is the ex-teacher in me and some is because of my mother. No offense (I know she will be reading this) but she is a little bit of a hoarder, and I think my need to purge a few times a year is a direct reaction to this. I know I’m not alone in this because several of my friends admit that their house cleaning (or lack thereof) is the direct opposite of how their mothers kept house. All psychological analysis aside, I have been feeling a major purging itch lately.

Messy ShoesThis last week I knew it was time for a closet purge! I went through my closet and gave a bag of clothes I no longer wear to a friend of mine and her daughter. But, as you can see from the pictures (it was hard for me to put real "before" pictures up for the world to see) my closet was still a bit of a disaster. In my defense the Cowkids are always going in there and putting on my shoes and using my belts as lassos, but in truth, I haven’t gone through my jeans, shoes, or belts in years. I don’t fold clothes so some of the mess is never going away, and I probably have way too many pairs of boots. Go ahead and judge me, I deserve it! To compound the problem with having had 4 kids in 8 years I have piles of jeans that range from just found out I’m pregnant, totally pregnant, get this thing out of me NOW pregnant, and then back down the line…I just had a baby back off, I might someday be normal again, not looking to bad, and lost it all WAHOO! I keep all my maternity shirts and dresses in storage and just switch my regular clothes out when I get to that point (about 5 days after I pee on a stick). Things have really gotten out of control so it’s time for me to buckle down and get to it. Here are some hints for how I purge my closet, and don’t have regrets a week later!

      
	
    • Give yourself a large block of “uninterrupted” time (naptime, after bedtime or even hire a sitter).
      • 
	
    • Start in one spot, with one type of item and work your way around. That way if you have to stop you have a clear starting point for next time.
      • 
	
    • Have bags ready for giveaway to friends, donation, and throw away. It’s easier to get rid of things when you think of how happy they will make someone else (tomorrow is Earth Day so reuse and recycle).
      • 
	
    • Put the items in the correct bags or tubs right away so it’s done when you are.
      • 
	
    • If you can’t remember the last time you wore it get rid of it (donate or give to a friend)!
      • 
	
    • This is not the time to be sentimental or regretful. I know you wore that shirt on your 30th birthday but if you haven’t worn it Clean closet insidesince, be like Elsa from Frozen and “Let it Go!” I know you spent a ton of money on that sweater and those cute shoes that tore up your feet. Lesson learned, be more cautious next time or return them within the 30 day window. Having them sitting in your closet making you feel guilty isn’t doing anyone any good.
      • 
	
    • Try things on and be honest with yourself. Do those pants make your butt look flat? If you don’t feel you look your best in them, why keep them? Are you really going to fit in them “someday”? It’s not admitting defeat to get rid of them, and if you do loose the weight you’ll want (and deserve) a new wardrobe! But, keep them if you feel like you will be wearing them in the near future.
      • 
	
    • Admit your weakness and work with them. I will never fold clothes neatly so I need to just make sure I have enough room to put them away the way I do it. My boots always end up thrown in a pile, no sense in stuffing them with paper or cardboard tubes it’ll just make the mess worse (yes this is from personal experience).
      • 
	
    • Don’t spend a ton of money on new fangled ideas (Pinterest is a blessing and a curse) and organizers if you know in your heart you won’t really use them.
      • 
	
    • Once you have your closet purged follow these two rules to keep things cleaner and organized longer…

        
	
      • If you buy something new get rid of something old.
        • 
	
      • Keep an empty Rubbermaid container in your closet for giveaways. Simply throw your old clothes in there and take it to Salvation Army when it gets full.
        • 

      

      • 

    
Good luck and let me know how it goes! I’d love to hear some of your ideas, how do you keep your closet organized?]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week April 25, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-april-25-2014/
		Fri, 25 Apr 2014 12:00:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1748
		
		and grace, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week!

    Trina Shoes and hat
    
Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Trina (T): I was born and raised on the eastern slopes of the Canadian Rockies in Alberta, Canada.  My dad was an outfitter and since the age of two I started riding horses. Well, my first “ride” was actually with the eggs in the pack box, packed on an old horse! When I got big enough, I followed my dad into the mountains with a horse of my own. That's also where I learned how to cook, pack horses, drive a team and shoot a gun.

horse and cowFor the last 14 years my husband and I have lived in Wheatland, Wyoming and I am a dual citizen of Canada and the US. We run a few head of horses (40) and I sold my cows last fall, so this summer I will just pasture the neighbor’s cattle. This should be about 150 head, depending on grass we have...with all this snow, the grass should really come in thick and if I am lucky I can run 250 head of cattle!  Along with our own horses, I ride horses for the public and of course have an array of "farm" animals, including chickens and milk cows. My ranch help consists of a team of 5 mixed dogs that range from 8 pounds to 80!

PW: Can you tell us a little bit about how you met Peter Campbell your husband, and how it influenced you and your work with horses?

T: Over 20 years ago, I met my now husband, Peter Campbell.  We were raised 20 miles apart in different towns and he was more Peterthe age of my oldest brother, so I can't say I knew much about him til I was older! A lot of folks think we met because I had a troubled horse and he saved me and my life. The truth is we met in a home town bar, and he liked the looks of me in a pair of red wranglers! Haha!! And the rest they say is history....As for how it influenced my work with horses. I would have to start by saying, he was magic to the horse, if it was bothered, scared or unsure Peter could direct it in a way that  mentally let it let down, relax, turn loose in his mind and stay with him. He didn't coddle them or feed them a carrot; he would direct them, what they did, how they did it. After watching this I started to understand more of the inside of the horse. I had always gotten along with horses and animals as I didn't try and force ideas, I would just try and get along. Being around Peter, I could see how animals can come around a lot faster when you understand how to use what the animal has naturally. The animal has to respect you and respect is understanding. The horse doesn't want to do bad, or be frustrated. But, if he doesn't understand what you’re asking he relies on mother nature and uses his self preservation to “save his life.”

What we do with the horse, you could easily take "horse" out of the sentence, and trade it for chickens, dogs or even kids. It's all the same! Its thinking, beginning early, discipline not punishment, direction not correction and it's a way of life.

PW: I’m sure this is just the tip of the iceberg of what you’ve learned, and what we can learn? Does Peter have a book or DVD’s out?

T: Yes, he has both. A 10 DVD series that starts from the first touch on a young horse and goes all the way to ranch roping and cow Peter Bookworking. We also finally released a book about Peter called Peter Campbell Talks Horses. It’s his life history, philosophy on his work and it is filled with tons of great pictures. One of my favorite quotes from the book is “As you spend more time with the horses, you realize there is always so much more to know. Whatever the horse is offering us, it’s bigger than us.” It can be purchased through Barnes and Noble, Amazon or PeterCampbellHorsemanship.com. We also have a Hat Creek Ranch Journal. It is full of pictures and quotes, and is a great place for any horse lover to jot down their thoughts and ideas.

PW: Your husband travels almost 40 weeks a year. This means a lot of responsibility for you on the Ranch. Will you walk us through a typical day for you?

wagon T: Well a typical day would depend on the season of course. But, being it's Spring now (or trying to be spring... lol)  I am usually up quite early, around 4:30am or so, and I milk the cow. I use the milk to make hard and soft cheese, butter, ice cream and of course in my tea! Then I chore the horses, which means feeding them hay and grain. As well as cleaning pens and stalls. A lot of the time I do this with the wagon pulled by a work horse. Once the grass starts to grow the horses are pretty much on their own and just graze in the pasture. In a typical day I can ride up to 10 horses, depending on how much paper work I also have to do.  I usually prefer the horses over the paperwork, so my office looks like a disaster center. In earlier years I would be calving right now, which entails checking cows ever 4 hours or so just to be sure there are no problems and to tag new calves. I also grow a lot of flowers around my house and garden so, now I am getting all the beds ready for flowers and veggies.

If there are "slow" moments I tend to invent project. Last year I built a tiki bar off my deck (which I built a few years ago). Lots of times I am playing catch up because I have just spent a weekend with Peter at a clinic, or done my own clinic somewhere. And of course there is my blog Your Inner Cowgirl, which I work on very spastically, more about that later!

PW: You mentioned your garden and it is always lush and amazing, any tips or tricks for us?

T: Being raised in the Canadian Rockies with a growing season of two months -- I am a very imaginative gardener. I’m not afraid to cow in gardentry anything and everything!  My tips would be listening to the old timers on when to plant and the plants that grow the best. Then I try very hard to water only in the early early morning or late at night. But really, I seem to luck out and as long as I keep stuff watered, it seems to grow. I can most of my garden items or freeze them for winter, and my garden also feeds some 30 people for 10 days when we do our ranch clinic.

PW: Of all the animals you have on the ranch what animal do you feel the strongest connection to, and why?

T: Oh my... Well, I would say I am strongly connected to all of them but the chickens... haha! They are silly creatures and I appreciate their eggs but they are strictly employees on the ranch. Animals are kind, sincere, loyal and just are. So, I love that the dogs die to travel with me whether it's just to the barn, to town or on a long haul. They are my loyal, always there for me friends. The horses, they are this majestic creature that for some reason likes us, truly likes us. I’ve learned that if we work from where they are at they will never quit you; they give you their heart and soul. My milk cows, they are my humor. They can make you laugh on the worst day, especially the jersey. She has eyes as big as the moon and follows my every move in the yard. Always watching what you are up to, and as soon as the house door opens she and her Holstein partner moo to say good morning!  So, I truly couldn't choose just one animal. To me they are all such amazing creatures, and each one has such strength and beauty.

PW: Your passion for horses has led you to begin to do woman’s clinics around North America. What does the clinic experience involve?

cows on the moveT: Not really my passion for horses but my passion for the human to get right with the horse lol!  Peter has done clinics for close to 30 years, he is the "grandfather" of the clinic world and it seems that a new clinician pops up on a new corner each week. What Peter talks about is the inside of the horse, the mental and spirit of the horse. I thought, well I'm no Peter Campbell but, if I could get folks introduced to the truth, get them to understand there is a journey out there that is not only amazing for the horse but amazing for the human... I could get more people to find Peter! He is truly out there for the horse and in 40 weeks, 40 different cities or towns; he never lets a horse down. Peter will help the horse and rider "until the cows come home" I've seen him trailer load horses at 11 pm when everyone else is gone. Or help a young girl over his lunch because she doesn't understand something. I’ve watched him ride your horse so maybe you can feel what he's talking about when you get it back.

From back yard owners to the most expensive show horse, he works with everyone and helps you from where you are at. He truly is dogsthe genuine real deal. It's a dying breed in our just throw away instant society. If our cell phone has trouble, throw it out and get a new one. We are a drive thru society, has to be now or never, just throw it out and start again...People even do it with all kinds of animals, dogs, cats, horses. I know that's why I own so many! At the moment my latest find is a little white dog. I found him at a rest area coming home from Ellensburg, Washington. I have also become known as the cat lady, because of our big barn and many kittens. I seem to get all the unwanted cats around here as well! We have forgotten to take time and learn, feel and think... plan ahead...take responsibility. That's why texting kills when we are driving. Heaven forbid you could put your damn phone down and watch the road or enjoy the farm land you are driving by, or admire the work that went into a sky scraper when you are in a city. So, you see it's not a passion for horses so much as it's a passion for life. And a desire to share that passion and understanding with others!

PW: I’m sure you’ve had some amazing experiences over the years with both horses and riders; can you share a few with us?

horses herding duskT: Oh my, there are soooo many it's hard to pick one. But I could generalize and tell you that when folks stick with Peter and ride with him for a few years, you see not only their horses change but they change inside. I have met folks that I swore would never return to a clinic, because I was sure they were to hard headed, or to grouchy to change. Then I would have to eat my words, because they changed so dramatically it's like they became a new person! And their horses appreciate it, and the horses are way better. The amazing people you meet can't really be put into words. But, as much as Peter or me has touched or changed their lives, they have touched and changed our lives.

PW: You’ve just started your own blog called Your Inner Cowgirl can you tell us what inspired you to start it, and what it is all about?

T: Well about 4 years ago I started a blog. Margaritas and Molly, I love margaritas and I have a cool horse named Molly. But alas... I got side tracked with other projects and business and M and M seemed to fade by the way side. Then 2012, I got inspired to try again when a few of my friends say they missed my funny ranch stories of the geese and the sheep or where I had traveled. So, I reinvented to Your Inner Cowgirl (YIC), and slowly did a bit better, but I was eaten by spam! So, I hired a professional blog builder and she helped me spam proof my updated YIC blog and website and here I am today. I’m trying to blog on a regular basis, those that know me know how all over the map I am! As for what it's about… I have recipes that are true to ranch ways. I know not everyone has chickens, a milk cow or can raise their own beef and pork but, all my recipes are made with things from the ranch and are simple like it was back “then”.  I believe anyone can cook. They just have to learn the tastes of what they like to eat. Cooking good meal is not rocket science.  Just knowing what types of foods complement each other, and keeping it simple (see just like the horse). I blog about me and my happenings, and I also love photography so I try and just include my readers in my life and hope that I can put a smile on someone’s face somewhere!

PW: What advice do you have for our readers that are interested in becoming horse woman but just aren’t sure where to start?

T: Well, first it's an expensive hobby! The cheapest thing will be buying the horse. You have to remember a horse is a living, breathing animal that weighs 1200 pounds. So if you can't discipline yourself to gain good, safe, knowledge…then it might be best to ride  or take lessons with a lesson horse first. Just to be sure you like what you’re thinking of jumping into! It can be the most magical journey or a large nightmare!

PW: In the few minutes you have to rest, what do you like to do to relax?

T: Well, relaxing to me is mowing the lawn, or gardening...so there's your answer!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

T:  Haha! I'm not an official Prairie Wife, I'm a mountain girl from Canada turned milk maid!  My words of wisdom would be... Channel your inner cowgirl. Life is not a journey to the grave with intention of arriving in a well preserved body, but rather to skid sideways totally worn out loudly proclaiming - Whoa!!! What a ride!!!

 

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			Mcm Wholesale

Until I have the option to fire either Just http://www.nlrsj.com/mail/E_GuestBook.asp in Bieber or the collective papara Nike Sports zzi in a rocket directly into the sun, it’s hard to pick a side hereNot bad,http://www.nlrsj.com/mail/E_GuestBook.asp,…]]>
			
			
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		Life Is Sweet #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/life-sweet-giveaway/
		Wed, 23 Apr 2014 12:00:40 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1766
		
		shoe cookies
    

    Here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com we are firm believers in the power of women! Our interviews each week with our Prairie Wife of the Week have been an amazing opportunity to share the stories of woman around the nation. Stories of strength, love, perseverance, and passion to create a better life for your family. Recently one of our past Prairie Wives struck out and took her passion to a new level.
    
bright colors gardenWe met Cheleeo last year when we talked about her passion for home cooked meals, made with the best ingredients. She shared her tips and tricks for creating beautifully decorated cookies and inspired me to take my Christmas cookies to a whole new level! Spring has sprung and she is busy with her garden. In honor of Earth Day (it was yesterday but we are celebrating all week here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com) I thought that it would the perfect opportunity to share a little bit about Cheleeo’s garden and her ability to cook delicious meals and decadent sweet treats using wholesome ingredients grown in her garden, or purchased from local growers (or as local as you can get in Wyoming).

In the dry, arid, windy plains of Wyoming it can be hard to get anything to grow, not to mention flourish. But Cheleeo, besides flower gardenbeing an amazing chef, is a master gardener! Her lush flower garden defies the odds and she works hard to battle the elements and to coax her plants to grow. Her landscaping is both inventive and practical. She arranges plants so that there is always something green and colorful growing in every season. Her love of color shows with all the variations of bulbs, annuals, and perennials. The twists and turns of her geometric gardengarden draw your eye to the deceivingly casual groups of plants. She invites whimsy with small statues and art spread amongst the flowers. Most of them were created by her, sometimes with a little help from her son. A little bit of planning goes a long way and her geometric patio is an example of pleasing symmetry with just the right amount of natural growth.

In her neatly arranged vegetable garden Cheleeo carefully groups plants in laveg gardenrge circles. She rotates her crops every year to ensure that the nutrients in the soil don’t get depleted. It also helps her plants to stay hardy and disease free. She uses her own compost and worms to help create a healthy soil. Cheleeo starts her own seeds and often has so many extras that she gives them away to lucky friends. So far the herbs have been the most successful; specifically her perennial herbs and basil thrive.

ingrediantsAs I mentioned before Cheleeo has taken her passion for cooking and baking to a new level. We have interviewed several women who have turned their passion into a business and we at PrairieWifeInHeels.com are proud to welcome Cheleeo to our group of Prairie Wife entrepreneurs. Cheleeo has turned her love of color, wholesome treats, and cookies into an amazing new business called Life Is Sweet. She is now creating custom made cookies for any and every occasion, and delivering them both locally and nationwide. I’ve order a batch for Cowgirl G’s birthday and as a easter cookieslovely addition to Cowboy J’s First Communion Reception. Her sweet treats for Easter became the hot new hostess gift around here, and could be seen as cheerful centerpieces on many tables. Simply visit her Facebook Page and message her with your order (don’t forget to give her your contact information) or email any orders or questions to lifeissweetcookie@yahoo.com . Keep your eyes peeled for her blog in the future about entertaining and of course...cookies! She will also be checking the comment section here so feel free to ask away.

We are also excited to offer an amazing giveaway! Life Is Sweet has some beautiful Spring Cookies and is giving away a large box (worth $24) to one lucky PrairieWifeInHeels.com reader! The giveaway starts April 23 at 6:00 AM and ends April 30 at 6:00 PM. Cookies will be mailed on Friday May 2.

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW OVER!]]>    
		
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		YOU Ask Texas Two Steppin'
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/ask-texas-two-steppin/
		Mon, 28 Apr 2014 12:34:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1787
		
		Guess what? Our May 2 Prairie Wife of the Week will be...ME! Yes, I know I was the very first PWW, but that was a long time ago and before I realized that I was going to be a frequent contributor and write about fashion and other fabulous things.

So, what do you want to know? Maybe a parenting question about stepkids or the joys of being a grandparent and empty nester. Maybe a more personal question about careers, hobbies, my journey to Texas or something you wondered about as you read a past blog post. Fashion or beauty questions are my favorite, but I'm open to anything you want to know.

Please put your questions in the comment section of this post, on our Facebook page, Twitter account, or e-mail prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com and Prairie Wife will be sure to pass it along. Make sure you use whatever name you want to us to use when we write the blog, because we will be listing you as the author of the question. Y'all be nice and please submit your questions by Wednesday so I have time to answer them when I get home from the office!]]>
		
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		The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/signature-things-elizabeth-gilbert/
		Sat, 26 Apr 2014 12:00:33 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1794
		
		Prairie Wife of the Week and gave us some useful tips on Earth friendly fashion. I shared with you how to thoughtfully purge your closet and introduced you to this week’s Prairie Wife of the Week; a rancher that has a passion for both animals and the Earth. We also can’t forget another past Prairie Wife who turned her love of color and wholesome food into a cookie business (you still have a few days to enter to win).

It worked our perfectly that my book review this week is on a book whose main character is a bryologist. For those of you who were the signature of all thingslike me and have no idea what this is; a bryologist is a botanist who focuses on the study of mosses. The Signature of All Things by Elizabeth Gilbert follows the Whittaker family from the mid 1700’s into the late 1800’s. If the name Elizabeth Gilbert sounds familiar it’s because she wrote the book Eat, Pray, Love which became a popular movie starring Julia Roberts. Go ahead and get mad but I never read the book or saw the movie. Despite being a huge Julia Roberts fan I never got around to it, and the whole premise of the book wasn’t really up my alley.

I choose to read The Signature of All Things for several reasons. Firstly I saw a ton of positive reviews and secondly it is a historical fiction (my favorite genre) book about botany (which I know nothing about but would love to learn more). I thought it would be a great book to read on the plane to France last month. While I didn’t get to the book until last week, I am so glad that I gave Gilbert a chance. This book was amazing, ab-so-lute-ly a-maz-ing, please say it slowly like I typed it so you know how serious I am!

The book starts with Henry Whittaker a young impoverished British youth small on opportunity but big on brains and enthusiasm to be rich. His multitude of fantastic journeys across the ocean, and his keen insight about all things botanical, lead to a life of opulence in a newly formed America. We then officially meet his daughter Alma who becomes the main character of our story. Rags to riches, sibling rivalry, despair, lust (in a way that is totally appropriate to the story), death, love, insanity, heroism, and a whole lot of interesting botany facts that you never knew you wanted to learn…this book has it all.

I was absolutely captivated by the story. Gilbert’s smooth writing, full of vivid imagery and realistic character traits, made this book almost impossible to put down. I admit that I spent a few too many nights in a row staying up past my bedtime because I simply had to know what was going to happen next. While the happy ending is not the one that I hoped for, I found myself completely satisfied when I finished the book. I am now headed to Amazon.com to buy more of Gilbert’s works of fiction. I really recommend this book to all readers; lovers of historical fiction, mystery, romance, or simply someone interested in a book full of unexpected twists and turns…you will all love this book. If you are looking for a book for your book club that will appeal to a variety of readers, you gotta have this one!]]>
		
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		Spring Cleaning for Your Garden (part 1)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-cleaning-garden-part-1/
		Sun, 27 Apr 2014 12:00:07 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1798
		
		Cheleeo, a past Prairie Wife and master gardener (don't forget to enter her giveaway to win a box of her delicious cookies). I wanted to end our celebration of “Earth Week” here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com with a garden post so I went to the expert. After ten minutes of picking her brain and taking mental notes I came up with the brilliant (and somewhat lazy) idea to have her write the post for me. After, all why not hear right from the expert herself?! So without further ado, here are Cheleeo’s tips for spring cleaning in your garden.

Spring cleaning; just as you catch up inside the house, the weather turns nice and it’s time to spring clean your yard and garden cut down plantsbeds.  After leaving all my plants to die back through the long Wyoming winter, it’s time to cut them down to the ground and see all the new bright green growth.  I’ve been starting at the top of the dried out plants and snipping off 2-inch sections at a time, allowing the cut material to become new “mulch” around the plant.  This has eliminated a lot of bags that would take up space in my garbage can.   Of course, I still throw out weeds and seed heads that I don’t want to re-seed.

BulbsThis is the best time to dig up those little plants that are coming up in the wrong spot. Fortunately for my friends, my plants love to self-propagate!   I always have recycled pots on hand, and I use them to plant some “babies” to share with friends. I also donate quite a few plants to the Master Gardener annual plant sale in May. This is a great untapped resource for people to get plants that grow well in your area, check your local newspaper for days and times.  Some top seeders and spreaders in my yard are: catmint, sedums, asters, mums, daisies, salvia, chives, columbines, lambs ear… pretty much everything I’ve planted does well!

To prepare my garden beds and soil requires a little more work than just pulling and dividing plants… I’ve been shredding junk potted plantsmail and old bills to till into my garden beds, in addition to my compost. All the old plants from last fall need to be broken down and tilled into the soil as well. The long winter provides a surplus of vegetable scraps that keep my worms happy, and my worm container is overpopulated by this time of year.  Now is the time to put half of my worms into the garden to work their magic! As I work in the flower beds, I’ve been seeing a lot of red wigglers that have migrated from the garden area, so I know they survived the winter (a big victory).  I have already started my seeds indoors for tomatoes, peppers, eggplants, brokali (a half kale and half broccoli hybrid), and brussel sprouts. My lettuce and spinach seeds are going directly into the garden this weekend.

Fertilizing the grass, trees and shrubs, is also on the long list of to-dos. But, I leave this job to my husband- I have enough to do!

What are you doing to spring clean your garden?]]>
		
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		Makeup Lessons
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeup-lessons/
		Wed, 30 Apr 2014 12:25:47 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1827
		
		This is Linda, a beauty professional with Trish McEvoy. I met this vibrant, talented 60-something at a recent "beauty event" at Nordstrom (she really is fun but says she never smiles for the camera). Yes, I am a loyal Nordstrom customer, but since Step Girl began selling Mary Kay to help pay her college tuition, I haven't purchased anything from a department store makeup counter. Well, that sure changed after Linda proved me and my BFF needed to learn a few things!

Lesson 1. Find a more mature makeup artist-At this event there were representatives from every makeup line, but BFF and I were drawn to Trish McEvoy, in part because of Linda. Our simple theory was that if someone older could look fresh and modern and stylish, imagine what she could do for a 30- and 40-something! Linda was very honest, telling my almost 40 BFF that she really needs to think about under eye serum and telling me the foundation shade I use is all wrong. She was also forthcoming with her tricks (I learned about the "V of light," similar to Prairie Wife's technique). Why? Because she was confident in her skills and realized honesty would make her a sale, rather than loose her a customer.

Lesson 2. Tell the artist your preferences and needs (if you know them)-I hate foundation but had settled on mineral or tinted moisturizer formulas of late. But I also have a bit of melasma (dark areas from hormones) and really feel that I need a bit more coverage. Linda listened and found the perfect cream-to-powder foundation that she perfectly described as making your skin "feel like rose petals." I could have let Linda use whatever she wanted on my skin, but by being true to myself I ended up with a product that won't sit in a drawer and expire.

Lesson 3. Be open to new products and techniques-I knew I wanted foundation, and that was where I was going to stop with this experience. But after BFF was out of the chair, I noticed that her skin look perfect. Truly perfect. I am super jealous of you perfect. I asked Linda why, and she said it was because she had set the foundation with a finishing powder. She told us most women make the mistake of skipping this step or using a powder that doesn't brighten, which is why we look "muddy" after we have reapplied powder throughout the day. I let her dust my face, and my oily skin looked great and didn't get shiny within minutes. Honestly, I love this product and understand why every single person who reviewed it on the Nordstrom site gave it five stars!

Lesson 4. Follow the steps and advice exactly-The first morning I grabbed my new foundation and powder and the under eye concealer Prairie Wife convinced me to purchase a few months ago. I took a bit of time to apply the foundation with a brush and blend everything really well. I stuck to my normal routine for my blush, lipstick, eyeshadow and mascara and then went to the kitchen for breakfast. The Texan stopped me and said, "Wow, you look beautiful!" I was shocked, because this is a man who doesn't notice when I come home from the beauty salon with highlights and bangs. Could new foundation, powder and knowledge really make that much of a difference? The next day I was running late and decided to skip under eye concealer and the blending process. Big mistake, and I now realize I can skip eye shadow and blush if my skin looks smooth and natural.

Thanks for the lessons, Linda, and checkout this video from Trish McEvoy!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week May 2, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-2-2014/
		Fri, 02 May 2014 12:50:17 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1841
		
		BothshoeseditpwSo much of this blog is based on what Prairie Wife and I feel like writing about. Or things that are currently in the news (mostly fashion and beauty news but that counts). We thought it would be fun to let you, our readers, get a chance to ask us anything and everything. It’s a wonderful way for me to see what you want to hear about, and for you to get to know us a bit better. 

For example, I realized that I had never posted a photo of The Texan's shoes with mine and should probably remedy that. Yup, you might have mistakenly gotten the impression that my best friend and constant companion would wear boots, but I can't remember the last time he wore a pair. As I've mentioned, we spend weekends on the coast--several hours away from our home base in the Texas Hill Country--and this is our typical footwear. Even though they are flat, I love these sandals; they are like a statement necklace for my feet. Step Girl and Step Boy actually bought these slip-ons for The Texan for Father's Day in a concerted effort to give him a bit more style (now you see why I love my kiddos so much--LOL!). OK, enough about The Texan and on to your questions...

NordstromShowTricia: What are your favorite brands?

This is actually the reader engagement portion of the blog post. I recently attended a Nordstrom beauty/fashion show (yes, there are some perks to this blogging gig!) and met the store manager. She asked me this question as she is always looking for a new label to carry, and I went blank! So I told her I would throw the question back out to our PWIH readers and report back. Don't disappoint me, y'all, be sure to leave us a comment!

By the way, Tricia and the team just introduced me to a great brand for the modern, professional women--Trouve. I love everything in the line because it has a simple, graphic feel that is incredible easy to work into your current wardrobe. And for the price point--a reverse lapel jacket or knit sheath dress for $90--the quality was exceptional!

Baby feetNichole: Day care or stay at home mom?! Help me weigh the pros and cons!

This was the toughest question of the bunch--thanks Nichole! I could answer this as a working mom or grandparent or employer or friend and come up with incredibly different answers that would all be correct.

For example, some days you just want to be home with the kids, like when they don't feel well. Other days, you would give anything to be at the office, like when the kids don't feel well and are puking and pooping non-stop. I will tell you that I totally supported Grandbaby's Mom's decision to stay home for baby girl's first four months and then go back to teaching. But I also supported Prairie Wife's decision to go back to work after Cowboy J and stop teaching after Cowgirl G. As an employer, I am so happy when a coworker announces they are pregnant, but six months later I am worried about the extra workload while they are on maternity leave, and three months later I am surprised if they don't turn in their two-week notice.

I was lucky and got my kids when they were in school, so I didn't really have to choose. Because we have no family nearby and daycare was non-existent in our small town, The Texan and I had pretty much decided that if we had kids I probably would stay home. But I was also just as certain that I would have gone a bit bonkers, so I was going to do freelance work from home. This decision was made before the Internet and blogs and telecommuting were even words, but I truly felt I could arrange my schedule and lifestyle so my family and I had the "pros" of both worlds. So my Prairie Wife Words of Wisdom are sit back and get creative and honest with yourself because there really could be more than just two options for you and your family.

TX breast cancer shoesJil: How did you stay so positive and brave during your fight with breast cancer? Also any tips on what to watch for, for early detection? 

During treatment I refused to be viewed or known as "the lady with cancer." Kinda funny now, huh? Having a job that puts me in the public eye every single day really meant that I had to feel and look good, so I did! I was the only patient who rocked heels and blazers in the infusion room, but it helped me feel like it was Casual Friday and chemo was just a new assignment on a new job. The Texan was my faithful driver, and I loved hanging out with him even if I was attached to an IV pole. I also had just gotten an iPad, so quite a few hours spent sitting in the chemo chair were used for online shopping, I must admit! I didn't buy much because my size kept changing due to the steroids and drugs and hormonal effects, but I sure enjoyed browsing sites and making a wish list (this was before Pinterest). 

But if I had to pick one thing, it was that The Texan's mother died of cancer when she was in her early 40s. I saw how it still impacted the family decades and decades later, so I was out to prove to them that my diagnosis was not an automatic death sentence. I know they were sure that the meds were talking when I told them I was just fine and this was no big deal, but in addition to my immediate family I had so many people counting on me (neighbors, friends, employees, etc.) that I couldn't fail! 

I am not really qualified to answer the second question, especially because every single case is unique. However, I have already set up an interview with an oncology expert for October, so be sure to check back! But let me give you this seemingly odd suggestion that literally saved my life--put your husband/boyfriend in charge of doing your monthly breast examination. First, how many of us women really take the time to do this regularly? Not many. How many guys would miss an opportunity to grope the ta-tas? Not many. If women do remember to do the exam, we kind of rush and do it half-heartedly. Men take it seriously. Plus, their hands are stronger so they press the tissue deeper and can often feel a tumor we might miss.     

Step Girl: You write for a blog? What's a blog? 

You'd never guess this girl was raised by a computer programmer and professional communicator! I have always been busy with work and volunteering in the community, so she wasn't surprised that I'd taken on a new project. But blogs aren't typically something her crowd dives into because, unlike Pinterest and Facebook and Instagram and Snapchat, you actually have to do a bit of reading. I let her know that a blog was like a web site with stories/pictures and sent her the link. I guarantee you she still hasn't looked at the archives (she would have complained about a few revealing posts), but I hope to involve her in the blog someday soon as she really is a woman of "grit and grace" who also has a wicked sense of humor.]]>
		
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		Cinco de Mayo Taco Soup
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/taco-soup/
		Mon, 05 May 2014 12:28:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1628
		
		

May 5 is Cinco de Mayo—a celebration of Mexican-American heritage that began as a way to commemorate freedom and democracy during the first years of the Civil War. Since I live in Texas and eat Tex Mex at least once a week, I was asked to supply the main meal recipe for this week. Now, this is not a traditional Mexican meal or even a traditional taco soup, but it is quick, easy and will appeal to everyone in your home. If you feel you family can handle some more spice, feel free to add a chopped jalapeno (or two). ¡Buen apetito!

Basic Soup:

2 lbs. ground sirloin (If you would like to use another type of meat, feel free. I’ve even substituted two cans of black beans for a vegetarian take on the soup)

3 large chopped onions

4 garlic cloves, chopped

2 cans Rotel (10 oz. each) (This is a staple in Texas kitchens and is basically a combo of tomatoes and green chiles. If you can’t find it in your supermarket you can substitute fire roasted, diced tomatoes and add another can of green chiles.)

2 cans (4 oz. each) diced green chiles (I promise that these aren’t hot and spicy, but you can omit them if you are nervous)

1 can (6 oz.) tomato paste

3 packages taco seasoning

32 oz. beef broth

2 cans (14.5 oz. each) diced tomatoes

2 cans (14.5 oz. each) cream style corn (I know this sounds loco, but it makes for a richer soup. I now use it in many of mine; it’s especially good in potato soup)

2 cans (14.5 oz. each) whole kernel corn

Toppings:

Cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, tortilla chip strips

In a large pot, brown the ground sirloin, seasoned with one package of taco seasoning, over medium heat. Drain excess fat, and sauté onions and garlic until translucent. Add taco mix, Rotel, chiles, tomato paste, and about 24 oz. of beef broth. Stir thoroughly and bring to a boil. Add diced tomatoes and both types of corn. Stir again and slowly add remaining broth until it is the consistency your family prefers. If it is still too “chunky,” remember you can always add additional broth or water. Heat, add your favorite toppings and enjoy!]]>
		
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		Moving Forward After a Miscarriage
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/moving-forward-after-a-miscarriage/
		Sat, 03 May 2014 12:00:15 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1820
		
		other posts about topics that can’t be made humorous and light hearted, but I know that this topic while somber, still goes with our Prairie Wife Mission statement “To offer support to other women (and their families) through humorous, honest and heartfelt blog posts about our experiences.”

When you read about my busy and full Prairie Homestead full of four children under the age of 8 you probably think that The Cowboy and I Baby feetsimply have to wash our underwear together and we get pregnant. And in a sense this is true, we have never had trouble getting pregnant. But, I have had trouble staying pregnant. We had our first miscarriage before we had Cowboy J, our oldest. I was completely unprepared emotionally and physically. We were “only” 6 weeks along but in true first time parent style had told everyone the news, we were SO excited.

Then I started to spot. I holed up in our bedroom and was a nervous wreck as my body continued to fight against my mind and heart. We ended up losing the baby. Not only were we dealing with the questions of why (was it me, or The Cowboy, or something wrong with the baby), guilt (was it something I ate or did), and can we ever get pregnant? But, we had to spend the next few weeks telling people we were no longer pregnant. The looks on their faces, their pain and sorrow for us, the stories of their own losses, was more than I could handle and I spent weeks in tears.

Being a religious person I held tight to the knowledge that God knows what he is doing and that all would work out well. I tried to have faith in my body, and its ability to get pregnant and stay pregnant. To us even though it was barely the size of a grain of rice, it had been a baby. We mourned the loss of that child and the future we had dreamed of. I visited a pregnancy loss support site several times and I will never forget the quote that encouraged me. It was from a girl whose mother had 10 miscarriages. She said “I am here today because my mother was brave. Brave enough to keep on trying, and brave enough to hold onto her dream of me.”

Our doctor encouraged us to try again after I had a normal cycle and nothing prepared me for what happened next. We immediately got pregnant…and then the true terror began. Let me start by saying that all the blood work was fine, I was barely sick, and other than measuring large every visit, my pregnancy went off without a hitch, and better than most. But, in my mind every morning I woke up and wasn’t nauseous it was because something was wrong with the baby. I was envious of my girlfriends and SisterInLaw3 that were hanging their heads over the toilet each morning; at least they knew their hormone levels were fine. When I could finally feel the baby kick I breathed a sigh of relief, now I knew that he was OK…until a few hours went by with no movement and I would instantly panic, chug some orange juice and start poking at him.

It got to the point at 6 months where I was so stressed out that my good friend and The Cowboy staged an intervention. They were 3D ultra soundconcerned that all my anxiety would harm the baby, not to mention I had not taken any time to just enjoy this precious time and be joyful. After a flood of tears I realized they were right. That in the end, there was nothing I could do (other than not smoking, drinking, and doing crack) that would change the course of this pregnancy. I stopped stressing (well almost) and began to enjoy my pregnancy, and bond with the sweet little boy gently (and then not so gently) rolling and kicking inside of me.

We went on to have two more children with no problems during the pregnancies (birth is another post) and when it was time for us to try for Cowkid number four we didn’t even think about a miscarriage. We got pregnant right away and like usual planned to tell the Cowkids and friends around 12 weeks…Then we lost the baby at six weeks. I was a wreck! I had three children in a row with no problems at all, I was once again unprepared emotionally. I held my Cowkids tight and cried tears for our loss. This time it was easier to heal because I could simply look at the blessings I held in my arms and know that it would all work out. Just like last time, we got pregnant right away and around 8 weeks I started to relax and breath easily again. And then at 9 weeks I started to spot and we lost the baby. Two miscarriages in a row, after 3 full term healthy pregnancies!

Our doctor couldn’t explain it, and offered us the option to take hormones if and when we became pregnant again. The Cowboy and I went home and had one of the hardest talks we have ever had in our marriage. I was concerned about the side effects if I took the hormones. One of the reasons we have so many kids is that I am not sick or super emotional (at least not that anyone is brave enough to tell me) and I was worried about my ability to run our family of 5 all week alone, if the medicine had negative effects on me. We also took stock of our family as it was. Three kids that were healthy and happy, were we OK if that was where it ended? We decided that we were, and that while we would continue to try for another Cowkid we would not use any medical intervention.

Does Your Baby Sleep Throuth the Night Yet?As you know everything turned out fine, and Cowboy C was born 9 months later. Despite the two miscarriages before him I was not a hysterical bundle of nerves. Yes, I was more sensitive to his movements than I had been in my last pregnancy but, I had confidence in my body and God’s plan. Having been through a total of 3 pregnancy losses, I knew that both I and my marriage could handle it. When it became too much, I knew that we would stop trying and celebrate the blessings we have. Feel whatever emotions you need to, cry and be angry. You will feel guilty...but know that there is nothing that you could have done. Reach out to others and give yourself time to heal. And remember, families are made in all sorts of ways.

Below is a list of things that were done for me that I found uplifting and helpful.

• Talk about it, don’t ignore what happened but know when to move on and talk about the latest episode of Real Housewives.
• Share your story (and be honest about the bad parts) but remember to listen to theirs.
• Pa made a donation in my name to an organization that offered medical care to poor pregnant woman in South America…I loved this and it made me so happy. This can be especially nice for friend that has had a late term miscarriage.
• If you happen to be pregnant or are pregnant don’t be afraid to share it with them. I have this happen every time, and I am always happy for them (though admittedly sad for myself).
• Offer to take their kids for them for a day (husbands this is something you can do), pick them up and bring them back if you can. The physically uncomfortable aspect of a miscarriage often makes it hard to take care of young children the first few days.
• Cry with them and laugh with them. Ask them what you can do to help them heal.
• Prayers never hurt!
Please feel free to share your stories or what you have done to help yourself or others heal after a miscarriage.]]>
		
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			your story, like I said people have no idea looking at a family what the "real" story is! And your sweet girls are truly a blessing to us all!]]>
			
			
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		Planning a Child's Birthday Party
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/planning-childs-birthday-party/
		Sun, 04 May 2014 12:00:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1845
		
		the kids are always so excited! When I started as a mom it was way before the whole Pinterest phenomenon, so most of my ideas for the kids' birthday parties had to come from me, and the kids favorite books at the time. We had a Buccaneer Bunny Pirate party for Cowboy J and a superhero party where the kids made capes to take home. My favorite for Cowgirl G was a Fancy Nancy party with a fashion boutique and a modeling show (read the book it is so cute)!

Now with Pinterest you can simply type in your theme and be barraged with a million ideas for how to create the perfect birthday party. I have found that this can be both a blessing and a curse…I was super proud of my cakes until I saw the Cake Boss type beauties that mothers across the nation were whipping up for their kids. And while I appreciate the darling theme parties, I am not going to turn my house into a princess castle complete with a pumpkin carriage for kids to ride in!

I think that over the years people have somewhat gotten trapped in the thought that bigger is better. While I support the idea of a theme party, friends over, and a bunch of games I am not going to throw a party for my kid that costs more than my wedding! On the practical side, with four kids I simply can’t afford to have a big bash at the pool or bowling alley for each kid every year. So around here we rotate the big parties with smaller parties at the house. Cowboy J had a bowling alley party last year so this year we just had a quiet family party. This year Cowgirl G is having a PJ party with a few of her friends at the house, so probably next year will be a big party year for her. At 4 Cowboy Wes really doesn’t care about a big party, so we will just celebrate with our neighbors and his best buddy here at the house.

Below is a list of what I do to keep our parties both festive and budget friendly. Don’t forget to stop by and visit us at Pinterest for some inspiration!

• Pick a theme with your child; it just makes things easier to plan. We really like book themes around here, like Cowgirl G’s Pinkalicious partyPinkalicious cupcakes (and then one of the activities can be reading the book).
• Invite as many friends as your child is old (6 friends for a 6 year old etc.).
• Make it clear if you expect parents to stay or drop their kids off (or if you don’t care).
• I find that 3-4 hours is the perfect amount of time.
• Stagger the supervised activities with free play time. I really like them to just play for the first 30 minutes while all the friends are arriving. Then pull them together for a game or activity and let them loose again while you clean up and get ready for the next activity.
• For a 3-4 hour party I plan 2 games with an extra one just in case. It’s amazing how much time 2 games, cake, and present opening can take!
• Buy decorations that can be used more than once. We have used Cowgirl G’s flower decorations for a Teddy Bear tea party theme, Pinkalicious, and Fancy Nancy!
• Making a theme cake is fun and the kids love it but, sometimes you just don’t have time! Make cupcakes and buy sprinkles that coordinate with your theme, and then let the kids decorate the cupcakes themselves!
• I like to send a craft home rather than a goodie bag, it allows you to have an activity and something extra special for them to take home.
• Think nontraditional for goodie bags, one year we sent a book home with each kid that matched the theme. It was so much easier that stuffing bags and cheaper too!
• If you are having an outdoor party, make sure it can easily be transferred inside; you never know what Mother Nature will do!

What kind of parties have you thrown for your kids? I’d love to get inspired by you!]]>
		
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		Texas in Spring: Unfiltered Beauty
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/texas-spring-unfiltered-beauty/
		Sat, 10 May 2014 12:00:56 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1870
		
		natural beauty and diverse landscapes. But I am also an incredibly lucky Texan because I split my time between the two best areas of the state--the Hill Country and the Gulf Coast. While I am at home day-to-day in the rough, rugged, rural Hill Country, there is something to be said for "chillaxing" on the ocean with a drink in your hand. So I decided to give you a bit of a taste of my two worlds, and I'd love to hear your thoughts on which one you would prefer. P.S.-Although I have been using Photoshop and filters for decades, all of these photographs came straight out of my camera and were only cropped to help you focus on the beauty of Texas.

      Redbud Tree     This is a shot of the redbud tree in my backyard in the Hill Country. I know Spring has arrived when it begins to bloom, usually in February. I love how the bright blue of the sky contrasts with the bright purple blooms.
    

     Bull StatueThis statue greets travelers at the entrance of a subdivision. It is a great example of the artistic talent in the area and a reminder of how art enhances our natural surroundings.
    

    Hill Country VistaMy friends in other parts of the world laugh at me when I call these hills. But for Texas, this is a hill. While it might not be green and lush like the foothills out east, this is beautiful in our region and tons of fun riding ATVs.
    

    LBJ State ParkMany people don't realize that the oak trees in our region hold on to their leaves throughout the winter. So while many would look at this photo and think it was fall, a Texan knows it is Spring because the grass is sort of green and the trees are bare. This picture was taken at the national historical park which features the home of Lyndon B. Johnson's grandparents.
    

    birdingEcotourism is flourishing in the state, and many areas of the Texas Coast cater to families interested in learning more about nature. Whether you're an ornithologist or recreational bird watcher, you'll be able to see many species here as flocks migrate annually.
    

    dolphinThe Texan actually took this photo, and I was truly impressed because the dolphins seem to disappear the second you grab a camera or smartphone. I have been watching these beautiful creatures for years, and I still get excited every time I am lucky enough to spot a fin.
    

    sunsetSunset on the bay is such a relaxing and peaceful time of the day, and I tried to capture it for you in this photo. I hope I didn't disappoint, and tell me, if you had to choose, would you pick Hill Country or Gulf Coast?
    

      birds
    

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		Hay Rage
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hay-rage/
		Wed, 07 May 2014 12:00:31 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1889
		
		 rocking a low maintenance look. Get the kids breakfast and make lunches, get everyone dressed and change Cowboy C’s diaper (usually twice). I also have to get my breakfast eaten (ha ha) and my hair and makeup done before we head out the door at 7:30. Should I mention I am not a morning person?

As we pull out of the garage I drive up to the barn (we are already at least five minutes late) and hop out. The horses are stamping Hay Rageimpatiently and snorting, ready for their breakfast. I walk over to the big hay bale (2,000 lb) and using a pitchfork “peel” off a flake of hay. This flake is four feet tall and four feet wide and weighs about 70 lb. I need to feed about half of it each feeding, and I use a pitchfork to carry the hay and drop it over the corral fence where it lands in the feed tub.

Now the above paragraph describes the process as it should go, and how it usually works out on the weekends for The Cowboy. I won't even mention how the horses like to play soccer with the feed bin, resulting in it being in middle of the corral most days. Or what it's like to feed in -29 degree temperatures with over a foot of snow (thank you polar vortex). Nor will I discuss the intricacies of watering in the winter (freezing temperatures and water are simply no fun).

Before I continue, let’s take a minute to compare me and The Cowboy's physical builds…He is 6’3” and 215 pounds (usually wears cowboy boots) and has been doing horse chores his whole life. I am 5’7” (without my usual heels) 132 pounds (today) and unlike some of our past Prairie Wives, I just started doing this chore gig about a year ago.

I want you to close your eyes and imagine me all dolled up (I woke up early to do this) because it’s my day to volunteer in the classrooms and look like a nice “sane” mother. I’m wearing heeled boots and there is a 40mph steady wind with up to 60mph wind gusts. I try to peel the whole flake off, only to have it break and result in a huge pile on the ground, that I can’t move a single piece of (I’m sure there is some scientific reason why this is). Even with all my 132lb straining and every swear word I know being said, I can’t ever get any of it on the pitchfork. Finally, I give up, and peel off just the top half of the next flake.

I’ve got 35lb of hay on the end of my pitchfork, and I'm trying to make it to the feed bin without it acting like a sail and sending me flying to Nebraska. When all is said and done, the hay has broken in two pieces halfway on my journey (resulting in two more trips back and forth) and I end up with more hay down my shirt than in the feed tub. I run to the van and jump in to hear Cowboy J say “We are going to be late mom!” in his panicked yet naggy voice.

Cowgirl G kindly tells me I have hay in my hair. As I pull out onto the Highway, some hay has worked its way into my bra. For all of you city girls (and men) let me tell you…there is a special spot in hell full of tortured woman with hay in their bra. Nothing is more uncomfortable or socially awkward than a Prairie Wife with hay in her bra! It pokes and itches and sticks, and no matter how many times you go to the bathroom and try and brush it and shake it all out, there is always more!

As we drive to school I slowly focus on controlling my breathing, getting my face to look less red and mottled, and quickly pull out the deodorant I keep in the glove box to eliminate the sweaty smell. By now the Cowkids know the above signs of hay rage (not to mention they sat and watched the whole process from their seats in the van) and sit in quiet fear and don’t make any more noise until I speak to them.

Hay Rage is a real problem out here on the Prairie…and now that I know I am not alone, I think we need to start a support group. Symptoms of Hay Rage include (but are not limited to) high blood pressure, sweaty armpits (may spread to chest and back), flushed faces, repeated loud swearing, snapping at loved ones, and uncontrollable itching and brushing of the boobs, hair and arms.

Please don’t suffer alone…this is a safe place…feel free to share your story…we at PrairieWifeInHeels.com won’t judge!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week May 9, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-9-2014/
		Fri, 09 May 2014 12:00:56 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1900
		
		friends, from our community, work, and we’ve even met many through the wonders of the internet! This week’s Prairie Wife of the week is someone who I am proud to call both a friend and a family member. I first became acquainted with Rockin' Piranha when she began to date my BigBrotherB. She eventually married him, which I am eternally grateful for (we never thought we’d see him married off). She has taught me about loyalty to family and strength, and shows more grit and grace than many women twice her age. While I would describe her as a city girl who will never go country I assure you that she deserves to be Prairie Wife of the Week! Many of us haven’t had to think about our parents aging, and what that means for us. But, Rockin' Piranha had to face the fact sooner than most. Her candid and intelligent answers about living life with a mother who has MS will give you a lot to think about…

Nicole shoe

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Rockin' Piranha (RP): I am a 32 year old Midwesterner that grew up in central Wisconsin. My father has been a forklift driver for over 30 years and my mother was a manager at a bank. When I was 20 years old I moved to the “big city” of Milwaukee. Shortly after, I feel in love and got married at the young age of 23. The following year my one and only sister moved to Milwaukee to go to college.

PW: Your mom has MS can you talk to us about how she first was diagnosed?

RP: When I was 13 year old my parents took my sister and I on a trip to Walt Disney World, we were so fortunate that we got to do this! On the trip I can distinctly remember my mom having difficulty keeping up. Usually, my mom was a very energetic person, always wanting to try new and exciting adventures but, not this time. Through the course of the trip she started to develop some numbness in her legs while having pain at the same time. However, we continued onward and upward with the trip.

Once we returned back home my mom began to see doctor after doctor. Two years later after hundreds of tests and theories, my mom was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis (MS). MS is an inflammatory disease in which the myelin of nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord are damaged. This damage disrupts the ability of parts of the nervous system to communicate, resulting in a wide range of signs and symptoms, including physical, mental, and sometimes psychiatric problems (most people aren’t aware of this last part). MS takes several forms, with new symptoms either occurring in isolated attacks (relapsing forms) or building up over time (progressive forms). Between attacks, symptoms may go away completely; however, permanent neurological problems often occur, especially as the disease advances.

PW: How did her MS impact you as a child?

RP: Since I had a lot to learn about MS, my first reaction as a teenager was to be angry with the world. I went through the five stages of hope love feelgrief over and over. Denial and isolation, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. I focused heavily on the “why our family” aspect. My mom had to leave her job and go on disability within a year of being diagnosed. The Doctors figured she probably has had MS since high school. From the outside looking in, her MS didn’t seem so bad at first and I felt like she was getting a free vacation. She was also getting a lot of attention from friends and family which made me feel less important. It took me several years and a lot of maturing to get to the acceptance stage.

PW: You made the decision to move away to go to college and now live several hours away, was that a hard decision?

RP: Honestly, my decision to move to Milwaukee was easy. It was something I had dreamed of doing long before my mom’s diagnosis. Also at the time I left for college, my mom’s MS was not nearly as debilitating as it is now. She was able to function within the house without a huge amount of assistance. She could perform most tasks and my dad could help her when needed. On most days she was even healthy enough to drive. Plus my mom has always encouraged me and my sister to follow our dreams, and not be held back because of her.

PW: How has your mother’s MS changed over the last few years?

RP: It has now been 7 years since my mom was able to walk. Over time, she went from using a cane, to a walker, to a wheelchair, to operating a power scooter, and now…..

In December of 2013 at the young age of 55 my mom had to be permanently moved into an Assisted Living facility. This was devastating for the entire family, and frankly we are still struggling. It is now medically necessary that two caregivers are always available to help her through the day and night.

PW: You’ve had to make some hard decisions as a family, any advice for others that may be struggling with placing a parent or relative in assisted care?

RP: Sit down together and talk about things. Whether it is medical questions, emotional battles, or the financial burdens of being sick, etc you need to discuss it together. It should not nor can it be, one person's decision.

If you are 99% healthy or 99% sick, you should not only have a living will & power of attorney, but talk it over with those who might end up making decisions for you one day. You can always make changes later on if you need or want to. I know that it can be very difficult for some people to think about death. Take your time and don’t push it. But, if you go over things in advance when you are young and hopefully healthy, it will not be as difficult to face.

I highly recommend knowing your State's policies and laws on disability, medical assistance, caretakers, etc. If you wait until tragedy strikesplan early you will send yourself into a flurry of panic attacks. Make sure you study every little detail. Even though my mom lived with MS for over 15 years before she needed extra assistance, our family never went over the details. Look into how your State provides financial assistance for care. In the State of Wisconsin my mom had to remove her name from all assets and lose a bunch of stocks and savings in order to be placed into a decent facility and have the State pay for some of her care, medication, and supplies.

My dad had to undergo a huge audit and will have to continue being monitored for years. When it gets to the point where you have to be placed into a facility, you are not allowed to just shift or give your assets away. If you want to ensure any inheritance gets passed along to your children, seek guidance early in your life and follow your State’s laws. And remember, if tragedy has already stuck and you are not prepared stay calm. With patience and guidance from the appropriate people you can find the best possible care for your loved one.

I recommend seeking help from a community care specialist. I believe most states will provide this service to you at no cost. They will guide you through the paperwork process, and their expertise was invaluable to us.

It’s also important that you make the decision together as a family as to which facility best meets the needs of your loved one. I made a checklist (please email us at PrairieWifeInheels@hotmail.com and we can send you a copy) when my dad and I were choosing a facility for my mother so that we could remember the places we toured. I’ve attached the checklist, with the hope that this will help others in need. Don’t forget that while you are touring facilities to pay a visit to a resident. It will make their day and maybe yours too!

PW: What responsibilities do you have now as far as taking care of your mother?

RP: All of my mom’s day to day care is now provided for her. I am far less worried knowing that she is safe in Assisted Living. Before she moved into Assisted Living I would worry all the time. She would often fall down and get bruised and injured. She even had to call for an ambulance a couple times when my dad was at work. I was always worried she would fall and hit her head and that would be the end. I feel like a huge cloud has now been lifted from over me.

Currently I do some shopping for her and deliver things right to her when I can make the three hour drive to see her. I decorated her new room to help try to put some excitement into her move. I also do all of her clothes shopping because this would be difficult for my dad to do. You know most guys and their fashion sense! I also recently helped sort through what we now call “dad’s house." This helped both my parents adjust to their new living arrangements and was kind of the final stage for all of us in accepting her move. It is difficult living such a long distance away but, I do what I can. I try to call my mom at least once a week but it is getting more difficult for her use the phone.

PW: I’m sure that it has been hard to somewhat switch roles, and now you are the caretaker rather than your mother. Can you share what has helped you emotionally with this?

RP: People need to realize its okay to seek help; it does not mean you are a failure! If a disease or tragedy strikes, it is not your fault. It has taken a long time for my sister and I to convince my dad that he can no longer be a superhero. My mom’s MS has taken a big slice out of his health as well. Even though my mom is lightweight, lifting a body of dead weight is very strenuous. He also maintains an entire house on his own. I have no doubt that if he would have continued to neglect his health, I would now have two parents in Assisted Living.

PW: What are your hopes and fears for the future for your family?

RP: My hope is that my mom does not have to continue to suffer so much physically and emotionally. She has no privacy anymore. She is stomp MSsurrounded by elderly residents who have dementia, because it was the floor where she could have the best care for her needs. My parents battle loneliness as they now live apart. Having to sleep separately after 30 plus years of marriage is a shocking change for both of them. I don’t think in my mother’s lifetime there will be a cure for MS but, I do pray that someday a cure will be found.

PW: Any advice for people that are struggling with the care of a sick parent?

RP: Don’t be afraid to express your feelings. In fact, it’s healthy! Everybody’s doing it so get on the bandwagon! I really encourage seeking help outside of your circle of friends and family. Realize you are not alone. I enjoy going to various online medical sites, therapy groups, and chat rooms. Many communities have groups that meet monthly to offer support to friends and family members. Talking to people in similar situations makes yours feel less terrible.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of Wisdom?

RP: Never let a disease define who you are. I have never thought of my mom as MS patient 56BTP1003. She is a strong, driven lady who fights to keep her dignity and self-worth. Be thankful for the little things in life. Plan ahead. Find harmony in all you do. Keep fighting no matter how difficult things become.

My favorite musician Ani Difranco said it best. “So I’ll walk to plank and I’ll jump with a smile. If I’m gonna go down I’m gonna do it in style. And you won’t see my surrender and you won’t hear me confess cuz’ you’ve left me with nothing but I’ve worked with less.”]]>
		
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		Every Woman for Herself by Trisha Ashley #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/every-woman-trisha-ashley-giveaway/
		Thu, 08 May 2014 12:00:49 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1904
		
		to do chores but I have a flickering light at the end of this snowy Spring tunnel. I’ve made it no secret that Trisha Ashley is one of my favorite writers ever. Through the wonders of Twitter I have been lucky enough to catch her eye and we have conversed through Tweets and e-mail. She even commented on my review of her book A Winter’s Tale but alas, when we changed to our new website it was lost…sigh!

But back to the light…Trisha Ashley has just re-released her book Every Woman for Herself! It has a snazzy new cover and some delicious new recipe’s added to it. I can attest to her ability to whip up a delicious meal in the kitchen. Under her sage advice I made my first Mince Pies, they were a huge hit with all the Cowkids.

Every Woman for Herself was the first of Trisha Ashley's books that I ever read, so it holds a special spot in my heart! This is a light hearted Every Woman for herselfbook about a recently divorced woman (good riddance to her jerk of a husband) and her relocation back to her childhood home. The main character Charlie, is a middle aged woman who is finally learning just what she is made of. Charlie is enduring but has more than enough sass to keep you interested, and I loved traveling with her on her journey of self discovery. The plot hums along nicely with quirky characters (a witch and a crazy stalker just to name two) and a brooding yet charming love interest. This book will leave you with a warm glow (which I really need in this terrible weather) and a sense of satisfaction, I highly recommend it for a relaxing read that will make you crack more than a few smiles and maybe even giggle out loud!

Enter below to win a copy of Every Woman For Herself signed by the author Trisha Ashley!

Note: We'd be more than happy to ship a signed book across The Pond if our winner is in Europe!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		A Mother Is...
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/mother/
		Sun, 11 May 2014 12:00:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1916
		
		

I loved this picture and it made me laugh when I saw it...so true isn't it. So often we as mother's (and step-mothers, and even grandmas and aunts) get stuck in the daily drudgery of motherhood. Cooking, cleaning, disciplining, loving, teaching...and wake up and repeat! Too often I find myself focusing on what hasn't been done rather than what I have accomplished. It makes me tear up every time I read it but this quote is one I try to keep close to my heart.

"Cleaning and scrubbing can wait ’till tomorrow, but children grow mom and baby handsup, I’ve learned to my sorrow. So quiet down cobwebs! Dust go to sleep! I’m rocking my baby and babies don’t keep." 

– Ruth Hamilton

 

It's sappy I know, but this exhausting busy time of babies and young kids begging for my time, will be over soon. That doesn't mean I enjoy every minute...that's crazy and impossible. I find it hard to believe that someday I will find myself regretting that I can go to the bathroom without someone barging in or crying as they pound on the door and stick their fingers underneath! Despite the days I've been covered in vomit and weary to the bone, I can say with 100% certainty that I love this mom gig! So as a tribute to all you mom's out there we had mothers, husbands, women, men, and kids answer the question "What do you think a mother is?"

Tait, age 34: A mother is the foundation that families are built on. They hold everything together, even when things may be falling apart. A mother is strong and tender. She puts her needs last. My children and I are so lucky that my wife has all of these traits.

Zach, age 10: Generally a female who takes care of you and tries to be as nice as they can to you.

Sadie, age 5: She is a girl who takes care of her kids. She bosses everybody.

Pa, age 63: A mother is someone who nurtures. They give what is needed to grow-physically and emotionally and spiritually. A mother takes from herself to give to her child.

    

Makenzie, age 15: Someone who is responsible and caring and who puts her kids before herself.Mom with flower

Becky, age 38: A mother uses gradual-release model in raising loving, responsible future adults.

Cowboy W, age 3: A mommy keeps people safe, and loves them!

Andrea: A mother is someone that gives you rules at a young age and looks out for your best interests, then loves you through thick and thin. Even through those not so easy teen years. She is the one by your side when your having babies of your own, that has taught you all you know about being the best mother possible and sacrificing all she has . Mine is my best friend!

Natalya, age 4: Nice, takes care of me, and you are a happy woman.

Christopher, age 20: A mother is someone you can talk to and shows they love you. Even if that means they are hard on you and maybe yell at you, it's cuz she cares! A mother knows you almost better than you know yourself.


Karen: A Mother is someone who will love you unconditionally, till her last breath.

Siera, age 11: A mother is someone who cares and gives what she can. 

BigBrotherB, age 35: A mother is someone who has raised a child, she provides love and acceptance.

Kyra, age 7: A mother is somebody that is kind and is a good cook, especially mine 

Cowboy J, age 8: A mother is someone who cooks and takes care of her family.

Kristen: A  mother is a woman who gives her all everyday to make sure her children are well taken care of & know they are loved. She is a multitasker and serves many roles: nurturer, referee, nurse, cook, maid, chauffeur, listener, teacher & disciplinarian just to name a few!!

Michael, age 41: What is a mother? A mother or my mother? Because my mother gets a way better definition than "just" a mother!

Lexa, age 5: A mother is a human who cooks & works hard!


Alisha, age 32: I  think a mother is a little bit of everything... A teacher, a doctor or nurse when you are sick... A maid lol.. A coach... A best friend... A cook... All generic answers but they mean so much to a child. One who pays more attention and care to their children then themselves, and sacrifices whatever they need to, so their child can live a healthy prosperous life.

The Cowboy, age 34: A mother is unconditional love.

Bri, age 3: A regular mom is just for taking care of a baby!

Cowgirl G, age 6: A mother is someone who worries about their child and I think they have to be a good parent. They feed their kids morning, noon and night.

Bobbi, age 16: Mom simply comes to mind as my rock, support system, and the reason that I am where I am today, I would not be where IMom child Flowers am without her. She's the one person in my life who's always been there for me no matter my actions or my mood. She is my backbone and my encouragement. I'm not sure how I would've ended up in my life without her. She loves everything about me, both beautiful and ugly. I've seen her influence on my older siblings and couldn't be more amazed at what she's accomplished through them, and vice versa. She's an infinite loving being, and I couldn't imagine my life without her. Everyone's mom is different, but that's what makes them so special to you.

Taitum, age 5: A mom is someone who isn't being mean, they are just telling something!

TallGirlJ, age 30: I  say a mom is not a friend but, someone who has to be full of love and guidance, until their child is grown. Then a mother can become her child's friend.

I have to end by pointing out that we didn't receive a single quote that said a mother has to be the woman who gave birth to you...not one...some food for thought about how families are made!

Note from TX2Steppin': So Prairie Wife took the lead on this project, and I wrote my piece before I read these heartwarming comments from children of all ages. It is so curious that PW closed her section with a sentiment that so closely echoed mine!

As you know, I am not a biological mother to anyone, but I am endorsed as a mother by four very different "kids" who I love with my whole heart and have helped raise from a very young age. Of course, there is Step Girl and Step Boy who truly are mine. When people comment that I look too young to have kids in their early- and mid-20s, I say, "Well, technically they're my stepchildren, but I've had them since the youngest was in kindergarten." Just ask The Texan how quickly they jump to my defense if someone says I'm not a mother!

Now, they also have a half-brother, who has been a part of our family since the day he was born. I just took his high school graduation photos a few weeks ago, and I can't believe how time has passed so quickly. We will miss him being at every family dinner and outing because he is moving to Houston for school, but The Texan and I are proud of the adult he has become and know he will be successful and remember the values we have tried to instill in him. When he was in middle school he always introduced us as his step-parents, and since there isn't a better word to describe our special relationship, we all just go with it.

Here is where it gets even more tricky--The Texan and I have nearly always introduced her as our "adopted" daughter. Again, we need some new, positive labels because people don't quite understand what we mean, and the explanation is a bit long. She has been one of Step Girl's best friends since seventh grade and went along on every vacation and outing we ever took. About two years ago she began dating Step Boy, and we were surprised because the two had never really spoken to each other while they were growing up. We have always loved her, so the transition into our family was seamless. Her mom even calls me "her second mother." But now we call her our "Grandbaby's Mama," and we couldn't be prouder of her maturity and newfound parenting skills.

When I was in grade school we always wrote poetry for our mom's, and this is mine to celebrate all of the women who just don't fit the traditional definition of Mother's Day and are hesitant to call themselves one:

Makes us always feel like we are extraordinaryhappy mother's day

Only has your best interests at heart

Takes the time to guide you, gently, in the best direction

Has been selfless with her time and constant in her love

Even at your worst; she sees into your heart and finds the best

Reason you are the person we see today


    
 ]]>    
		
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		What a New Mom NEEDS for the House and Bathroom
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/new-mom-needs-house-bathroom/
		Mon, 12 May 2014 12:00:17 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1938
		
		diaper bag, hospital bag, car, and nursery. Now, this last list, is what I think you need in your bathroom and house to survive that first year of motherhood. I’ve listed the brands that I like, and that have made it through all four Cowkids (and all the other kids that come over) and are still working just as well as ever. When I can, I’ve included links (most can be bought at Amazon.com and Target) so all you have to do it click to take a closer look at my favorite things. Since you usually have at least a few months notice before the baby is born, I recommend doing some price shopping. A lot of times on-line can offer you free shipping and discounts you can't find in a store. Also, other than for car seats, shopping second hand and hitting up garage sales is an excellent way to keep your costs down. A few of my friends and I even rotate the bigger items (which only works if your kids are born at different times)!

PS Was Cowgirl G not the chubbiest baby ever?!

    Bathroom
    

    3 hand towels-I have to explain this…I don’t use the baby bathtubs or seats. I simply fill the tub with an inch of perfectly warm water and baby in bathbath soap, lay down the hand towel, and put the baby on it. I think they stay warmer (and happier) this way and, it really lets their bum get a good soaking.
    

    2 towels for the baby (the ones with a hood are cute but not necessary)
    

    Baby Body and Hair wash (Burt’s or Alveeno work great on my babies dry and sensitive skin)
    

    2 Baby washcloths (they really are so much gentler on their skin)
    

    Everything Else You Need for the House
    

    Car Seat and base (For all my kids I have used a Graco Snug Ride)
    

    Car seat cover (for colder Wyoming weather Jolly Jumper Sneak a Peak Cover, warmer weather Cozy Car Seat Sun and Bug cover)
    

    Stroller (Graco Stroller, car seat snaps in or child can lay/sit up to 40lb)
    

    Basket to keep supplies downstairs if you have a two level house (trust me you don’t want to walk up and down)- Put in diapers, wipes, rag,diaper cream, extra set of clothes, and a blanket
    

    Swing (Fisher Price Cradle Swing)exersaucer
    

    Vibrating bouncer (Fisher Price Bouncer)
    

    *If you have to make a choice between swing and bouncer, I say buy a bouncer!
    

    Some already filled formula bottles in case nursing isn’t working for you (you can find them at any store)
    

    Bottles and Dishwasher Bottle cage (wait to buy these until you decide how you are going to feed the baby)
    

    Pacifiers (I only had one kid ever use one, and it was only for a few months. I advise that you just get a few until your baby lets you know what he/she prefers (NUK is best for nursing babies))
    

    High chair/Booster seat (not needed for 5 months, Fisher Price Healthy Care Booster Seat)
    

    Pack and Play (It’s debatable if you need one. I use it to keep the baby in our room at night next to me for the first 4 months, and then The Cowboy uses it when he has the baby outside in the barn with him, Graco)
    

    Activity mat/gym (not needed until 4 months)
    

    Exersaucer (not until 5 months, I like the standing ones better than jumping)
    

    Sling (or baby carrier)-I could not get anything done without one of these, and they are so great when traveling with kids!
    

    Did I leave something out? What do you think a new mom needs?
    ]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week May 9, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-9-2014-2/
		Fri, 16 May 2014 12:00:45 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1944
		
		 Chasetity and her son last year in November. She shared her story of having a son who has developmental delays and her struggles to have him tested and receiving a diagnosis. Her hope was that a more clear diagnosis would allow them to get him more specific therapy, resulting in more improvement in his speech and behavior. In hopes that we can offer parents struggling in the same way support, we chose to have her again as our Prairie Wife of the Week. She gives us an update on her son’s progress and continues to show her Prairie Wife strength as she fights for a better life for her son.

PWW Chasetity shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): At the end of your last interview you were waiting to hear what your son’s official diagnosis was, how did that end up?

Chasetity (C): That didn’t end up working really well! The diagnosis came back as “mild retardation.” That’s it. After he had a diagnosis, we could finally apply for a waiver that would allow him to receive help from the state. With this diagnosis of mental retardation, the wavier would only allow him to qualify for speech help, and then again when he was older and was ready to live on his own, he could have therapy again. My translation of this was that they were giving up on him. To receive the help from the waiver system there is a two year wait. There was no way we were going to sit and go two years without helping him.

PW: What did you decide to do next?

C: After that diagnosis we felt in our hearts it just wasn’t right. There was a lady at our son’s preschool who recommended the Wholeness Center in Fort Collins, CO. The care there is a mixture of modern medicine and all natural remedies. We made an appointment (it was surprisingly easy to get in) and we were optimistic but so nervous. We met with him for a hour and talked while he watched our son play, and he asked us a ton of questions. There was a urine test but no blood work. The urine test came back with a lot of yeast, so we put him on an antifungal regiment. He is also on 6 different supplements, which I purchase through Amazon.com, though you can buy them through the Wholeness Center. They still haven’t felt comfortable giving him an official diagnosis but they are leaning towards placing him on the Autism spectrum.

PW: Why did you choose to try these kinds of therapy to help him?

C: I just felt why not? I wanted a second opinion; the mild retardation just didn’t fit him. I wanted to try everything we could and I like the idea of all natural as opposed to putting chemicals into him. After we went to the Wholeness Center and talked to everyone, I just felt really confident in their ability to help him.

PW: What results have you seen?

C: I would say he is more alert and aware of his surroundings. I see him processing things and looking at objects in new ways that we had never seen before. Now he is pointing at everything and trying to talk to me and share what he’s thinking. He has more variety with his sounds. Transitions still continue to be a struggle, but I think it has more to do with him having a better understanding of leaving and what it means, and him exerting his will more than he was previously.

PW: What do you plan to do to help him continue to grow?

C: He will continue to attend preschool at our local Child Development Center. We will be trying a new type of supplemental therapy with the vitamin B12. It’s supposed to help detox his system further, and help his body start to process things better. They told us they would like us to go Gluten free, and we just aren’t ready to do that full blown yet. That’s been a struggle; especially living in Wyoming where there is no Trader Joe’s not to mention the cost.

PW: What are your hopes and fears for the next year?

C: Hopes…that we continue to see more progress. I don’t want him to say 500 words, but 5 words, that would be amazing. My fear is that he stops continuing to grow, and stays right where he is.

PW: Any more Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

C: Don’t give up! I’m never going to give up on my son; I will always keep on working towards a better future for him, always.]]>
		
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		South Hill Designs #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/south-hill-designs-giveaway/
		Sat, 17 May 2014 12:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1946
		
		 dress up, get out of the house and chat with girlfriends. In the last few years there have been a whole slew of products that are sold by independent consultants rather than through a store. Several of my girlfriends have begun selling products, and most of them do it by throwing parties. Now, if I am being honest, at first it was overwhelming! I was invited to at least two parties a weekend and frankly my budget started to get stretched more than a little thin. While l loved some of the products (Rodan and Fields, Thirty One Bags, and Jamberry Nails come to mind) there were some that just didn’t fit for me. I would go to the party eat the food and chat away and then feel guilty about not buying anything, and try and sneak out as quietly as possible!

This guilt all ended when I threw a party of my own, it was a Mary Kay and Purse party. A bunch of gals showed up, we ate food laughed and chatted and at the end of the day only about ¼ of them bought anything…and you know what? I was totally fine with it! Everyone had a great time (most of all me) and I got to help a few of my friends sell some products, and got some perks of my own. After this expeirance, I no longer felt guilty showing up at a party and not buying anything, after all there were just as many times I showed up and spent way more than I planned!

South Hill Designs NecklaceFlash forward to a few weeks ago and I attended a LuLaRue party (more on this amazing company in a few weeks). As I walked into the kitchen to have some more of the ah-ma-zing spinach dip and chips, I saw some jewelry laid out on the table. Like a moth to flame I was drawn to all the little containers and the sparkly necklaces. It turns out that there was also a gal there selling South Hill Designs jewelry, which I had never heard of. South Hill Designs necklaces are beautifully crafted lockets, coins, and charms, that you can use to tell your own personal story, which you know is a big part of PrairieWifeInHeels.com!

I immediately sat down, picked out my locket and coin…and then stopped. There were so many charms to pick from it was a little South Hill Designs locket overwhelming but, I took a deep breath and dove right in and started to pick my favorite charms. The best thing about doing it at a party was that I could see when the charms I picked weren’t working well together, and I could switch them out. In the end I ended up with a super cool necklace that showed what mattered most to me. I picked out birthstones for each of the Cowkids (I love that you can always add more if you have another baby), my last name initial, a high heel for obvious reasons, and a lightning bolt as a symbol of strength. I put it on right then and there and wore it home. I just love that I could mix up silver and gold, a trend I am really into right now. I’ve had it for over two weeks now and it has stood up to Cowboy C’s not so gentle pulling and trying to eat it. I also like that I can make the chain longer or shorter depending on my neckline. South Hill Designs also has other great products like earrings and leather bracelets that this rocker mom is drooling over!

Our local South Hill Design Independent Artist Terry has set up an amazing giveaway for our readers, it's a beautiful locket made especially for our Prairie Wives! Enter below and don’t forget to tell your friends to stop by and enter as well!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Quick and Easy Meatballs
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/quick-easy-meatballs/
		Sun, 18 May 2014 12:00:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1952
		
		little old. One thing that helps break it up are these quick and easy meatballs. I love to make a huge batch and use them in spaghetti, or my personal favorite-meatball subs. Another way I serve them is with sweet and sour sauce as a tasty appetizer at parties. With this big batch I usually have extras, and they freeze wonderfully. On busy days I just thaw the already cooked meatballs and use them to throw together a tasty, healthy meal in less than 30 minutes. I am a huge fan of grinding up squash and zucchini and adding a ½ cup of the puree to the recipe to sneakily add some extra veggies. I’ve also been known to add shredded cheese, finely chopped spinach and/or kale and onion to switch up the flavor!

What’s your favorite way to use meatballs in a recipe?

Meatballs
Prep Time: 15 minutes Cook Time: 30 minutes
Makes approx 40 small meatballs

2lb ground meat (I use elk but beef, turkey, or a mixture is fine)Quick and Easy Meatballs
2 eggs (you can substitute ½ cup Greek Yogurt)
½ cup Italian bread crumbs
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp onion powder
Âź cup Parmesan cheese
Salt and Pepper to taste
1. Set oven to 375 Degrees
2. Combine all the above ingredients and make sure they are evenly mixed
3. Spray 3 pans with non stick spray
4. Take approximately 3 tbsp of meat and form into a small ball, place meatballs evenly on pans
5. Cook at 375 degrees for 30 minutes.]]>
		
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		Fashion Bucket List
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fashion-bucket-list/
		Wed, 14 May 2014 12:44:58 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1957
		
		 don't judge me too harshly on my fashion addiction!

You see, I grew up in the '80s--long before the Internet, cable TV, and viral videos. I first became aware of "brands" when I would sneak a peek at Ma's Good Housekeeping or Redbook magazine. I can still remember some of the ads for Calvin Klein, Dr. Scholl's, Tretorn, Sperry and Gloria Vanderbilt, and after my homework was done I would daydream of owning one of these designer pieces "someday."

When I transitioned from a very small, sheltered grade school to a huge public high school, I was suddenly surrounded by labels. It seemed like everyone was wearing Forenza and Esprit sweaters, Outback Red skirts, Guess jeans, Izods, Reebok high tops, and Ralph Lauren polo shirts. Everyone except poor, pitiful, fashion deprived me. And when I was a sophomore in high school and one of my girls introduced me to Elle magazine I learned about brands like Chanel, Coach, Hermes, and Gucci that were even further out of my reach.

Now today, as an adult and a parent, I fully understand the many sound reasons why Ma and Pa didn't indulge my fashion fantasies. And even as a teenager I got it, but I didn't like it and it didn't make me want those expensive items less. So I promised myself that one day I would have a truly designer piece, no matter what. Let's call it a fashion bucket list full of luxury brands that fit my body and style like a glove.

Fast forward to 2005, when I finally got up enough courage to ask The Texan for a beautiful, emerald green Coach purse and matching wristlet for Christmas. As you know, he is an amazing gift giver, so of course he got me that. And then another in periwinkle blue. I was thrilled, and thought that was where my quest for designer products would end.

But fashion really is like a drug, and I totally blame Prairie Wife for feeding my addiction. When I visited Wyoming a few months ago she told me I had to sign up for Haute Look. Since it is part of the Nordstrom family and I love all things Nordstrom, I couldn't believe I hadn't already joined! I hadn't had time to check into it until recently, and they happened to have an event for vintage jewelry. I started browsing because I had been looking for an Hermes bracelet in "my price range," which is way, way below retail. When I saw the photo below on the Haute Look site and read the description, my heart stopped and I was in love.

Hermes braceletBut should I really take the plunge and buy it? I put it in the virtual shopping basket, and tried calling Prairie Wife for her advice. Voice mail, dang it. My BFF was at work, but she wouldn't be much help anyway because she would have told me I was stupid for hesitating because I deserved it. So which was worse? Living with the guilt of spending that much on myself or the thought of passing up this incredible deal on a vintage Hermes bracelet that I had been dreaming of for so many years? The fifteen minute clock to reserve the piece was counting down and I knew I had to...

So, what do you think I did? What would you have done? And what's on your fashion bucket list? Don't worry, I'll finish the story soon...]]>
		
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		Memorial Day In a Mother's Eyes
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/memorial-day-mothers-eyes/
		Mon, 26 May 2014 12:57:18 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1971
		
		flag

    As I was looking for a special way to explain the importance of Memorial Day, I found this song by Andrew Dean. I love the sentiment of the lyrics for "In a Mother's Eyes" and just had to share it with you. 
    
"The day our flagpole was ready, we had no flag to fly
A mother stepped forward and said, 'I have a flag,' with a tear in her eye.
'It was given to me the day that we laid my son to rest.
He was a true blue soldier who gave his life his best.'

I got a knot in my throat and a chill in my bones.
A tear rolled down my face.
A mother has lost her son at war;
The pain on her face.

In a mother's eyes you can see red, white, and blue.
In a mother's eyes you can see the pain so true.
Freedom comes with a cost of sadness and loss
You can see in a mother's eyes.

When someone puts their life on the line so others can be free
It's a selfless act of courage and love; how thankful we all should be.
And when I look at the flag today, I see a whole new meaning there.
I see the men and the women who died for her,
So in this freedom we can share."

In memory of PFC Lynn Robbin Krotzer, USMC (KIA 1969 Vietnam)]]>    
		
		1971
		
		
		
		
		
		
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		Where the Magic Happens
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/magic-happens/
		Mon, 19 May 2014 12:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1978
		
		 spend between 4-6 (OK sometimes more) hours a week on the computer, and I really needed my own space. I already had a calendar area set up on the wall and it made perfect sense to tuck my “library table” into the corner. The calendar is vital to our life, and I love that it’s large enough to fit all of our activities on it. The framed white paper on the left is where I write notes and add important dates for the next month. Clothes pins at the bottom offer an easy way to keep track of permission slips and wedding invites (thank you Pinterest). The overflowing wall mounted paper rack is where each of the Cowkids’ school work is kept. All their favorite drawings, and papers they are the most proud of, get shoved in there and then put into albums…whenever I get around to it…One of my favorite things is my flower vases, another Pinterest project begrudgingly yet beautifully done by The Cowboy!

Close up of deskMy desk itself is actually a family piece. Ma always had it in our living room growing up and called it the “library table”. Shortly after The Cowboy and I were married, she mentioned that she was planning on getting rid of it, I was aghast. She lovingly offered to ship it (and one other piece I loved) across the Mississippi and I am so happy she did. It’s a little bit of home here out on the Prairie. On it I have my laptop which, for obvious reasons, is vital to my blogging. Kleenex in a house full of snotty kids (said with love) must always be at hand, and my princess doll was sewn for me by Cowgirl G as a gift this Mother’s Day. Like most modern moms my iPhone is never far away. Second to the computer in my blogging life is my day planner. Texas Two Steppin’ and I map out our blog posts over a month in advance and then each day I have a to-do list of things. I love to make lists and crossing things off and putting checkmarks next to them gives me a happy little satisfied buzz every time! I always have water with me (in a big glass) and my pencils and whiteboard markers are easily accessible for both the Cowkids and I. My bright green flower pot is full of PrairieWifeInHeels.com business cards (I hand them out and leave them all over the world, literally) and adds a fun jolt of color. Add to this scene the constant chirps and buzzes from dozens of kids’ toys and the pitter patter and noise of the four Cowkids loving life, and it should give you a pretty good idea of where the magic happens!
What is your favorite spot in your house?]]>
		
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		A Different Kind of Book Review
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/different-kind-book-review/
		Wed, 21 May 2014 12:12:19 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1984
		
		connie podesta

I've mentioned before that The Texan and I spend a huge amount of time in the car, travelling to and from the Texas coast nearly every weekend. Recently my husband had an incredible idea that was very out of character for him. The man who hasn't read a book for fun since third grade suggested we purchase an audiobook for our next trip. When I asked him what genre he was thinking, he threw me for a loop again by suggesting something motivational, but it had to be humorous. I jumped onto iTunes and after previewing a few options, I purchased "Life Would Be Easy If It Weren't for Other People."

I didn't have much hope for this experiment because The Texan and I have diverse interests, but we both loved it! In less than an hour you will be totally, emotionally re-energized by Connie Podesta, a motivational speaker, author, therapist, and comedienne all rolled into one. She even is a fellow blogger! I don't know why I was surprised that she is a fellow Texan, but that probably explains why The Texan and I both felt like we were listening to a conversation with one of our friends as we drove down the road. You can tell this was recorded live during a business meeting, but it's still relevant even if you're not in the workplace or married or have children (some of the topics she hits on). Her discussion on the male and female brain was dead on. She talks about questions men hate to be asked [Spoiler alert: Does my butt look big in this did make the list ;)], the fact that we are attracted to people because of our weaknesses, how to deal with change, why you should never trust your children, and the secret to dealing with difficult people. Her words of wisdom range from "It takes the average man at least one hour to realize your not speaking (when you give him the silent treatment)" to "if your goal is to make your children happy, and they figure that out, you've handed them a loaded machine gun."

She also asks two questions which are the key to success, happiness and wealth. After listening to this section, we laughed, hit pause, and actually had a deep conversation about the points she made. I can't recommend this audiobook enough, and I'm already downloading "How to Be a Person Companies Fight to Keep" for this weekend's trip. I'll let you know if it works--LOL--and please let me know if you have any suggestions for a great audiobook both The Texan and I would like.]]>
		
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		What Every New Mom Needs to Hear
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/every-new-mom-needs-hear/
		Sat, 24 May 2014 12:00:05 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1990
		
		 every new mom has that day (usually around four weeks postpartum) when they are exhausted, unwashed, sore, hormonal, and usually covered in at least one body fluid that isn’t theirs, and they feel that they simply cannot go on.

When that day happens to me, I usually put the baby in the bouncy chair, hit the shower and have a good long cry. When the tears are gone new mother and babyit’s time for some positive self talk and deep breathing. A clean hoddie and a fresh pair of sweats along with a cup of tea and I’m ready to face the world. I’ve got one friend who has called me after each baby in tears, and I always say the same thing…and even though she knows the speech (having heard it three times) there is something about hearing it from someone else who you know loves you that makes it stick. Now I’ve made it no secret that I believe in God, and there are some parts of my “New Mom Speech” that goes along with my belief. Feel free to take those parts out if you have a new mom in your life that wouldn’t appreciate it.

After you ask your friend how she is and give her a moment to vent all her tears and fears, exhaustion and anger it’s your turn to step in with your words of love and wisdom…PS It works just as well over text and e-mail (even Facebook…though Twitter is harder…)

    “New Mom Speech”
    
First take a deep breath, you’ve got this! You can do this. Right now is hard and I know that it feels like you will never sleep, eat a warm meal or see you husband (or partner) again. The truth is; it will probably be a few months before that happens. It’s OK though because you can handle it. I promise you this is just right now, it’s not forever. You have to be patient with yourself and your baby. You guys have just met! Think how long it took you to figure out what made your husband (or partner) happy or angry, and how to make him (or her) feel better when they were upset. Give yourself time to learn about who your baby is, and what they need.

You were given this baby because God knew that you were the perfect mother for this child. You are the one He chose. God knew that you would give your baby everything they needed to become the person that God created them to be. You can do this, and even on the days when you are struggling, when the baby is screaming and you are covered in pee and spit up, you are doing an amazing job because you aren’t giving up. You are loving that baby and trying your hardest, and that‘s all your baby needs.

You are in survival mode right now, all you should worry about is keeping yourself and that baby fed, and sleeping when you can. Forget about the house and don’t worry about how your hair looks or if you paid enough attention to your husband (or partner). Turn your phone off during sleep time and put a big sign on the door (just keep it up for the next four months) that says “New Baby and Mom sleeping come back later!” Keep on going, and in those quiet moments when you are holding your finally sleeping baby, take a deep breath and know that you are enough.

Add on for mothers with other kids-Remember you did this before, and you can do it again. Don’t worry about how much TV and video game time the other kids have…you are in survival mode and a few weeks (OK months) of a ton of screen time won’t undo all the good work you’ve already done. They truly don’t care if they eat cold cereal, hot dogs and PBJ every meal for a month. And if your husband (or partner) does care, they can make dinner! Put those kids to work helping and if you doze off while snuggling and watching Frozen at 9 am don’t worry…they won’t tell anyone.

Don’t forget to check out our list of ways you can (really) help a new mom!
What helps you when you’ve just had a baby?]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week May 23, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-23-2014/
		Fri, 23 May 2014 12:30:29 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1998
		
		

PW (Prairie Wife): First tell us a little bit about your family.

N: I was born and raised in Milwaukee and I am the youngest of 6 children. I have four brothers and a sister. I busted out of the tiny Midwest and went to the Big Apple for college. I lived in London and studied economics for a year; and afterwards I bummed around and spent some time in both Costa Rica and Israel. I met my husband David when I was in school in Boston in 2009 and we were married in 2010. My son was born in 2012.

PW: What led you to look at a career in woman’s health?

N: I actually stumbled upon it; you could say it was blind luck. Thinking about it, it probably began when I choose to attend Barnard, a Liberal Arts all woman college in New York City. I feel like this environment helped to shape me as a strong woman, I always felt empowered by it! I think of myself as a feminist, and throughout my life I have always felt connected to woman.

Medical school was actually my backup plan, which sounds crazy I know…I had a variety of jobs through my early 20’s and, as the child of a doctor, I eventually decided that it was a good choice. Frankly it was an easy choice for me. In retrospect it probably wasn’t the best way to make the decision! Taking care of women was the only part of medical school that I enjoyed, so I picked the one thing I enjoyed, contributing to women’s well-being on the planet.

PW: What have been some of the challenges and joys of your job?

N: There are so many joys! When you think about it, being an OB is a strange job; you just run around and deliver babies. Most of the time, I’m delivering babies for people that have never met me before. I have literally delivered hundreds of babies, probably about 300 at this point. Even with all this, I still feel such awe in being a part of the experience. You look at this mom who has just brought a life into the world, and when you see her holding her baby, on her chest…you can just see the love and that they are over the moon! I feel so honored to be there. It’s such an intimate experience, and to be a stranger and be a part of that is amazing. I am watching the course of their life change. Sometimes I even find myself taking ownership and feeling so proud of how well it went, when really it had little to nothing to do with me.

For a funny story…Episiotomies are just not really done anymore, its standard (and better) practice to let the woman tear. Yet at a recent birth the doctor (a very old man) was getting ready to do an episiotomy on this poor woman. The attending resident just reached out and slapped the scissors out of the doctor’s hand…which is just not done! Luckily the doctor took it well and nothing happened to the resident.

One of the main challenges for me is when you see a doctor mismanaging a birth. It’s so hard to step back. Sometimes you are asked to do things that you don’t agree with, and we get creative and find little ways to take back control of the situation.

PW: I know that you are now a mother yourself; can you share your story with us?

N: Long story made short, my OB was very easy going, I thought she was a perfect fit for me. Until she decided that my baby was big. Then she got scared which in turn made me get scared. I can see now that she was planning on me having a C-section long before my baby was even due. I went to the hospital in labor and I labored for a long time, which is normal for a first baby. My husband was no support and completely uneducated and couldn't support me. The doctor and nurses used scare tactics on me as I was in labor. Every two hours the doctor or a nurse would come in, and tell me all the bad things that could be happening or would happen to my baby if I continued to labor. I got scared, and even though I knew better, I knew what she was saying was wrong…I was in labor and vulnerable. Finally, I just burst into tears. I just felt like everyone wanted to cut me open, and no one was thinking about me. I felt more alone than I had ever felt in my life. I just couldn’t speak for myself. Ultimately I ended up having a completely unnecessary C-section.

In retrospect I can see that a C-section had been their goal all day, if not for months, and of course they won. Looking back, my traumatic birth story is not about having the C-section. It’s that I felt that my rights were violated. I feel like I was completely taken advantage of emotionally and physically, at a time when I was the most vulnerable I have ever been in my life. No one stood up for me and no one fought for me when I couldn’t stand up for myself.

PW: How has your experience changed how you look at your patients?

N: How it has changed me…I listen to the women who are my patients. For example, if a woman comes in with a birth plan I take a look at it, and talk to them about their overall goals and desires. We all know that a baby doesn’t read the birth plan, and anything can happen. But, reading it can help me to know if I should encourage her to work through the pain and deliver naturally, or if an epidural sooner rather than later is best.

I never want a woman to feel helpless. When a woman is having an emergency C-section the mother is all alone, and no one is talking to Woman in Laborher, she is all alone. Everyone is busy getting things prepped and ready for the baby, her family isn’t allowed in. You better believe as the resident, I am up there with her talking to her while everything is unfolding. Trying to let her know what is going on, and giving her as much knowledge and control of the situation as I can.

Everyone forgets that there is another person involved besides the baby. Let me tell you, we as the doctors are scared too. I can get a baby out in 45 seconds if I have too. It’s scary and intense, and can seem like the longest 45 seconds of our lives. Even though we are so worried about the baby, that mom still matters! At the end of the day she is going to be a changed woman, a mother. I want her to feel empowered and cared for, even though it was traumatic and not the birth experience she may have planned.

PW: What advice would you give women who have had a traumatic birth experience?

N: Get help! You are most likely going to have another baby one day, and if you haven’t taken the time to heal, process and prepare, it could be even more traumatic the second time. Childbirth is more mental than anything, and you need to be in the right place. You need a community of support to help you. Talk to someone you trust who can help you reflect on your experience. There are so many options; there are a lot of groups out there but be careful because you can get caught up in all their terror stories. If you come from a place of blame it won’t help you, and it can take a long time to get past that. Have someone walk through what happened with you. Being at peace with the experience will end up strengthening you.

PW: Being a working wife and mother has its challenges, what are you doing to find your balance?

N: As the child of a doctor, when I became one myself, I realized that I am doing the same things that upset me as a child. I am always gone, I work odd and late hours, and I battle constant exhaustion. All of those things were hard on me as a child, when they were happening with my father. I am feeling my heart break every day I am gone, and I see how it affects my son. You can’t have it all. I can’t be a great wife and mother and doctor and friend…and I need to not feel guilty about it. I am doing the best I can and I refuse to feel guilty. I have friends and family that support me, and this makes all the difference to me.

PW: What are your concerns for the direction that woman’s health care is taking in the US?

N: People who are practicing medicine are defensive. And can you blame them, with all the things that can go wrong? A baby that is injured through the birth process is our biggest fear, and so many things have been put in place to keep the baby safe. I feel that it has resulted in women becoming not as important as the baby inside her.

We like to pretend that all the monitors keep things safe and give us a good idea of how things are. But it is a false sense of security. As OB’s we have a saying that “The only C-section you ever get sued for is the one you didn’t do.” When you have a negative experience it is so hard to not let it color all your other decisions, there is a lot of life and death on the line. I have noticed that in general, doctors are focused on controlling the whole labor and delivery, rather than letting the mother make decisions. There is a severe lack of confidence in a woman’s ability to make her own decisions about her labor and delivery.

I see the tragedy of woman not being encouraged to be active in their child birth experience. A lack of active care of our own health is being seen in all areas of women’s care now. It is a problem that breeds more problems. Women need to take control of their well being, rather than blindly following what the doctor tells them. I encourage women to find a doctor who supports the patient and has the time to help them make educated choices and listen to them. So many decisions are being based on fear…

PW: What do you think is vital for women to know about taking care of their health?

N: I think that this is so individual, and it’s hard to answer. When thinking about your labor and delivery experience, I would encourage women to take time to reflect and know themselves and their needs. If you are interested in a childbirth experience that is the least stressful as possible, find a class to attend that will support you on that. If you want a natural child birth experience do your research, attend that class, and make your expectations clear to both your doctor and partner.

At this point, most of us know, that you need to live what we know is a generally healthy life style; a well balanced diet, moderate exercise, and an emotionally healthy life. Just do it, move your body. I’m not saying everyone should do Yoga for 60 minutes a day or train for a marathon, that’s foolish. But get out and walk with your kids, dance around the room, take the stairs…move! Really simple things are all you need. Women need to be encouraged to step up and take care of themselves and educated themselves; this will give them the power to work with the doctor to help themselves. Women need to be told the importance of getting back to basics; eat well, exercise, and have strong healthy relationships with loved ones. It sounds so simple but they all add up to help you to be satisfied with your life, no matter what gets thrown at you.

PW: What are your hopes for the future of women’s health care?

N: I would just like to see informed choice respected by the medical field. Woman need to have power and be accepted for it, and not treated badly because of it. There is a general vibe that if a woman goes against the doctor’s recommendation it’s because she is crazy. Educating girls and woman in their options and then supporting their choices would result in better overall care.

PW: Any tips for women looking for a new OB?

N: Your first child birth experience (actually any child birth experience) is a vulnerable place to be. I feel like a lot of times you’re in the doctor’s power, and at such a vulnerable time you can’t expect to be able to make choices. Make sure your OB is on the same page with you and willing to help you fight for the experience you want. They need to listen to you and you need to speak up and defend yourself if you feel like it isn’t working. Don’t be afraid to go somewhere else. Watch for red flags and be aware of what your gut is telling you.

It’s OK to switch your doctor at the last hour if you just don’t have the trust you thought you had, I wish I had realized this during my labor. When a woman is entering childbirth she needs to be open minded, because there are a lot of unknowns. You have to get mentally ready and have preferences and make it clear what you want and why. That way if something changes with you or the baby, you can be prepared to make changes that still give you a positive experience. Sometime a C-section needs to happen, but if you followed your instincts and did everything you could to prevent it, you will have a much more positive experience. You need a support person that knows your fundamental beliefs and can help you, and will fight for you when you can’t. Communicate and keep your perspective.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

N: You can’t have it all, life is a balance and we are always changing. Women are predisposed to feeling guilty, not matter what choice we make, and I think it needs to stop. Life is an adventure, keep people close that support you and do the best that you can with what you know.

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		Shopping in Your Closet
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/shopping-closet/
		Wed, 28 May 2014 12:00:51 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2011
		
		 Spring is finally in the air. With the change in weather, comes a change in my fashion needs. I find myself feeling the itch to get some new clothes. While technically a few new items aren’t out of the question for our budget, I know for a fact (after doing a closet purge last month) I already have a ton of clothes. So rather than go to Target or online, and purchasing new items I decided to go shopping in my closet. Now, before you roll your eyes at me, read on for a little bit more.

Texas Two Steppin’ and I have made it no secret that we love Pinterest. We’ve found that for recipes, beauty tips, and fashion inspiration it’s a shop closet clothes choicesgreat resource. So, this last week instead of spending money, I went to my closet and pulled out a few key wardrobe items I love but, haven’t worn in forever. Mint skinny jeans (Target 2013), Chambray sleeveless top (Target 2013), tailored tan shorts (Target 2013), and a sheer blush colored blouse (danielrainn, Marshalls a few months ago). I then went to Pinterest and one at a time did a search for my items, I found hundreds of new ways to wear them. Below are just a few of the combos that I came up with. Stop by my Prairie Wife Style Board to see some more ideas!

    chambray top and tan shortsThis is a super cute errand day outfit that uses two of my closet pieces, add a pair of gladiator sandals for extra comfort and cuteness! (Madden Girl Sandals, Macy's 2012)
    

    Tan Shorts and Nautical Top
    

    This outfit would be great for a dinner out with the girls, and I think some chunky gold jewelry would be an easy way to dress it up. I took the tan shorts from my closet, added a navy and white stripped shirt (Target 2013) and some strappy brown platform sandals (Target 2012).
    

    Sheer blouse with white shorts
    

    This is a lovely look for a summer date with The Cowboy. The sheer blouse is super cute and feminine but can go edgier depending on what you wear under it. For this look I would pair it with a simple white tank. The white shorts (Express 2012) are tailored and with the nude pumps (SimplyVera, Kohl's 2013) they add sophistication to the look. Ladies, don't forget to wear nude or skin tone undergarments with lighter colored pants and tops, they won't show through like a pattern or white would!
    

    Sheer Blouse and Black Shorts
    

    This is a nice casual outfit for a BBQ. These shorts (Express, 2012) have a nice satin sheen to them that I love, and the sandals (Target 2014) are comfy but still chic with the ankle straps. Feel free to make it edgier by simply wearing a black bra underneath, or add a full black tank.
    

    Sheer Blouse and Mint Jeans
    

    This summer outfit made with two of my closet pieces would be one I would wear to church or a lunch date. The heels (SimplyVera, Kohl's 2013) take it from casual to dressy and some chunky colored jewelry (maybe coral colored) would make it even more fun!
    

    Leaopard Top and Mint Skinny Jeans
    

    I would have never thought to put leopard (Target 2010) with mint but thank you Pintrest for this great idea! I rolled up the jeans so everyone could get a better look at the strap and buckle detail on my super sexy black heels (Jennifer Lopez, Kohl's 2014). PS Add a cute nude or black Skinny belt and a mixture of gold and silver jewelry to look super chic!
    
 Chambray sleevless top and LuLaRoe dress

This look is one of my favorites and I can't wait to wear it next week when I go traveling with some girlfriends (more on that next week). The Chambray sleeveless top adds a little WOW to this super cute LuLaRoe (LuLaRoe 2014) dress (come back Sat to enter to win a LuLaRoe dress of your own)! I love to wear strappy platform sandals (Target 2013) in the summer because they add sophistication to an outfit without me having to sacrifice comfort.

What items would you pick if you went shopping in your closet?]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week May 30, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-may-30-2014/
		Fri, 30 May 2014 12:00:05 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2068
		
		

This week’s Prairie Wife of the Week is full of firsts for me. This is the first time I have picked a health and motivation topic to write about, even though I am a fan of fitness and do a lot of workout pins on Pinterest (that counts, right?). It is the first time I have featured a coworker as I usually try to keep my work and private lives as separate as possible. And it’s the first time a Prairie Wife asked me to workout during an interview (keep reading for details!).

I actually hired Texas Spartan, and while she no longer reports directly to me, we do work in the same department and chat about our love of classic Alfred Hitchcock suspense and modern TV shows like American Horror Story. Her personality and drive have always been magnetic, but as a “boss” I have always erred on the side of being professional, not personal. It is easy for me to praise or provide constructive criticism about a project, but I’m an introvert and never quite comfortable discussing personal activities or issues. In the past few years, I had noticed Texas Spartan’s metamorphosis, and I was one of those who had asked her “secret.” She was incredibly forthcoming, and some of my favorite healthy recipes are from her (who knew cauliflower in a food processor looks just like rice!?!). And when I asked about her exercise routine, she shared with me her fitness goals and the efforts she takes to make them come true.

Her fitness achievements and drive are why I asked her to be a part of the blog. I hate to write this, but even though I work with her daily I was totally unaware of the personal challenges she had faced and overcome. Reading her story, I not only learned about the power of exercise, but I also learned that someone I considered a talented coworker is also a brave and truly inspirational woman.

Texas Two Steppin’: Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

Texas Spartan: Well, I’m a 33-year-old Latina. I live in the town I grew up in, in the beautiful Texas Hill Country. I have three dogs (one is a stepdog), a cat and live with two men who came into my life over three years ago. Well, okay, they’re both far from acting grown-up--one is my wonderful boyfriend and the other is his handsome five-year-old son. I moved back home in 2008 to be closer to my parents who still live in the same house from when I was about four years old. I’m super close with my parents, and my mom knows as much about me as my closest friends. (For the record, when I say parents, I mean my mom and stepdad. He’s been a part of my life and has raised me as his own since I was three; he’s my real father in my eyes.) I have a fantastic sister who is one of best friends. She gave me the most awesome niece.  I love, love, love being an aunt! I have a HUGE family on my mom’s side. My mom is one of 14 children. Between her, my grandmother, my aunts and my sister, I’ve learned to be a strong woman who can cook, clean, work, learn, earn and be independent. And that’s what I do for the most part. My life is primarily filled with work, food, working out, running, hanging out with family and friends, my favorite TV shows, sleeping and then repeating. Oh, and I LOVE all things horror; the scarier, the gorier, the better!

TTS: We first met when I interviewed you for a position in the department years ago. In some ways that seems like it was just yesterday, but how has your lifestyle changed during this time?

Texas Spartan: That would be 6 years in July. And goodness, what hasn’t changed? Obviously, I got the job, I moved back home and made all the standard changes, but I made some huge, never saw them coming, changes, too. What’s funny about that interview is that it happened days before I’d be getting married. I squeezed myself into a horrible suit that I was actually surprised I was able to fit because five months before that day I wouldn’t have fit a thigh in that outfit. Like most women, I had just lost 25 pounds for the wedding. So I took the interview, got married and got a phone call the next week saying I got the position. As you can tell from the first question, I’m no longer married, and I’m sure you realize that marriage was short. I was with my ex-husband for a span of 10 years, but was only married for two. To make a long story short, he became an alcoholic. His addiction signs were always there, but he had always managed to keep it just at the brink of controllable. That changed on our one year anniversary night where he got incredibly wasted and broke a lot of things including my spirit and heart. We spent the next year trying to repair his alcoholism. He tried too, but he couldn’t go sober for more than a few weeks. We loved each other. He wanted to change, but couldn’t.

eatingfeelingsIt was at this point I began to eat my feelings. I’ve always struggled with weight and have never had it easy as far as keeping the pounds off. What I eat and the width of my butt have a direct correlation, and the next year seriously proved it. I’d put on all the weight I lost for the wedding and then some. I was incredibly unhappy with my home life. I tried really hard to fix my marriage, but after a year of no success, I called it quits. It was one of the hardest decisions I’d ever made. I loved my husband the day I told him to leave, but it was clear that he wasn’t going to change and my life would be on this repeated cycle of heartache. I still don’t know if I surprised everyone at work with the news, but I’d like to think I was able to keep my unhappy home life away from work. I don’t really know.

What I do know was I had to put myself first and make myself happy again. Honestly, I didn’t know what to do with myself. I had been with the same man for 10 years, and all of a sudden the only person I had to think about was myself. I went to work and came home. I didn’t have children. I didn’t have a husband. I just had myself and all this time. I had this HUGE shift in time. For once, being at home all alone wasn’t something I would look forward to. I realized I could sit at home and cry thinking about how lonely and fat I was, or I could get up and do something about it.

So I joined a gym, mainly so I didn’t have to go home and stare at the walls, hating my life. At first, I had no clue what I was doing. I played tennis in middle school for a year but didn’t play sports in high school and had only taken a semester weight lifting class in college. I was; however, roommates with a cardio queen in college. She made me a cardio queen for four semesters, so I knew that if I did some cardio I could lose weight. So that’s what I did. I spent the next several months walking on an incline and using the elliptical. Before you knew it, I started to lose some weight.

strengthThen I decided to take it up a notch, and I started counting calories using an app. That’s what really kicked everything in gear. I put myself on a strict calorie diet. I obeyed it, and by the time my divorce was finalized, I’d lost almost 15 pounds. After about eight months I’d lost a total of 40 pounds. I was pretty much back at my college cardio day weight (Not my high school weight. I told you, I’ve always struggled and was a bit chunky then too). I felt good. Spending time repairing my outside the right, healthy way was also helping me repair myself on the inside. I gained control of my habits and my goals.

It wasn’t easy, there were days that all I wanted to do was sit on my ass and shove 2,000 calories down my throat in record time, but I didn’t. I had lots of good friends and family helping me to repair myself emotionally; cheering for me along the way. I was constantly being asked, “What are you doing?” “What’s your secret?” Nobody wanted to hear diet and exercise, but it was the only answer I had to offer. I learned so much about food, myself and people during this time. There is never an easy fix to anything--not fixing a broken heart, not losing weight, not being happy. Everything requires hard work and dedication.

medalsTTS: Was there a specific moment or situation that made you reevaluate your choices, or was your decision to change your lifestyle more gradual? Did the typical motivators of health and appearance play a role in your decision or were you inspired to make changes by something completely different?

Texas Spartan: I’m so glad you asked this! I feel like I’ve made myself sound like some fat, unhappy person who hates the world for her mistakes. YES! Yes, there was a huge revolution in my life. I think it was a combination of things. My family would tell me to stop losing weight, that I looked good and there was no need to continue trying to lose. I knew they were right. I was at a healthy weight that made me happy, but I wasn’t about to start eating tortillas daily again or stop working out. Things had really started to change. I enjoyed going to the gym. I enjoyed sweating and making myself stick to a healthy routine, but I was getting bored. I was bored of not really pushing myself. I wanted to do more than just be a thinner me.

At the end of 2010, my sister was participating in a 5K. She asked if I wanted to join her so I decided why not. This would be my first 5K, and I had the hardest time running the first full mile. Being a fat kid, I hated running. And the workouts I was doing were far from high intensity; they’d always been about total calorie burn. When I saw an older woman pass me, I knew it was time to change. So after that 5K I started to add running to my routines.

tiredIt was awful at first. Who am I kidding? Running it still hard, but it I wasn’t going to give up. I started to set mini goals for myself. One of my first ones was going to the track and telling myself to run two miles nonstop. It was awful, but I did it. The next one was telling myself I was going to run nonstop for 30 minutes. I didn’t care how fast or how far I’d go, just so long as I didn’t stop running for 30 minutes. It was the longest 30 minutes of my life, but I ran the whole time. Setting these goals were breakthrough moments. I’ve never been a natural runner or athlete, so mentally I had to fight my way through every mile, every minute, every step. But the feeling of not giving up felt so much better. I learned I was capable of more physical output than I’d ever allowed myself to believe.

I started to add weightlifting into my routines and really had to get outside my comfort zones. While I was comfortable going to the gym at this point, I was not comfortable going into the weight lifting sections. I was weak, had horrible form and wasn’t really sure if I was doing any of it right. I started watching lots of videos and reading. I forced myself to find weight lifting routines that would improve my tone and muscle development while not feeling totally ridiculous. I would completely luck out when months later, I met my current boyfriend. He too was on a fitness journey and knew a lot more about weightlifting than I did. He gave me tips and routines that I could do by myself. I set mini goals with weightlifting, too. I’d write down what I was lifting for how many reps. Sometimes, I’d even post my personal records on Facebook. I’ve gone back and looked at what I was lifting and running in 2011/2012, and I think “Wow! I’ve come a long way.”

TTS: I know one of your biggest fitness goals was to attempt a Spartan Race. Can you explain what it is and why this appealed to you?

Texas Spartan: Once I started feeling good about my running and weightlifting, I decided it was time for another challenge. I had heard about some fun mud runs and decided I was going to try one. At the beginning of 2012, I signed up for an obstacle course race called the Jailbreak. My sister and my boyfriend did it with me, and I learned that day that the workouts I had started mid-2010 were paying off more than aesthetically. They had helped me athletically as well. I actually did really well at that race. I placed a lot higher than I ever thought I would and shocked myself. It was love at first sight, and I became addicted to obstacle course running. I set a goal that year to run a total of three obstacle course races, and I signed myself up for a Warrior Dash and a Spartan Sprint. Since then, the community of obstacle course racing has grown tremendously, and there are a lot of local races.

wire mudIn my personal opinion, there is nothing like a Spartan Race. They’re competitive, they’re tough and you’re expected to leave everything on that course. Most obstacle courses provide you course maps with distances and let you skip an obstacle if you fail or don’t want to do it. Not Spartan. They give you estimates of how many obstacles you’ll face and how many miles you’ll have to run. For each failed obstacle, you have to do 30 burpees. If you don’t know what a burpee is, I suggest you look it up and do 30 right now. They’re tiring. And after you’ve run three miles, failed an obstacle and don’t know how many more miles you have to go, the last thing you want to do is 30 burpees! [TTS: Readers, I took Texas Spartan’s advice and just did 30 burpees in an effort to be a more empathetic interviewer. OMG, I have even more respect for Texas Spartan and her athletic prowess. She has earned those medals!]

Spartan tells you to come to their races prepared and to come trained, and they mean it. Now, they do have certain levels of races. The general public can sign up for a Spartan Sprint which will be at least three miles and 15 obstacles; a Spartan Super which will be at least eight miles and 20 obstacles; or a Spartan Beast which will be at least 10 miles and 25 obstacles. I’ve run three Spartan Sprints, and not one of them has been under four and half miles. I’ve run one Spartan Super, and it was nine miles with 22 obstacles. But that’s why I love them. There’s this moment of pure excitement and a little of bit of fear when you’re at the starting line. You don’t know what you’re going to face. All you know is that nothing ahead of you is going to be easy. It’s not going to be a Saturday morning run and an afternoon weight session. It’s a race. It’s a race against yourself, against the other people who are there, and against that course. All you can hope for is that you’ve trained hard enough. And that’s what you do for a Spartan Race--you train hard! You run your butt off, you lift your butt off and you do it over and over and over again. You’ll be faced with 6- to 8-foot walls, muddy pits, barbed wire crawls, rope climbing, spear throwing and miles of rough trail terrain.

collageAfter running my first Spartan Sprint in 2012, I knew I had to step up every part of my training, especially my upper body strength. I did OK for my first Spartan and second obstacle course race ever. I finished 28 out of 231 people in my age group and 120 out of 949 women. But I decided I wanted to get better. I wanted to get stronger and faster. I started working out with my boyfriend, and I learned very quickly that the weightlifting I was doing wasn’t going to be enough. He really pushed my weightlifting, and I did get stronger. I had to really change my diet as well. I increased my protein intake for muscle development, and I learned what foods helped me perform better. If you would have told me three years before this moment that I’d decide to skip ice cream because I knew I had to run and lift that afternoon and instead I’d opt for a protein shake, I wouldn’t have believed anyone. Not even my momma!

My next few Spartan races I finished in the top 10 percent of women, and I’d bumped my overall all standings above the top 25 percent. This year, I’ve set my eyes on the Spartan trifecta. That’s where you run a Spartan Sprint, Spartan Super and Spartan Beast within one calendar year. I’ve got two races down, and I have one more race to go before it’s mine! Unfortunately, the last one I have left to do is a Spartan Beast, and in case you’ve forgotten, that’s the long one. I’m considering running a half marathon just to train for the Beast. I keep telling myself, all I have to do is finish it. I don’t have to finish in the top 10 percent, just finish!

before raceTTS: What tips and tricks helped you get started on your healthy journey and stay motivated? How do you achieve balance with your family, friends and job?

Texas Spartan: The best advice I have to offer is setting mini goals for yourself. Keep them realistic, keep them challenging, and do everything you can to reach them. If you’re looking to lose weight, then set a realistic goal of how many pounds you’ll lose in one month. If you want to be more physically active, then set workout goals. Just make them something you really want and don’t let anything stand in your way of reaching them, especially yourself. I can tell you 101 reasons why I didn’t have time to go to the gym tonight, but I went. Of course, families, children, work, friends, the laundry, the dishes, etc. are all important and need your attention. But if you’re not healthy enough to address these responsibilities, then what? You and your health have to be a top priority. I’m sure you’ve heard the saying--one hour is four percent of your day. Everyone should be able to donate four percent of a day at least three times a week to live better. The best thing to do is to find the things that work for you. I love running with my dogs, and they love running. It took a while to train them, but now they can go for miles. It makes the days I don’t want to run better. Also, try working out with friends. My boyfriend and a close friend of mine have been my workout partners. It gives me and my boyfriend extra time together doing something we both enjoy, and it gives me and my friend time to catch up while training. For the days I run or workout alone, I listen to music. I have playlists for long runs, weightlifting, regular runs and high-intensity workouts. They can really keep me going.

And there is always more you can learn. Explore lots of sites and lots of magazines and always keep changing things up, not just to avoid boredom, but to avoid plateaus. Your body is amazing, and it will adapt to your workouts. Don’t be afraid to try new things. You have to get out of your comfort zone. I know, I know. It feels horrible, it’s hard, and you don’t know what you’re doing. But you’ll never learn if you don’t try. I currently hate barbell cleans. They’re hard and I mess up a lot, but oh well!

Most importantly, fight through every minute your mind tells you to quit. I have gone on eight mile plus runs when I’ve had to talk myself into taking each step. It sucks. And when you have a bad attitude like that, it’s best to try to get out of your mind. It doesn’t always work, so sometimes you just have to suck it up and keep going.

TTS: OK, now’s your chance to give us one wonderful or unusual healthy living tip you have learned and any final Prairie Wife words of wisdom that we just shouldn’t live without!

trifectaTexas Spartan: Don’t be afraid. You’ll never know what you and your body are capable of until you try. I was a chunky girl my whole life. I didn’t wear my first bikini until I was 31, and I had a seriously hard time stepping out in it. I would have never imagined that I’d be rolling around in the mud and running obstacle course races. I sure as hell would have never thought I’d do a nine mile, 22 obstacle Spartan Super on Saturday morning and then get up the very next morning and run a four and a half mile, 20 obstacle Spartan Sprint. But I did it, and I finished in the top 10 percent of women! There will be times when you are tired, when you have nothing left but the mud on the bottom of your shoe, and you ask yourself, “What in the hell am I doing?” But that’s when the magic happens. When you find yourself some place you haven’t been before, doing something you’ve never done. All you needed was a pair of tennis shoes and a little determination. That’s when you feel like a Spartan. Find your Spartan. Find the things that make you want to be a faster, stronger you and do it.

Don't forget, Texas Spartan will be checking in throughout the week, so leave her some comments and encouragement as she goes for the Spartan Trifecta!

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		Fashion Bucket List Part Two
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fashion-bucket-list-part-two/
		Wed, 04 Jun 2014 12:43:50 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1967
		
		Part One of this fashion tale, try to take five minutes. If you can't spare the time, we left my story with my hand hovering over the checkout icon on Haute Look, trying to decide if I should buy a vintage Hermes bracelet at a wonderful price and end 30 years of label lust or pass. I ended the post saying, "So, what do you think I did? What would you have done? And what's on your fashion bucket list?"

Well, the reserve clock kept ticking down as I kept looking at the picture and reviewing the description. The quality looked great and it even came with the classic orange box. But wait, I am super, skinny from my fingers to my elbow and always have to take out every link in watches. Would the leather wrap bracelet work on my little "chicken wrist" (a term created by Prairie Wife)? OMG, and there are only 5 minutes left before someone else can get it!!! I literally ran to the drawer, pulled out a tape measure, and started trying to figure out if the bracelet wouldn't fall off every time I moved my hand. Then I thought, "Oh, what the heck, if it doesn't work I'm sure a blog reader will help me out of my predicament." So I ran back to the computer--with 1 min, 22 sec to spare I might add--typed in my credit card info, and hit the button.

Hermes BoxSo then I had to wait several weeks for the package to arrive. During that entire time I would check the front porch eagerly after work, and then think about whether I really made the right decision after all. When the Haute Look box did show up, I grabbed the camera because I wanted to document the process for you. I must say, there really is a difference in high-end packaging. This box was old but had really worn well (I hope people say the same thing about me!). I can honestly say that this is the first time I have ever been in the same room with an Hermes box or item, and the orange really is beautiful and looks elegant displayed on my dresser. Now, for the moment of truth. Did the bracelet look good? Would it fit? Would I really, really like it? Yes, yes and yes! The bracelet is understated so I can wear it daily with nearly every look in my wardrobe. The colors are neutral, yet the woven leather and workmanship is exquisite and looks like it was barely worn. I think this type of fashion joy was worth the wait, and there was a sense of empowerment that I am at the stage in my life where I could finally make this type of purchase on my own. I hope that someday soon you are joined with an item on your fashion bucket list, and you know we'd love to hear all about it!   Hermes bracelet]]>
		
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		LuLaRoe #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/lularoe-giveaway/
		Sat, 31 May 2014 12:00:03 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2029
		
		I love to attend parties at friend’s houses (though I was a little nervous at first if I chose not to buy anything). A LuLaRoe Maxi skirtfew months ago my friend and a contributor here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com TallGirlJ threw a LuLaRoe party. I was immediately sold when she told me they had skirts of varying lengths and dresses in a variety of styles, and really excited when she mentioned leggings and skirts for little girls too! I attended the party and expected to see a rack of clothes and a few catalogs. I thought we could check them out, maybe try on a style and then fill out our order and get it in the mail a few weeks later.

I was pleasantly surprised when I found out that this was not the case at all! I walked in to TallGirlJ’s house and saw racks of clothes (3 or 4) and Rubbermaid containers full of maxi skirts and leggings. It turns out that Katie (our local LulaRoe consultant) brings her whole stock of styles and pattern (dozens of each) and you get to try on anything you want. If she has the size and style you want you simply pay then and take it home, instant gratification, I love it! If there is a pattern you love and it’s not in your size you can head to the internet and make your order online.

I really loved the opportunity to try on the exact dress, skirt, belt, tunic, or leggings I wanted, and then have the opinions of all my friends. ILuLaRoe dress appreciated hearing “Umm I liked the other pattern you had on better!” (a nice way of saying take it off now that is not working for you) or “Buy that now, you look fab!” (no translation needed). The dresses and skirts come in a variety of shapes and styles from more revealing to more modest and the patterns are super on trend. I fell for a bold southwestern pattern and got it on a dress and skirt, and the black and white leggings I bought will work with so many things I already own! The sizes range from 2XS to 3XL depending on the style (some styles aren’t available in 2XS and 3XL) and I found they run a little large, which always makes a girl feel good. While I didn’t need to return anything because I got to try it before I bought it,

I’ve had my dresses and skirts for over two months now, and can say that they wash and wear really well. Cowgirl G has been wearing her leggings every week and they still look just as bright as the first day. The elastic waist band fits her comfortably, they are still super soft and smooth, and they don’t have any tears in the knees. My dresses are still fitting me nicely and haven’t stretched, pilled, or faded. I got a ton of compliments on my airy pink maxi skirt I wore to Cowboy J’s First Communion!

My only word of caution is that these dresses are all labeled hand wash…I forgot this and put Cowgirl G’s in the washer and dryer just like all her other clothes and…they were fine (I do wash all my clothes in cold water)! With my dresses and skirts I wash them in cold water on the delicate cycle and then simply air dry them, as I said before they seem to be just fine after two months.

    LuLaRoe Giveaway back
    
As a special offer for our readers at PrairieWifeInHeels.com our LuLaRoe consultant has offered to do an amazing giveaway, an Amelia Dress (the pattern may vary)! It is a very fashion forward dress, it has an amazing YKK zipper (this is a top notch zipper) detail on the back, hand set box pleats and pockets! The size range available will be xs-xl and would be a 0-16 pant size (keep in mind they run big).
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		My Kind of Elk Hunting
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/kind-elk-hunting/
		Mon, 02 Jun 2014 12:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2042
		
		my first Elk Hunting experience may be somewhat puzzled. And for you gals/guys that are in the know, you may be well aware that it is not Elk Hunting Season. But, let me explain.

Six years ago after Cowgirl G was born The Cowboy headed off for his yearly Elk Hunt. His Elk Hunt involves a week to ten days of him Mountains and horses elk huntingheading up into the mountains with a few of his buddies doing his favorite things in the whole world-riding horses, shooting animals, lounging by the campfire, and no cell phone service. Normally I don’t begrudge him that time; he works really hard so that I can stay home with the Cowkids! But, for some reason that year I was feeling a little disgruntled. Other than a long weekend away with The Cowboy when Cowboy J was one, I hadn’t gotten out for more than a night here and there in years. When I really got thinking about it I realized that I had never taken any time to go do my favorite thing in the whole world. The injustice of The Cowboy heading off for over a week every year, to do his favorite thing in the world with his buddies, guilt free, really started to get to me.

So, I decided that when Cowgirl G was weaned and before we had another bun in the oven, I was going to head out on an Elk Hunt of my own. When I first suggested this to The Cowboy he laughed…until I explained my idea of an Elk Hunt…then he looked worried. My three favorite things to do are read, shop, and go to the movies. I also love to hang out in the sun (wearing sunscreen of course) near some water but even I knew that would be too much to ask. I explained that on a weekend that worked with his schedule I was heading down to Denver, staying in a swanky hotel, and having a few nights out with CollegeBFF and some other gals I know. The idea of three days of lounging, shopping, reading…and of course sleeping, sounded like heaven to me! The Cowboy agreed I deserved it and I went on my way.

Since my first Elk Hunt I have gone to NYC for five days with CollegeBFF and TallGirlJ and down to Denver again for a long weekend of NYC Elk huntingshopping, spa time, and eating meals I didn’t have to cook. While my Elk Hunting isn’t for over a week every year like The Cowboy’s, I still feel like it evens out! It’s some much needed time for me to relax for more than 30 minutes, and catch back up on what it’s like to just be me…and not a wife and mother. I encourage every mother (and woman) to take a few days to herself. Even going to get a hotel room in your town and spending the day reading, eating, and watching TV uninterrupted is a simple pleasure that can’t be over rated! Imagine waking up because you aren’t tired anymore, not because someone wants to eat.

Below are a few pictures of our Elk Hunt this year. We went to Scottsdale, AZ for some warm sun and time lounging by the pool…and of course shopping!

AZ cactus

We were amazed at all the varieties of cactus!

bright flower

I guess I'm getting old because we spent a lot of time discussing the bright flowers and beautiful landscaping throughout Scottsdale, AZ. Thanks to my girlfriend for getting me this picture ;)

relaxing by the pool

We spent hours at the pool...slathering ourselves with sunscreen and drinking a ton of water (and perhaps a few fruity drinks as well)! The people watching was amazing! We saw one pair of seasoned sun worshipers who looked to be in their 70's but as one of our friends pointed out, were probably only 45, wear your sunscreen people. We realized that Wyoming is not the best place to find a cute swim suit, we were stunned by all the varieties of cuts and styles and I found myself often stopping women to ask where they got their suits (perhaps a future post). There were also the standard group of gals that had been surgically altered in a variety of ways, and a lot of couples on "babymoons".

Cabana by the pool

Renting a Cabana for a whole day was one of our favorite luxuries! We has sun and shade, and of course a Cabana boy to bring us food and drinks! We all got caught up on our magazine and book reading...and got some much needed rest and relaxation.

trunk full of bags

We had an amazing afternoon of shopping at some of our favorite places- Nordstrom, Anthropologie, Sephora, Express, and Charming Charlie just to name a few!

The fine dinning was delicious, and I can't think of a single thing that wasn't fabulous! We ate at the Greene House (amazing beet salad with whipped goat cheese), Cowboy Ciao (try the Stetson chopped salad) and Olive and Ivy (my favorite atmosphere) just to name a few.

Where would you go on your Elk Hunting trip?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week June 6, 2014 #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-june-6-2014/
		Fri, 06 Jun 2014 12:00:54 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2047
		
		It’s no secret how much I love fashion and beauty! I’ve written many posts about my love of reading fashion magazines like Marie Claire, Allure, and InStyle (just to name a few). In the past few years I have really begun to take an interest in makeup. It amazes me how taking a few minutes to add eyeliner, mascara and a quick dash of color on my cheeks and lips makes me walk a little taller, and feel a little better. Perhaps it’s the fact that I am now well and truly in my 30’s, or maybe it’s the necessity of under eye concealer because of a lack of sleep. Either way I am a self proclaimed Pinterest beauty tips addict. I first stumbled across Kendra Richards on Twitter and I soon became an avid follower of her blog. I loved how she talked about becoming a better version of yourself, rather than trying to look like a famous model or actress. I embraced her attitude of accentuating what you love (my lips and eyes) and minimizing what you don’t (under eye bags).
    
After a few months of reading her blog and pinning her amazing videos (check out all of them on Pinterst) and makeup tips onto my Pinterest Beauty Board, I went ahead and purchased her Heir Atelier Ultimate Makeup Prep (I was impressed with the very reasonable price). A while ago I wrote a post about my love of a good makeup primer and I liked the idea of a product that covered more than just one step. I received my Ultimate Makeup Prep only days after I ordered it, and tried it immediately. I first noticed the super cool container (perfect for traveling) and the fresh smell of the Prep and then, I noticed the just right glow on my skin. My makeup applied over it flawlessly and I still looked and felt fresh. After a few weeks of using it I went to Twitter and said how amazing the product was. Kendra and I began to tweet back and forth and I decided to go for it and ask her to be our Prairie Wife of the Week. I was dying to pick her brain and I had no expectations that a makeup artist to the stars would agree to an interview…imagine my surprise when she accepted! I was a nervous wreck to send her my questions and do the phone interview, but I shouldn’t have worried. Kendra is one of the most real and gracious women I have had the pleasure to interview. She was candid about her experiences and generous with her answers and advice. She is a woman who has worked hard and forged ahead to become one of the top professionals in the increasingly competitive field of makeup artists. Her passion for life and her words of wisdom about beauty are inspirational, I am so proud that she is this week’s Prairie Wife of the Week!

    Kendra Shoes
    
PW: First tell us a little bit about your family.

K: I was born in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to LA with my family when I was 5. I grew up there and currently live in the Hollywood Hills with my rescue dog Ella, a Border Collie mix. She is our unofficial Heir Atelier mascot!

PW: How did you first become interested in becoming a professional makeup artist?

K: My mom was a fashion designer in New York before she got married and she used to make all my clothes which I of course never appreciated at the time! Now I look at the few I have saved and I marvel at them, the craftsmanship is stunning. I credit her for my artistic tendencies. The truth is, growing up I always thought I wasn’t smart because I didn’t excel at the typical school curriculum. After high school I had no idea what career path to take. I followed in my Mom’s footsteps and I went into a creative field. I graduated from FIDM (Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising) in LA with a degree in Visual Merchandising. While still at FIDM I started to style and do costume design in films. After 5 years, I realized that what I really wanted to do was not wardrobe, but makeup. So I attended a small local makeup school on the Sunset Gowers studio lot. It was a brief three week course. Luckily, because of my work before, I had some connections and knew what to do to try and get jobs. I began creating a portfolio and…I may have somewhat exaggerated my experience in the beginning to get jobs. I always say, if you want to do something find a way!

Six monMakeup by Kendra Richards Headshotths after makeup school I had a friend that helped me get a meeting at one of the second biggest Hair, Makeup and Wardrobe Styling agencies in LA . When the owner of the agency looked at my portfolio she threw all but two photos out! She removed every image that wasn’t strong. She taught me that it’s better to have fewer stronger images than a whole book of images that were average. This is a concept that I use to this day that trickles down from not only my work but even down to my wardrobe, I prefer to have a smaller closet of clothes that I wear and look great than a ton of clothes that I never wear. Quality over quantity is always better.

Despite only liking two of the photos in my portfolio, I began working for this agency. They helped me build my career and build my book; they truly helped to form me as a professional makeup artist. This would never happen anymore, the field is so much more competitive now. At the time I didn’t realize how amazingly lucky I was.

PW: Can you walk us through a typical day for you as a makeup artist?

K: There is no such thingKendra doing Sosie Bacon Makeup as a typical day! There are “do and go’s” where you go meet a client at their home or hotel, do their makeup and leave. For instance red carpet jobs are do and go’s. Then you have album covers and press junkets where you stay there all day. Some jobs begin at 2 in the morning if you need to get someone ready for a live feed that is on camera on the east coast. The variety that every day offers is what I love, it keeps it interesting! Most clients book artists through an agency rather than a freelance stylist. I’ve always been represented by an agency. Clients can book makeup artist and hair stylist etc with one phone call.

Sosie Bacon at Golden GlobesMy agency gives me a call time (when I need to be there) and location for the shoot, and any additional information they may get from the client. I have my products (makeup kit) , and when you get to the job the creative team and artists discuss what we will be doing that day and how many looks , etc. It’s a collaborative creative process and it’s important to allow that process to happen organically. Sometimes you think you are going to create a specific look but once you see the clothing and hair a different direction emerges and it’s better than what you originally thought you were going to do

My makeup kit is a suitcase on wheels, and everything is in bags and categorized and organized. What is in my kit at any given time is different. If it’s a shoot for Shape magazine or an exercise video, I might not need lashes because it will be a natural look. If it’s a regular client that I have worked with before I can pare down what I have, based on what I know works best for them. Cindy Crawford is a client who really encouraged me to take a smaller kit with me to work with her because I was lugging this huge suitcase around with me and she knew I didn’t need all of that makeup for her. I have learned to keep it simple when I know that I can. At this point packing up my kit for a job is second nature to me. As a makeup artist you should be able to have a smaller range of products and colors and then mix those to make what you need. You don’t need every shade of lipstick for example. I am an artist, and I can figure out how to get the exact color I want by mixing what I have. Cleaning my makeup brushes and reorganizing my kit after a job is a constant process too. My job is not just about showing up and doing makeup, it’s also about keeping my kit clean, stocked and staying informed about trends and what is new in the business.

PW: You’ve traveled all over the world and worked with some amazing men and women, through all your experiences what have you found makes someone truly beautiful?

K: PasMartina McBridesion for what you do and a passion for life is what makes someone beautiful to me. People that are interested and open to others and the world, people with confidence and people that are considerate. What’s on the inside shows on the outside. When you are happy and comfortable and centered it comes across to others. Being beautiful starts with a smile.

The mother of one of my clients personifies beauty to me. When she smiles, she does it with her whole soul…It’s so beautiful, you don’t even notice her lines or what we call imperfections

PW: As you know, a lot of our readers don’t have access to large beauty stores or professional makeup counters. Any advice for finding the right makeup over the internet?

K:If you can’t physically be there it’s so hard to pick the correct colors. Consider shopping at stores with great return policies like Nordtsrom because even after you try the products you can return them if they aren’t right for you. Confirm this when you call them but I have never had a problem making returns to Nordstrom. Call the Nordstrom beauty counter and tell them your skin type (if you can tell them a celebrity that has the same skin tone and general look as you that will help, for example if you want a foundation color and your skintone is similar to Katie Holmes or Jessica Alba, tell them that so that they can help choose a shade that is best for you) and what you have tried that does or doesn’t work. Use their expertise to help you narrow down what you are going to purchase online.

Don’t be afraid to mix foundations to get the right color, and plan on it! I do this for myself and all my clients. You can mix foundations and even mix them with BB creams to get the right coverage for you. And don’t forget your skin changes with the change in the seasons so it’s a good idea to have a darker and lighter foundation anyway.

Fresh SkinIn the end remember to have fun, its only makeup! There is a learning curve involved, so the more experience you have doing your makeup the better you get. If you don’t like it wash it off and start again. Take time to look at woman on the red carpet and pick what you like about their look, and use it as a guide to look like the best version of yourself. Timeless classic beauties are woman that have played up their best features (think Audrey Hepburn’s eyebrows). You want to create a look that gives you confidence. Even if your friends says it looks great, if you don’t feel that way you’ll never wear that makeup again. Be honest with yourself and start over or return it.

PW: The average woman gets ready in her bathroom with harsh overhead lighting. I know that it isn’t the best for applying makeup but, since it’s our reality, can you offer pointers for working in this kind of light?

K: This even happens to me when I travel to do makeup. I would suggest getting a good hand mirror and walk over to the window to just check your makeup in natural light. It can help you to see any changes like softening your eyeshadow or adding more blush, that will help you look your best.

PW: What makeup products do you believe every woman over 30 should have, and know how to apply?

K: This was a tough question for me because everyone is different and has different makeup needs. Figure out what you feel helps you lookCindy Crawford at R&R Hall of Fame your best. Cindy (Crawford) and Cate Blanchett are quintessential examples of this; they are always uniquely themselves but universally beautiful and polished looking. I think a good starting point is to think about your best features that you want to play up and focus on that. Because skin is the canvas for makeup I think everyone should have a good makeup prep like Heir Atelier, it will keep you looking fresh and glowing, not too matte or shiny, even with minimal makeup on. Mascara and if you need it, an eyelash curler will help your eyes look bigger. Well shaped brows will help you look polished. Generally if you stick with natural colors that enhance your features you will look polished and beautiful, though playing with colorful eyeliner is a great way to add a little pop. If you don’t want to wear foundation you can use concealer where needed like under the eyes, to cover redness or discoloration.

Investing in great makeup brushes really help you do better makeup. You want to make sure they are soft and are comfortable for you to use. The ones that actually come with your makeup are generally not good so I just toss them. Great makeup brushes will really help the finished look, it makes the application process much better.

PW: Recently you’ve developed your own skin care product Heir Atelier can you tell us some more about it?

[caption id="attachment_2057" align="alignright" width="200"]Heir Atelier Photography by Ted Itamura[/caption]

K: It basically came about because skin is the canvas for makeup and in my work that is the first critical step, prep the skin so the makeup will look it’s best. No matter what makeup products and techniques you use, the finished look is only going to be as good as the skin that it’s on. At shoots, I found myself mixing multiple serums to get the ideal prep for my clients skin. It was costly and time consuming so I decided that I could make my own serum. After doing research and sourcing the ingredients I began making my serum at home in my kitchen and taking it to jobs to use on my clients. I had clients, and other makeup artists requesting it and realized that I needed to start a business making this serum. I found a chemist and cosmetic/skincare manufacturer to create the final formula that is now Ultimate Make Up Prep. It’s a new company but Heir Atelier is available in the US and overseas. Ultimate Make Up Prep is now available in the UK (I am thrilled about this) at Blow Ltd in London, which is a company that is dedicated to fast beauty. You can go to www.HeirAtelier.com to learn more about it and purchase some for yourself. I’m developing two more products right now, and I’ll be sure to let your readers know more about that soon!

PW: Are you ready for the rapid fire question portion?

K: I hope so!

PW: What’s your least favorite makeup myth?

K: Everyone says older woman can’t wear shimmery eyeshadow, not true! I rarely use matte, there is more dimension with the shimmery shades.

PW: Name two things every woman should be doing now to keep her skin beautiful?

K: Sunscreen and sleep but if you can’t sleep remember to eat well and drink water. Your skin is the biggest organ of your body and is a reflection of your overall health.

PW: You never leave the house without _______ in your purse.

K: Hah what don’t I have! Probably my 2 phones if I had to pick, a blackberry and an IPhone!

PW: You only have five minutes to apply your makeup, what do you do?

K: Foundation, concealer, smudged eyeliner and lip balm.

PW: A woman is beautiful when _____________ .

K: When she is a loving person to herself and others.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom for our readers?

K: As a makeup artist I play up the strengths of the women who sit in my chair. I suggest taking some time to do this for yourself. I find that women are too quick to point out what they consider to be their flaws, I say focus on what you love and play that up. Also it’s important to show up for yourself first and do what you need to feel confident, give that gift to yourself. I believe that we are what we think about, be open and happy about life and interested in others. Live your best life!

Kendra has graciously offered to do a a giveaway of her Heir Atelier Ultimate Makeup Prep to one lucky reader! Enter below and keep those fingers crossed! If you have any questions or comments for her, leave them below. Kendra will be checking in with PrairieWifeInHeels.com throughout the week.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Spring Cleaning for your Garden (part 2)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-cleaning-garden-part-2/
		Sat, 07 Jun 2014 12:00:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2105
		
		Cheeleo shared her master gardening expertise with our readers. Now, it is time for me to share my not so expert tips! I have been working hard the last few years to get our Prairie Homestead in shape. I'm not going to lie, we've had a lot more fails than wins. The combination of harsh wind and weather and clay soil is deadly for most plants. Last year at the advice of a friend I dug up all my plating areas and replaced them with all new dirt (over 20 bags worth). While it was a major undertaking I am proud to say that I am finally making steps forward on our landscaping. Now that we have our new deck The Cowboy had the idea to pull up some of the stones on our patio, replace the dirt underneath, and turn it into a rose grotto! I am trying not to get too excited because we haven't had any luck with roses yet. I desperately miss my rose garden (9 stunning bushes that produced all summer and most of the fall) from our old house!

This week the Cowkids and I freshened up the dirt in all of our pots and planters, adding some new soil and plant food and stirring it all up. We Plants ready to be plantedweeded our flower beds and made a list of plants that thrived through the tough winter (over a week of -29) so we could purchase some more. We picked out our flowers (Menards and WalMart) and carted them home...It's amazing how many flowers can safely ride in the back of a mini van! The Cowkids helped me unload all the flowers and we had a picnic...and then got to work.

The kids each have their own liCowkids helping to Gardenttle bit of garden, and they have full responsibility over their plants. You know me, I believe in the kids helping in every aspects of our lives. Seeing what they pick to grow each year is always fun. Cowboy W always goes for watermelons and Cowboy J picks out a variety of tomatoes. The Cowboy brought home some old tires and we filled them with rocks and dirt. Not only is it recycling but, the black rubber helps keep the plants toasty warm through the night and short Wyoming summers. We rotated the boy's tires this year to keep the soil from being depleted but, Cowgirl G wanted to stay the same since her wildflowers came back so wonderfully this year.

I think it is so important to keep track of what grows well in certain pots and planters at your house. Jot down your favorites at the end of theHerb Garden summer so that you can pick the same annuals again and ensure that your landscaping will look its best. I love to use fresh herbs in my cooking and I am so excited to have fresh mint again in my Detox water! The kids love to help pick the fresh basil and I think Cowboy J is old enough to help chop them this year. If you haven't tried adding fresh dill to your salads start now, it gives it such a fresh zing! I had to include the goose planter that Cowboy W got me for Mother's Day, he was so proud to see it being used. Even Cowboy C got into the act and "helped me" by planting some bubbles in my herb garden! Cowboy C planting bubbles

Part 2 of Spring cleaning in the garden is my favorite because at the end I always have some beautiful flowers to gaze at, and a day full of fun memories for the whole family! The Cowboy made me this huge planter box a few years ago, my favorite detail is that he added our family brand to it. The kids always add their own little touches to it. The Flamingos were my mother's day gift from Cowgirl G and the birdhouse was a fun family project this winter. If you peer closely you can see the deer antlers (and some skull still covered in hair) that Cowboy W felt it was necessary to add! Planter Box

What are you planting in your garden now?]]>
		
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		The Red Tent by Anita Diamant 
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/red-tent-anita-diamant/
		Mon, 09 Jun 2014 12:00:30 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2121
		
		As you can see by my picture, this book is well loved. If I had to guess I would say that I personally have read it half a dozen times, and I The Red Tent by Anita Diamantknow that I have leant it out to at least that many friends. The first time I read this book I was in my early 20’s, I had just been married and was trying to decide what being a “wife” meant. It was a shocking transition for me. I had plenty of time to wrap my head around the while wife concept, The Cowboy and I were together for three years (engaged for one of them) before we were married. But, for some reason it was a struggle, and I found I wasn’t totally confident in my identity anymore. When I picked up this book it really struck a chord with me and became a huge personal favorite. I now read it every time I get pregnant (or am feeling a need for some feminine power and inspiration) and it just reinforces a sense of strength in me about who I am as a woman, wife and mother.
    

    The Red Tent by Anita Diamant is a historical fiction novel (my personal favorite genre) that takes place in the times of the Old Testament. Diamant uses the book to further tell the story of Dinah, who is only briefly mentioned in the book of Genesis. She is the only daughter of Jacob, and her twelve brothers include Joseph of the infamous many colored coat story. In ancient times when woman were menstruating or after having a baby, they were sent to the red tent, because they were considered impure or unclean. At first this may sound terrible but the more you think about it, wouldn’t it be nice to be by yourself (or with a few other woman) with no chores or obligations during this time?
    

    The book starts with Dinah sharing the stories of Jacob’s four wives, her mothers. The tales of their forced lives together and the resulting tangle of emotions; love, heartache, friendship and envy sucked me in. It’s like a biblical version of the hit TLC show Sister Wives! The detail in which Diamant discusses their daily life made it easy to imagine how they lived, and her almost lyrical writing made it impossible to put down. As women struggling to live in a society where their main purpose was to bear children and serve men, my heart went out to them, and it made me appreciate the freedoms I take for granted. Finally, after ten sons were born to Jacob, his wife Leah bore him Dinah...Now her story truly begins.
    

    Her childhood and growth towards womanhood revolves around the lives of her mothers and her brothers. As Dinah grows she learns, through her mother Rachel, the art of midwifery. She becomes a student of the intricate mysteries of women and how life begins, and sometime ends, in the same breath. Her own tragedy in love results in an exile to a foreign land, where her skills as a midwife earn her both her life and opportunities not usually offered to women. Her story becomes entangled with those of many other women. Every time I read this book, I find myself caught up in the ability we have to impact everyone we meet. Without ruining the story I can tell you that it ends with Dinah’s death and these words “Blessings on your eyes and on your children. Blessings on the ground beneath you…”
    ]]>    
		
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		Making an Heirloom
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/making-heirloom/
		Wed, 11 Jun 2014 11:58:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2125
		
		major fashion purchase. But he wasn't hearing it, so I finally settled on an heirloom piece of furniture.

workshop sign I had seen this sign several years ago and fallen in love with the work coming out of this little shop in the historic district of Rockport, Texas. The owner, Ron Blue, was so personable and welcoming. He was never too busy to share the story about the piece of wood he was sanding or photos of his past projects using reclaimed wood, tin, old surfboards and teak. Everything was unique and special, and I really, really wanted a custom piece.

sketchIt all started with this quick sketch. I wanted a cabinet made with some old louvered doors that I had seen in the back of his shop. The Texan told me I had full creative control, the only thing he asked is that it be made with real wood and that it incorporate some bead board he liked (who knew we both liked that coastal style?). So he left the shop and Ron and I started planning the size of the piece, number of shelves, and the custom paint treatment. As I've mentioned several times before, I am slightly obsessed with anchors, so we decided to add those to the knobs. And I wanted our last name featured somehow.

woodI also got to decide how the feet of the cabinet would look, and sifted through the wide range of antique table, chair, and bed scraps until I found something that would work. I changed my mind a few times about the color of the piece, but by the time I left the workshop I knew the cabinet would be absolutely fabulous. Now all I could do was wait for Ron to call and tell me that the heirloom piece was ready.

I got the call this past Friday, so The Texan and I stopped by the shop bright and early on Saturday. There was my incredible birthday present.

cabinet

workmanshipThis closeup of the cabinet shows you the level of craftsmanship and artistry Ron and his assistant, James, produced. The bead board was taken from an old home in Flour Bluff, Texas, and they had sanded it back so the original paint showed through. The grey paint was a subtle, better-than-neutral color, and the dark brown stain they used really highlighted the beautiful wood grain. Having the family name painted freehand on it was truly a great decision, and I knew the kids would cherish it as much as I do one day.

But wait, I have two kids and only one incredibly beautiful cabinet! I bet you know what The Texan will be getting me for my next birthday...

 ]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week June 13th, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-june-13th-2014/
		Fri, 13 Jun 2014 12:00:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2137
		
		 Project 143 I immediately put a bug in The Cowboy’s ear that I thought our family would be participating in this program in the future. Sarah’s determination to give hope to orphans, to share with them the vision of what their future can and should be, and her selfless act of opening her home up to a child from across the world, makes her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week.

PWW Sarah Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Sarah (S): I grew up in Laramie, Wyoming and I met my husband when attending college at the University of Wyoming. I am a special education teacher at a local Elementary school and Ryan is an optometrist. We’ve been married 11 years and we currently live in Casper, Wyoming with our four children. Bodie is 8, Laird is 6, Jude is 4 and our youngest Tatum is 3.

PW: Your youngest, Tatum, is adopted what led your family to make that choice?

S: I personally am adopted, and it was something we always knew we would do once we had our own family. We had the three boys and my last pregnancy was really complicated. When we began to think about having another child we felt that God was showing us that it was time to adopt.

During the beginning of the adoption process we looked both overseas and domestically. Heart and Soul, a Utah-based agency, contacted us so we finished all of our paperwork and turned it in to the agency…about 3 hours later we were matched! This is no small miracle for those of you who are familiar with the adoption process. Tatum was ours immediately after she was born. We were even there when she was born! It was absolutely amazing.

PW: How did you first get involved with the Project 143 organization?

S: I am a part of a small group bible study and we recently read a book Restless by Jennie Allen. As you read this book, you look at your threads, your passions and your drive, and you learn to link them all together. Eventually, through this process, you learn about what your true calling from God is. As a result of this process I really felt like it was time for me to do more for the adoption community. I was asked to speak at the Adoption Alliance Conference and at a local school to pregnant teenagers about adoption. I am also involved in the Wyoming Adoption and Foster Care Alliance. It was through this organization that I first heard about Project 143. Through much prayer, Ryan and I felt that this was something we were being called to do.

PW: You can find out more about Project 143 by going to projectonefortythree.org but, here is an overview from the site…

“Project One Forty Three, Inc., runs the Project 143 Orphan Host (HOPE) Program. Hosting is inviting an orphan child to live in your home and experience your family for 4-8 weeks over the summer or winter holidays. Host families have the opportunity to share their values, beliefs and culture as well as learn something new from their host child. Hosting is ideal for families with a heart for the 143+ million orphans worldwide. The orphans available for hosting are chosen by our interview team, who travel overseas to meet each child in person. Project 143 has a special emphasis on hosting older children, children with special needs and sibling sets, as these kids are often the most forgotten or overlooked. Host children range in age from 6-16 and each host family is allowed to choose the child that fits best with their family dynamic after viewing the children’s photos and reading their biographies online. Without hosting, most of these children will eventually ‘age out’ of the system and never experience the life giving, life changing love that family provides. Hosting can also serve as a connection between an orphan and his or her ‘forever family’. However, you absolutely do not have to be interested in adoption to participate in hosting a child. The focus of the host program is cultural exchange and exposing the children to life outside an orphanage. Adoption is sometimes the by-product of the program, but not the only goal.”

S: I started to look at the site and spent a ton of time looking at pictures. But, my husband felt that because of financial reasons it would be more practical to wait until 2015.

PW: What is the cost for participating?

S: In order to participate it is $3,000 per child. The cost covers their fees coming to America as well as the assistance of a chaperone. The kids come with a backpack, and host families are allowed to send other necessities in a suitcase. Most times they come with very little, so there are some more costs involved (clothes and other necessities for the child) during the two month stay.

PW: Your guest arrives in a few weeks…what happened to waiting?!

S: Well my husband had decided it was best to wait, and I knew that it wouldn’t be right or fair to push him so I let it be. Then, a few days later, my husband called me. For some reason, he felt that it was suddenly the right thing to do. It turns out that he had actually been praying and thinking about it and had heard a song on the radio that just really struck his heart. He decided that we needed to immediately do this and not wait until next year. We involved our four children in helping us find the right match for our family. Project 143 works with orphans in China, Latvia, and the Ukraine. We eventually picked Vitaliy, a 10 year old boy from the Ukraine.

PW: What are your plans for Vitaliy when he is here?

S: He wants to learn to ride a bike and loves to hike and be outdoors. We hope to take him camping, to the lake, and to the rodeo! I can’t wait to celebrate the 4th of July with him in Driggs, ID which is a family tradition! I can’t wait to show him the fireworks and the traditional American BBQ and Western lifestyle which is what we all love about Wyoming. I just want to show him what a loving, caring family is like. He is only here for 8 weeks, but we are going to squeeze in as much fun family time as we can!

PW: What if there is a problem, or it turns out he isn’t a good fit for your family?

S: The chaperons come here to the US with the orphans, and they actually stay in the region the whole time. For example, there is one chaperon for the Colorado and Wyoming area. They check in with you every week, and they are there to help with any challenges. There is even a medical insurance policy, in case any of the children get sick or injured. They really do hand select the children that they feel would be the best fit for the program, but it is nice to know that there is support if it’s needed.

PW: What impact has this decision had on your life?

S: I feel that there has been a peacefulness in my husband and I after we decided to participate in this program. It feels like the right choice for our family, and an amazing way for us to continue on our journey of helping the adoption community. One of my sons have said how excited he is to share his world with Vitaliy. We really believe this will have a profound effect on our own children as well. My hope is that this will help them to grow up knowing that there is a whole world out there, and that it isn’t just about where you are and what you have, but what you can contribute.

PW: Have you seen any impact in your local community because of your participation in the project?

S: There are currently five other families in our local community that are participating in Project 143 as well. I think that knowing other families are there to share the story of these children, makes me hopeful that we will have a bigger impact for these children and the program as a whole.

PW: Some people may say that this seems like it would cause more pain than help to these children. Giving them the life they dream of for a few months, and then sending them back to an orphanage. What is your response to this?

S: It is described to the children as something similar to a foreign exchange program, except it is about experiencing a family more than a country. Everyone has had an experience that has gone into making them who they are today. I feel that this is an opportunity for these children to have hope for their future, a chance for them to see what life could be, and maybe even encourage them to break the cycle of what brought them to an orphanage. Most of them are orphans as a result of drug and alcohol abuse. These children are orphans through no fault of their own. We hope to show Vitaliy that there is hope for the future, the love of a family, and the love of God. Those things won’t end when he gets on the airplane.

I know that it will be hard for our whole family for Vitaliy to go back, but I have faith that this is God’s plan for us and it will all turn out wonderfully. It is always a possibility that we may choose to adopt this child, though it can’t be done through the program. Maybe instead of adopting this child, we are supposed to be helping many children through Project 143. I have confidence that when the time comes to make these decisions, we will know what is right for our family.

PW: Not everyone is called to adopt, what advice do you have for families that want to be supportive of others involved in the adoption process?

S: I think that people should never underestimate the power of prayer. I think that being sensitive and supportive to people’s reasons for adopting is important. Just like having a new baby, adopting a child is full of ups and downs.

PW: How can our readers help you and Project 143?

S: There is a way to donate to the project in general on the site. To donate to local Wyoming families that are in need of funding please take the time to check out the Wyoming Adoption and Foster Care Alliance. Kris Katzman coordinates this alliance along with the fundraising involved. We personally are having a community garage sale at a friend’s house Saturday, June 14. It will be a multi-family sale with something for everyone! Stop by from 8am-1pm tomorrow at 4036 Bretton Drive Casper, Wyoming!

PW: Any final Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

S: Be the change you wish to see in the world.

Read our second interview with Sarah and learn about her hosting experience!]]>
		
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		Whatcha Gonna Buy Your Cowboy?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/whatcha-gonna-buy-your-cowboy/
		Sat, 14 Jun 2014 12:00:49 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2140
		
		"Whatcha Gonna Do With a Cowboy" by Chirs Ledoux and with Garth Brooks, it's kind of one of my theme songs for The Cowboy and I! Click on the song title to listen to it, I guarantee you'll be tapping your foot.

Is there anything worse than trying to buy a gift for a husband or boyfriend? Obviously this post is prompted by Father’s Day happening…tomorrow. I’m sure you thought that you would see some super cool gift ideas here from me, and I’m sorry to disappoint. Actually, it’d be great if you could let me know what you bought for the father in your life…I’ve still got 24 hours to get out and buy something.

At first shopping for The Cowboy was super easy, if it needed ammunition, or was involved in the hunting process in any way it was the Father's Day giftperfect gift for him. The problem is that we have now been together for over 13 years and all the guns he doesn’t own are not in our price range, and he already has every amazing hunting gadget known to man. I bought him a watch that he never wears, books that gather dust (to give him credit he does read some of them), and every Wyoming shirt that has ever been designed. So what’s this Prairie Wife to do?

The last few years I have come up with Father’s Day week. Hold on, before you roll your eyes, let me explain. The Cowboy is gone all week from us, and he works really hard to allow me to stay home and keep on popping all these kids out. The four Cowkids themselves rack up quite a few bills (5 ear surgeries alone between Cowgirl G and Cowboy W) and then add to that my fashion and beauty addiction. The poor man will never be able to retire.

When The Cowboy does get home, exhausted and weary from hundreds of miles on the road and late nights doing paperwork, he slips right into the fun dad mode. Swinging the kids around, snuggling and spoiling them all, and generally brightening up the whole house with laughter. Then he finds the time to be helpful and sweet to me (not always but, I gotta give him some credit) and he doesn’t bat an eye when I leave him to go “Elk Hunting” with the girls. Now don’t get me wrong, he has his moments, but he also does deserve some pampering.

So, rather than stress about finding him the perfect gift (I have seriously given up) I spend the week before Father’s Day (or after depending on how things are going) spoiling him in little ways. I make cookies on Sunday to send on the road with him. When he gets home, I have a weekend of his favorite meals and tasty treats planned out. This week we’ll be having a roast on Saturday (this way he can have cold roast beef sandwiches Sunday) and his favorite pie-Strawberry Rhubarb! I offered to load up the whole family and go camping (trust me this is a HUGE sacrifice for me) but instead he asked if he could have some guilt free riding time on Saturday and Sunday.

I still took the kids out to get him gifts, which is always both fascinating and hilarious. Cowboy J picked out a book, Cowgirl G wanted to pick out clothes, Cowboy W bought him a wheelbarrow, and Cowboy C got him a brand new badger hair shaving brush. One year we did a survey that asked the kids questions about their dad that was super cute and funny!

So I guess what I’m saying is that I totally took the easy way out this year (yet again) and rather than give The Cowboy a gift that he won’t have any use for, I’m taking the time to show him I care with actions and food. After all, wouldn’t you love a week straight of all your favorite foods and some guilt free time to read, shop or get a pedicure…or whatever you like to do? I say it’s better than any gift I could buy him and feel free to steal my idea. With that being said…make sure you leave a note in the comments telling me what you got the Father in your life…that clock is ticking…]]>
		
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		Summer 2014 Trends: Dos or Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/summer-2014-trends-dos-donts/
		Wed, 25 Jun 2014 12:00:23 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2151
		
		Spring 2014 Dos or Don’ts list. It was a blast to take a look at what she picked from the season’s trends and see how we were similar and different. This time it was my turn to pick the trends to talk about. It was so hard to settle on just a few trends. Luckily, as part of my New Year’s resolutions, I’ve been actively participating in this activity so I have some firsthand knowledge of how these trends translate into the real world! Check out our Pinterest Prairie Wife Style and Two Steppin’ Style boards to see these trends in action. Let us know what Summer 2014 Trends you think are Dos or Don’ts and what you can’t wait to try.

P.S. If you love the trend just click on the pic to buy it!

Overalls

Guess OverallsPrairie Wife: I have to say that I never participated in this trend the first time around, though I clearly remember seeing girls everywhere wearing body suits and huge baggy overalls with one shoulder undone. That being said I absolutely love the new slimmer overalls; they are a do for me. I think the look is just the right mix of country and chic. On my “elk hunting” trip to AZ a cute pair of overalls was my main shopping goal. I am pleased to say that I was successful, and I have been dressing mine up with heels and bold accessories, and down with a super-soft T and flats.

Texas Two Steppin’: Full disclosure—I am very much old enough to have participated in the trend when it appeared in the ‘90s, although because I lived in Texas my look was all about shortalls rather than overalls. I also had my most horriblest shopping experience ever while I was wearing them (fodder for an upcoming blog post) and because the emotional scars still have not healed they are not on my shopping list this season. However, if you are 30ish or younger and are feeling confident, choose a slim pair and give them a try.

Backpack Purses

Backpack PursePrairie Wife: I am all about a purse that can hold a ton of stuff, but I am not on board with these. I think they are clunky and ugly, and not chic in any way…this is a big don’t for me!

Texas Two Steppin’: I do like that this backpack is leather. But to me, these are like a fanny pack for your shoulders. No way, no how.

Pointy Toe Flats

Pointy toe flatsPrairie Wife: I have made it clear that I love heels, and have no problem spending hours running around in four inch heels. I am aware that heels aren’t for everyone and even I have days or times when it just doesn’t work for me to rock my stilettos. These pointy flats are a do; they are the perfect compromise because they are comfortable without giving up style. The point helps to elongate your leg even with no heel, and they look equally chic with pants, shorts, or a dress. I have found the same pair in the picture in a deep scarlet red at Marshalls!

Texas Two Steppin’: I totally agree, they are a do. At the office I probably spend more than 50 hours a week in my heels, but every once in awhile I have to attend an event where it would be totally out of place to wear them. These are a great compromise because they are a comfortable height and will grab your attention with the bold color and ankle strap. Just be careful to make sure you pair them with a skirt or pants with the right amount of volume so your legs don’t look shorter than they are.

Ear Cuffs

Ear CuffPrairie Wife: It’ll be no surprise to our readers that this is a do for me. I love the rocker look, and ear cuffs are a fun way to go punk with no lasting side effects (like an ear full of holes)! That being said I personally prefer the ones that are geometrical or organically shaped, as opposed to some I have seen that are animals or involve lots of chains and attach to your hair. If you are wearing an ear cuff I think that it should be your main statement piece, adding a necklace just makes it confusing, so keep that in mind when you’re rocking your look.

Texas Two Steppin’: I think this is totally a do for others, especially those in their 20s. I think women in their 30s who embrace the rocker vibe should totally adopt this trend. It just gets a bit trickier when you are in your 40s and a grandma because if you put on an ear cuff you could easily be mistaken for someone trying to recapture her youth. Especially because you probably had your ears double or even triple pierced in 1990. I do think they are pretty cool, and would choose it as my statement jewelry for the right occasion. I just haven’t found what the right occasion would be, so give me a suggestion in the comments below!

Retro Bandanna Headband

Retro HeadbandPrairie Wife: This look has been seen a ton on the young and fabulous Hollywood stars. Taylor Swift has really brought this look into the mainstream. I think that this one is a do…but I say that tentatively. You really need to be careful what you wear it with. A white t-shirt, skinny jeans, and a comfy pair of flats with this headband will make you look super cute. This headband, overalls and cowgirl boots will make you look like…well…white trash…in my opinion. So wear this but, let it be the main focus of your outfit. Keep it simple and don’t go too far into the deep dark country woods with this look.

Texas Two Steppin’: While a bandana would never work for me at the office, even on a Casual Friday, I totally think it is going to be the perfect solution to tame my normal windblown, weekend coastal look. I don’t think I will be going with the traditional, pinup red headwrap, but I do have a gray silk bandana that should do the trick. This weekend I’m jumping on Pinterest to see how to tie it, and I promise I will report back soon.

Flat Chunky Sandals

Chunky SandalsPrairie Wife: DON’T! These are so incredibly ugly and it makes my feet sweat just to look at them. I do not see how these are better than a cute pair of flip flops. I know they are all the rage on the runway with every super famous designer you have ever heard of, but I’m sorry they got it wrong. A chunky platform sandal reminiscent of the ‘70s is a total DO, This flat, heavy, clunky sandal…DON’T!

Texas Two Steppin’: Dittos!

Bold Floral Dress

    Floral DressPrairie Wife: In our Spring 2014 Trends: Dos or Don’ts post we talked about floral pants. This time it’s the floral dress. The little old British lady in me is weeping tears of joy about this trend; I say it’s a do! I love the look and the bright and bold patterns keep it from being too dowdy. I also love that it would be simple to take this from sweet and sexy to edgy, by adding chunky metal accessories (an ear cuff perhaps) and a motorcycle jacket. Take it into fall by throwing on some knee high boots and a cardigan or fitted blazer.
    
Texas Two Steppin’: I totally am going to click on this pic and purchase it. The little cap sleeve sheath dress is adorable, and would work at the office with a blazer, belt and heels. As well as on the weekends with my favorite red gladiator sandals and a straw fedora. Do it, do it, do it!]]>    
		
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		Summer is Here at Last!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/summer-last/
		Mon, 16 Jun 2014 12:00:30 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2156
		
		on the Prairie, it's been a few weeks since we had snow. I think (hope) this last week brought us our final night of frost. At least I hope so, because I plan to take the Cowkids to the store to replace their Tomato and Watermelon plants that couldn't take the cold. As part of our summer tradition, the Cowkids and I spend a ton of time at a local state park. It's only a few miles away from the Prairie Homestead and offers a small "lake" and sandy beach, as well as the North Platte River, playgrounds, and an amazing shady trail that I love to run on. It's a park we go to almost all year because once it's too cold to go swimming we bundle up, and the Cowkids ride their bikes through the leaf piles on the trails. I encourage everyone to check out your state's park systems. Often times you can buy a state park pass for under $50 and go to any park all year long. As we travel around after The Cowboy it's a great way to spend the day as a family, and we always make wonderful memories.

I keep a picnic blanket and two mesh bags with our beach gear in the back of the van (thank you Target), that way we are ready to go as soon as everyone is suited up and sunscreened. One bag has all of our sand toys and the other has their life jackets. Cowboy J is a proficient swimmer so he only wears it when swimming in deeper water. It just keeps my mind at ease to have the kids in one, you never know what might happen. I also throw in sunscreen, bug spray and a few bottles of water to keep the trips to the car down to a minimum!

Beach bags

 

We usually go to this park once a week all summer long and it felt SO good to hit the sand with the Cowkids. Cowboy C is just the right age to really enjoy all the digging and splashing!

Cowboy C and Water

The bigger Cowkids have the routine down pat by now, and are pros at making mini lakes, dinosaour habitats, and sand castles galore!

Cowboy W and boat

I have learned that it is well worth the money to make sure each kid has a bucket and shovel of their own...trust me...

Cowkids with buckets

After about two hours in the sun and water we are all pretty hot and hungry so the Cowkids take turns chaning into clothes while I set up a picnic in the shade. I couldn't do it without my thirty-one bag!

Picnic

I usually try to cook pretty healthfully but there are some things that are necessary for our picnics. It just isn't summer around here without Capri Sun juice pouches and fruit snacks. You can't go wrong with old fashioned PB and J sandwiches and some fresh fruit either!

Picnic food

As we rest and gather our energy for the drive home we like to listen to the leaves rustle in the never ending Wyoming wind.

Tree

Take some time this summer to get outside with your kids, their is nothing better than watching your kids loving life and laughing in the sunshine with your children!

What are some of your summer traditions?]]>
		
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		Resolution Reboot
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/resolution-reboot/
		Wed, 18 Jun 2014 12:00:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2175
		
		Prairie Wife: As I looked over my resolutions I was actually pretty pleased to see that I have actually kept up on each and every one of them!

yell free PW1. Going yell free is always a challenge around here, with four kids the noise level is always pretty high and sometime I feel like I need to yell just to be heard! I’ve really been taking time to stop what I’m doing and talk to the kids when it’s time to discipline them, rather than snap and yell. I’ve seen a difference in me and more importantly, the Cowkids are yelling at each other a lot less. Take a moment to read (or read again) this post by TallGirlJ and get on the yell free bandwagon with us!

2. I would say that I have been doing pretty well on dressing up a little more. After going to France I really became inspired to take a little extra time to let my clothes reflect my mood, and after doing a closet purge I’ve found it a lot less time consuming to pick out outfits. I’m not saying I’ve been completely yoga pants in public free…but I’m making progress!

3. I have totally been on board with this resolution, trying new trends with both makeup and clothing has beMakeup by Kendra Richards Headshotcome a little hobby of mine. After doing my interview with Professional Makeup Artist Kendra Richards, and hearing her definition of what makes a woman beautiful, I’ve become even more confident in being me! Stay tuned for a Summer 2014 Trends Do or Don’t list from Texas Two Steppin’ and I soon. There will be a few things on the list that I have tried out!

4. Despite there being a lack of non-fiction book reviews here, I have been keeping up my end of the bargain (or should I say resolution). It’s just that I haven’t enjoyed any of them enough to recommend them to you! I’m open to some suggestions if you know of a great non-fiction book I should read, help!

5. We did this one in February, and I am so pleased that my big sis and I got to spend some face to face time together. We made some great plans for the blog, and I hope you’ve been enjoying it. Let us know if there is anything you’d like to see more or less of!

Did you make any resolutions, and how have you been doing with them?

Texas Two Steppin’: I hadn’t really focused on my resolutions like I initially planned (surprise, surprise). Well, that’s one of the benefits of having a blog--y’all keep me honest and focused on moving forward.

orchidcasual1. This year’s hot hue is Radiant Orchid, and while I haven’t purchased a new piece, I did find a tank top in this color hanging in my closet. I probably bought it eight years ago and hadn’t thought about it lately because a cami with lace trim isn’t the most modern look. But, the other day I challenged myself to incorporate the tank into a casual Friday look. I really liked the final result with an army green and gray striped cardigan, Loft cuffed gray jeans, Steve Madden army green wedges and silver accessories. Now that I’m working on this post, I think I’m going to find another outfit with the tank. Stay tuned...

2. I think the picture says it all; I consider this resolution kept. I have been trying out so many cleansing options to go with the best styling product for my thin, color treated, super straight, nearly shoulder length hair. I really have learned a lot. For example, all these years I have been committed to volumizing shampoos and conditioners, but I really should have been focused on straightening ones. Once I made this discovery, the frizzy halo I had been fighting for years disappeared. While I am committed to finishing this experiment, I think I have found a winner. My BFF told me about the Agave system, and because Sephora had a trial size I purchased it right away. I have greasy, oily hair to go with my greasy, oily skin, so I was really nervous about using the oil treatment that is dispensed with a dropper. Lo and behold, I absolutely love the texture and smell of the products, and when it is combined with my Living Proof Perfect Hair Day magic potion, I have truly silky, manageable hair.shampoo

3. My pledges related to flossing, wearing sunscreen, washing my face daily and cleaning my makeup brushes has been kept regularly. I think I am proudest of the flossing because I got a wonderful report from my dentist at my spring checkup. My secret? Whenever I am in the car for more than 15 minutes I grab one of these handy flossers. Better gums and better breath; what’s not to like?

4. I have started using Prairie Wife’s daily detox recipe and drinking a lot more water than in the past. Since our small town has started a farmer’s market (one vendor even delivers to our home!) I have also started eating a large salad for lunch. I love the fresh greens, and by adding tomatoes, avocado, hard boiled egg and grilled shrimp I’ve even gotten The Texan eating his daily serving of veggies.

5. Last but not least was the visit with Prairie Wife, The Cowboy and all the Cowkids. We wrote a lot of posts and had a great business meeting, I just wish there was enough time to get everything done. We had such a wonderful time in Wyoming, and we can’t wait to host them all in Texas for the Summer of 2015!

Well, I guess I didn’t do as bad as I thought, but I’d still love to hear what tricks you use to stick to your plans and personal goals.]]>
		
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		Prairie Person of the Week June 20, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-person-week-june-20-2014/
		Fri, 20 Jun 2014 12:00:58 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2190
		
		Cheeleo and went to David at Rootz, I learned that I had been missing something all along. I hadn’t realized how much confidence just the right color and cut can give me! Since going to David at Rootz I have gotten a ton of compliments on my look, I even got stopped in Vegas and France by people asking about my cut and color! David listened to my concerns (no time, dry hair, well water, and an inability to use a curling iron) and picked up on my innermost dreams (hot rocker mom), and gave me the cut and color that perfectly suited me! I’ve sent all my friends his way, and they’ve all agreed that he and his staff at Rootz are AHHH MAHH ZINGG!

I booked Ma an appointment with him and he gave her the best cut of her life, the Facebook raves about her new look almost froze my computer. I’ll even admit to crying when I had to cancel my appointment a few months back due to sick Cowkids…I hadn’t realized how much I’d been needing that me time and pampering until that moment. That’s one of the main reasons that I asked David to be our first ever Prairie Person of the Week. David understands that being a hairstylist is about the woman (or really the client) as a whole, not just the hair. When you read his very personal story of struggle, and how he fought to gain the life he dreamed of for his family, you’ll see why I had to share his story with our readers.

David shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): Tell us a little bit about you and your family.

David (D): I grew up in Casper, Wyoming and after a long and winding journey I have found myself with my roots firmly planted back where I began. Eleven years ago when I came back, I just knew that this was where I belonged. I wanted to open another Salon, buy a house and have a family. Now I have two sons, who I of course adore, a thriving salon business, and a house near to my loving friends and family.

If you had told me as a teenager I would be living here, and genuinely happy about it, I would have laughed in your face. As a child I hated Wyoming, I never fit in, and I felt like an outcast. Some of this was because of me being aware at a young age that I was gay, and some of it was just the normal preteen and teenage anger and angst. Thankfully I had parents who loved me and never gave up on me. My parents still live here and both were small business owners, I was raised around self starters and this definitely became part of who I am. Not only did I always know that owning your business could be done successfully, I had seen firsthand the flexibility it would offer me as a parent.

PW: When did you first become interested in becoming a hair stylist?

D: I started doing hair when I was 11 but technically I did my first haircut at 5, when I gave my cousin bangs. Though my artistic sensibilitiesDavid Cutting a man's hair were not appreciated at the time (she had hair down to her waist) I think they’ve forgiven me now! My mom bleached her own hair at home and loved going to the salon and I always went with her, it was part of her weekly ritual. Even at a young age I would see what they did at her salon, and I knew I could do a better job. I hated public school for a variety of reasons and eventually my parents decided to home school me. My mom was supportive of my interest in hairstyling and intuitive to my abilities and went with it. She put me in Malcom Crow (a local beauty school) when I was in my mid teens and I took off from there. It was always a natural fit; I didn’t ever consider that I would do anything else.

PW: Tell us about the steps that led you to open your own Salon.

D: My first job was at Regis Salon at the local mall; Barb Williams gave me my first job. I worked there for three years and opened my first salon called David & Company, when I was 20. As I said before, my parents were small business owners and I knew that someday I was going to be the boss.

Somewhere after about three years of moderate success with the Salon, my life got in the way. I had a lot of personal issues, including the death of my best friend. This combined with my youth and ego (I had no appreciation for hard work because things had come so easily for me) and it resulted in me making one careless choice after another. I got involved with drinking and drugs to numb the pain I was feeling, rather than simply dealing with it.

It was the wrong path and I (and those who cared about me) suffered for a lot of years because of those choices. I eventually hit rock bottom, I lost the salon I had dreamed of, and friends and family were understandably leaving me too. I remember being at my own salon and being kicked out because of my inability to function properly. I watched my mom carrying out my stuff from the salon when it closed. I will never forget her carrying boxes full of bits and pieces of my salon, what she had helped me to create, and it made me hate myself. I didn’t want to be that person, I ached with the disappointment in myself and my choices…yet still, I kept on with the self destructive behavior. I traveled around the US doing various jobs in salons, working just enough to make money to pay for what I thought was important and necessary.

PW: What inspired you to open up your second Salon?

D: When I finally moved back to Wyoming again I was ready to become the man I was supposed to be. I started out simply, I set goals for myself-Staying clean and sober and owning a home and a salon again…this is what I focused on.

I worked at a Salon here in Casper and I worked my butt off. I saved every penny so that I could buy the building that became Rootz six Rootz new buildingyears ago this September. My now ex-husband helped me with the business/financial aspect and I used my hard lessons learned in the past to move forward and create this amazing future for myself and my family. So many things fell into place for me after I started to focus on all the good in my life, I knew it was right. When I opened my second salon, my mom came to help me and everything came full circle. As she helped me move my boxes into the new Rootz, I finally felt a release and I knew this was going to be a success for me, and for us. It was such a gift that she stuck by me.

I can't emphasize enoughairstylist washing hairh how important my staff, or my girls as I call them, are to me. I know it sounds cliche, but they have become like family to me. Watching them develop right alongside me in our profession is wonderful, and I am so proud of each and every one of them. Their support and confidence in me has allowed me to take risks and grow in ways that I never thought possible.

PW: What are some of the pros and cons of being both a Salon owner and hairstylist?

D: Pros-I get to still work behind the chair and do what I love. Working with clients and the chance to help change people’s attitudes about themselves never gets old for me. Cons-Being able to meet the level of customer service I want has been hard in the past. But, now I can hire a receptionist and other staff to take care of these things so I can focus on what I love! At first I had to do it , but I think I’ve got it pretty good now!

PW: Walk us through what you like to hear from a client when they come into you for a cut and color.

David styling hairD: When you utilize a hairstylist you need to remember it’s not all about the hair. It’s about your look, and lifestyle. I never know what a person is going through when they sit down…and then to have five minutes to read them and pick up on what they want...well it can be tricky! I love when people bring in pictures; it lets me see who they want to be and how they see themselves. It also lets me get a better idea of their expectations of me.

Do I always do the exact cut and color in the pictures…no! I think that’s one of the reasons why our clients choose Rootz, we have ideas and they trust our training and knowledge. We want them to look their best and we know how to explain that in an honest and caring way. If someone goes home and doesn’t like their cut or color I hope they feel that they can be honest and tell us! Sometimes the hairstylist you first went to isn’t the right fit, and if you don’t speak up we can’t get you paired up with the perfect stylist. The one that gets you and you click with. Frankly, it’s insulting for us not to know! So if you go home and decided you don’t like your cut and or color, call and tell us what’s wrong, so we can you back in the chair and fix it!

PW: Locally you’ve become known for your amazing ability with hair color, what does that kind of expertise involve?

D: I love the impact that color has! When it is done correctly it accents the cut and the lifestyle of our client. I was always ready to learn hairstylist coloring hairabout the latest in color and cut trends, and several years ago I went to a Matrix show where I was absolutely captivated by what they were doing. I wanted to be a part of it. So, I went up and asked them what I needed to do to be an educator. They flew me to NYC and I auditioned to work for them. It was such a wow moment that they had enough confidence in me to fly me out for the audition! They called me two weeks later and I got a job as a artistic educator. I am now a platform artist and artistic designer for them. Part of the training involves flying twice a year to a course where I get trained in all the latest cuts and colors, trends and technology. I then go to Matrix events around the country and train other hairstylists in these techniques.

Hairstylist straightening hairMy girls here at Rootz are just as passionate about learning as I am! At Rootz we currently have seven girls...and are still growing. Their dedication to their profession is phenomenal. All my girls at Rootz train above and beyond the normal levels for cutting and coloring hair. Besides doing no less than four mini trainings a year with me, based on my Matrix classes, they attend a variety of hair shows across the nation. All of my staff is dedicated to learning as much as possible in our field, so that we can find the best cut and color for each of our clients.

PW: On August 12th you will having a grand re-opening of your salon in a brand new facility, talk to us about the innovative layout and what guided your design decisions.

Waiting AreaD: Being able to create this salon from the ground up has been such a wonderful experience. I hired Sharon of Fields Creek 104 here in Casper as my designer. I gave her my concepts and she put it all together. The layout and vibe is all me, after 24 years in the industry I knew where I needed and wanted everything! I absolutely have to have natural light because of the impact it has on color in the hair. So, Rootz is full of windows. Our LED lighting was custom designed in NYC by Beth Minardi. It’s eco friendly and beautiful with a stunning impact. We have orbiters rather than the standard heat dryers/processors. They use an infrared heat to process color and a laser temp guidance system to keep hair at an even temp to keep from over drying or processing our clients’ hair. Our Pedicure stations have light therapy besides the massage, and the jets have new technology to make them more hygienic Pedi chairsthan other chairs.

We also now have a Esthetician on staff, and I am thrilled about all the things she can do for our clients. We have a rejuvenating spa facial,Massage and facial room this is custom facial that is developed around each clients individual needs and concerns. We also have the Rootz signature facial which includes a luxurious parafin treatment for the hands as well as a facial. We also offer microdermabrasion and chemical peels. We have full body waxing and we hope to soon be offering laser hair removal.

I want someone to walk into my Salon and feel welcome and I want them to walk out feeling fulfilled! My goal for Rootz is to give people a few hours to rejuvenate their spirit.

PW: Ready for the rapid fire questions?

D: Of course!

PW: What do you love to hear from your clients?

D: I love it!

PW: What do you hate to hear?

D: Sorry I’m late.

Wash StandsPW: Wash your hair right before you color it or come in greasy?

D: Trick Question! You don’t want to be squeaky clean, but a buildup of grease and product isn’t going to make the coloring process that much better. The hairstylist has to judge if you need wash first.

PW: Favorite Shampoo and Conditioner?

D: I have to go with Biolage Color Care (Matrix)

PW: Best hair product invention ever?

D: Design Pulse Mega Dust my Matrix! It adds volume and texture that is so in right now.

PW: Color that makes you cringe?

D: Home color.

PW: Long or Short hair after 50?Hairstylist doing little girls hair

D: Rules don’t apply anymore; if you can rock it go for it.

PW: Plucking your eyebrows between waxing, do or don’t?

D: Do…if you’re good!

PW: A woman is beautiful when….?

D: She feels confident in her whole self.

PW: Any final Prairie Person words of wisdom?

D: You’re the only you so be confident in who you are. Life is good, live it!

PW: We hope to see you August 12 at the Rootz open house, 633 East A Street Casper, WY from 5:30-7:30. It will give you an opportunity to see the beautiful new Salon and also help support a local charity. If you are interested in an appointment at Rootz please call (307)472-7668, don't forget to pamper yourself with a mani/pedi or a facial, and tell them Prairie Wife sent you!]]>
		
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		Here Comes the Sunscreen #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/here-comes-the-sunscreen/
		Sat, 21 Jun 2014 12:13:30 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2228
		
		

Today is the first day of summer, and we all know that means that we should be slathering on the sunscreen. Kendra Richards, our recent Prairie Wife of the Week and makeup artist to the stars, says sunscreen and sleep are the two things every women should focus on to keep her skin beautiful. The first tip in this Lucky magazine slide show explaining how we can get a glowing complexion is to use sunscreen. Harper's Bazaar knows sunscreen is the secret to keep your decolletage looking young. Marie Claire's resident dermatologist Dr. Amy Wechsler even suggests wearing it while we drive in the car.

So why don't we use sunscreen regularly? I bet you're like me and are adamant about putting it on the kids (grandkid in my case) but don't always take two minutes to spray it on yourself. My olive skin tans easily, so I don't have the "burn factor" to tell me to get out of the brutal Texas sun. I tell myself a few minutes without protection won't hurt anything, my melasma is from hormones and not the sun, I just need a little bit of color, tan cellulite looks better than pale cellulite, etc. I am sure you have your own excuses, but the bottom line is we all know going without sunscreen is irresponsible and unhealthy. Kind of like driving without a seat belt or eating cake and cookies at every meal. Fellow Prairie Wives, join me in taking a pledge to take care of our skin this summer so we don't look like the individuals in this slideshow!

sunscreenWell, one of our former Prairie Wives of the Week is making it incredibly easy for two (Yes, TWO) of our readers to get a generous tube of Rodan+Fields sunscreen. One person will receive the Essentials Broad Spectrum SPF 30 Body Sunscreen. The other winner has his/her choice of the Soothe Mineral Sunscreen Broad Spectrum SPF 30 or Reverse Broad Spectrum SPF 50+. And if you have any questions about the products or don't win the prize, feel free to purchase your own bottle by contacting Katy at katyodiorne@gmail.com. Good luck, stay protected and don't forget about our pledge!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Pink Lemonade Pie
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pink-lemonade-pie/
		Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:00:55 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2236
		
		PINK day and to celebrate I’m sharing one of my favorite summer recipes, which happens to be pink! This can be made in 10 minutes and then put in the freezer to use either later on in the day, or even days later. If you are using it a few days later I recommend covering it with foil after it sets, to keep the top from getting freezer burned. I've also been known to just serve this as a pink lemonade smoothie with crumbled Graham Crackers on top...delicious! It’s a big crowd pleaser for young and old alike, and I can’t wait to hear what you think.

Pink Lemonade PiePink Lemonade Pie
Prep Time 10 minutes Freeze 3 hours Servings 8-10

Ingredients
1 pre-made Graham Cracker crust in a pie tin or make your own with this recipe.
1 8oz container of frozen Whipped Topping
1 container of frozen pink lemonade concentrate
2 cups of vanilla ice cream

1. Let all of the frozen ingredients soften (about 15 minutes)
2. Mix all of the frozen ingredients into a smooth blended mixture.
3. Pour mixture into the Graham Cracker crust and place in the freezer (make sure it is as flat as possible) for 3 hours.
4. Let it sit on the counter for 10 minutes to soften slightly and serve (garnish with fresh mint for an extra wow factor).]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week June 27, 2014 #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prarie-wife-week-june-27-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 27 Jun 2014 12:26:03 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2246
		
		TXGalshoe

"ROADTRIP!" When I was in college this phrase meant throwing clothes in a bag, piling into a friend's car and heading to Chicago for a few days of freedom, adventure, and fun. Once I had kids, road trips meant packing for four people and bracing myself for cries of "S/he's looking at me," "S/he took my pillow," "S/he took off his/her shoes and his/her feet stink," and "S/he is breathing on me even though s/he is still on the other side of the imaginary line we have in the back seat of the pickup, I'm about to punch her/him." Sigh. You see, this was during the Stone Age of Family Travel--no GPSs, car phones, iPads, Game Boys, portable DVD players, etc. Seriously, young mothers, you have no idea how good you have it nowadays.

While I'm so glad you don't have to deal with the situations I did as we traveled across Texas nearly every weekend, you still might find yourself looking for ways to keep your kids entertained during road trips. Well, this week's Prairie Wife of the Week is a fellow blogger who has some awesome tips and tricks. Texas Gal is the creator of Mom, Are We There?, a compilation of "all things cool about family road trips." giveawayThis busy graphic designer, wife and mother of twins started the blog to share road trip ideas, places to see, places to avoid and how to have fun along the way. And I'm thrilled that she is not only giving away a copy of National Geographic's Ultimate U.S. Road Trip Atlas but is also asking PrairieWifeInHeels.com readers to help her with her next activity book! Read on for details, and safe travels to you and your family this summer.

Texas Two Steppin': Texas Gal, tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

Texas Gal: Born and raised in Texas and love traveling with my family, but I guess you’ve already figured that part out. Man, did you see my shoes in that picture? If you did, then you now also know I have humongous feet (and trip over them daily). I’m also easily distracted. Moving on...I simply love and adore my family! Several years ago my husband and I found out we were having twins. We were totally shocked to hear this. Then while our doc was performing the sonogram, she followed it with, “Wait…let me make sure there isn’t another one in there.” Another one??? Ha!!

Texas Two Steppin': We could totally do another interview and just focus on your unique experiences as a mother of twins. But how do you find ways to achieve some sort of balance between your busy career and even busier family?

Texas Gal: I try to keep work at work and keep my family as my #1 priority! I find that a simple routine at home helps keep the stress levels down. When my husband and I get home from work, we talk about our day. This is our download for the ups and downs of work, and that’s when we end the “work talk.”

coloringWe then eat dinner as a family at our dinner table and talk with the kids about their day. This is our download from them on the wacky ups and downs of their day. I really, really love this part of my day. We have the best conversations at the dinner table! Seems simple, right? I wish! Balance is always tricky, but I guess another goal for our family is to not tackle too much in regards to extra-curricular activities for the kids. We let them choose one, and go with it!

Texas Two Steppin': I have always been amazed by your boundless artistic and entrepreneurial abilities. In your “spare” time you’ve learned jewelry making, crochet and photography. So what inspires you to constantly create and share beauty with others?

TexasTexas Gal: So this is where I just get totally corny...sorry guys…

When I was a wee Texas Gal, I loved to play outside and explore around our house which was out in the country. There were these fields that would spring up in a sea of bluebonnets each year, and I would literally just sit there and look, breathe it all in, and listen to everything around me. It was all so beautiful! Every blade of grass, every individual color of every flower...ever single detail...was so amazing to me. Pretty deep for a little kid, huh? I wanted to capture what I saw, so photography was a natural direction for me to take. I kinda wish I still had that crappy Le Clic 110 camera…maybe Ebay...hmmm…sorry!

mountainTo answer this question fully, I need to explain that so many things inspire me! I just have to slow down sometimes and remember to see every beautiful detail, every branch on a tree, every blade of grass, just like I did when I was a child. We live in an inspiring and breathtaking world, don’t we? :)

Texas Two Steppin': So tell us about your latest venture that melds your talents in graphic design, writing and parenting.

Texas Gal: Yes! So my husband and I made a pact many years ago that we would try and travel as much as we could afford to (we’re on a tight budget, folks). We’ve carried that pact over to our kids and told them we would see as many states of the US as we could, together as a family. There are so many cool and amazing things to see out there! Isn’t it exciting?

TXtoNMThis then led to our first road trip with the kids from Texas to New Mexico. We had so much fun!! I kept thinking to myself during the trip, I wish I could share this with everyone. And so…the idea for the road trip blog for families was born! I love photography and graphic design and felt the need to put together this info, along with free downloads for kids that they can take along on their trip. The goal (and it’s a BIG one) is to put together activity sheets for each state.

I would soooo love to hear from your readers on which state I should tackle next. Heck, I’d love to hear ideas from your readers on cool things to see and do in their neck of the woods too. I hope that they click over to http://momarewethere.wordpress.com/contact/...after they finish reading this interview, of course!

Texas Two Steppin': OK, now’s your chance to give us one of your best tips for making any car ride peaceful and any final Prairie Wife words of wisdom that we just shouldn’t live without.

Texas Gal: Two things – be prepared and be patient. Oh, three things – Pinterest! :)

Finally, love your family, love yourself, see the beauty in everything around you – every single detail – and welcome it!

Peace and safe travels my friends!

Texas Gal will be stopping by frequently to answer any questions, see what state and sites you nominate for her next activity book and to hear all about your family road trips. Be sure to enter the giveaway for the fabulous National Geographic book and remember you can earn extra entries by visiting her site Mom Are We There?  
a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Trust Your Neighbors but Always Brand Your Calves
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/trust-neighbors-always-brand-calves/
		Sat, 28 Jun 2014 12:00:03 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2263
		
		 TallGirlJ and her family brand a few calves. Let me give some of you city folks a little background in branding before I continue.

Brands are put on the cows to mark ownership, if a cow gets through a fence a brand ensures that they get back to their owner. A traditional branding iron (metal heated in the fire) or an electric branding iron is used to burn the brand into the skin of the calf. Making sure you know who owns a cow is a big deal, this year a 3-5 year old cow with a calf (a cow and calf pair) can sell for up to $3,200.00. Anytime livestock crosses county line (like going to a sale or auction) or changes ownership it requires a brand inspection. A state employed brand inspector will come out to make sure that the brands on the animals match the paper of the seller.

At branding time cattle owners also take the opportunity to tag (put a plastic tag in the calves’ ear with a number) calves. Tagging calves is a way to keep track of what calf came from what cow, and breeding lines. Some people also take this time to give vaccinations, castrate the bull calves, separate out the cows that were not bred and will be sold, and dip older cows (this means to put medicine on them). It’s an important opportunity to check up on the overall health of the whole herd.

The first branding I went to was overwhelming, and a shock to my senses. I was a 19 year old city girl who still had a Wisconsin lilt to her mama and babyvoice. I went with The Cowboy up to his Brother in Law's farm to help out. As soon as I jumped out of the truck I was bombarded by the noise of mama cows bellowing for their calves and the smell of burning hair. As part of the process the ranchers separate the babies from their mamas, no one needs an angry mama cow coming after them while they are trying to take care of branding a calf. I felt terrible; I couldn’t blame the mamas for being upset.

Then I watched The Cowboy rope a calf by the foot and drag it away from its buddies. Then another guy flipped the calf, sat on it and held it while it was branded, castrated and vaccinated. I was appalled and almost in tears…and a little confused when they let the calf up and it simply shook itself off and went back with his buddies. Then they motioned to me and I was put in charge of helping flip and hold down the calves. I took a breath and charged forward ready to try it…

After my fifth attempt of trying to get the calf off its feet I was feeling a little less sympathetic, and after the third time of getting kicked in the guts by a calf I was downright pissed. Those little buggers are tough, and I’m not saying that the branding is a barrel of laughs for them, but they are seriously fine afterwards. When all is said and done, we send them back to their mamas and they nurse and usually lay down for a nap.

Take a look at our pictures from this weekend and let me know what you think!

Headed down to move the cows!

Headed to the cows

Moving the cows towards the pens.

moving cows

Hey guys...wait up!

wait up

Mamas and calves separated out.

seperated

Cowboy C is taking it all in.

taking it all in

The Cowboy roping calves.

roping 

Dragging the calf.

dragging calf

All the Cowkids (TallGirlJ's two as well) were learning by watching. Cowboy W was a little nervous...it's always nice to have a friend to offer some support!

watching and learning

TallGirlJ's husband throwing the calf.

throwing calf

Cowgirl G helping hold the calf.

Cowgirl G helping

TallGirlJ branding with an electric brand.

branding

All done, paired up with mama, and resting!

resting

 

Hope you enjoyed this post, would you like to help with a branding...or is it just not for you?

 

 

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		Where the Magic Happens for Texas Two Steppin'
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/where-the-magic-happens-two-steppin/
		Mon, 30 Jun 2014 12:42:11 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2291
		
		where she does the majority of her blog writing. Isn't her home office too cute? And if you knew her as well as I do (she is my baby sis after all!) you would know that the deep red color scheme and floral accessories are absolutely, positively, totally her. Well, her post inspired me to do this post, but I warn you that it is literally all over the place. You see, I work in an office--well really an upper management level cubicle since the business world has gone away from traditional office spaces with walls and doors--anywhere from 40-50 hours a week. Fortunately I love my industry, love my profession and love the team I work with. But after working on a computer and being literally surrounded by three seafoam green walls and stacks of reports and proposals, I seriously need a change of pace for the magic to happen.

LivingRoomMantleSo no home office for me! That is too structured for my "off" time when I need to write from the heart. I do all of my blogging on my personal laptop that was customized and ordered by The Texan as a surprise. This might upset some women, but I totally appreciated my husband's efforts because he understands technology, is incredibly insightful and really gets me. I mean, he ordered not just a pink laptop, but a seashell pink laptop because he knows I love the coast. You can see a pic of it and one of my perky yet professional manis on Pinterest. I also have to have either music playing or the TV blaring; that's my signal that this is my time to write something fun! My favorite songs right now are "New Shoes" by Paolo Nutuni, "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk and Darryl Lee Rush's rendition of "Life in the Fast Lane" and "Texas Music" (all available on iTunes). Now, if I am writing posts sitting on the couch after work before I make dinner, I take a minute to decompress and then usually go to the DVR and turn on an old episode of my favoritest shows ever, "What Not to Wear" or "Mad Men."

HotelRoomLately I have been travelling more than usual for work, so when I was in Portland, OR a few weeks ago I took advantage of the hours before my meetings began and wrote a few blogs while I was sitting on the hotel bed watching an old episode of "Friends." I must admit, I am a sucker for room service (isn't it decadent?) and the experience was made even better by a slice of apple pie. I've also written posts in San Antonio, Houston, Dallas, Destin, Atlanta, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Casper, flying in the air high above countless other cities and even on the water boating around the Intercoastal Canal.

BalconyViewBut my favorite place to write is at the Texas coast on a balcony or nearby pier. I think the "magic" happens most easily for me in the morning, while I'm drinking a cup of coffee while the seagulls, pelicans and dolphins all stop by to see how I'm doing.

So where does the "magic" happen for you?

 

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		Mama Boot Camp
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/mama-boot-camp/
		Wed, 02 Jul 2014 12:00:56 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2303
		
		Over 4 years ago a few friends and I came up with a genius plan for exercising in the summer (this year we hope to continue after school starts), we call it Mama Boot Camp and it’s still going strong. Over the years we’ve made some adjustments based on what we’ve seen has and has not worked. We started out working out at a park and then in the past two years have moved it out to the Prairie Homestead. At the park there were more options for a harder and varied workout but, there were also a bunch of unknown kids (waving sticks and causing trouble) and less than great bathroom facilities. At my house we have only a few options for working out but, all of the kids get along great, and usually the bathrooms are passably clean! Take a look at what we did, try it with your friends and let me know how it goes!

Overall Rules
• Only meet one day a week for an hour, Tuesday seems to work best for most people.
• 9 is the perfect time, not too early, but early enough that it won’t be too hot.
• Split into two groups (workout time is 30 minutes each), one group works out while the other one watches kids, then switch.
• All you need is two people to show up for it to happen, one to watch kids and one to work out!
• Keep the location the same; it’ll save a lot on confusion and last minute “Where R U?” texts.
• Start on time, if someone comes late they can simply workout with the other group. If they are always late and working out with no watching of kids…pick a brave soul to talk to them!
• Kids bring their own drinks but no snacks, snacks can cause snack envy (kids trading and toddlers snatching) and problems!
• Be supportive and positive, as well as respectful of everyone’s varying abilities.

Boot Camp at the Park
• It helps to have woman that are willing to be leaders and take each group through the circuits.
• Plan your route ahead of time.
• Ideas include: sprints, running bleachers, tricep pushups and regular pushups on benches, lunge and squat sets, planks, sit-ups (or any variation of core work), and pull ups on monkey bars.
• Stick to your 30 minutes and include time to get back to the playground area.

Boot Camp at a House
• Make it clear where kids can and cannot go. At our Boot Camp they have to stay outside unless they have to use the bathroom.
• We usually just run or walk up the dirt road, sometimes in pairs but most of us like to crank up the music and enjoy some alone time.
• In the past we have also done yoga, trampoline workouts, circuit training, and ballet barre.
• Plan on heading home after the hour is done, unless invited to stay by the hostess.

Photo Credit Copyright: designpics / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week July 4th, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-july-4th-2014/
		Fri, 04 Jul 2014 12:00:34 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2312
		
		 Wyoming Council for Woman’s Issues 2014 Woman of Distinction. A One Star General with a 40 year career in the Wyoming National Guard makes her a woman to be reckoned with. I have to admit that I was more than a little nervous to interview her to be our special 4th of July Prairie Wife of the Week. As we chatted, I found that not only was Kathy Wright a woman with a firm grip on who she is, but a compassionate leader and role model for women both young and old. Her military career (she was Wyoming’s first female commander of the Wyoming Army National Guard) is impressive and fueled by her persistence, hard work, and refusal to be judged by anything other than her abilities to do her job well. But, the underlying theme of love for her family, thankfulness to those who offered her support and an ability to reflect and stay balanced, make her a woman to be admired on a personal and professional level.

After you read her Interview and her Prairie Wife words of wisdom, take a few moments to reflect on what she has to say. I am proud to live in America, home of the brave and land of the free. This year as I stand with my hand over my heart when our flag passes before us, my children watching and modeling me, I will have a clearer perspective. Please continue to offer your support and prayers to the men and woman of the United States Military, and their families that have sacrificed for us in little and big ways. Teach your children to honor our country, and those who lay down their lives to protect it.

Combat boots

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us about your family.

Kathy Wright (KW): I spent most of my younger life in Cheyenne, Wyoming. My family moved to Guernsey Wyoming during my Junior year of High School Although I did not see it at the time, in hindsight the move was a blessing that provided me the experience and balance of knowing both the “big city” life and experiencing firsthand the benefits of living in a small town. I met my husband in the summer between Michael Wrightmy freshman and sophomore year of college when he was the head life guard at the Wheatland swimming pool where I worked as a life guard. We did not date that summer but were friends. Born in Beaumont TX, Mike’s family visited family in Wyoming when he was three and never left. Mike had served in the Marine Corps during Vietnam and was now back and ready to go to school. One night he came to see me at my sorority house because he said he just missed visiting. It was near Homecoming and I was up for royalty, and without a date. A few of my girlfriends gave him some encouragement, and he asked me to homecoming, we began dating from that point on. He passed away a year and a half ago; his support of me enabled me to move forward in so many ways that would not have been possible without him.

I have three sons. My oldest son Justin will be 35 in August, and Hunter will be 30 on October 9th and my youngest Blayne will be 25 on the same day! Justin lives in Huston with his wife and two children, a 5 year old boy and a 4 yr old girl. Hunter works for Halliburton and though he travels around for work Wyoming is his home for now. Blayne just got married and is stationed with the Coast Guard in Rhode Island where he and his wife both serve in the United States Coast Guard.

PW: What led you to join the United States Military?

KW: Growing up I had all sisters, all girl cousins and the lived in all girl neighborhoods during a time when sports were limited for girls. We had parades and played with dolls, all the typical little girl things. When I was growing up there were not a lot of sports that allowed girls to participate so, I twirled baton. It is interesting to me that after a childhood surrounded by girls I got married, had three boys, and worked in an occupation that was mostly all men!

During College breaks and summer vacation, I was a waitress at Crazy Tony’s, the biggest restaurant in Guernsey. Guernsey is where the Wyoming National Guard training site is located; units from Wyoming and other states come to do their two weeks of training every year. One night I was waiting tables, when a recruiter approached me about joining the Guard. The National Guard was just starting to enlist women. He told me I could make money for a car, which I told him had no appeal for me whatsoever! I was a music major and I was saving my money for a flute. Being the savvy recruiter he was, he invited me to sign up and join the band. I saw it as a way to continue to play music after college, I didn’t think of it as a career. Some say my story is piccolo player to General Officer.

When I told my mom we laughed and did not seriously consider it as an option. Coincidentally my mother had a friend stop by who was in the Guard. She asked him what he thought and he encouraged me, and told my mom that is was going to be a good thing. He went on to become a mentor for me, pushed me to do new things, and told me I should and could become an officer. My grandparents were appalled; their perception was that this was something they didn’t want me to do, and that I was just not the type of girl who should enlist.

I really enjoyed basic training…as much as you can enjoy the experience. When I enrolled it was still the Woman’s Army Corps and we had classes on makeup and posture as part of basic training. The cycle after me was when woman first received rifles and my company watched with interest. After I returned to my unit in Wyoming, the Women’s Army Corp was disbanded and women were integrated into the Army. When I joined in 1973, I was the 6th female to join the Wyoming Army National Guard. Joining was one of the best decisions I have ever made. I am a better and stronger person than I would have been, had I not enlisted in the Wyoming Army National Guard.

PW: What is your current rank, and can you tell us what duties and responsibilities you have?

KW: I retired December 23, 2013 after 40 years, 5 months and 27 days. I retired as a One Star General. My last assignment was as the General Kathy Wrightcommander of the Wyoming Army National Guard. I was responsible for every aspect of the Units under my command from personnel, to logistics, to training and operations. I worked full time for 25 years in a variety of different positions, the last 10 years in Human Resources. One of my favorite positions was as a T.A.C. officer which is being a drill sergeant for the officer training program. I am a teacher at heart and I loved being the one to help our soldiers develop as leaders, and influence the future of the military. Another activity I really enjoy is volunteering with the American Legion Auxiliary Girls State Program. This is another opportunity to watch young women grow and develop in confidence and skills. This program” teaches young women responsible citizenship and love for God and Country. Since the inception of the Girls State program in 1937, nearly one million young people have had the opportunity to learn first-hand how their state and local government works.”

PW: Have you ever served overseas; as a mother how did this effect you and your family?

KW: I never had to deploy other than for exercises, and even then my longest deployment was 3 weeks. I did attend resident schools which were longer. Every parent has to miss certain events or certain things, and I was no exception. There are times when I simply wasn’t able to attend things. When our first son was less than a month old (and I was nursing him) I had to leave for a weekend of drill. My husband was supportive and took care of Justin, giving him bottles of pumped milk, and allowing me to focus on what had to be done.

When I went to work full time for the National Guard we were living in Wheatland and my job was in Cheyenne (an hour commute on roads that are terrible in the winter) for two years. Then I got transferred to Guernsey and this meant more traveling. I then received the opportunity to have a new position in Cheyenne, I just felt like I needed to say no. We had three boys by this point and I was done with all the driving, and I was not feeling satisfied in my current position in Guernsey. My husband was an elected official in Wheatland; I was ready to quit and my husband said no. He felt that I had more opportunity for promotion than he so, he gave up his position and a community that he loved to move to Cheyenne for my career. He sacrificed for me, he was always my cheerleader, and that makes all the difference for me and my boys, for our whole family. Often times my position involved a lot of traveling, and I would be gone a minimum of two weeks out of the month. He was at home with the boys, and taking care of everything so I could do that.

PW: Have you ever had issues with men serving under you and taking orders from you?

KW: I guess what I have to say is that I never viewed it as men and women or male and female, it was just soldiers. It’s about respect and doing a job. I’ve certainly had interactions with men that didn’t enjoy working with a female and that can be frustrating. They may not have liked it but it’s the rank not the person that matters in the military. When I was initially hired as a female for my first full-time position, I was later told by a male that they had been watching to see if I would fail. Would that happen to a male, probably not. I never let it bother me; I always tried to be as competent as possible. I have found that whether you are male or female, if you do your job right, there is no room for anyone to be negative about it. As a young Lieutenant I went for career counseling, I was told that I might make it to Captain but, don’t look to do more than that. I obviously ignored that advice! During my career the positions open to assignment of women fluctuated up and down based on Army policy and doctrine.

PW: Are any of your children in the military; did you have mixed emotions about this?

KW: All of my boys were in the military. Hunter served in the Navy and did two tours overseas, Justin also was in the Navy and served during Operation Iraqi Freedom. He met his wife while assigned in San Diego. Blayne initially enlisted in the Army National Guard so I finally got a solider after two sailors! Then he entered the Coast Guard where he spent time in the Honor Guard in Washington DC.

My husband and I were very surprised that they joined the military. It was always my thing, and I even bought them “Your Mama Wears Combat Boots” t shirts. Having your mom in the service is different than your dad. When Justin was in junior high I was driving the kids around. One of his friends asked me about my job and said eventually that Justin told him I was just a “Gopher”. At the time I was assistant to the chief of staff, and did a lot of behind the scenes work and spent time with visiting dignitaries. I was later approached by a father of one of Justin’s female friends who shared a conversation with his daughter regarding Justin and his mother’s position in the Army Guard. He explained to her that I was a Major. It turns out that Justin had told his daughter I was a Four Star General…gopher to the boys, Four Star General to the girls!

We were very pleased when each one of them enlisted and I think they did it because of their own desires, not because of any pressure we put on them. Both of my husband’s parents served in World War II and my husband was proud of his time in the Marines. My father served in the military as well but, I was the first one to make a career out of it. I think that all of my boys would say they have benefited because of their time in the military. They were all able to use the GI bill to pay for their educations, and that is a great opportunity for them and other soldiers.

PW: For the first time in our nation’s history females can serve on the front lines in combat, what are your thoughts?

KW: I have always thought that women should be able to do whatever job they want to do, as long as they can meet the standards for the job. The battle field has changed over the years with advancements in technology and more fighting from a distance. The nature of battle has changed; contact with the enemy occurs all through the area of operations. Frankly, even if they weren’t recognized officially, females have always been there. I think we are just acknowledging what women have been doing for a lot of years. The opportunities for assignment to combat jobs may enhance career opportunities for women in the future. The number of women serving at Senior levels is not equitable to the percentages of women in the military overall and as compared to percentages of men serving to men in senior level positions. Unwritten criteria for many of these positions implied you need to have combat experience. Those institutional barriers are open now but, it will take years for things to be equitable.

When we enlisted our first Wyoming female in a combat position, I pulled her and her family aside for a talk. I told her and her family that our focus needs to be on her training and becoming a good soldier, and not on her being a female in combat. An example of distractions to duty is Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour who came to talk here in Wyoming. She is America’s first African American Female Combat Pilot in the Marine Corps. She shared that she was sometimes frustrated that she was singled out first for being female, and then for being good at her job. Being in the Limelight can be distracting. There is an amazing book called Band of Sisters: American Woman at War in Iraq that shares her story, as well as several others.

I was the first female general in the Wyoming Army National Guard, for me it wasn’t about being first, it was about how I got there by being a hard worker and performing well at my job. But, I acknowledged and accepted that I was role model. I want to be remembered for the legacy I left behind, not simply for being the first.

PW: What can we do to support our military?

KW: Show pride in our country, and when the flag passes stand up and remove your hat. Teach your children to love America. People often forget that the Military is separate from politics; we take an oath to “support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign and domestic”. Thank service members; it’s because of them that we have our freedom. When we have a family with a service member in our community we need to be compassionate, and acknowledge the sacrifice that they make as a whole family.

PW: What do you think we as a nation need to be doing to support our vets?

KW: The initiatives to hire vets are important. As a community we need to recognize they are impacted by their experiences and their career protecting our nation. We need to acknowledge and even embrace that, and come from a place of helping and care. We need to protect their benefits and give support to organizations that support veterans and offer them help on a local level. I think they are honored when they see us honoring the flag and our country.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

KW: There were three things that I think were key to my success.

Persistence: It took me longer to get where I am then some of my peers. I jokingly say if you hang around long enough, they have to promote you!

Be Competent: Learn your job and do it right and well. Good looks can only get you so far, and if you do your job well, no one can say you got there any other way than hard work.

Respect: Remember the people you work with and work for. I don’t mean your bosses; I mean all the people around you especially those under you, the real people who benefit from all your hard work. Take care of them!

Mother Teresa said, "To keep a lamp burning, we have to keep putting oil in it." You have to put oil in your lamp if you want your life to shine. Woman as a whole have a tendency to ignore that and take care of everyone else before they take care of themselves. It is so important that woman recognize that we need to take care of ourselves, so that we can take care of everything else. We as woman bring an important skill set to this world, something that men don’t, and we need to make sure we can continue to do that for the benefit of everyone.

PW: Stop back tomorrow to read a book review of Band of Sisters: American Woman at War in Iraq! Another book recommended by General Kathy Wright is Oil for Your Lamp by Lisa Hammond and BJ Gallagher.]]>
		
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		Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/band-of-sisters-american-women-at-war-in-iraq/
		Sat, 05 Jul 2014 12:00:49 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2321
		
		last week I mentioned that I was having trouble meeting my New Year’s Resolution of reading non-fiction. While I have read several band of sisters, booknon-fiction books this year, none of them were that great, and in keeping with our Prairie Wife Guarantee…if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all! When I interviewed this week’s Prairie Wife of the Week General Kathy Wright, she recommended the book Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq by Kirsten Holmstedt. I personally have little to no experience with the military, I have an Uncle and Cousin that served overseas but they never shared any details about their experiences. I have always been proud to be an American and taught my children love of God and Country, but after talking with General Wright I realized I had so much more to learn.

I immediately ordered Band of Sisters: American Women at War in Iraq on my Kindle and began to read. I’m not going to lie, there were more than a few times when I had to slow down and go back to reread passages. The military language was clearly explained by Holmstedt but, was still a little overwhelming at first. The stories are vivid and detailed and gave me a whole new understanding of what our soldiers are going through on a daily basis over in Iraq. This book is not warm and fuzzy, and no details are left out, if you are looking for a feel good beach read pass this book up.

Over and over again despite the varying stories there is one single theme that runs strong in this book, bravery and a soldier’s desire to do their job well. Each female solider at some point shares her desire to not be seen as weaker or stronger simply because of being female, they all strive to be accepted for their ability to do their jobs well…no more, no less. Yet after reading of their bravery and perseverance they can’t help but be seen as heroes in my eyes.

This book brought home to me why so many of our returning soldiers and veterans struggle. After reading about pilots flying several missions a day (and not peeing for 9 hours), grunts taking “go pills” to stay awake while struggling to survive in an abandoned school, plans for how to die should their plane be shot down (save a bullet to shoot themselves or each other, or use them all up on the enemy) I can’t help but see how returning back to civilian life would be a major adjustment. This book allowed me to feel even more honored to be a part of this nation, and to understand in a new way the sacrifices our soldiers make for our freedoms.

While I enjoyed reading about female soldiers I didn’t really see myself separating their stories from any of the other soldiers that have served in Iraq. While I am proud to be a female, I found myself doing just as they wished, admiring them for their bravery and ability to complete their job well, not because they were female. I would really encourage you to pick up this book and read it, even if war stories and history aren’t your usual genre. It’s an important part of our nation’s history, and it will give you a new understanding of our military personnel both on and off the field.]]>
		
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		Camping with the Cowkids
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/camping-cowkids/
		Mon, 07 Jul 2014 14:31:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2335
		
		One of the first things we do upon arriving is gather up firewood, everyone helps out!

Getting firewood

Then we get the tent set up, ahh home sweet home! It's hard to imagine that all 6 of us and two dogs can fit in there.

Home Sweet Home

Now that the work is done the Cowkids set off for some rock climbing.

Cowkids ClimbingCowboy C likes to take off on his own...

Cowboy C off for a walk

Thankfully he eventually let me hold his hand and help guide him back to camp.

Holding hands

The horses are ecstatic to eat all the fresh grass.

Vicki Eating

It's night time and we ate a delicious dinner, now it's time for S'mores!

S'mores

It's morning and The Cowboy has the hot water for coffee and tea ready.

Coffee Time

The first thing Cowboy W does is throw on his boots, grab his gun, and make sure the horses are safe.

Checking on Grey

The Cowboy and Cowboy J head out for a ride while the other kids and I hike around.

Horseback ridingIt's a hot day so we all take a walk to the creek.

beautiful WY view

The Cowkids had a blast walking up the creek looking for fish and bugs.

creek time

 

Do you love camping or hate it? I'd love to hear your stories!

 ]]>
		
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		Ladies of London...Watch it Now!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/ladies-london-watch-now/
		Wed, 09 Jul 2014 12:00:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2358
		
		 reading choices I like to keep my TV viewing pretty light hearted. For the most part I stay away from gritty dramas and cop shows. My only exceptions to that rule are House (I can’t lie, I cried when it was over) and The Cowboy and my new favorite, Elementary (a modern Sherlock Holmes and Watson drama). Just to plug a few more of my favorite shows…Downton Abbey (I don’t need to explain this one do I?), Sister Wives, The Goldbergs (you MUST watch this show), Project Runway, Kim of Queens, SNL, The Fabulist, and of course Duck Dynasty. I used to be a major Real Housewives junkie, my favorite was NYC and I still have a bit of a girl crush on Bethenny Frankel (so bummed about her divorce), but in the last year or so it got to be a little too much yelling and not enough of a look at their “real” lives!

Ladies of London logoMy regular readers know that not so deep down inside of me hides a 65 year old British Lady...I love all things typically British-a calming cup of tea, well executed tailoring, a posh accent, and just try and keep my away from Liberty floral patterns and a pair of wellies! A few weeks ago I saw a commercial for a new Housewives type show on Bravo called Ladies of London, I immediately set my DVR to record it and began to count down the days to the premiere. Oh man was I rewarded, this show is awesome! It takes place in London, England (just in case you didn’t catch that) and the cameras follow woman that are British as well as American’s now living in England, all because of their love of a man. It’s the direct contrast between the American mannerisms and the British that makes this amazing to watch. I have to admit that after catching a few episodes I was feeling a little uncouth. The British ladies are appalled at the Americans hooting and hollering at a sporting event, and frankly I was a little embarrassed for them! I never realized that the British stereotype of keeping your emotions buttoned up really is so true. This contrast results in a few of the ladies exchanging words, and even though things are eventually mended a rift between the cast is evident.

I really enjoy the looks into their lives; it’s been more than just parties and fights. The glimpses of the ladies with their husbands and children, at work and with friends (I love Caroline’s stylist Luke) make the show more relatable and frankly much more interesting! I also appreciate that they are super present on Twitter, nothing makes a girl feel better than a favorite or a ReTweet from one of the Ladies. Take a look at this clip and if you like what you see take time to read what I’ve got to say about each of the Ladies of London.



Time to dish on the ladies…

Ladies of London cst

Marissa is tied for my favorite with Caroline. Marissa is a sweet all American girl who moved to England because of her husband. They have a family business which includes a restaurant and bar, and she works side by side with him to create their empire. She is sweet and well mannered, but willing to stick up for herself with well placed zings, and hilarious facial expressions. I can’t wait to see her continue to rise above it all, I know she will. My favorite scene with her is watching her kick butt at shooting clay pigeons. BTW she has some great fashion choices too!

Caroline is a major player in the who’s who of the British elite and runs her own luxury gift company. While at first she may seem downright bossy and rude, it becomes clear that she really is just trying to help the “poor Americans.” Her life is so far above my life on the Prairie I can’t help but be fascinated! My favorite scene with her is one with her husband, where he calls her on her boo hooing about her lush life. Rather than react with anger she laughs and graciously and lovingly accepts his opinion, it’s a true look into her character.

Juliet is the American you try to hate but just can’t help but love. Brazen and unapologetically herself she puts her foot in her mouth at least once an episode. I respect her for her ability to apologize to others, and I am very interested to see what happens next with her! Her fashion sense is a little wacky but I love her edgier punk outfits. My favorite scene with her is when she makes cookies with her kids, I can’t help but relate to the relaxed and in jammies mom, who’s just clowning around with her (so cute) kids.

Annabelle is another of London’s elite. I feel like we are just getting to know who she is, it took a few episodes for her to really start showing her true colors. My heart goes out to her as she is still obviously grieving over the loss of her close friend fashion designer Alexander McQueen. Most of the time I want to give her a hug, but sometime I want to shake her and say “You have so much talent, start living your life for you not him!” My favorite scene is watching her stay calm and cool while disaster looms overhead (literally) during her fashion show. This last episode she got into a terrible accident, I’m on the edge of my seat to see what happens!

Julie is an American girl who married into royalty, every girls dream come true. She seems to have fallen right into step with her British in-laws and plays it cool and calm. She’s another nut that’s a little harder to crack and I look forward to seeing more of her and her life (I’d love to see her four kids). Her statement about wild game being some of the healthiest meat to eat, won me over instantly! My favorite scene is her rushing to be by Annabelle’s side after the accident and her heartfelt concern and support for her friend.

That leaves Noelle and Caprice. Both of these ladies are American transplants. Noelle seems to be growing on me more as the show continues but I am going to refrain from making any judgments for now. Caprice was enjoyable at first but lately seems to be moving down my list…once again I’m going to refrain from more comments. I’d hate to get snarky only to be proven wrong later (we all know that usually happens) and in keeping with our Prairie Wife Guarantee, if you can’t say something nice don’t say anything at all…

What do you think, will you watch the show? If you already watch it, who are your favs?!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week July 11, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-july-11-2014/
		Fri, 11 Jul 2014 12:00:01 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2365
		
		

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us about your family.

Sheryl Lain (SL): My experiences growing up in Wyoming have helped to define who I am today. The lessons I learned about community and how to treat others have impacted how I serve my community and neighbors. During WWII my father fought in the Battle of the Bulge. My mom and I got to live with my grandparents in Powell, Wyoming on a homestead. When my dad came back from war he drew a homestead. Our land was beautiful, and located in the flatlands at the base of Heart Mountain, about a mile and a half out of Ralston, Wyoming. Living in a small agricultural community, I learned the true definition of a neighbor. When people were sick we helped with meals and chores. We held community pot luck dinners and most of us attended Bible school at the community club house. We celebrated the joys of life as a group, and held each other up during the hard times.

I had five little sisters and my dad was a farmer as well as the agriculture teacher at Powell High School. He hired boys to help out on the farm. My dad was such a hard worker; every day he was up early working for our family and community. It was from him that I learned how to pull myself up by my boot straps, and charge forward to reach my goals. Heart Mountain is a part of who I am, and despite not having lived there for decades I still say I am from Powell, Wyoming.

I met my husband Gayle when I was a junior, and we eloped as soon as I graduated from high school. My parents probably weren’t too pleased, but it worked out! We have 4 children, 3 boys and a girl, and 13 grandchildren.

Lain Family

PW: You’ve been in the field of education for a lot of years; can you walk us through your career?

Wyoming the Proud LandSL: Gayle and I went to the University of Wyoming and Northwest Community College. I liked the personal attention at the community college and the exchange of ideas. I then finished my degree at UW and graduate with a degree in English and Spanish and a minor in Journalism.

My first job was at Morton School where I was the English teacher, librarian, advisor for the newspaper, theater and debate teacher. Morton has been consolidated into Wind River School District. About 40% of our students were Native Americans.

I actually had no intention of teaching yet. Gayle and I had two little boys and I wanted to stay home with them. But about a week before school started, two men came up to my door, literally hat in hand, and asked me if I would teach English at their school. I said I didn’t want to leave my boys and turned them down but, we had such debt from college that I decided the responsible thing to do would be to take the job. I said I would work half days and they immediately agreed.

I have learned that you do what you need to do to find the balance for your heart’s desire—in my case it was teaching and taking care of my own children. I love to teach. I could take that maternal feeling for my own kids and share it subtly with my students. I think that my students could look into my eyes and see the deep regard I had for them. Even today, I run into those past students, and I am deeply honored when they tell me I made a difference in their lives. Being a teacher is a calling, and I’m glad I said yes. It was a heck of a first year, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

From 1968-1999 I taught English. By this time we had moved to Cheyenne, Wyoming and most of these years were spent at Carey Junior High. I love those middles school kids! It’s such a tender time in their lives, and they need to have a teacher who cares. I think my job, besides teaching students English, writing and literature, is to regard every student as brilliant. It’s my job to learn their potential and tailor my lessons so that each student can shine.

In Laramie County District, a position opened in curriculum development and I took the position. I didn’t want to leave the classroom so I taught half time. The Wyoming Writing project began then. This is a staff development model that makes writing easier to teach. The Project teaches teachers to begin with the students’ ideas and go through the writing process—all the way to editing and publishing.

I also began to travel around the state and do staff development to help schools, to offer ideas to teachers and support. Giving a teacher the confidence and the tools they need is empowering! Many of the schools where I worked grew; some became national award winning. I lead the first group of teachers and community members in writing the first Wyoming state standards in 1999. When I traveled around the state I went to over 200 of the 350 schools in Wyoming. When you visit this many schools you really learn about what makes a positive learning environment for students and teachers. I returned to Carey Junior High and that school’s special education population grew 32% points in one year. I just showed the teachers what to do, they did all the work.

PW: How did becoming a mother and grandmother impact the way you look at education?

SL: I have always felt that my first job on earth is to take care of my children. Thankfully the career I was called to do was one that melded well with raising my kids. My career enabled me to provide for my family’s physical and emotional needs. I also got to teach my own child one year, it was the best thing for me as a mom and teacher. I could really see how the work I had been giving my students impacted their learning. I got to see if my work as a teacher fit for my life as a parent. It was such a special year.

PW: You are running for Wyoming State Superintendent, can you tell us what that job entails and what led to your decision to run?

SL: I was invited to work at Carey, as I said, and worked under principal Cindy Hill. When she became State Superintendent she approached me and asked if I would come and work for the state of Wyoming as a co-deputy in charge of instruction. I accepted. One of our first missions was to travel the state sharing with teachers reading instruction. About 2000 teachers came on their own time and scores went up all across the state.

When Cindy Hill was ordered by the legislation to step down replacing the elected position with an appointed one, they stripped her of her duties as Wyoming State Superintendent. The legislation created a new agency called the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction and I went with Cindy to this new office. The Supreme Court eventually ruled this move as unconstitutional and now we are back in the Wyoming Department of Education.

Sheryl LainI want to be superintendent to focus our attention on parents, students and teachers, where the real magic happens in student learning. Yes, we have federal and state rules and regulations that must and need to be followed. But our job as educators and stakeholders is to be sure students learn. It’s important that we work together to create a wonderful educational experience for every student. The Wyoming Constitution says the job of the State Superintendent of Schools is to provide general supervision of schools. For all the reasons I stated previously, I know schools! When I was asked to run I felt called, and like all the other times, I said yes. I believe in service. I know I can bring my decades of experience as a teacher and the two years at the state agency to make our Wyoming schools better.

PW: The big debate in education now is the common core curriculum; can you give our readers an overview of what this is and share your feelings about it?

SL: Common Core is a national push to have common standards across the United States. But, the standards are not the only part of the “package” and when states adopt Common Core, they agree to the whole “package”. Part of that package is a nationwide test…not one designed by Wyoming based on standards designed by Wyoming teachers. I find a national test troubling. We are over testing our kids as it is. Then there is another piece to this “package.” The third piece is that teachers are evaluated based on the standardized test. That is fraught with peril! Even testing companies will tell you that there is no test to judge how well a teacher teaches. Already across the county there are rumblings of law suits, creating a volatile situation.

There is no way that a student’s score on a test should and can determine a teacher’s worth. There is no test in K-2 but there is in third grade, how fair is that to the third grade teacher? You only have a kid for 5 hours a day because they are in rich, diverse and vital things like art and gym and music. In secondary schools, only math, science and English teachers are subject to this accountability. States that have adopted Common Core have created a huge tangle.

Everyone wants accountability. We all are responsible for our actions. But who should judge a teacher’s ability? The best accountability system is local when principals, parents, students and peers hold one another accountable. States are beginning to see the folly of this Common Core Package. Oklahoma, Indiana, South Carolina and Louisiana just repealed their Common Core. As Superintendent, a broad conversation needs to be held about standards. Using technology, we can and should include people from all over the state in this conversation. We need guidelines and accountability, I agree that’s important. But, the heavy hand of the government won’t work.

PW: The home school movement in Wyoming has really exploded in the last few years. Why do you think that is?

SL: I think there are a variety of reasons. Part of it is that we have so much technology, and homeschooling is more viable. Another reason might be that parents want more say in their children’s education, especially now that so many decisions about education seem to be coming down from above. Teachers feel stress and parents pick up on that, and parents don’t want their children in a high-stress classroom.

Frankly it’s also harder for parents to be involved, with all these things that teachers need to make sure are done each day; the flexibility to enjoy the classroom is being lost. Parents are saying, “My child needs to be seen as not just a number!” and rightfully so! I encourage parents to make the choice that best suits their family.

PW: What are your goals for the next few months before the primary elections in August?

SL: I want to be sure that the message I bring is heard around the state. I want people to make a balanced decision on who they want to vote for. I want to get out and talk with communities. Let people see the differences in philosophy and action between me and the other candidates. No matter what happens, I want to know that I did what my dad would have wanted—to serve the people. I hope that my words will allow our communities to have a productive dialogue about educating our kids.

PW: Flash forward five years, what changes do you hope to see in our education system?

SL: We spend a lot of money in education and the legislature says there isn’t any bang for the buck. I don’t believe that. Schools in Wyoming are by in large good places and they can be better with more autonomy, more local decision making and less testing. It is my belief that as goes our children so goes our family, community, state and world. Public education is important in our republic, and I want to see excellence in education for all. Education of our children is essential to our health as a nation, now and in the future. I hope that in five years we will have policies set in place that will move us forward. I want us to give the power back to local control so parents can have a say, teachers can be nimble responding to the needs of each student and students take their rightful place in families, communities and work places. Our public schools need to be the best, not judged by a standardized test but by the overall success of our community and state.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of Wisdom?

SL: When I met my future husband, Gayle, he was an orphan. His heart’s desire was to have a family, to have children. Those of us with children and grandchildren know that our highest calling is to them. After parents the next important influence in kids’ lives is their teachers. Every single child is a treasure simply because they are. They should attend a school where they are nurtured and challenged, encouraged to grow, and where they see themselves and their parents as respected. If we fail our children we fail as a nation.]]>
		
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		Beauty Buffet
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/beauty-buffet/
		Sat, 12 Jul 2014 12:00:18 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2380
		
		Sometimes there are things in this life that just make me angry…but I usually find that the anger almost always works in my favor because it spurs me to do something that I might not have normally done! Lately as I have been putting on my makeup it has turned into an anger causing situation. Because of my beauty addiction I have a ton of products, maybe a few too many! Up until the last few months it was manageable but because of my fabulous new products from Wantable.com (none of which I am willing to get rid of) I found that my makeup case was starting to become over stuffed. Whenever I reached for a product I found myself having to dig through makeup, or take out a bunch of products and set them on the counter. This resulted in Cowboy C reaching up and running away with my eyeliners and blush, and me being late and flustered on one to many occasions. The final straw was when I went to get out my eyebrow pencil and my Naked2 pallet fell out and into the sink. When I opened it up and saw that one of the powders had cracked, it was the final straw. Something had to be done! My lack of makeup organization was turning my fun and soothing makeup routine into a stressfull mess. I was fine with my container on the counter that held my hair and hygiene products like my Rodan and Fields Skincare Routine and my Heir Atelier Makeup Prep...so that got me thinking about a counter top organizer.

Beauty BuffetAs soon as I had a moment I sat down at the computer and did some searching. After checking out the containerstore.com and amazon.com I went with this makeup organizer from amazon.com. It was more than large enough to meet my needs, but small enough to fit in the space I had planned. When buying a counter top organizer I encourage you to pull out a measuring tape and measure the exact space you have available, and then make sure the container you pick fits in your chosen spot! I also took this opportunity to get rid of any outdated makeup or products I honestly just don’t use anymore. I’ve been using my organizer for almost a month now and I have to tell you…it is amazing! Putting on makeup is back to being a zen experience. When the Cowboy came home and saw it on the counter I was ready for a bit of a scolding…instead he just walked out and said “What’s with the Beauty Buffet?” and the name was coined forevermore!

On the top I have all the things that I usually need every day. My face sunscreen and my Urban Decay Primer Spray, perfume, and the few products I use for my five minute every day face. There were great lipstick organizers which I love because it allows me to see at a glance my color choices.

Top

Next drawer down is all of my eye makeup. My multitude of liners (I am obviously addicted) are now easy to see and grab, and there is plenty of room for my Naked2 pallet, mascara and Pixie eyebrow pencil and gel.

Eye Makeup

Then I have all of my face products like my Naked Foundation and blush, various highlighting and contouring products, and setting powders.

Face Makeup

Lastly I have a drawer full of all those things that normally end up spread across the counter; fingernail clippers and a file, my extra FitBit bands, mirrors for checking the back of my hair, pony tail holders, and headbands.

Bottom Drawer

I encourage you to take a moment this summer and go through your beauty products, get rid of your old or unused makeup, and get organized. Not only will it cut down on your prep time but, it will make you makeup routine the zen experience you deserve.

How do you organize your makeup?]]>
		
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		Summertime Pasta Salad
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/summertime-pasta-salad/
		Mon, 14 Jul 2014 12:00:11 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2391
		
		Spice Island Garlic and Herb Dipping Spices are vital as well! Give this recipe a try next time you have a guest over for lunch or are attending a neighborhood BBQ, I know you'll come back to thank me ;)

Summertime Pasta SaladSummertime Pasta Salad

Cooking Time 12 minutes (pasta) Prep Time 5 minutes
Serves 8-10

Ingrediants

1 box of whole wheat or regular pasta, any shape is fine
12-16oz of Fresh Mozerella1/2 cup of Fresh Basil
3 cups of halved Cherry Tomatoes (any kind of tomato will work)
Olive Oil
Spice Island Garlic and Herb Dipping Spices in an adjustable grinder

1. Cook Pasta according to directions on box, drain and place in large bowl.
While Pasta is cooking...
2. Cut Fresh Mozzarella into bite sized squares and add to large bowl.
3. Coarsely chop Fresh Basil leaves and add to large bowl.
4. Add Tomatoes to bowl.
5. Drizzle Pasta, Mozerella, Basil, and Tomatoes with a hearty amount of Olive Oil.
6. Grind Bread Dipping Spices liberally over the top of the pasta, it's better to add a little at first, you can always add more.
7. Mix all of the ingredients together and taste. If it seems a little dry add more Olive Oil, if it needs a bit more flavor add more bread spices.
8. Place in fridge covered and serve cold to guests.]]>
		
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		Sometimes you Just have to Dance
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/sometimes-you-have-to-dance/
		Wed, 16 Jul 2014 12:00:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2399
		
		 the last time I mopped the floor. We've been having a blast going to the beach, playing with friends, and just hanging out. By the end of the day I haven't really been feeling like sweeping or doing chores, so I haven't been.

Dancing GirlWhile living out of laundry baskets for the last week has been a little tiresome, The Cowboy hasn't left me yet...so I'm choosing to enjoy it! As I went for a run this weekend I was struck by how motivating music is for me. My ipod battery died when I still had half a mile to go, and it was all I could do not to just lay down on the road. Then I had the extreme pleasure of a girls night out with CollegeBFF and TallGirlJ. We went out for dinner and then headed to the movies to see Tammy. It was pretty hilarious! I can't say that it's a must see but, if you're looking for an excuse to leave the husband with the kids and have some laughs it's perfect. The beginning of the movie started with a super cool rock song, that had TallGirlJ and I singing along (along with half the movie theater), much to CollegeBFF's embarrassment. That led me to this post. Click play, watch a few of these videos, sing and dance along, get some energy, and put that smile on your face!

Here is the song from the opening scene of Tammy...



I love this song, I know that the Dixie Chicks have gotten some crap for their political views, but this song is FUN!



This goes out to all my 90's girls...



OK just one more super girly one...



This is just a great happy summer song, and it makes me smile every time I hear it!



This was THE song we listened to when we were getting ready to go out and party in college!



Everyone has someone that they wish they could send this song to...every time I hear it, I just want to be better!



If you can listen to this and not feel the urge to at least move your head...we can't be friends.



I'll end on this one, I have so many memories with this song and it always makes me smile and think of nights dancing with The Cowboy under the big Wyoming sky.



What song makes you smile?

Photo Credit Copyright: tatianaobukhovich / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Dress that Baby Belly
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/dress-baby-belly/
		Sat, 26 Jul 2014 12:00:13 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2409
		
		I have stated before that I am one of those obnoxious people that are barley sick and just love to be pregnant. And one of my favorite things about pregnancy is the fashion…I know a ton of my girlfriends struggle with this very thing during pregnancy, especially in the last trimester, but I love dressing my baby belly. I call it a baby belly because after my first two kids it was never just a baby bump! So, to help those of you ladies that are struggling with how to dress that baby belly, I’ve posted some pics (as always click to get directly to the link to buy) to help inspire you. I personally prefer to wear non maternity clothes. First, in my town our only choices for maternity clothes are seriously limited, and secondly, I find that I then have some cute clothes to wear in that dreary postpartum period when you still have some weight to lose. Make sure you stop by our Prairie Wife Pinterest board for more inspiration!

Tank Dress TargetThis dress from Target may look super plain to you but hang in there and let me explain. When you are pregnant for 9 months it helps to have clothes that can go from one season to the next so, I recommend a color or pattern that doesn't scream summer or winter. Add some bright flip flops, a light print scarf, and cute earrings and you're set for a summer lunch. A warm cardigan (with a skinny belt over it) and knee high boots transition the look into fall. Add some super chunky sparkly jewlry, a bright clutch and heels and you are ready for date night. When buying a dress I look for two things. 1. Length, as the belly grows the hem rises, so make sure you start with a longer hem! 2. Thicker straps. With a growing belly comes growing boobs, and there is no way I can walk around without a bra. Thick straps keep my bra hidden, and help me to be comfortable. As a side note, I tend to stay away from dresses with a defined waist (elastic) when pregnant. With my long torso it never hits in the right spot and often tends to make me look larger than I am. A dress with no waist seems to float and brush against me in just the right way, and if I want to define my "waist" I can use a belt to get it in just the right spot.

Crochet Top MarshellsNext up is this super cute crochet top from Marshells. Not only is it on trend with the crochet but, it is appropriate for woman of all ages and sizes. Buy the next size (or two) up and it'll last you your whole pregnancy, and afterwards! I suffer from what I can "bun in the oven syndrome" which means I am always super overheated when pregnant, so I usually stick to t-shirts. This fabric is heavier which keeps it from riding up and allows it to hang nicely but, the looser cut (notice the bottom is wider than the armpit area) means that it won't be snug on your growing belly. It can easliy be dressed up or down, a must when you are trying to stick to a budget. How cute would this be with ripped skinny jeans and flip flops, or with the pair of pants below and a hot pair of heels?!

Drapy Ankle Pants LoftIn all honesty, as soon as I am done with this post I am going to have to get a pair of these pants from Loft (I bet Texas Two Steppin' is craving a pair too). Their fit keeps them sleek and chic looking while the fabric makes you feel like you are wearing your pajamas out...is there any better combo for a pregnant woman? The elastic waistband gives you room to tighten or loosen as your belly needs, and the cut helps make your legs look miles long. With the volume at the top of these pants, you need to stick to a top that is more fitted, or one that is made of a lighter and flowy fabric. These pants also need to be worn with shoes that show some of your foot, like strappy sandals or ballet flats...thought now that I think of it, they might look fab with my black heeled ankle boots from Betsy Johnson and a chunky sweater...hmmm...

pencil skirt LuLaRoeThis pencil skirt from LuLaRoe is absolutely perfect for pregnant and non pregnant woman alike. The fabric has just the right amount of stretch so it hugs your curves without squeezing them. The waistband allows you to pull it up to help smooth your stomach, or push it down so it sits comfortably under your baby belly. With a flowy sheer tank and gladiator sandals it's perfect for summer, and with leggings, boots and a chunky sweater you're ready to go jump in some leaves (carefully though, watch out for the baby). Heels and a sparkly top make it perfect for your office party or date night with your hubby. LuLaRoe also has a great selection of maxi skirts that offer the same perfect fit!

What piece of maternity clothing do you have to have?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week July 18, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-july-18-2014/
		Fri, 18 Jul 2014 12:00:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2419
		
		found our luggage, and forged ahead through the small airport we were both a little nervous. We had never traveled this far from home, and while we were thrilled to have won a trip to France we were apprehensive about how traveling with a tour company would go. When we finally spotted our Tour Manager she greeted us with a bright smile and a cheerful “Bonjour!” I immediately responded with a hearty bonjour of my own (The Cowboy simply said hello) and we proceeded to make small talk. As The Cowboy and I continued on our French Rivera tour with Collette Vacations we got to know Maryse (pronounced Mah-Reese) quite well. After all, we stared and ended every day with her, and often spent hours wandering the streets and markets of France by her side. Her vast knowledge of the French culture, and her humor and sharp wit made us feel at ease asking any and every question that came to mind. Her familiarity with the area, and amazing recommendations for places to eat (I would love to go back to the Glace shop in old Nice for some delicious ice cream) ensured that we had a trip full of memories. Settling in alongside her for long and luxurious French meals, filled with divine food and even better conversation, are some of my favorite memories of the trip. By then end of the trip I knew I had to share her story with my readers. Her spirit of adventure, ability to adapt to numerous situations, and her obvious love of our world and the cultures in it, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week! As a side note, I wish I could have recorded her voice as we chatted, as soon as heard her beautiful Quebecois accent it made me smile...and crave a croissant!
Maryse Shoes

PW (Prairie Wife): First tell us a little bit about your family.

CanadaM (Maryse): My family is about as small as it gets! Both my parents are still alive and I have one brother who like me, is single with no children. My mom always jokes at Christmas that if everyone shows up there will be four! I grew up in Granby, Canada. It is located about an hour south-east of Montreal. I grew up speaking French - with my friends and family, the whole province is predominantly French-speaking. I grew up with my parents traveling a fair amount; they would go off together to places like Europe, Tunisia, and all over North America. Because of my parents, the idea of world traveling was a perfectly normal part of life. I am very grateful to my parents for never trying to force me to settle down. Whenever I come back to Canada after traveling, it is a good feeling. I love going away and I love coming home. My favorite thing about my hometown is all the green, beautiful parks, the old mature trees and the nearby countryside. Nature has always been soothing to me.

PW: You’ve been working for Collette Vacations for eight years now, how did you become interested in being a tour manager?

AlpsM: It was never anything that I had specifically focused on and worked towards. I loved to travel but had never really considered being a Tour Manager for a career choice. When I was younger I would spend a year backpacking and exploring the world, then I would come back to Canada to make just enough money to head out again! I went on so many adventures… Riding a motorcycle in Bali, working with sheep shearers in the Australian Outback, hiking in Nepal in the Himalayan Mountains, camping in the Kalahari Desert in Africa, and riding on the top of a bus in India…just to name a few!

While home in Canada I bumped into a friend of mine whom I hadn’t seen in 10 years, and rekindled our friendship. It turns out that she had spent the last 10 years working for Collette Vacations as a Tour Manager; she mentioned that with my travel experience I would be perfect for the job. I said “No, not interested!” but, she kept on bringing it up, over and over. So, out of pure exhaustion I gave in and had her tell me what it involved…It wasn’t what I expected it to be. I thought it would be very routine and somewhat like babysitting. Frankly the truth was that I had always been afraid of public speaking! I even dropped a course for University because I heard they had presentations and I was terrified. I was sure that there was no way I could spend my days talking to a group of strangers, like a true friend she told me I could handle it.

African ElephantI decided to try it and did a weekend workshop with a local event company, just to see if it was for me. We did a mock airport greeting and each person had to talk for 5 minutes on the microphone while traveling on the bus. My heart was racing when I went up to give my speech, I couldn’t tell you a thing I said! When I sat down I realized I was still alive, and each time it got easier. So, I applied for a Tour Manager job with Collette Vacations. They are very thorough and it is a tough process. They are looking more for a certain type of person rather than someone who is fluent in a variety of languages or a history buff. Languages and History can always be taught but, patience, kindness, and an ability to put others at ease cannot. My first opportunity with Collette Vacations was a onetime contract tour to South Africa. The experience was amazing! I literally had to pinch myself while staring at a magnificent elephant standing very close to me. I was in Africa and I was earning money!

A few months following that, when it was the once-a-year hiring time for Collette Vacations, I applied and they hired me as a full time Tour Manager. I’ve been with Collette Vacations for eight years now, I love it and I am so thankful for my friend’s persistence!

PW: Can you walk us through your schedule and responsibilities when on tour?

M: I’m away from home on average 190-195 days of the year. The schedule is never the same. I can be home for as little as two days or as long as two weeks. Sometimes I go for one tour or I may do up to three tours in a row. Any tour manager can book time off, especially if we put in a request before they make up our schedules. From September 1st to November 15th is our busiest time, so they ask that there is no requested time off. If we are home during the busy time we need to be available as a substitute in case another tour guide is sick or injured. We all have a supervisor, and they work really hard for us and make sure our schedules are not too overwhelming. It’s really nice to know that they have our backs!

When I’m on tour my responsibilities are endless! The hours are long but they are enjoyable. As soon as I step into the dining room for breakfast, my day starts. I always get up before the groups and usually go to bed later. There is paperwork to do and a lot of planning. When we leave the hotels I am responsible for bags and people, and making sure all the incidentals are taken care of. I always need to be about half a day ahead of what we are doing. You don’t want to be caught off guard with 40 people relying on you. Lunch and Dinner reservations need to be checked and I always discuss things with the driver. It’s important to make sure we are on the same page with the days schedule and route.

A “typical day”…I get up and (sometimes) eat breakfast, check bags, make sure everyone is accounted for and head off to the first destination. As we drive I share information with my guests and I try to get them excited about what is coming up. For a Tour Manager it’s important to make sure there is a good balance between information, quiet time, fun and and sightseeing. Once we arrive at our destination I make sure our guests get the most out of that visit. Sometime people have special request that I try to accommodate. I try and point out things that they may be interested in.

VeniceEvery place is different; sometime the group walks along with me, sometimes guest break off for free time and go wherever they want or, we may do a walking tour with a local guide. I also make sure I am there and easily accessible if there are any problems. Hopefully everyone returns back to the bus at meeting time (luckily, they usually do)! We then head back to the hotel or continue on to another gorgeous site. More often than not, dinner is included and we go enjoy the evening all together. If it’s a free night I try to point out several good places to eat within walking distance, and give them directions.

PW: I have to ask, what do you do if you have a guest that is overly rude or just can’t be pleased?

M: I guess my answer to this is quite simple. I will try to make everyone happy, and I know if I have someone who is just miserable chances are it’s just the way they are…but I will still give it a try. I know that if they just won’t come around, I have 40 other lovely people to focus on and spend time with. I know it eventually may come to the point where I need to put my foot down, but in eight years I haven’t had that happen yet.

PW: Any funny stories to share from your experiences with guests?

M: There are so many small but funny moments, but you really had to be there to enjoy them! I can share with you a touching story. Two guests were traveling with me on a tour to Portugal. They were 75 and boyfriend and girlfriend. The boyfriend got lost and wasn’t back at the bus at meeting time so, the lady was quite worried. I told her to stay by the bus and to let me find him; I had a good idea where he might be. I easily found him and brought him back. A year later a big box arrived at my door, I wasn’t’ expecting anything and it turned out to be a box from the lady on the tour. She knitted me a beautiful throw blanket! I actually just saw her last month in Paris. She was on another Collette tour and saw me in passing, she recognized me and came up to me, and it was really wonderful to see her. There are so many moments like that; I get so much out of my job. I really do.

PW: Where have you traveled, and can you share a few of your favorites and why?

M: My own travels have taken me to numerous countries in Western and Eastern Europe, the southern part of Africa, Australia and New Zealand, South-East Asia and Central America.

As far as my favorites....? I have to say, I would gladly go back to every country I've been to, but if I must pick a few...

Jordan & Egypt - The history of these countries will blow your mind! The locals are so inviting and generous and kind. There is nothing like cruising down the Nile at sunset or sunrise, while life quietly unfolds in the fields or on the shores as we are passing by.

South Africa – It is stunning and scenic with many kinds of landscapes. You can visit wild penguins, or a winery, go for a game drive and hopefully see the "big 5" (lion, leopard, rhino, elephant and buffalo), drive across a rugged mountain range, visit the gorgeous and colorful city of Cape Town, etc....

Morocco & Andalucía (southern Spain) - I love the Moorish (northern African) influence you can see in Andalucía and the beautiful white villages of Andalucía perched on a mountain top or hillside. I love the music... it’s full of passion, I love the medinas of Morocco (old section of ancient cities). Morocco is just exotic enough and the food is super delicious.

Portugal- For its rugged endless coastline, yet gorgeous beaches. You can’t escape the country’s love for ceramic tiles, which they will put everywhere, even to cover entire houses! They have amazing fish and seafood, wonderful port wine and warm people. For me Portugal has a rustic and unpretentious beauty. It's also a country where you can feel its' soul. Then, there are the islands belonging to Portugal - the Azores and Madeira groups of islands out in the Atlantic - the scenery there will astound you.

Bali, Vietnam... Scenery that is straight out of National Geographic magazines. Excellent food and wonderful locals. The children are happy playing with sticks and rocks, and they have the most beautiful smiles!

PW: As a world traveler I’m sure you’ve seen so much, can you tell me if there is anything that seems to be true across many cultures?

South AfricaM: It’s simple really, kindness and courtesy work magic everywhere…and so does a sincere smile. If you can learn to say hello, thank you and please in the language where you are traveling to, it will open up any door that you need, and puts smiles on everyone’s faces.

PW: What cultural differences have surprised you the most?

FranceM: The differences in the pace of life...in places like the south of France, people don't live to work but they work just enough to live and they enjoy life. They will not hesitate to take a two-hour lunch and savor every minute of it. Waiters in France will not bring you your bill until you ask for it; it would be considered rude if they did. They are not trying to rush you out to reuse the table. This is the hospitality industry after all! I was in one of my favorite restaurants in Avignon (in Provence, France) and the restaurant filled up shortly after 7 pm. Around 8:30 pm, I asked the owner how late her kitchen was open and she replied that it was already not accepting new tables as they had been filled since 7 pm, and that was enough. She was not looking to reuse the tables at all. She said her staff had worked hard enough as it was. I find that very refreshing. I like how for the French, it is extremely important to start any conversation with "bonjour". This is a more formal aspect of their culture but one that I really like. A simple "bonjour" makes such a difference. It is very courteous. Much nicer than jumping straight into a question when you first approach someone.

VietnamIf we head over to Asia, I would say that I admire how much they look after their elders, and how happy Asian kids are. These are kids who barely have what we consider the basics! But, they have the most radiant of smiles, and can amuse themselves with next to nothing. They still have their imaginations very much turned "on". Also, I find Asian kids extremely patient and well behaved. I have been on local buses on bumpy roads through Asia, where the ride went on forever, and I have watched Asian kids sit very, very quietly with their mothers for hours on end.

PW: How has your travel changed your view of the world and yourself?

M: When I started backpacking I was 23 I was constantly on the lookout for another cool country to live in, and what I found at the end of each trip was that I really liked Canada. Traveling has shown me that I am very fortunate to have been born in Canada, and that it’s one of the best countries to live in. I would also say that when you see other cultures you learn to appreciate more what we have here in North America. The opportunities are endless for us, and many children (and adults) all over the world don’t even know what the word opportunity means. Yet despite this, you realize we are all the same. We all love and laugh and cry and want the same things. Every parent in the world wants the best for their children, for their family…though the definition of “best” is different the world over.

PW: I am sure that by now you have packing down to a science, any tips or tricks?

M: I would say plan for the unplanned, if your packing for a hot climate bring something for slightly cooler days. Layers are always a good idea to help adapt to weather. I will put everything out in piles before I pack my suitcase, each bottom will have two or three tops and the tops are packed right with it. I have also been known to make a list of outfits and write it out on a piece of paper so I can simply look at my paper for inspiration. If you travel a lot, become a creature of habit in your suitcase and hotel room, same things in the same place it saves so much time. I never put anything underneath my bed or in an out of the way drawer or closet. Also, don’t leave home with your suitcase at the maximum weight, because then you can’t shop!

PW: What advice do you have for anyone considering world travel for the first time ever?

RelaxingM: I would suggest you go somewhere where there is not a huge language or cultural difference. Perhaps the UK would be a good start. And of course go with Collette Vacations, we‘ve been doing it for 96 years and we go to every continent. If you do go on a tour, think of adding a day or two at the end of the tour to unwind and go back to your favorite places.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

On a practical note; don’t leave home without travel medical insurance! Not all insurances in the states cover you overseas, it is well worth the small cost.

AustraliaGo see the world it’s full of wonders! Go with an open mind and give new things a try. Be open to unplanned moments because they are usually the best.]]>
		
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		An Evening at the Farmers Market #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/an-evening-at-the-farmers-market/
		Sat, 19 Jul 2014 12:00:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2442
		
		 was at our Farmers Market?

When I first entered our downtown area where the market was held, I was impressed with not only the amount of venders but, the amount of natural bath productspeople that were wandering around taking a look at all the booths. I first noticed a wide variety of handcrafted jewelry and small art pieces. While I was walking along I smelt something divine. I followed my nose and the fresh floral and earthy scent to this both. These ladies were selling natural locally made bath products, and while I was there purely for work purposes, I made a mental note to stop by next Tuesday evening to chat with them some more about their products.

Great Harvest Bread coAs I continued on my nose once again led my to a booth. A locally owned company Great Harvest Bread Company had a booth full of their tantalizing baked goods. Fresh bread made daily and using ground wheat grown in Montana...does it get any better?!

 

 

Local HoneyFurther down the sidewalk, the golden glow of local honey caught my eye, and I had to stop to take a picture. My kids love Peanut Butter and Honey sandwiches, and honey is great for it's health and healing properties as well. A dollop of honey in bath water can ease dry skin, added to tea or taken by the spoonful it can sooth a sore throat or cough, and locally grown honey is said to help lessen allergy symptoms when taken!

 

MargoI was then delighted to run into a bit of a local celebrity. Children's Author Margo Cronbaugh Bean was selling her latest book! The Cowkids all love her book Buffaloed Badger and I was excited to hear her talk about her new book about a brave little colt named Rowdy. Much to the delight of her fans, she was not only selling copies of all three of her books, but signing them as well!

 

Brenda Short art

Local artists Ginny Butcher and Brenda Short also had a booth set up. Brenda Short's whimsical chairs offered an inviting place to sit, and would brighten up anyone's patio or lawn! The Farmers Market is the perfect place for local artists to not only sell their work but, become inspired as well. Our past Prairie Wife of the week Ginny Butcher took the opportunity to paint a charming picture of the market. The mixture of sunlight and shade in her picture makes me smile and think of a warm summer day, with just the right amount of breeze rustling in the trees. Ginny Butcher has generously offered to give away her painting of the Farmers Market to one of our lucky readers, so make sure you take time to enter after you read this post! Just look for the Rafflecopter entry at the bottom of this page.

Ginny Butcher Artist

All through my walk I could hear the strains of live music playing, and people of all ages gathered in the grass to listen to a local band play some tunes. The relaxed community atmosphere was so pleasant I wanted to linger for hours!

Live Music

Sadly though I had to get back to the Cowkids, but I plan on returning next Tuesday. I couldn't believe the variety of vendors that our Farmers Market offered, and I am looking forward to seeing more fresh produce as the summer continues and the food is ready for harvesting! Take some time to stop by your local Farmers Market, I think you'll be surprised with all that you can find there.

a Rafflecopter giveaway


 

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		Your Makeup's Shelf Life
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/makeups-shelf-life/
		Mon, 21 Jul 2014 12:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2460
		
		A note from Prairie Wife:

NatalieAs you all know I am a huge fan of makeup, mothering, fashion, and sharing the ups and down of life on the Prairie. As a blogger I also spend a lot of time online reading other blogs. Over the last year I've found several that are my favorites. LightsCameraPhoto.com is the perfect blog for those of you that love to watch how-to videos. Natalie is a super cute and energetic video blogger that shares her loves of candles, makeup and photography with her followers. Her sweet personality and casual video blogging style (I love when she sneaks in personal details about her life) suck you in.

This week she was generous enough to do a guest post for us here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com. Last week I shared with you my tips for organizing your makeup and beauty products and today Natalie is sharing her expertise and giving all of our readers a detailed list of how long to keep your makeup. After you get done reading her post, take a few minutes to watch her makeup tutorial on bright summer makeup and get inspired!

 

If you are like me, or the average woman, you probably have a pretty large stockpile of makeup laying around. It is hard to say no when you walk up to a beauty counter and see new products and colors that you are just dying to try out. It eventually starts to build up. That may not sound like a problem, but it can be if you aren't keeping track of how long you have had your makeup products. If you keep your makeup too long things like bacteria can build up, leading to irritated skin, rashes, and in worst case scenarios infections.

Here is a helpful guide on how long to keep your makeup:

makeup lifeFoundation: 1 to 1 1/2 years
Concealer: 2 years
Powder/Bronzer: 2 years
Blush: 2 years
Cream Blush: 1 year
Eyeshadow: 2 years
Cream Eyeshadow: 1 year
Eye Pencil: 2 years
Liquid Eyeliner: 3 to 6 months
Mascara: 3 to 6 months
Lipstick: 1 to 2 years
Lipgloss: 1 year
Lip Liner: 1 to 2 years
Nail Polish: 2 years

Not sure how long you have had your makeup? If anything looks wrong with your makeup, be safe and toss it. Things to look for: odor, discoloration, separation, cracking, or clumping. Lastly, don't forget to clean your makeup brushes! Makeup brushes can be a breeding ground for bacteria so don't overlook this important step. Cleaning your brushes once a week will keep bacteria at bay, but it will also help increase the lifespan of your makeup brushes.

Make sure to bookmark this page so when in doubt, you can check!

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		Cheyenne Frontier Days
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cheyenne-frontier-days/
		Wed, 23 Jul 2014 12:00:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2471
		
		 Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo is in the Guinness book of world records as the world's largest outdoor rodeo, and while the rodeo is one of my favorite parts of this 10 day celebration there is so much more! The Cowboy, Cowkids and I headed down to Cheyenne this last weekend to enjoy all that Frontier Days has to offer. I would really encourage everyone to put it on your bucket list, it truly is amazing, and fun for the whole family. The Cowkids hit the carnival Friday night when the temperatures had cooled off, and we didn't get back to the hotel room until 11! It's the perfect amount of little kid and big kid rides and the Cowkids were all kept happy with cotton candy, lemonade, and funnel cakes. All that sugar is the probably the reason they made it so many hours past their bedtime! The next morning we were up bright and early to watch the parade, and I just had to share some pictures of what make this parade so special.

These Yellow tour buses were originally used to take visitors to Yellowstone National Park on road tours.

yellowstone tour bus

Does it get any better than a fiddling band? Their lively music truly brings the spirit of the old West to the parade.
fiddlers

There were dozens of beautiful restored carriages and coaches pulled by teams of horses but, for the sake of your time I picked just two of my favorites.

carriage

Aren't theses Percheron horses stunning?

percherons

Can you imagine spending days stuffed in this coach with a bunch of strangers traveling across the Wyoming Prairie?

coach

Bagpipes and the American flag always bring a tear to my eye...always!

bagpipes

There were multiple floats and vehicles that helped to share the history of our military. This ambulance from the Korean War was a really fun one to see.

ambulance

As proud as we are of Wyoming, we aren't scared to poke a little fun at ourselves, this one makes the whole crowd laugh!

cheyenne or bust

Every afternoon at Cheyenne Frontier Days they have the rodeo, and it is always a blast! We left Cowboy C with CowGranny for the rodeo, it can be a bit much for an 18m old boy to sit through. I literally took hundreds of pictures but once again I will only share a few with you. Take a look at the official website to see a listing of all the events at the rodeo. Here is a wonderful link if you are interested in learning more about the history of the rodeo.

Cowboy W was absolutely enthralled with Rider Kiesner the World Champion trick roper that put on a show between events (check out his video)!trick roping

The bulls were amazing, and the cowboys did some great riding.

bull rider

The excitement doesn't stop after the Cowboy gets bucked off. The athleticism of the bullfighters as they put themselves in danger to keep the Cowboys safe is just as exciting as the 8 second ride!

bullfighter

The bronc riding was also fabulous. I love to watch it with The Cowboy who is a third generation bronc rider himself. I've learned so much about the sport from him.

broncs 2

I don't think I need to even explain why this picture is so cool...

broncs

Bulldogging is one of my favorite things to watch. For this event two Cowboys head out after a calf and one Cowboy jumps off the horse and has to flip the calf onto it's back. I know there are more technical terms for what happens, but that's the gist of it. Here at Cheyenne Frontier Days they take their nickname "The Daddy of Them All" pretty seriously. Those sweet calves weigh between 300 and 700 pounds, and I have to say that on Sunday when we went, the Calves beat the Cowboys hands down! Here they all are heading down the arena and out of the chute.

Bull dogging

Now they've caught up to the calf...

bulldogging 3

Now off goes the Cowboy...

getting off

And onto the calf. The Cowboy has his heels dug into the ground to try and stop the calf.

stopping

Whoops...

ugh

And they are back up...though the calf doesn't seem to know he's been caught...

being drug

The Cowboy gave it his best but that calf drug him all the way across the arena until the time ran out. You better believe the crowd was up and cheering for that Cowboy, he never gave up.

done

In Calf Roping the Cowboy and calf head out of the chute and the Cowboy has to rope the calf, then hop off his horse and tie it's legs. After tying the legs the calf has to stay caught for 6 seconds, or it doesn't count. It's an amazing combination of skills for both the Cowboy and the horse. Here they are headed down the arena.

calf ropeing

Now the calf is caught...

calf roped

And the Cowboy hops of his horse and gets the calf tied. See how the horse is keeping the rope tight? Without the Cowboy doing a thing the horse will move so that the rope always stays tight.

down

The Calf is tied up, and the crowd waits to see if it holds, and to find out the final score.

tied up

I also can't forget to mention the amazing night shows that Cheyenne Frontier Days schedules. They've had all the country greats from George Strait to Garth Brooks, and quite a few other types of bands as well! The Cowboy and I left the Cowkids with their CowGranny and had a night out on the town. We went to a Gary Allan concert which was AMAZING! Not only did it bring back some fond memories (we met 13 years ago at the beer tent after a Gary Allan concert) but as always he put on a stellar show. His voice is amazing and his songs are all so wonderfully written that you can't help but get caught up in his stories.

Afterwards we went to the beer tent for some dancing, my favorite part! I'll leave you with a video of Chancey Williams and The Younger Brothers Band, a Wyoming band that is sure to get your toe tapping. We heard them in the beer tent Friday night where they did a KILLER cover of one of my favorite songs "Pumped Up Kicks" and then again Saturday night when they opened for Gary Allan. TallGirlJ told me yesterday she used to party with him in college...how cool is that?! Take some time to look at the Cheyenne Frontier Days site and plan a trip out this way, you've still got another week and I know you won't be sorry!

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		My Top 5 Really?! Moments
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/top-5-really-moments/
		Mon, 28 Jul 2014 12:00:12 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2519
		
		I am borrowing this concept from an SNL skit called Really!?! With Seth and Amy but I’m sure even if you don’t take the time to watch the clip you’ll pick up on what I’m doing quite quickly. Usually I tend to be pretty easy going, after all with four kids 8 and under I can’t take time to stress about the little things. I mean after all…did I ever really tell Cowboy C not to paint the cat green? But as all women, wives and mothers know there are just some things that make me twitch! Here are a few (in no particular order)…make sure you share some of your Really?! moments with me in the comments section, I’d love to read them!

1. I find it hard to believe that my 6 year old daughter and I are the only ones in this house that know how to replace an empty toilet paper roll with a fresh one. I mean Really?! She is six and she has been doing it for years, YEARS! It must be a genetically handed down skill that only works when you have two XX chromosomes…Really?!

2. As a favor to Cowboy J’s future wife I taught him at 2 years old to go to the bathroom with the seat up and close both lids before he flushed and left the room. Something apparently happens when boys turn 8 in which they forget how to close the lids, or even lift it up first! I mean Really?! You’ve been doing this for 6 years and suddenly you forget how…Really?!

3. I get it; we spend a lot of time in the car, sometimes two hours a day driving back and forth. Because I love you I have given you each a bag of toys (you picked) to keep next to your seat. Yet every few days I hear, “I don’t have anything to play with!” Really?! You have within your reach more toys than some kids have in their whole lives, and you can’t find something to do…Really?! Maybe it’s because instead of taking 1 second to place the toys back in the bag after you are done, you throw them on the ground, resulting in an empty bag and all your toys being out of reach (or broken from being stepped on). Really?! How many times do I have to tell you PUT THE TOYS BACK IN THE BAG…Really?!

4. If one more person looks at my kid and says “Oh sweetie your shoes are on the wrong feet!” and then shoots me a dirty look I am going to have to punch them. I mean Really?! Take a look at my shoes they are on the correct feet (usually), I obviously know my left from my right. This same kid is also wearing sweatpants and a hooded sweatshirt with a tie in the middle of July, do you thinks perhaps he dressed himself? How about saying “good job getting dressed on your own”…Really?!

5. What is it about the sound of my purse sliding onto my shoulder and the jingle of keys that stirs at least one of my children’s colons into action? I mean Really?! I had everyone go to the bathroom 15 minutes before we needed to head out the door, but without fail one of the Cowkids poops just as I am ready to head out the door. Whether it’s in the potty or in a diaper you better believe it’s going to set us back at least 8 minutes. Really?! We would have totally been on time if this hadn’t have happened…Really?!

Don’t forget to share your Really?! moments with me in the comments!

Photo Copyright: creatista / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		You Pick Prairie Wife of the Week!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pick-prairie-wife-week/
		Fri, 25 Jul 2014 12:00:10 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2524
		
		That's right readers it's time for another You Pick Prairie Wife of the Week! Take a moment to browse through two of our past winners of our You Pick Prairie Wife of the Week. Katie, a mother of three who chose to give birth at home and Miz Booshay, a blogger who calls Pioneer Woman her friend! Then get thinking about who you want to nominate for You Pick Prairie Wife of the Week...

It can be a friend or family member or even yourself, after all everyone has a story! Nominate a favorite blogger or even a celebrity, I'm more than happy to give it a try...after all we did have an amazing interview with Kendra Richards a professional makeup artist to the stars (including Cindy Crawford)!

To nominate your Prairie Wife of the Week pick simply leave a comment here or on our Facebook page, or send us an e-mail (prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com) or tweet naming your pick and your reasons why you think they should be our Prairie Wife of the Week. Don't forget to leave your e-mail as well as the e-mail of your nominee! We will also give you the chance to write the introduction yourself and add any questions to the interview that you just have to know the answer too!

We will no longer accept nominations after 6:00 pm MST Friday Aug 1st, 2014.

We will announce the winner Friday Aug 8th, 2014.

Now get typing and share with us that perfect Prairie Wife of the Week who's story we just have to hear!

 

Photo Copyright: florelena / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife Badge: Cow Milking
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-badge-cow-milking/
		Wed, 30 Jul 2014 12:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2537
		
		Elk Hunting Badge, Horse Chore Badge and Eating Wild Game (and loving it) Badge…just to name a few. It’s been a long time since I’ve had the chance to earn a new Prairie Wife Badge so I‘m pretty excited to share this with you!

This last weekend we went to visit our good friends Peter and Trina Campbell at their Wyoming ranch. Trina is a good friend of mine as well as a past Prairie Wife of the Week and fellow blogger. It has been WAY to long since we have visited with them so, The Cowboy and I loaded the Cowkids up, and headed their way. The Cowkids love to go to Hat Creek Ranch. It’s full of cats, dogs and every other animal you can think of. The Hat Creek Ranch covers a vast amount of beautiful Prairie so, there is plenty of room for the Cowkids to run around and they love to rock climb and look for hidden bandits. The Cowboys all idolize Peter! Cowboy W barely left his side…Cowboy C even let Peter pick him up and carry him around. I guess that same soothing personality that works so well with horses works just as well with cranky teething toddlers (I wish he was here right now as I try and write this)!

sweet mama cowTrina has five milk cows on her ranch, and like a true Prairie Wife she uses their milk to make cheese, cream, yogurt and sour cream. I have always wanted to try milking a cow. I think that perhaps after having nursed four children, I kind of see the milk cow as my spirit animal…after all, I can totally relate to her life! I asked Trina if she would let me try my hand at milking her cow. I explained that I really needed to earn my Cow Milking Prairie Wife Badge! As a fellow blogger she not only said yes but, offered to take pictures as well. I was more than a little nervous after hearing Pa tell tales of milking cows as a youth. I was not looking forward to getting kicked, pooped on, or hit in the mouth with a poopy cow tail. Now that I write that I don’t know why I was worried, other than the tail it sounds like a regular old day with the Cowkids!

milking a cowLike a true Prairie Wife I took a deep breath and charged forward into the pen armed with a bucket and Trina’s helpful advice. I sat down (in heels, totally not planned BTW) and got to work. It only took me a few tries before I got the hang of it and soon I had a good rhythm that lasted for all of 30 seconds…then I got hit in the side of the head with the afore mentioned poop covered cow tail. It made me lose my mojo but, thankfully it hasn’t been very wet or cold here in Wyoming. This means that while it WAS a poop covered tail it was at least dry…and I’m pretending none of the poop actually got onto me. I kept it up for a few more minutes; I wasn’t trying to actually get a massive amount of milk. I just wanted the experience. I have to tell you, my hands were getting tired after just that little bit of time, and it gave me a whole new appreciation for Trina’s strength. After all she milks five cows every day!

That little mama cow was so sweet and gentle it kind of made me want to get one of my own. Especially when I learned that Trina only has to milk her cow once a day rather than twice…it really got me thinking that maybe I DO want to get a milk cow here at the Prairie Homestead. I’ve filed that thought away into my “for the future folder” but don’t you think it would be cool to get my Milk Cow Mama Prairie Wife Badge? Then of course I could get my Cheese Making Badge….

What do you think?]]>
		
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		Family Fun at the YMCA of the Rockies
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/family-fun-ymca-rockies/
		Sat, 02 Aug 2014 12:00:06 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2545
		
		to interview some amazing woman through our Prairie Wife of the Week segment and even made contact with my favorite author! But really, most of the benefits have been for me, not the rest of the family. Though a happy Prairie Mama does mean a happy Prairie Homestead for all!

tubing hillWhen I was invited to the Press Day for the opening of the YMCA of the Rockies Snow Mountain Ranch Tubing Hill I was SO excited. Not only did it seem like the perfect opportunity for us to have some family fun but, it was finally a benefit for the whole family, all from this blog. The Cowkids were counting down the days until our trip, and when the day finally arrived they hopped into the van with smiles on their faces and excitement in their hearts. I have to say The Cowboy and I were a little nervous that this vacation wouldn't live up to their expectations...we shouldn't have worried!

fab viewsWe traveled to the YMCA of the Rockies the long way and took some time to stop by and visit some good friends along the way. When we finally arrived at the YMCA of the Rockies we were more than a little road weary, and ready to have some fun. The staff greeted us and got us checked into our room right away, and we easily followed the map to our lodge. The room was spacious and the bathroom, refrigerator, and microwave were spotlessly clean. There was no TV in the room but, with all the indoor and outdoor activities available, you won't even notice it's gone! We immediately headed to the grill to get some food for the family. The pizza was really good, and the baskets of food (chicken fingers, corn dogs, and burgers) were more than enough to feed a kid. I would order one chicken basket to feed two kids next time we go. There is also a Cafeteria style area to eat each meal but, it was closed for lunch by the time we arrived.

mini golfWe then headed to the mini golf course where we had a blast! Even Cowboy C at 18 months was running around with his golf ball and putter screaming and laughing with all the other Cowkids. All the other guests seemed to be having just as much fun as us, and the area was full of laughter and families having fun. Other activities include a pool, a zip-line, roller skating, indoor and outdoor archery, hiking, and horse back riding.

rock climbingAt the top of their list of "must do's" at the YMCA of the Rockies was rock climbing. They have an indoor and outdoor wall available. The Cowkids had a blast taking a ton of turns (they had a whole hour to climb) and even though they never made it to the top they sure had fun trying. The staff was encouraging and hilarious, and obviously enjoyed being with the kids. It was nice to be able to stand back and watch them while shouting encouragement and keeping an eye on Cowboy C as he played in the grass and dirt.

That night after a BBQ dinner, we headed to the stables for a hay ride. As they got the horses hitched up to the wagon we took some time to visit with the goats and sheep. At first Cowboy C wasn't too sure about them...

goats

But he soon warmed up to them and was giving them more food than they had probably eaten all week combined!

feeding goats

The wagon ride was a fun treat for us all, and a great way to get a look at the beautiful mountain views surrounding the YMCA of the Rockies. There were some great trails for hiking (one leads up to a waterfall) and we spotted quite a few deer. The wagon driver was pleasant and cheerful and chatted away about both the horses and the landscape around us.

wagon ride

We gave the horses a break and enjoyed some S'mores and hot chocolate!

S'mores

As we walked back to our room everyone was pleasantly tired and ready to settle in for the night. The next morning as the Cowkids woke up the same question was on all of their lips... "Is today the day for the Tubing Slide?!" When I answered "Yes" their screams of joy probably woke everyone in the whole building (sorry). We grabbed breakfast and headed to the Tubing Hill. The facility is wonderful with plenty of places to sit in either the sun or the shade, and panoramic views of the mountains of Colorado. They had family friendly music playing and cold drinks and snacks are available for guests in the concession stands. There are also bathrooms located right within the building, as any mom knows, close bathrooms are always a plus!

buliding

We listened to several speeches, and I gained a whole new appreciation for the vision of this facility. Over and over again we heard about the organization's desire to bring families together. Too often today we are pulled in so many directions, and often this direction is away from our families. The YMCA of the Rockies' goal is to offer an affordable place for families to connect and make memories, to simply enjoy being with each other, and to return back to their homes feeling renewed in their love.

speech

After they cut the ribbons the kids stampeded for their helmets and tubes and lined up, ready for the fun to begin!

ready to go

See ya later Cowboy J!

headed down

You can ride on single tubes or on two tubes hooked together. Children 6 and under need to ride in a tube hooked up with an adult...and kids under 3 can't ride. With the great facility it was no problem keeping an eye on Cowboy C as he ran around and The Cowboy and I took turns going down with Cowgirl G and Cowboy W. It was an absolute blast, a light mist keeps the surface slick and cools you off without soaking you. We spent two hours going up and down the hill non-stop!

riding double

I know by now you are wondering about the trek back up the hill dragging the tube. No worries, all you do is hop on the "magic carpet" and ride it up the hill and right back into the line again (trust me you can't just take one turn).

magic carpet

Right next to the hill there was a group of CB Engineers working on a new expansion project for the park. They were invited over to enjoy the hill and take a break from the heat. It was wonderful to see these big tough guys and gals smiling ear to ear, and hear them screaming and laughing just like the kids.

fun for everyone

Here is a picture of one of the new projects the YMCA is working on, I can't wait to come back and let the kids loose in this park!

phase 2

I can't recommend the YMCA of the Rockies at Snow Mountain Ranch enough. It was a perfect vacation for our large family of active kids. With their difference in ages I was concerned about the activities being fun for all of them, while Cowboy C couldn't participate in all of the activities, all of the facilities were set up in such a way that it was simple to keep him occupied while the older kids played. The staff was helpful, polite, and absolutely wonderful with the kids. Keep in mind it's open all year round with activities like skiing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides in the winter!

Feel free to ask me any questions in the comment section!

Does this look like a family vacation you would like to take?

 

 

 

 

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		Prairie Wife of the Week August 1st, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-august-1st-2014/
		Fri, 01 Aug 2014 12:00:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2567
		
		In June we interviewed Sarah as she was preparing to participate in Project 143. Project 143 is a charitable organization that offers some of the 143 MILLION Orphans around the world a chance to live with a family for 8 weeks in the summer. Take a moment to read her interview if you haven’t had the chance yet. I told our readers that we would be touching base with Sarah and her family, and as her time with Vitaliy draws to a close, she gave me few moments of her time to share her family’s experience. Her interview is both heartwarming…and heartbreaking. I am hopeful that we will be touching base with her again soon.

Prairie Wife (PW): What was it like to finally meet this little boy you had been waiting for?

Sarah (S): Honestly it wasn’t what I expected! He was so tired and overwhelmed and scared when he met us. He traveled all the way from the Ukraine with four teenage girls and a chaperone. When they all landed in Denver he was shell shocked. My first instinct was what are we doing? And I hope this works out!

PW: After everyone was rested how did your first few weeks go?

The first few weeks were super challenging. The language and communication barriers were a big hurdle for us. He only speaks Ukrainian so explaining little things was difficult. For example, just getting in a car and putting the seat belt on him was a brand new experience. It was like having a two year old; he was standing up and pushing every button he could reach. It was all those little things and experiences we realized we take for granted, and it is our job to show him how our world here works. It was a big learning curve. I’ve found that the more he knows about where we are going and what we are doing in the day the better the experience is for us all. It has helped to show him with pictures on the internet the places we are going, and the activities we plan to do.

Of course adding another personality into the mix of our family of five has been a challenge. Our three boys are so different from each other so there has never been any competitiveness, and our daughter is still so young it’s not an issue. Vitaliy is very competitive and he likes to tease people…it took my kids a while to learn that he was joking around and to not take things personally. Really, he was trying to get interaction and attention from the boys; he just didn’t know how to do it in a socially acceptable way.

Vitaliy and Sarah There are certainly times when I can see his experience as a child in an orphanage coming out. I think that’s where the competitiveness comes from. After all, living in an Orphanage only the strong survive and every day he has to fight for his very existence. It’s just going to take a lot of love and patience from all of us as well as time and education to help him know that he is safe, and what our expectations are. He has never been with a family and has no idea how the structure works. Learning that my husband and I are the head of the family, and that the children are expected to be kind and helpful, not intimidating or fighting for the top position has been a process for him. Add to that the regular cultural differences and you can get an idea of how much Vitaliy has to learn in such a short time.

PW: You had a list of things that you wanted to do as a family, did you get any of them done?

Vitaliy SoccerS: We have done so much, and made so many memories. We did the rodeo and fireworks and lots of little trips to the lake and of course we went to Frontier Days. He learned how to ride a bike. He was absolutely ecstatic about this and it was the first thing he did! Like every kid he was super frustrated at first but, he kept on going and got it! He’s even doing wheelies on it now. He loves to play soccer so this week we have him in soccer camp. He has never played organized sports before, not to mention the language barrier. There is definitely a big learning gap between him and the other kids. His heart is in it, and he is so willing to work hard to be successful. Vitaliy also enjoys the simple things of every day family life. He loves to go on family bike rides so; we go almost every day now. In the evening he loves to have story time with my mom, all the kids pile into bed with her, it just warms my heart to see him there.

PW: Now that it is close to the time to send Vitaliy back to the orphanage what is the mood of your family like?

S: It’s really hard. We’ve already started the process to adopt Vitaliy but, we aren’t supposed to say anything to him about it. They don’t want them talking on the plane about being adopted and making other children feel bad, which I understand but...It’s hard to know that he will be heading back to the Ukraine and away from us. Especially without him knowing that we are trying to make him a part of our family. I know that my kids don’t really understand the scope of the situation. Even though we are trying to adopt him he still has to go back to the Orphanage, and I think they figure since we want to adopt him he will simply stay with us. Frankly, I am dreading it. I am hopeful that the adoption team will meet with him within a few hours of him landing and let him know that the process is being started to bring him back to be with us forever.

PW: What will be the next steps for you and your family to adopt Vitaliy?

S: We put in the application and now we are starting the home study. For this part a representative from Catholic Charities will come to do the Home Study. For a Home Study you need to have legal documents of marriage and birth for everyone in the family, physical exams, five different references, and each parent has to write an autobiography. Then someone physically looks at your house and watches your family interact, luckily this is scheduled and not a surprise.

It’s actually three other organizations working together that will finally allow us to adopt Vitaliy. The system can be corrupt so it’s really important to make sure the adoption agency we are working with has a good relationship with the director of the orphanage. It took us a while to get the right people to use to make this happen. The overall process can take from 6-20 months. I think that we can be sooner rather than later simply because we’ve gotten all the paperwork done, and we have some great agencies that are working stateside for us. Scarily for us, in the end it’s all about the Ukrainian government and you know what the situation there is like right now. The Ukraine practices blind adoptions. This means you can’t specify that you are adopting a certain child in your paper work. When we travel there to meet with the Orphanage director they pull three files of children available for adoption…and his name will hopefully be on one of the files, it’s like a terrible game where all you can do is try to jump through all the right hoops and just pray. Technically, until we get there and meet in court to make everything official, anyone else could adopt him…so it’s really scary for us!

PW: How can friends and family help you with these next stages?

S: There are five other families that participated in Project 143 from our area, and three other families are moving forward with adoption as well. This is absolutely amazing! It has been so inspiring for us to work alongside these families. We are banding together to do some fund raising to help bring these kids back home to us, so help from our community for this will be SO important. Of course, prayer is always good!

PW: What are your hopes for the next year?

S: My hope is that we have Vitaliy home by Christmas. I have seen my own children grow through this experience. Their level of patience and kindness has exceeded all of our expectations. They have such a willingness to teach him, and allow him to be who he is within our family. I hope to prepare my kids for the future ahead; it will be full of amazing moments but challenges for all of us. For me, the Ukraine requires several trips that can be up to 6 weeks long. Preparing to be away from my kids and also taking care of my job for when I have to leave is a big stress for me. We are just simply gathering our strength and hope, and getting ready for the journey that God has planned for all of us.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

S: This hosting experience has been remarkable for our family. I know that it could bring great things to a lot of families out there if they would participate. It gives you the chance to teach your children to love unconditionally. How powerful would it be, for them to grow outside of their experience, and truly understand that there are 143 MILLION orphans in the world who have never experienced the love of a family? Project 143 gives others the opportunity to impact a lot of people; family, friends, and their community…not just the child that comes to them.

To read the next interview click this link.]]>
		
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		Bacon N' Brussels Sprouts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/bacon-n-brussels-sprouts/
		Mon, 04 Aug 2014 12:00:37 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2581
		
		 moving to Wyoming and setting out on my own, I’ve never thought to make them. When visiting one of our past Prairie Wives of the Week Trina Campbell this last weekend, I not only earned a new Prairie Wife Badge but also, I learned how to cook Brussels Sprouts! Make sure you stop by her blog YourInnerCowgirl.com to see some of her amazing recipes and get inspired to try something new! Trina’s recipe was quick and easy and so tasty that I just had to recreate it here at home, with just a few tweaks of my own. Cowgirl G and The Cowboy both had seconds and I had thirds (I didn't want to leave any leftovers). Let me know how you cook your Brussels Sprouts, I’d love to try some more recipes.

Bacon N' Brussels SproutsPrep time: 8 minutes Cooking Time: 25 minutes
Serves 6

Ingredients
4 cups halved Brussels Sprouts
Âź cup finely chopped red onion
1/2lb of bacon
1 clove of garlic finely minced
Salt and Pepper to Taste

1. Cut Bacon into small pieces and place into skillet to fry on med heat.
2. As the bacon is frying cut off the woody bottom part of each Brussels Sprout and halve.
cutting brussels sprouts
3. After about 5 minutes of frying the bacon add the Brussels Sprouts, stir them thoroughly, and cover the pan.
4. Cook for 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.
5. Add Onions, garlic and salt and pepper, cover the pan.
6. Cook for 10 more minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. The Brussels Sprouts are done when they are tender but not mushy and a slightly darker green color, serve hot.]]>
		
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		Top 5 Toys for Toddlers
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/top-5-toys-toddlers/
		Wed, 06 Aug 2014 12:00:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2594
		
		much less outside playing in the dirt. While this is good news for our floors, it can be a little rough on our mental health!

That's why I am making this short and sweet list of toys for toddlers. I've found that toddlers are a fickle stage for toys, I don't how many times I've bought a toy thinking it will be the ONE to occupy them for hours...only to have them completely ignore it. I've shared with you some of my favorite board books for babies and these toys, while geared for toddlers, will offer HOURS of entertainment for babies and preschoolers (and maybe older kids) as well as those fickle toddlers.

As always click the pic to go directly to the link.

cookie monster  This first toy is absolutely one of the coolest things ever. We purchased it for Cowboy W when he had to have surgery. I find a new toy is the perfect distraction for before and after surgery. The Cowboy and I were laughing as he screamed and laughed and played with this toy for an hour without stop...and of course all the nurses and even the doctor were coming in to take turns playing...and ask where we purchased it as well. Toddlers love to "feed" cookie Monster over and over while older kids enjoy following his directions and working on counting. After two years we still have all three cookies, it helps that they store easily in his backpack.

shapes and sharing basketWe actually have something called the Cook and Play Potsy, but LeapFrog no longer makes the product (and though you can buy it for $80 on Amazon that's a bit much)...but this newer toy is just as cool (if not cooler). Small children will love putting toys in and pulling them out. Older kids will enjoy pretend play and making food for mommy and daddy, as well as learn about shapes.

 

FP incrediblockThis Incrediblock from Fisher Price is a bit of an investment but, we got ours as a hand me down from a friend and it is still working perfectly. I have seen many in second hand kid stores, and if you can't justify the cost of a new one I would encourage you to keep your eyes peeled for one. Babies love to play with the blocks and push the buttons. Toddlers use it to pull up and enjoy putting blocks in and out of the holes and hearing each block make it's own sounds when placed on the top. My Preschoolers enjoy putting the blocks in rows and pulling the lever to watch them tumble to the ground, and we all spend hours building towers with the super cute blocks.

 

Lego DuploI feel like I don't really need to explain why Lego Duplo blocks are so amazing, who hasn't heard of them? This set is the perfect starter set, it has plenty of big pieces for babies to chew on, and toddlers will love to make the door open and shut and have the animals make noises. My preschoolers are into making neighborhoods and even bring other toys into the mix. It's the perfect gift for a first birthday party-girl or boy!

 

CAT truckThis last toy is a bit of a catch 22. I guarantee that your kids will spend hours playing with it but, it is a little noisy. This truck is sturdy and even with the back loaded with other toys (or dirt and rocks) it still rumbles off across the floor. Kids will have a blast with the real moving dump bed and spend a ton of time filling and dumping, filling and dumping...The girls even get into this toy because it's super fun to put their dolls in the back for a ride. CAT also has a great line of toddler toys that are just as sturdy and fun, but don't make noise!

What toys are must haves for the toddlers in your house?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week August 8, 2014 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-august-8-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 08 Aug 2014 12:00:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2616
		
		You first met this weeks Prairie Wife of the Week two weeks ago when she did a guest post for us on your makeups shelf life. Natalie has her own blog called LightsCameraPhoto.com. On this blog she does candle and makeup reviews and vlogs (video blogs). I thought it would be great to switch things up and have her answer the questions on video, and I'm so glad we did! Natalie talks in her interview about how she became a vlogger (video blogger) and gives some great Prairie Wife advice "Just do it, try it!" Don't forget to enter to win TWO amazing all natural Quinndles Candles, just scroll to the bottom of the page! Take some time to relax and watch our first ever vlog Prairie Wife of the Week!



a Rafflecopter giveawa]]>
		
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		Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/gone-girl-gillian-flynn/
		Sat, 09 Aug 2014 12:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2611
		
		Gone Girl bandwagon. Really it’s because I’m a bit of a snob. I get a lot of ideas of what books to read from book reviews, but more often than not I find that the books that are shouted about the most don’t end up being that great. Perhaps it’s the built up sense of excitement and high expectations, but I find that I’ve been disappointed more than a few times.

I also fully admit that I put most of the books I want to read onto my Amazon.com wish list (best invention ever), and then wait until they get to a certain price point. Unless they are written by a favorite author or the final book in a trilogy I just can’t wait to read (The Book of Life by Deborah Harkness was worth the 11.99) I can’t justify paying full Kindle price, especially when I read on average 2-5 books a week. Maybe waiting a year to read a book takes some of the shine away as well.

Gone GirlI am here to say with hat in hand that Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn deserves every single bit of praise that it received and more! If you don’t like, dare I say love, this book I am going to seriously question whether or not we can be friends. In short Gone Girl is about a woman (Amazing Amy) in her late 30’s who simply disappears. The first part of the book is told by real time comments from Amy’s husband and her diary entries written over several years. The quest for her takes over a small Mississippi town, and eventually the nation.

I’m not afraid to say that I was absolutely convinced I knew exactly what happened by the time I got to part two of the book. I even wrote my opinion on Facebook…only to be completely floored once I began Part Two. Gillian Flynn is a plot writing genius! I’m not a big fan of mysteries, I’ve only found a few others that were worthy of a review from me in the past year, but this book is so much more than a mystery. It’s a book with romance, suspense, thrills and a who-dunnit of the best kind. Gone Girl is a voyeuristic look into the deep inner psyche of a marriage that will make you hug your husband when you are done…and then have him read it so he appreciates you too. BUY THIS BOOK…and read it!

Have you read it? What did you think (put “spoiler alert” at the top of your comment please)?
Does it sound like a book you would like?]]>
		
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		YOU Pick Prairie Wife of the Week Winner
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pick-prairie-wife-week-winner/
		Fri, 15 Aug 2014 12:00:38 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2623
		
		YOU pick Prairie Wife of the Week...

you pick heels

Kristine Brickey is a fellow Midwestern girl who currently resides in Michigan with her family. Besides being a wife, mother, and teacher she is the author of Flowers for Rodney.

flowers for Rodney

"Flowers for Rodney  tells the poignantly realistic story of a teenage boy struggling to find himself in a world made bleak by the loss of his father. Addressing the mother-son relationship with a refreshing candidness, author Kristine E. Brickey tackles social issues like drugs, alcohol, peer pressure, bullying, and their affects on teens and parents with a raw and illuminating honesty." Amazon.com

(click on the pic to go to amazon.com and see more)

Take some time to check out her book and stop on back next week to read her interview!

Congrats Kristine Brickey!]]>
		
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		Rootz Salon and Spa Grand Opening
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/rootz-salon-spa-grand-opening/
		Sat, 16 Aug 2014 12:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2631
		
		Rootz Salon and Spa when you read our interview with the owner, David Lee Anderson Jr. His candid answers to our questions, honesty about his struggles in the past, and obvious passion (and talent) for what he does made it one of my favorites!

On Tuesday he held an official grand opening for his new location, and it was a blast!

enjoying the company

It was wonderful to see so many people from our community there to support Rootz Salon and Spa! The food was delicious...I couldn't get enough of the award winning white chili..sadly they weren't sharing the recipe!

good food

David gave a heartfelt speech thanking the community and his clients and staff for all their support. After some brief words from the local Chamber of Commerce the red ribbon was cut!

cutting the red ribbon

As part of his grand opening David organized a silent auction to help offer support to the Central Wyoming Rescue Mission. The Central Wyoming Rescue Mission (CWRM) rescues and reconciles the homeless and needy with the love of Christ, restoring them back to society as healthy, productive, independent community members. It offers support to needy men, women, and children of Central Wyoming in a multitude of ways.

silent auction

David and Rootz salon raised over $4,000 for the CWRM, and throughout the day his staff gave makeovers to several lucky woman from the Mission. Here is a before picture of one of the women...

before makeover

And look at her afterwards! The ladies all looked stunning, and you could tell they felt wonderful. There were more than a few tears as the ladies each stepped out to show their new looks. A special thanks to Horner Construction and Russ Weller who donated a combined $1,000 so the ladies could come back to Rootz again and receive more services.

makeover 1

The fashion show didn't end with the ladies from CWRM. David and his amazing staff took some time to show their talents. These hair colors were inspired by flowers, the pictures don't do the bright and vivid colors justice!

hair color

MATRIX Artistic Director, International Colorist, Editorial Stylist, 10 time NAHA Finalist, and 2010 North American Hair Colorist of the Year Chrystofer Benson came by to not only offer some classes to the staff but, to show his amazing talents as well. He and David took some time to demonstrate how an avant-garde hairstyle is created. While we probably won't be seeing anyone here in Wyoming rocking this look, it was cool to see how the styles I see at New York Fashion Week are created!

teamwork

Look how fab these girls look!

avant-garde

I can't tell you how pleased I was to be able to attend the Rootz Salon and Spa Grand Opening. To see our community out in full to celebrate the success of a small business owner (and great man), and to help raise awareness and money for Central Wyoming Rescue Mission was heartwarming. Make sure you take some time to follow Rootz on Pinterest and get some great hair and beauty inspiration (I could spend hours looking at the cuts and colors and planning my next look)! Rootz is also on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram (rootzsalonspawy)!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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		Summer Beauty Finds
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/summer-beauty-finds/
		Mon, 18 Aug 2014 12:00:06 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2653
		
		

bareMinerals BARESKIN Pure Brightening Serum Foundation is the best invention ever for skin. It’s the perfect mixture of great coverage and a light natural feel. I use only 3 drops on my brush (you can purchase it at Ulta as well) and buff it into my skin (don’t forget to go past your jaw line) and end up with a flawless and fresh look. I have dry skin and sometimes heavier foundation can accentuate my dry patches, but not this serum. If you need more coverage simply use a few more drops, though I’ve never needed more than four. It comes in a range of colors and I find that I don’t even need to use powder to set it. Buy it now and thank me later!

Vincent Longo Dew Drop Radiant Blush in Desert Rose came in my Wantable Box for July and I can’t thank them enough. It is amazing and looks so natural on my skin! It also seems to airbrush my cheeks and get rid of any of my Rosacea that my foundation didn’t cover up. It goes on smoothly and stays put all day. I’ve been hovering with my cursor over the buy button on his pressed face powder and bronzer, but part of me is hoping there will be some in my next Wantable box!

These next two products go hand in hand and are from L’Oreal (purchased at Walgreens). Their Visible Lift CC Cream is perfect for those days when you barely have time to get ready but need a little coverage. Simply put it on like a regular face lotion and your skin will feel fresh and dewy, and all those little imperfections will be covered up. Besides making you look fab, this CC cream also has 5 Age-Correcting Ingredients, so you are helping your skin as you walk around looking beautiful! Just a word of warning, I got the medium /dark and it is fine with my summer tan, but when in doubt I would recommend you go with the lighter shade. The Magic Skin Beautifier BB Crème for Anti-Fatigue is every tired woman/mother’s dream. It instantly brightens your face and smooths out any skin tone issues, as well as adding a youthful glow. I know you are supposed to put it on without other product but, I found that it was a little orange for my skin. So I use it under my bareMinerals BARESKIN foundation or the above mentioned CC cream. It gives my makeup an extra pop of vibrancy and all the compliments I’ve received have convinced me to keep it up!

This Revlon Colorburst Matte Balm in Showy was a fun summer purchase. Bright pink lips have been all over the place this summer and I just had to try it. This was an inexpensive way to give the trend a try, and I love it! This crayon goes on smoothly and moisturizes without being too sticky, and the color is vibrant. Definitely apply it with a light hand, especially this bright color, and keep the rest of your makeup down to a minimum. This color was a fun way to spice up my look without standing out too much (and staying age appropriate as well)!

If you are having toruble with breakouts this summer make sure you are drinking plenty of water, start each day off with your Detox Water, and drink a cup of Green Tea every day!
What new products have you tried this summer and loved?]]>
		
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		ALS Ice Bucket Challenge
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/als-ice-bucket-challenge/
		Wed, 20 Aug 2014 12:00:47 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2661
		
		There has been a lot of noise in the news lately about the ALS ice bucket challenge. For those of you who are not aware of it…people are taking videos of someone dumping ice water on their head and then challenging others to dump a bucket of ice water on their heads. There is some confusion as to what you are actually supposed to do…

Some people feel that if they do the challenge (dump a bucket of ice water on their head and post the video) they no longer have to donate to the ALS organization. Some people feel that everyone needs to both dump water and donate. I say…does it really matter?

Let me take a moment to share a bit about ALS (Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) or “Lou Gerhig’s Disease”. ALS is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects nerve cells in the brain and the spinal cord. Motor neurons reach from the brain to the spinal cord and from the spinal cord to the muscles throughout the body. The progressive degeneration of the motor neurons in ALS eventually leads to their death.

Now that was a lot of big words and scientific mumbo jumbo for most of us so let me explain it this way…

Imagine your hero, one of the strongest yet kindest men you know. Someone who looms so large in your life that even your father looks up to him, literally and figuratively. A beloved Uncle who was the first to introduce you to the joys of country life, walking in the corn fields, riding in tractors, and skidding on the ice in a pickup truck. A man who could lift you up and swing you onto his shoulders with one arm…even when you were a sturdy 10 year old. The person whose stories of a beautiful land of mountains and Prairie eventually led this City Girl out West to Wyoming…and her future.

holding handsNow picture this hero no longer able to work…do simple chores around the house…and eventually unable to even walk. Imagine the tears as he quietly slips into a coma, mere months after his diagnosis. Leaving behind a family that will never forget his laughter and strength despite the disease that took it all away from us…so quickly.

 

ALSA.org LogoThis is what ALS does and this is why I say it doesn’t matter how people choose to donate to the cause. If they donate with money (to a valid organization) it will of course help fund research, improve the quality of life for sufferers of ALS and their families, and maybe result in a “cure”. But by simply making a video and posting it, by typing and saying ALS people are helping the cause. Spreading the word and educating others about this disease and the effects can only be a positive thing.

So, I say take up the ALS Ice Bucket challenge! Shout about ALS from the rooftops and on every social media site you can. Educate yourself and others about this disease and if you are able to, donate money to the cause. Send your prayers to all those involved in the fight and their families. I’ll leave you with the speech that Cowboy J made for his ice bucket challenge. I know that while some people are doing this purely for fun, I used this as a lesson for my children about charity and raising awareness for a cause that matters to you. I have no doubt that this small experience will have a positive impact on who they become.

“My name is Cowboy J and my cousin challenged me to dump ice water on my head to support families with ALS. I am doing this to honor my Great Uncle and namesake who died from ALS. My family will be donating $50 to ALSA.org and for anyone that answers my challenge and tags my mom on Facebook, we will donate an additional $25! Let ‘er Rip Cowgirl G and Cowboy W!”

As of today the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge has raised over 31.5 million dollars. Please take a minute to share this article on your social media and continue to spread the word!

Copyright: pioneer111 / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: leaf / 123RF Stock Photo

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		Prairie Wife of the Week August 22, 2014 #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-august-22-2014/
		Fri, 22 Aug 2014 12:00:31 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2685
		
		Prairie Wife: This weeks Prairie Wife of the Week is the winner of our You Pick Prairie Wife of the Week Contest and was nominated by past Prairie Wife Trina Campbell. Make sure you take a minute to enter our Giveaway and win a signed copy of Kristine Brickey's book Flowers for Rodney. Stop by tomorrow to read my review of the book!

Intro Written by Trina Campbell

Author, dear friend, school teacher and horsemanship student... Kristine Brickey is a shining example of a persons inner cowgirl showing on the outside and in all things she does! I met Kristine over a year ago and she was like an amazing painting... With bright colors here and there... Swirls and twirls and smiles mixed in! Her vibrancy for life spilled over into everything she did or touched! Since I have met her she has grown to be a large influence on me... I look up to her and the positive attitude, her zest for life and her amazing abilities as a writer! I was so proud to see her book Flowers for Rodney I have been telling the world! I can't wait for more!
I suggested Prairie Wife visit with Kristine when they were all at the ranch because truly they have a sisterhood they didn't know being miles apart! I was thrilled with the idea that prairie wife would want to interview Krisitne and am more proud that the cowgirl sisterhood is growing stronger day by day and that we can all come together whether we are a prairie wife or a country girl and keep the sisterhood alive!
Be sure to get a signed copy of Flowers for Rodney and be sure to spread the news of Prairiewifeinheels.com so that more of us can grow the sisterhood! And find faith in ladies of strength, integrity and positivity! Live in the moment ladies! Xoxo yourinnercowgirl.com

    Krstine Shoe

    
Prairie Wife (PW):  First tell us a little bit about you and your family.

Kristine Brickey (KB):I grew up in New Boston, a small town in lower Michigan. My dad’s Virginian roots were quickly evident as within months we had chickens, rabbits, horses, cows, pigs, etc. I loved it! I got a beautiful buckskin quarter horse for my tenth birthday and I will never forget him.

Those memories have shaped my adult life and dreams. I got back into horses when I was in my mid-thirties, raising my two children around country values. Those values demanded strength and a will to never give up when things were tough.

Today, I am happily married to the most amazing man I have ever known. We’ve been together for over six years, and he is my rock. My daughter is in the U.S.A.F. Security Forces, Canine Unit. She is my proudest moment, so strong and a force to be reckoned with in her own right. My son would have been 21 this July. He died over four years ago, a horrible, dark time in my life that pushed me to the limit of heartbreak.

Teaching in Mason for the last twenty-six years has been a blessing. I’ve taught 2nd grade, 4th grade, and for the last seventeen years have chosen to be at the middle school. Though I’ve taught 7th and 8th grades and a variety of subjects, my focus for the last ten years has been mainly 8th grade language arts.

In 2006 I attended Red Cedar Writing Project at Michigan State University, and the experience reignited both my love of writing and my passion for teaching my students how to love the power of words. My life, both work related and personal, would be very different today without the amazing changes that occurred during that summer.

PW: As a middle school teacher I know you’ve seen a lot, what do you think about the direction today’s children are going in?

KB: Having taught for almost 30 years, I can honestly say there have been tremendous changes since my first year of teaching. People’s reactions when they hear I work with middle school students is usually along the lines of, “OH! How do you stand it?” It makes me laugh every time.

Teaching is more difficult now. Many parents do still realize that kids need guidelines and love, which doesn’t mean being your kid’s friend. They have enough friends. Sadly, today it seems too many parents are more apt to blame the school, the teachers, or anything else rather than hold teens accountable. It’s hard work being a parent, but having a child means owning the hard work of checking homework, reading between the lines of communication, and working with the schools to create powerful, positive adults.

Though the situations have greatly changed, however, the students are the same at heart. They are good kids who need and want boundaries, who are looking for a place to fit in, and who will give you the deepest parts of themselves once they know you are trustworthy. I will jump through hoops of fire for my students as long as they are willing to try. They know that, and it makes all the difference.

PW: I met you through Trina Campbell of YourInnerCowgirl.com, what role have horses played in your life?

KB: This question makes me smile. Since my first little Shetland pony, Johnny, became my best friend when I was a kid, I was hooked! Johnny led me to Buck, my first ‘grown-up’ horse. I didn’t know the first thing about horsemanship, but I loved my horse and the great times we shared. Unfortunately, my parents decided to sell the horses. My sister was allergic, and they didn’t agree with my alternate plan to have her go live in town with my Grandma Modelski. Imagine!

Misty was a beautiful white Polish-Arabian mare that began my adult journey with horses. Both of my kids were infatuated, and seemed to have natural abilities in saddle. I had to work a lot harder!

Kristine HorseToday, I have two donkeys for loving and scratching, and my nine-year old gelding, Snickers, that I delivered myself. Through a twist of fate, Gail Jackson found me at a local horse expo in 2012, and I discovered Peter Campbell Horsemanship. It has truly changed my life. My horse and I needed a restart after I emerged from the grief of losing my son. What I experienced in that first four-day colt-starting clinic began a journey I’d never known was possible.

Horses have changed my life, given me lifelong friends, and taught me more about myself than I can explain. Trina and Peter’s principles naturally flow into my teaching, my family life, and my writing.

PW: You are the published author of the book Flowers for Rodney, talk to us about how the whole process started?

KB: I’ve been writing for as long as I can remember. I wrote Flowers for Rodney during National Novel Writing Month’s (nanowrimo.org) 2009 challenge. Writing this novel changed me, pushed me to accept that sometimes the characters really do take over the story. My friends asked to read it, and then insisted I not let it sit in a drawer.

After revising and editing more times than I like to admit, my husband finally gave me the final nudge to pursue publication. Sending drafts to publishing companies and agents is like squeezing a drop of water into the ocean and then hoping someone finds it. So, I turned to self-publishing, which is even scarier!

Getting feedback from my project team at Create Space, the Amazon publishing group, I completed final (at some point it has to be final) revisions and after six months my first novel was published in early June of this year.

PW: As a mother did any of your own personal experiences go into the writing of this book?

KB: There’s an awful lot of me in Flowers for Rodney. It’s a work of fiction, but the cooking and fancy napkins are based on times with my kids. Susan’s life holds a great deal of my personal experiences as well, which is why I was able to paint those images so clearly. Susan loves her children without question and is a survivor.

Many people ask me if this novel is about my son, but it is not. I wrote it in 2009 based on an idea I had after a conversation with my Robbie. It occurred to me that too many times teens feel their parents purposely misunderstand them. At the same time, parents think teens are just being stubborn and doing stupid things. I wanted to bridge that communication gap, telling the story of this troubled teen’s experiences from both his own and his mother’s points of view.

PW: What were the steps you took to have your book edited and published?

book publishingKB: I wrote the original draft in November, 2009 and then put it away for a few months. Two of my dear friends asked to read it when they knew I was revising, and with great trepidation I gave them copies. Carrie and Dawn were both in law enforcement, and I got great feedback from then on the court/police scenes. I spent the next three years revising and editing, sending digital requests to publishing agents, and revising and editing some more.

In January, 2014 I went ahead and signed up with Create Space. It was great to get feedback on my writing, and my project team helped create the cover, back cover text, and interior design for my final project.

June 30th of this year the local Mason bookstore, Bestsellers, held my first official Author’s Reception. It sold out in fifteen minutes, and is the biggest author’s event they’ve hosted! The whole experience was surreal, and I’m still pinching myself that my life’s dream of becoming a published author has been achieved.

PW: What are your hopes as an author?

KB: My hopes are that Flowers for Rodney will do well enough that my next novels will garner the attention of other publishers. I would love to see my young adult novels on the shelves of bookstores, schools and libraries. Many people are pushing me to get my other novels ready, and that’s a great feeling! I’m currently working on revisions for Melinda’s Bouquet, which tells the story of Melinda, an important character from Flowers for Rodney.

In my best fantasy, I become another Laurie Halse Anderson, writing successful novel after novel, being paid to write full time, traveling around promoting my books and changing lives with my words.

Flowers for Rodney received an excellent review by Kirkus Indie, calling it, “A YA tale about smart choices, family secrets and peer pressure.” “It’s quite a bit bigger inside than the outside had me thinking.”

PW: What advice do you have for our readers that may be secretly wishing to become authors themselves?

KB: Write! And Read! Write what you love, what you know, what you imagine, what you fear, and whatever else you can possibly think to write. I tell my students, writing is just talking with your pencil. Spelling and penmanship have nothing to do with being a writer. Writers write.

PW: How do you keep the balance of being a wife, mother, teacher, and author?

KB: Balance…it’s more giving chunks of time to whichever role needs it most at the given time. There are times when my daughter needs me more than writing, or when I need to write more than anything else. My husband is so supportive of all that I do, and he encourages me to write and ride and laugh and cry and spend time with my students. It makes me okay.

During my most recent trip to Wheatland, Wyoming my husband had an important interview for a promotion. I felt torn that I wasn’t home with him. “Wyoming is good for your soul,” he told me, “and that’s good for mine.” He got the job!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

KB: Live your life to the fullest. No one knows what is coming his or her way, so take advantage of every moment. Don’t be afraid of the rain, take off your boots and socks and dance in it, which is just what we did during the storm in Wheatland, laughing and cheering the entire time!

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		Flowers for Rodney by Kristine E. Brickey
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/flowers-rodney-kristine-e-brickey/
		Sat, 23 Aug 2014 12:00:47 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2707
		
		I have met the author, there is something about knowing the person who wrote the book that puts an extra bit of fun into the reading! Secondly it’s a genera I don’t usually find myself drawn to…which means it helps fulfill my News Years resolution from way back in January!

flowers for RodneyFlowers for Rodney by Kristine E. Brickey is a Young Adult (YA) novel about a misguided youth and his mother. With my oldest son having just turned 8 I have to admit that I didn’t plan on connecting strongly with the characters…boy was I wrong! Brickey has a flare for writing that is evident from the very first chapter. Her grasp of what Rodney truly feels, and her ability to explain it in a way that grabs the reader, took me right back to my sullen teenage years. I appreciate Brikey’s attention to detail (specifically her descriptions of what happened in the court system) and her ability to set the scene without weighting the reader down with pages of unnecessary descriptions.

What makes this book special is that it is written from not only Rodney’s point of view but, his mother’s as well. The candid honesty of Sarah’s (Rodney’s single mother) thoughts and emotions, allows the reader to truly picture themselves in her position. I was struck by her choice to leave her son in jail for a night, where she would know that he was safe, and I could see myself making the same choice. The sweet budding romance in the story adds just enough release from the tension. A warning to my readers that the ending will be unexpected…at least I didn’t see it coming! I also have to add that while I am generally not a big crier…this book elicited more than a few tears from me.

I suggest that those of you with a preteen or teenager read this book and then hand it over to your child. I know that this book could be a wonderful avenue to open up some important communication about drugs, drinking, and the overall pressures of being a teenager today.

Stop by Amazon.com and get your copy of Flowers for Rodeny and don’t forget to enter here to win a copy signed by the author!]]>
		
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		Don't You Know What Causes That?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/dont-know-causes/
		Mon, 25 Aug 2014 12:00:03 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2711
		
		Yup, it’s true, CowBaby5 is cooking in the oven as we speak! My due date is February 16th which puts me at 15 weeks pregnant today. The Cowkids are to the moon, and it’s really a tossup as to which Cowkid is the most excited. As a pregnant mother with four children already on the ground I’ve noticed that complete strangers often feel very comfortable coming up and asking me questions. So, I thought we could all save ourselves some time if I answer the most common questions here and simply direct them to PrairieWifeInHeels.com.

In true Prairie Wife style I have decided to put my actual answers to the questions as well as what I am really thinking and would really like to say…after all I’m all about honesty here.

angry ladyQuestion: Don’t you know what causes that (keep in mind they usually are gesturing to my herd of children and shooting a disparaging glance at my swollen belly)?
Response: Small smile and fake laughter followed by “I guess not!”
Inner Monologue: If you’ve seen The Cowboy in a worn pair of Wranglers, muddy boots, and a cowboy hat you’d know why we have so many kids! Or sometimes if I’ve having a bad day I would really like to say…Nope, could you please explain it to me? Or even better…why yes I do…followed by an explanation.

Question: Was it planned?
Response: Yup!
Inner Monologue: First of all even if it wasn’t it is none of your business. And second of all yes, every one of my children was very much planned and prayed for, we like kids around here!

Question: Why are you having more, you already had a boy and a girl?
Response: The more the merrier!
Inner Monologue: So if I only had boys, or just girls, it would be OK to keep going…but because I have my token boy and girl I need to stop? Also, the more kids the more help around the house when they get older (free slave labor)…not to mention each kid is a TAX BREAK. P.S. They are all bought and paid for, none of your hard earned tax dollars are funding my kids.

Question: Thank God it’s you not me! (that’s more of a statement not a question)
Response: Smile
Inner Monologue: I mean what the heck am I supposed to say to that? In the two minutes you’ve seen me does my life look that terrible? And also, yes, thank God it is me…someone who is excited about having children and considers them blessings rather than burdens. P.P.S. Yes they all have the same dad, except for Cowgirl G...she's from the UPS man (I love my Amazon Prime).

Question: Aren’t you exhausted all the time?
Response: Nope, it’s not my first rodeo!
Inner Monologue: Yes exhaustion is a hazard that comes with my job, and thank you for reminding me. Also, is that your way of offering to babysit for me?!

I have to add…I get that most of these are well intentioned but really…it would be nice to simply hear “Oh what a blessing you must be so happy!”

What questions have you been asked when pregnant that drive you nuts?!

Copyright: lisafx / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		One Lovely Blog Award
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/one-lovely-blog-award/
		Wed, 27 Aug 2014 12:00:46 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2725
		
		nominated for this blog award by Julia from juliaproofreader.wordpress.com, and I thank her and Terry Tyler (read my review of her wonderful book Kings and Queens at Amazon.com) for thinking of me from all the way across The Pond!

One lovely blogThis award is just a nice little way for us bloggers to let our readers know a few new facts about us, and to share some of the blogs that we enjoy in hopes that you will stop by and visit them! Those bloggers that I have nominated are asked to share 7 facts about themselves with their readers as well as links to no more than 15 blogs they enjoy. A mention of thanks (and links) to the blogger who nominated you is appreciated! And no worries if I've nominated you and you just don't have time to do this...no hurt feelings here!

So my 7 facts...

1. I am an atrocious speller. I have often used substitution words to replace words that I can't seem to spell correctly even with the spell checker. I am living proof that you don't have to be a good speller to be a good writer (or at least an amusing writer). My phobia runs so deep that I literally get anxious when helping the Cowkids with their spelling words.

2. I have an irrational fear of steps, yes steps. The first thing I check when looking to buy a house is if the steps have a sturdy railing and or wall (preferable walls on both sides) and are not the creepy steps where you can see the spaces between them. My children are forever being warned to be careful when walking down steps, I am sure they will hear my warnings long after I am dead. I had to leave a lighthouse on a family vacation because the twisty open staircase was giving me an anxiety attack...or maybe it was my children and husband going up the stairs that did it. I blame it on a past life experience where I obviously fell down the stairs, broke my neck, and perished after lingering on for hours...perhaps days.

3. I would totally be a crazy cat lady if I didn't have The Cowboy to stop me. Even with his influence we still have 4 cats. Now granted, only one is allowed in the house but...if I had my way we would never spay or neuter any of them (we have taken care of this with all of them) and I would keep each and every resulting kitten. I love cats...they are so soft and sweet. To me nothing is more calming than relaxing with a purring cat at your side (or laying on you). Not to mention I love the looks they give you, they can communicate their disdain so well with just one slow blink of an eye!

4. I don't like milk chocolate, in fact I really kinda hate it. Sorry! I'll eat it if I have to or if it's artfully mixed into something else but, I will most likely skip it in favor of another sweet treat. Now DARK chocolate...that's another story!

5. The only animal I hate is earwigs. Bring on the snakes, spiders, mice, moths, lizards and beetles. There is just something I hate about their nasty black shiny bodies and those gross, gross, GROSS pinchers!

6. I am a cheese addict. Being from Wisconsin this is kind of a given but my friends are always impressed by the vast quantity of yumminess in my cheese drawer. The Cowboy used to roll his eyes at how packed it was but I've turned him over to the dark side and he too is addicted to smoked Cheddar and Gouda (try it out and thank me later).

7. I am also a Kindle addict. I love my Kindle and the constant availability of new books at the click of a button. I have mentioned ignoring my children and chores in past book reviews, and The Cowboy can vouch that this is no exaggeration. I am ashamed to admit (well it's kinda funny so not too ashamed I guess) that The Cowboy even took my Kindle on the road with him one week to prompt me to get back on track with my responsibilities. He has also been known to hide it when he is feeling neglected...

So here are the bloggers that I nominate for the Lovely Blog Award. Take a moment to visit them, you won't be sorry!

I have to start out by mentioning my good friend (and past Prairie Wife) Trina and her blog YourInnerCowgirl.com It's a mixture of Cowgirl Wisdom and Fabulous Recipes that always leaves me with a good feeling!

Another Wyoming Blogger I love is Carol from RedDirtInMySoul.com. Talk about a real Prairie Wife, her stories of ranch life are full of interesting Wyoming information and I always leave loving Wyoming more!

I love Twitter, and Kate from CanIGetAnotherBottleOfWhine.com is one of my fav Tweeters. Her super hilarious stories make me laugh out loud and I aspire to reach her level of wittiness...though I know I never will! I am also slightly biased because she featured one of my stories on her blog, what can I say the woman has good taste!

This site is one that I stop by every week for a little artistic inspiration. PaperFashion.net shows the work of Katie Rodgers. She uses unconventional materials to make her stunning art, most of which are inspired by fashion. Stop by, and stay awhile.

Morgan aka the "Tatted Mom" has an edge to her writings on TheInklingsOfLife.com that makes me LOL constantly. She shares her life with two kids and her husband with an open honesty that makes you feel like you know her.

Last but not least I have to share Sarah from SarahBoucher.com this author has a great site that not only includes mussings about her life as a Kindergarten teacher, but snippets of her writing, and advice to other bloggers and writers. I can't wait to read her book Becoming Beauty, which will be out this November!

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		Prairie Wife of the Week August 29, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-august-29-2014/
		Fri, 29 Aug 2014 12:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2732
		
		while I attended the University of Wyoming, when she began to date one of The Cowboy’s close friends. Over the years we’ve moved to different states and mostly stay connected through Facebook and yearly get-togethers. When chatting with my OB a few weeks ago (at CowBaby 5’s check up) we talked about my hopes for my birth experience. I’ll get into that in a future post but, it really got me thinking. I’ve interviewed a Prairie Wife that has given birth at home, as well as an OB in her last year of residency…but never a nurse on the mother/baby floor. When I reflected on my personal birth experiences my OB obviously played a large part in it, but it’s the nurses that come up the most in my memories.

I will never forget the nurse who first showed me the wonders of a diaper filled with ice (trust me on this), the sweet nurse that brought me an infinite number of warmed blankets when I was struggling with blood loss, and the aftercare nurse who was so interested in what we finally named Cowboy C that we were her first stop when she came back on shift! Shannon and her husband were the first friends to come to the house to meet Cowboy J (and to babysit) and the picture of her husband holding him as she stands by, is still one of my favorites. As we’ve both grown as women, wives and mothers I’ve reached a whole new level of respect for her and what she does. As a working mother she focuses hard on finding the right balance for her family, and as a nurse her vast knowledge and passion for what she does makes me envy all the women who have been in her care. Shannon is a woman of grit and grace, who strives to leave the world a little better each day, because of these qualities she is a true Prairie Wife!

shannon shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Shannon (S): I’ve been married to a handsome firefighter for 9 years and we have two beautiful children, ages 7 and almost 3! I’ve worked as a nurse for 11 years and have enjoyed every moment of it.

PW: What led you into the nursing field?

S: My mother is a physical therapist whom in my childhood worked with special needs kids and taught childbirth classes in the evenings. I was always curious about what she did, so she would often take me to work with her. I saw firsthand how my mother impacted those children’s lives and brightened their days. In the evenings I became her faithful “assistant” during her childbirth classes. It was those experiences that shaped my passion for nursing.

PW: You currently work on the Postpartum/Antepartum floor of a large hospital in Colorado, have you always wanted to work with new moms and babies?

S: When I first graduated from nursing school, I thought I wanted to go into Emergency medicine. I sought out job opportunities but ultimately got a job on a cardiac unit. Within two years, I realized that wasn’t really my passion. I loved the people I cared for but there was something missing. It was then that I started toying with the idea of the mother/baby floor. As luck would have it, a little while later a job on the postpartum unit opened up and the rest is history!

PW: What are your favorite parts of your job?

mom with new babyS: Being a part of something greater than myself! The birth of a child is so beautiful, I feel blessed to be a part of it. Truthfully, I love connecting with my patients. There is something so satisfying in knowing you made a difference in someone’s life. I set out each day to find what it is that I can do to make someone’s day a little brighter. It could be help with breastfeeding, a shoulder to cry on, or helping a dad change a diaper for the first time. To me, they are all special moments.

PW: Now that you are a mother yourself, has it impacted how you do your job?

S: Absolutely! Now that I’ve experienced childbirth and the trials and tribulations of raising a child, it brings a whole new dimension of understanding and compassion to my work.

PW: Lately more and more women are looking into home birth, and hospital births have seemed to develop a “bad rap”. Why do you think that is?

S: I think there is a perception out there that the hospital decides how a mother’s birth experience is going to go; that her wishes and desires are not taken into consideration. There is this sense that the hospital conducts needless procedures and tests, causing undue stress on a family and/or newborn. So often, people don’t understand the “why” of what we are doing. Patient safety is our first and foremost concern. Our ultimate goal is a healthy mother and healthy baby in every delivery while striving for patient satisfaction. We (nurses) pursued this career path out of care and compassion for others. It gives us no greater satisfaction than to make someone happy. We truly don’t want to interfere with a mother’s desires or beliefs, and will do everything possible to support them, without compromising the mother or baby’s safety.

PW: What are some myths about hospital births that you really hate to hear, and can you share the truths with us too?

S: The most frustrating misconception is that mother’s who give birth in a hospital will end up with a c-section. Hospitals monitor their c-section rates and strive to minimize them as much as possible. The only reason a person would require a c-section is if it is medically indicated to keep their baby or themselves safe.

PW: As a Postpartum nurse what advice do you have for new moms?

S: Savor the moments of those first hours and days with your baby. Enjoy your time with your new baby and support person, and take time to adapt to this new dynamic. Excited friends and family members can wait to see you 
Contrary to popular belief, breastfeeding is not easy. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Nurses like being helpful! If you are struggling don’t feel bad asking for support, enlist the help of your postpartum nurses (a lot have taken additional training in lactation) or seek out a lactation consultant within the hospital.

Don’t forget to take care of yourself too! Often new mothers are so focused on caring for their new babies and their families, that they often forget to meet their own needs! Sleep when the baby sleeps, take time to eat, shower and enjoy this journey through motherhood.

PW: I know that you work closely with the labor and delivery floor. From your experiences, is there anything that women can do that can help them to have the birth experience they want?

S: First, make sure that you and your obstetrician are on the same page. Be open and honest about what you want and any concerns and fears you may have. If you don’t feel comfortable with any of the answers (no matter where you are in your pregnancy) find another obstetrician! You need to trust your instincts. During labor and delivery it helps so much to be confident that those around you know what you want and are supporting you. This means your support person as well (husband, partner, friend, or family member). Before you go in to have the baby, make your needs and wants clear. Take time to talk about “worst case scenarios” and your wishes should you be unable to express your needs when the time comes.

woman in labotI highly recommend doing your research when picking your hospital (if you have a choice). Find out what your local hospitals have to offer. Decide upon your birthing preferences and find out what your hospitals can do to support those preferences. I strongly encourage everyone to take a birthing class not just for knowledge about the labor and delivery process, but also to get a tour of the local hospital and an introduction to their practices. Just walking through the units and interacting with staff can give you a feel for what the facility is like. What are their lactation services like? Do they have a lactation program that can follow patients after they go home? Many hospitals around the country are working to achieve a Baby Friendly Hospital designation which focuses on supporting the 10 steps for successful breastfeeding and promoting mother/infant bonding through skin to skin time, etc.

PW: What would you like to see happen with postpartum care in the next five years?

S: I would love to see expanded outpatient support throughout our communities. Breastfeeding support groups, outpatient lactation programs, car seat safety and increased support within the county/state agencies to help those that need extra resources to care for their children. I want to see every patient and family succeed in raising their children!

PW: What are some signs of postpartum depression and what should we do if we recognize it in ourselves or a friend?

S: Postpartum depression generally is diagnosed within the first two weeks after birth but can occur any time within the first year. Signs to watch for are: overwhelming feelings of sadness, mood swings, loss of appetite, disinterest in caring for the baby, withdrawn from family and friends, inability to concentrate, insomnia, overwhelming fatigue, overwhelming feelings of anxiety, thoughts of harming yourself or the baby, feelings of guilt or inadequacy.

It is important to seek help immediately if you recognize any of these signs or symptoms in a loved one or in yourself. Don’t be ashamed, being a mom can be hard, and asking for help is the first step to making things easier. Call your obstetrician or family physician and get evaluated as soon as possible. They can prescribe the right treatment for you and make recommendations for further follow up.

S: As a working mom in a high stress job with young children how do you keep your balance?

PW: It is not always an easy task but I make it a priority each and every day to work on maintaining the balance. Thankfully, my husband and I are a strong team, and we work to keep the balance by checking in constantly to see how each other is doing. We both seem to know instinctively when the other needs a break.

On my days off we go biking, swimming, to the park or just play games at home. During our bedtime routine, we take time to talk to our children, see how their day was, etc. I ask our 7 year old what she liked about her day at school and what was challenging. Then we read to each child individually and sing songs. I want our children to know how important they are. I make a point to not compromise anything because of our busy schedules. I also focus on leaving work at work and home at home so that each feel I’m giving them undivided attention.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

S: Try to be a rainbow in someone else’s cloud. –Maya Angelou

Copyright: leaf / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: leaf / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		The Cowboy's Scouting Trip
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cowboys-scouting-trip/
		Sat, 30 Aug 2014 12:00:25 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2735
		
		my first Elk hunting experience with you and while I have no qualms about being left behind I am not exactly thrilled about becoming a Hunting Widow yet again. Ever since the invention of my own Elk hunting trips it's become easier to swallow but, being away from The Cowboy for 10 days is hard...after all I do kinda like the guy! This year The Cowboy and his BFF (can guys have BFF's ?) JohnnyRed have a 10 day hunt planned for the middle of September. Imagine my surprise when The Cowboy began talking about their scouting trip a few weeks ago.

It seems that this year to really make sure they have a "good hunt" The Cowboy and JohnnyRed decided they need to take a long weekend trip up to the mountains. This meant that they gathered up the horses and literally headed for the hills for four days. Luckily JohnnyRed left his lovely wife SweetN'Slim and their daughter to keep me company on the Prairie. SweetN'Slim has become a close friend and we have spent weeks living together as JohnnyRed has completed various construction projects for us through the years. Last year she stayed with us while the men went hunting and it was such a blessing! We've got the whole sister wife thing down pat...trading off cooking, cleaning, and kid watching as well as laughing together with friends and curling up with ice cream and watching chic flicks when the kids are all (finally) in bed.

When The Cowboy and JohnnyRed returned they were exhausted and stinky, as well as renewed in spirit. They shared stories of dangerous trails, snow and freezing rain, horses/mules going over cliffs, grizzly bears (four), and wolves...and oh yeah...the two elk they saw. Sounds wonderful right?! Luckily The Cowboy took his camera and I thought I'd share his pictures. Looking at the vast untouched landscape of the Wyoming mountains makes me understand why The Cowboy returns year after year but, the pictures of the bear make me glad to stay home and hang out with the Cowkids and SweetN'Slim!

Headed into the Thorofare Valley

Thorofare Valley

All together The Cowboy and JohnnyRed saw eight wolves, here is one as she heads up the mountain to meet the rest of the pack.

wolf

Deer Creek (you have to say it Crick) Falls.

Deer Creek Falls

Taking some time to warm up by the fire!

The Cowboy Fire

When JohnnyRed first saw this Grizzly bear he thought is was a Moose...that's how big it was!

bear side

When a Grizzly Bear looks at you like this it's time to go!

close bear

This is a lovely shot of Thorofare Butte, though it looks a little cold to me.

Thorofare Butte

What picture is your favorite?

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		Prairie Poppers
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-poppers/
		Mon, 01 Sep 2014 15:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2758
		
		This baby's cravings seem to be along the same lines as Cowgirl G...my current favorites are Snapple, skittles and Jalapeno poppers!

The Cowboy has been ecstatic about this because I normally can't handle mild salsa! Until this pregnancy, I had only bought Jalapeno's one time to cook with. Now every week finds the fridge full of fresh Jalapeno's and HOT salsa. He's keeping his fingers crossed that my new love of spicy hot food will stick but, based on past experience as soon as the baby is out I'll go back to being a big sissy. Over the last few months I have perfected my homemade Jalapeno poppers and renamed them Prairie Poppers. I've tried the recipe out on several of my friends, and they all immediately asked when I was posting it, so they could make their own. In truth the best part is the delicious filling, and I've found a few creative ways to use the extra in other recipes (you'll probably have some left overs with this recipe).  I highly suggest using it as a dip for tortilla chips (and I won't judge if you just eat it by the spoonful), putting it on top of your tacos or nachos, or mixing it up with some taco meat, veggies, cheese and tater tots for a spicy taco casserole!

 Prairie PoppersPrairie Poppers
Prep Time 15 min Cook Time 15 min
Serves 8

Ingredients

1/2 lb bacon
10 large Jalapeno peppers
2 8oz Packages of Creme Cheese
1 cup shredded Mexican cheese (plus extra for sprinkling on top)
1/2 small onion
1 clove garlic
1/4 cup salsa (pick mild, medium, or hot based on your preferences)
1 green onion chopped for a topping
few drops of lime juice
Sour cream for dipping if desired

1. Cut up the bacon into small pieces and start frying it in a pan on the stove, set oven temp to 375.

peppers2. While the bacon is frying cut the Jalapeno peppers. First cut off the tops, then slice them long ways down the middle. Then using your fingers or a spoon, clean out the seeds. Place them on a cookie sheet lightly sprayed with non-stick spray. Please remember to wash your hands afterwards and don't touch your face, eyes, or kids until you have!

3. Once bacon is done drain off grease and set half aside for toppings.

4. Place bacon (remember half is for toppings), cream cheese, shredded cheese, onion, garlic and salsa into a food processor or blender. Blend until smooth.

5. Using a large spoon scoop out the filling and fill empty raw peppers.

6. Top peppers with shredded cheese, bacon, and green onions.

7. Place in oven and cook until cheese is bubbling (15 min) and serve hot!

The Cowboy likes to grill them, and I have to admit they are pretty tasty this way too!

What pregnancy cravings have you had?

 

 

 

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		Great Books for Young Girls
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/great-books-young-girls/
		Wed, 03 Sep 2014 12:00:59 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2766
		
		great books for young boys to read. Now it's time for books for young girls! These books are probably best for 2nd to 5th grade girls, and some may be best to read along with your second grader. When reading books with my daughter I look for characters that are bright and vivid and feed her imagination. Strong girls who aren't afraid to try new things are great, but I am hardly against princess and fairy books. Sometimes a good old fashioned book that's just plain fun will lead us to more serious conversations, and after all I often read to escape the pressures and stress of the real world!

Some of these books are favorites from my days as a teacher and others were my favorites as a kid! Make sure you let me know what you think in the comments, I'd love to hear what books your young girls get excited about, or any new series I may have missed! As always just click on the pic to go right to Amazon.com and purchase the book(s).

These JunieJunie B. Jones B. Jones Books were favorites in both my first and second grade classes. Junie B. is a little girl who marches to the beat of her own drum, and causes a lot of problems for adults around her. The books start with Junie B. in Kindergarten and your kids can read and grow along with her. The silly problems and mix-ups often hide important life lessons, and every little girl can relate to Junie B Jones's joys and fears!

Beezus and RamonaJunie B. Jones reminds me a lot of one of my favorite characters to read about as a child, Ramona Quimby. Beezus and Ramona is the first in a series of  8 books about the Quimby family. Revisiting her books with my kids has really made me appreciate what an amazing author Beverly Cleary was! The books are fun for my daughter who adores Ramona's antics and my son relates to the frustrations of her older sister (and I know he'll love the books about her neighbor Henry Huggins). Not to mention I love taking a journey down memory lane myself!

baby-sitters clubI feel like I don't even need to justify why these books are so amazing...after all I'm guessing most of my readers read these books as a young girl too! Full of strong female characters this book encourages girls to be responsible and be problem solvers. As a young girl Mary Anne was my favorite but each of the main characters is so different every young girl will find her own favorite! As a mom I enjoy that these girls don't have parents that are completely out of the picture (or simply a joke) and the variety of issues discussed from friendships, trouble at school, boys, and sibling problems is wonderful.

Judy MoodyJudy Moody is a wild card with a personality and style all her own. Her family is a typical family full of love, laughter and more than a little trouble between her and her brother "Stink". Her modern day problems add an extra twist and will have you daughter begging to read "just one more chapter!" As a fun side note there is super cute movie out, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. If you're having some trouble convincing your daughter to try the books, watch the movie together...she'll be begging for the books!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week September 5, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-september-5-2014/
		Fri, 05 Sep 2014 12:00:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2775
		
		

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell me a little bit about your family.

Sharon Davies (SD): My family started out in Nebraska and over the years, for a variety of reasons, they moved further West until they eventually ended up in Glendo, Wyoming. When I was in 5th grade we moved to Capser, Wyoming and lived in what was the outskirts of town. We spent our time playing outside and doing all the typical Wyoming things like building forts and getting dirty. My family was very agriculturally knowledgeable, they had to be to keep their families fed. I have three sons and two grandsons. My current husband and I live in Glenrock, Wyoming with my middle son who loves with us for health reasons.

PW: For the many years you have been cultivating a vast garden, can you share with me how you started this?

squashSD: When I was married to my first husband, and began to have children, I went outside one day with a shovel and started to make a garden. As I said, my family has always had a garden. To me it seemed perfectly normal! I love working with my hands, and alongside nature. Whether it’s painting or growing I like to be immersed in creation. Over the years my garden has just seemed to get bigger and bigger and I have really enjoyed learning new things. Nothing is more rewarding than watching a tiny seed grow into a plant, and then be able to harvest it and eat it.

PW: What are the easiest and hardest things for you to grow in the sometime harsh Wyoming climate?

SD: I would have to say green beans are the easiest. They are hardy, do well in the Wyoming climate, and are bountiful. Not to mention everyone loves them, and you can cook with them in so many ways. I think onions are probably the next easiest. Tomatoes can be hard. They are so sensitive, if anything gets “sick” in the garden it’s them…and my Heirloom tomatoes seem to be the most sensitive of the bunch.

Also, with our short growing season and cool nights it can take them a long time to ripen. Right now I have a mystery going on with my garden; I think it’s a fungus. The leaves on my Tomatoes are shriveling up and turning yellow, it’s not the roots and doesn’t seem to be the soil because one plant can be perfectly healthy next to another one having trouble. I have other friends that are having trouble too so if anyone knows what it is…help!

PW: Can you give our readers any tips on how they can help their gardens to flourish?

SD: I think first of all people need to be willing to work at it. It takes times and a lot of effort to grow a garden, and you need to be aware of the commitment. Aside from that, I think you can’t underestimate the power of reading a good gardening book. Learning about crop rotation and what plants shouldn’t be planted in the same spot, plants that can and should be planted together, and natural ways to keep pests off your plants is vital to a healthy garden. Also, think about talking to local gardeners. Those old gals (and guys) know their stuff! Be aware that in Wyoming it’s often best to start your plants from seed inside and then transplant them when they weather is more hospitable. We have a short growing season and cool nights. Be careful about transplant shock. More often than not if your plants aren’t flourishing it’s transplant shock.

PW: What led you to begin selling your produce to others?

scaleSD: In the past we had a cow and chickens and when people would stop to buy my milk and eggs they would see my produce. Soon, they were asking if they could buy that as well. I mostly used my art to help add to our family income but when I had to have hand surgery and my arthritis got worse, we decided to expand the garden and sell more produce.

PW: What are some of the pros and cons of this for you and your family?

SD: The major con would be the time commitment. We are tied to the garden and can’t go away during growing season, even for a weekend. Keeping things watered and keeping plants healthy and critters away from the food is a full time job.

PW: I have to interrupt and add that our first interview was postponed due to a pesky skunk situation...

SD: The pros to having a large garden is being able to help add to my family’s income, and I like to know that my food is helping the overall health of my community. I also enjoy sharing my “wisdom” with others and I hope that I can help encourage other families to become more self sufficient.

PW: As the growing season in Wyoming comes to an end what will you do to prepare your garden for winter?

SD: When our growing season finally comes to a close I get rid of the old plants, and lately I have been burning them. I also turn the soil and then just take a rest! I don’t add manure until the Spring, though some gardeners do it now. Winter is my time to do research and plan out my garden for the next year. I love to peruse through my catalogs and gardening magazines.

PW: I first learned of you from Ginny Butcher (past Prairie Wife and local artist) can you tell me a little bit about your art?

horse paintingSD: I am a self taught artist. I paint rocks and landscapes. It all started when I was searching for the perfect Christmas gifts for family members and when I couldn’t find anything I liked I just made my own. Painting rocks was purely a twist of fate. We were out shooting rabbits and I shot what I thought was a rabbit but, it turned out to be a rock. I took it home and painted it to look like a rabbit and gave it as a gift to my husband.

painted rock rabbitA hunter came by, saw the rock and offered to buy it. From that point on I started to pick up rocks from all over and pained them to look like very realistic wildlife. For many years my rock paintings and landscapes helped me to support my family, which was wonderful because it is something I truly love. Sadly though, my arthritis has taken over, and I can’t paint as much as I would like too. Right now it’s all about finding a balance for me between how much I want to paint and how much I can physically do without pain.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

SD: God gives us all talents, and we need to use those talents to help ourselves and others. Never underestimate the importance of hard work and being self sufficient!

If you have any questions about Sharon's artwork please feel free to comment below or e-mail her at sharondavies52@gmail.com

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		Potty Training: Stage One
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/potty-training-stage-one/
		Sat, 06 Sep 2014 12:00:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2789
		
		For me I potty train in three stages. The first stage is listed below and I’ll follow up with the other stages every few weeks or so. I keep about a month or so between the stages and basically hit things really hard for a week or so and then back off to a more casual routine. Then hit it again (stage two) when I can tell that my child is ready. By the final stage my children are really getting the hang of things, and by the second week of hitting it hard they are completely potty trained. Your child may be ready to move onto the next stage sooner than a month and I say go for it! Or, maybe you will need to stay in a stage for several months. Listen to your child and don’t force things…unless you think it’s the right thing to do. Some kids need a firmer hand and some need a super casual atmosphere. That’s what is so tricky about this whole potty training thing…it’s NOT one size fits all.

My kids all have very different personalities and I’ve found that this technique has worked for them all, and for many of my friends too. There is something about introducing them to potty training and then backing off that lets their mind (and bodies) think about it in the background, and allows them to grow and be more successful (and more likely to not be frustrated) each time you enter a new stage.

    Stage One My kids are still in diapers full time for this stage, no pull-ups or underwear needed.

First make sure your child is showing signs of readiness. Just because your child is 18 months old doesn’t mean that they are ready to begin. Cowboy W was ready at about 16 months and Cowboy J was 20 months old. Here are the things that I look for to know that it’s time to start.
    
1. They are watching you, your partner, and your other children going potty…and trying to help. Shutting the lid, flushing the toilet, handing you toilet paper, even just showing an obvious interest is a big hint.
2. They can say “poop”, “potty” and “pee” (or whatever terms you will use) and say it when you change their diaper (with prompting is fine). They need to have the language and be able to tell you when they have to go or have gone.
3. They can sit in your lap while you read at least one board book (two is better) without being upset.

Make sure you are ready! Just because your child is ready doesn’t mean you are. I stand firm that potty training is 70% mom being ready and 30% the child being ready. If you are excited and willing to make the commitment (it is a big time and energy drain) your child will feel that. If you’ve just had a baby, are recovering from a stressful time at work or home, or in general not at your best…wait!

1. Make sure you don’t have any big trips coming up in the next few months that will throw you off. I find that between the first two stages travel is no big deal because your child will still be in a diaper. If you’re getting ready for stage 3…try and stay close to home the first few weeks before and after.
2. Is it a busy holiday time where there will be lots of guests, disrupted schedules, and babysitters…wait!
3. If it’s a stressful time at work or if your partner is not into it wait until everyone is on board!

Potty time with bearTalk about going potty, read about it, and watch DVD’s about it. Do this throughout the all the stages.

1. Take your child into the bathroom with you and talk about what is happening, use whatever terms you feel comfortable with. It is best for the same sex parent to walk through the process as much as possible but either will work.
2. Read potty books a few times a day, there are a ton available on amazon.com (I like board books).
3. Watch potty training DVD’s. The family classics around here are Elmo’s Potty Time and Bear in the Big Blue House: Potty Time With Bear.

Buy a Potty Chair (or two) and put it in the bathroom and make it a part of the family. This Fisher Price potty chair is my favorite for boys and girls. It’s sturdy and easy to keep clean. I have my boys learn by sitting first and then standing when they get older. I also have a basket of potty books we keep next to the potty chair.

potty 1. Put the potty chair in the bathroom that you will use the most for this process, we have one in the kid’s bathroom upstairs and one downstairs as well.
2. Talk about it, have them show their friends (and your friends) where it is when they come over. FaceTime with Grandma and have your child show her their potty. If you think your child is ready feel free to move to the next step right away.
3. For the next week or so talk about the potty in a low key pleasant way.

Have your child sit on the potty every few days…and then eventually a few times a day. Schedule and routine is nice at this stage because it makes things go smoothly (and helps keep you on track) but it’s not vital. If they go pee/poop in the potty see the next step.

1. I always start with having my kids sit on the potty during bath night. Run the tub water, call them in, and strip them down. Have them open the potty and sit down while you read a potty book to them. When the tub is full, praise them to the sky for sitting on the potty and put them in the tub (where they promptly pee).
2. After a few weeks of this, I step it up and pick a time every day to sit them on the potty. For me after breakfast before they get dressed is a great time, another time is before nap and bed. Read a potty book and after one or maybe two books, praise them for sitting on the potty.
3. A few more weeks later add another time sitting on the potty. I personally don't do more than three times a day unless they ask. And keep it relaxed if they are fighting it...let it be until the next time or day.


If your child goes pee/poop on the potty WAHOOOOO! Just so you know it’s probably pure luck but you need to treat it like it is the BEST THING EVER!

1. If your child goes pee/poop on the potty you need to jump up and do a dance and say “Insert your kids name here just went pee/poop on the potty!” While you clap, dance around and sing it over and over like an idiot. The more people that join in the better.
2. After the song and dance number tell your child “lets put your poop/pee in the big potty. Dump it in and have you child close the lid and flush. Wash hands and talk about the process the whole time with “what a big boy/girl” “you are so smart” “what a good job putting your pee/poop in the potty” etc.
3. Reward time! This completely depends on your child and what they will work for…my kids hardly ever get candy and will do anything for a Skittle or m&m! They get one for pee and two for poop. Other ideas are story time with mom/dad, stickers, and tattoos. Word of warning: keep it small and easy because there will be a time when you might be dolling out the reward multiple times a day.
4. Use your friends and family to help your child feel good. We call relatives and have our child tell them “pee in potty!” Or when friends come over, we say “Oh did you know Cowboy C went pee in the potty today?!”

Things to consider.

1. If you have other children that are helping by reading to the children or dancing and singing reward them with a small treat occasionally too. Their help and positive influence can make a big difference.
2. This is really just an introduction. If your child is pulling away and saying no and it’s becoming a battle…back off. They aren’t ready. If they are almost 3 and pitching a fit…time to get tough and make them do it.
3. This is all about fun and positive reinforcement if you child wants to sit on the potty 5 times a day one day and not at all the next, go with it. If you get sick and don’t put your kid on the potty for 3 days, no worries, just start again from where you were when you are up for it.
4. Working moms, let your babysitter know that you would like them to sit your child on the potty one time a day and talk about the phrases you use (you may need to purchase a potty for them to use). Give them a bag of rewards and a few potty books to if you need to. As you step up your game and are having your child sit on the potty more times a day, ask them to do the same.

Ready for Stage Two?

1. Your child is totally comfortable sitting on the potty and it’s not a struggle at all.
2. They are asking to sit on the potty and/or will sit on their own and look at books while you leave the room.
3. They are going pee or poop in the potty 5 or more times a week.
4. They tell you when they have to go pee/poop and lead you to the bathroom.

Questions, Concerns, Tips? Leave them in the comments!

Copyright: danr13 / 123RF Stock Photo]]>    
		
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		Shake It Off
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/shake/
		Mon, 08 Sep 2014 12:00:13 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2798
		
		a good motivational song! One that has been on the radio and in the news quite a bit lately, is Taylor Swift's "Shake it Off". If you aren't familiar with it, take a moment to watch the video, and try to listen to the words as you're bopping around.



I love the song, the fun video, and I love the message. I promise you that when I am feeling normal again after CowBaby5 is born, this song will be the first one I start running too.

As a mother with a daughter who thankfully, is still to young to deal with all the traumatic tween and teen drama, I hope this is a message that I can send to her loud and clear. Be who you are, love what you are doing, and ignore all the haters...shake it off!

As a woman and mother who is entirely to vulnerable to the comments and opinions of others, this is a great reminder to me as well. There will always be someone out there telling me I am wrong, and that I am not good enough. It's time to stand tall ladies...and shake it off.

Do what YOU think is best for you and your family, and remember you ARE enough!

shake it off

Now hit play again, get up, and shake it off!

 

 

 

 

Copyright: auremar / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Fall Fashion 2014 Trends: Dos or Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fall-fashion-2014-trends-dos-donts/
		Sat, 13 Sep 2014 12:00:54 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2803
		
		Our Summer 2014 Trends: Dos and Don'ts were such a big hit we decided to split our Fall post into two categories Fashion and Beauty. That way we could share even more trends (and our opinions) with our readers. So make sure you stop by later on this month to see what Texas Two Steppin' and I think of some of the latest Beauty trends. As always just click on the pic to buy!

Now for Fashion....

Socks with Heels

socks and heelsPrairie Wife: Despite growing up worshiping Cher from the movie Clueless (who totally rocked this trend) I have to say this look is a don't. It just looks too much like the women are trying to be the sexy school girl. While I guess that look works for some people...it's just not right for a Prairie Wife rocking a big ol' baby belly. I say if you are over the age of 13 take the socks off and just were your heels with a bare leg or tights.

Texas Two Steppin': I must say, when I see the trend on a 20-something model in Lucky or posing on a busy New York sidewalk in Pinterest's Street Style, I love it. There is something about the ying and yang of socks and heels that is casually cool, kind of like a Tshirt and suspenders with basic black pants. But do the anklets with ruffles work? Nope, too cutesy. Is it appropriate for rural Texas or even super trendy Austin? Not really. And does it work on a 40-year-old career woman? Absolutely not!

Stripes and Flowers

stripes and floralPrairie Wife: Of course, for me this trend is a do...it has flowers! But I love the little bit of edge that the bold stripes give this look. While in this skirt it has flowers and stripes together I am a big fan of wearing a striped top with a floral skirt...or vice versus. Check out my Pinterest Prairie Wife Style Board to see some more of this super fun look. LuLaRoe has some super cute floral skirts that will be perfect for this trend. P.S. Just make sure that you keep things in the same color family. This skirt would not work if the stripes were orange!

Texas Two Steppin': My formative years were in the '70s and '80s, a time when matching was mandatory. Your shoes, belt and purse would always be exactly the same color. If your earrings were silver, so was your bracelet, necklace, zippers on your pants and the hardware on your shoes. If your Flashdance sweatshirt was coral, the thick, ribbed, slouchy socks peeking out from your hi-top Reeboks better be the exact same shade of coral. Stray from this strict formula and you would be relentlessly ridiculed. Seriously. It took me about five seasons of What Not to Wear before I was willing to mix my metals and actually wore silver bangles with a gold necklace. So it was a truly liberating fashion moment for me when last month I wore a floral scarf with a striped shirt. I know, you youngsters do crazy stuff like this all the time, but this is radical for the older crowd. Because I got so many compliments, I just bought a black and white striped shirt that will go with the only floral skirt I own. I'll let you know the reaction when I finally put on this groundbreaking outfit, but done right it is a total do!

Patchwork Jeans

patchwork jeansPrairie Wife: For me this is a don't. I'm all about holes in my jeans (it goes with my rocker vibe) so to cover them up is a big no. I love the boho chic look (fringe and calico are SO my thing)...but for me this is too hippie...too Holly Hobby. Sorry (not sorry)!

Texas Two Steppin': This is where I disagree just a bit with PW. I think most patchwork styles are too hippie dippy trippy and I steer very clear of anything that reminds me of a bedspread. But there is something cool about patches that are reminiscent of motocross or a single, very tasteful patch on a pair of comfortable boyfriend jeans (never flares). And if the patch is in a conservative pattern like tweed or houndstooth, so much the better.

Jean with Jean

jean with jeanPrairie Wife: My friends can vouch that I have been wearing this look for years (so its a DO for me). And well...for The Cowboy this is his weekend uniform. Around here we call this look the "Canadian Tuxedo" and I love it. I wear my Chambray top with skinny jeans and little booties, or to really rock the Cowgirl look I'll wear a faded jean top with my dark wash boot cut jeans and my Cowboy boots. Adding some chunky bright jewelry or a sleek pair of heels to this look can really dress it up. The trick to not looking too matchy, is keeping your jean washes separate. Notice in the pic she has a light wash top and dark wash jeans, or switch it around.

Texas Two Steppin': This should be a do for me, just re-read my comments on stripes and flowers. But it is a don't, and I don't quite know why--maybe because I am so not a Cowgirl and I'm afraid I'd look like a local rancher who just came in from the fields?

Track Pants

track pantsPrairie Wife: Do you really need to ask? This is a DO for me. Dressed up lounge wear? This pregnant mama is in heaven. I showed you some tapered pants from Loft in my maternity-wear post, and these track pants are very similar. The lush fabric is what keeps them dressy and work appropriate. Throw on a pair of heels, a bright T, chunky jewelry, and a structured blazer and you'll be wowing all the moms at PTO (after you kick butt at your board meeting). To bring these pants to a more casual level you can wear them with ballet flats and a closer fitting top, too baggy and you'll start to look sloppy. For a relaxing day with friends or even a busy errand day, wear them with a cute pair of sneakers and a graphic sweatshirt or sweater (no hoodies). P.S. I found a super cute pair of patterned ones at Marshalls!

Texas Two Steppin': This look isn't just for moms! My Nordstrom personal stylist turned me on to this look, and I have three pairs of silk track pants. PW's style tips are dead on, but I must admit I've never even thought to try them with sneakers. They do look absolutely fabulous with a tank and sparkly flip flops though! However, I must warn you that if your husband is anything like The Texan he will be totally confused by the look, especially if your track pants have a cool tuxedo stripe like mine.

What do you think of these Fall trends? Do you agree with us?]]>
		
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		Mini-Van Power Yoga
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/mini-van-power-yoga/
		Wed, 10 Sep 2014 12:00:27 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2816
		
		my 5th month of pregnancy with CowBaby5 I am finding it hard to meet my goal of working out twice a week. I know it’s not a lofty goal by any means but, even with my bribe of new workout clothes dangling in front of me…it’s been tough.

As I looked at my e-mail yesterday and saw yet another week of not quite meeting my FitBit goal (despite walking and yoga) I realized I needed to step it up…and then immediately felt exhausted at the prospect. On the drive to school the other day surrounded by chattering Cowkids, and trying to keep Cowboy C content on the 45 minute drive (will the road construction ever be done?), I realized that I had been working out way more than I gave myself credit for. After all, I was in the car over 2 hours a day and doing Mini-Van Power Yoga the whole time…let me share a few of my favorite moves with you, first in English and then in their appropriate “yoga” name.

Mini Van Yoga

Finding the Toy Back Bend (isthissafe) : Works core, neck, right arm, upper and lower back, and stretches left leg.

This move involves keeping your core and neck completely straight while using your left leg to stretch and push your body in a backwards bend. Reach back with you right hand and move it in every direction imaginable (remember to keep you neck and core strong and straight as you watch the road) until you can touch a toy. Breath in as you straighten up and rotate your right arm completely in the opposite direction to hand the toy to the cranky toddler seated behind you. Repeat every 2-10 minutes depending on the toddler’s mood.

Snack Time Full Body Rotation (Idontcareifyoulikeiteatit): Works left and right arm, core, sides, neck and lower back.

For this move bend to the left and use your left hand to reach in the door for a previously placed organic/healthy kid friendly snack (or mini Oreos) then keeping your core strong and your neck facing the road, quickly switch the snack to your right hand. Rotate your body to the right and using your right arm, throw the snack back at the kids. Repeat one time for each child.

Car Seat/Child/Grocery Lifts (ohmythisisheavy): Works legs, glutes, core and both arms.
Bending forward from the waist grab car seat/child/groceries using both arms. Stand up straight (if driving pickup truck stand on tiptoes) and using arms and core place car seat/child/groceries in appropriate position. Repeat as many times as necessary.

Phone Out of Battery Side Bend (couldthiscordbeanyshorter): Works core, left side, right shoulder and neck.

Bending to the right as far as you can while keeping foot on gas/break, firmly place phone (with cord plugged in) between your right shoulder and ear. Keep your head and gaze facing forward and both hands firmly on the wheel.

Facial Tense and Release Followed by Meditation and Deep Breathing (thatsenough): Entire facial structure and for advanced mothers, neck and right arm.

Open your mouth as wide as possible while keeping eyes open. Using a large amount of breath tense your face and exhale in a very loud way with high pitched noises (words are fine but not necessary). Relax face and mouth followed by silent meditation time and deep breathing. For advanced mothers, turn your head to the right and wave your right arm in a random motion as you tense your face and emit high pitched noises. Meditation can also be done with music, turning the radio up will result in working the right shoulder and wrist.

What Mini-Van Power Yoga move is your favorite? Do you have any that I’ve missed…please share in the comments.]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week September 12, 2014 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-september-12-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 12 Sep 2014 12:00:07 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2823
		
		I posted in July about one of my new addictions, Bravo TV's show Ladies of London. After my post went up I had several very gracious responses from a few of the Ladies themselves on Twitter. After I stopped squealing at their knowledge of my existence here on the Wyoming Prairie, I remembered my manners and thanked them. A few weeks ago I decided to go out on a limb and ask one of my favorites Marissa Hermer, if she would be one of our Prairie Wives of the Week. I've been stopping by her blog weekly and keeping tabs on the Ladies through BravoTV.com and I kept my fingers crossed that she would find our site worthy! Imagine my surprise (and yet louder squeals of joy) when she wrote me back and accepted! Then came the hard part, what questions would I ask her? From watching the show and following her blog I know about her public life-going to events, running a business with her husband, and her killer sense of fashion. What I really wanted to know about was the more intimate details of her life. How does she balance work, friends, and motherhood? What has is been like moving an ocean away from her family? Her bravery in moving to another country for love, her firm belief that family comes first, and her ability to be a multitasking wonder woman makes her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week!

We have a giveaway! When you get done reading Marissa's interview, click the Rafflecopter giveaway to enter to win a Keep Calm and Carry On mug of your very own! We will have 2 winners...wahoo! To be entered to win you HAVE to leave a comment. Earn more points by following Marissa Hermer and PrairieWifeInHeels.com on Social Media. FYI we do check to make sure you really did follow us to earn extra points...so please be honest!

Marissa Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family.

Marissa Hermer (MH): I married my husband, Matt, 4 years ago. A little over a year later, we welcomed our first son, Max, and this spring, we had our second son, Jake. We have our hands full with a toddler and a newborn but we wouldn’t have it any other way!

PW: I know that you are originally a California Girl, how did you end up in England?

MH: I married a Brit and followed my heart to England.

marissa sunglasses

PW: What were the challenges of moving away from your family, and being so far away now that you have children?

MH: It is certainly difficult to be so far away from my parents in California and my brother in New York (and the time change doesn’t make it easy)! We are very good about using Skype and Facetime. Also, I make frequent trips back to the states, and the whole family comes to London for almost a month over the winter holiday! It is always my favourite time of year.

PW: Do you think living in England and having a British husband has changed how you parent your two boys?

MH: I am envious of my friends who live in the states and have their parents nearby; they are able to lean on their parents for babysitting help and parenting advice! I have taken to hiring British nannies and babysitters when I need extra help, which is great, but certainly no comparison to having grandparents around offering extra hands.

PW: Speaking of husbands, you and your husband work together to help run several businesses, how do you keep the balance between wife and business partner?

MH: Matt and I work very well together. We try to separate our professional relationship from our personal relationship and avoid any marriage-talk at the office, but sometimes it is unavoidable! There have been a few times when I have used a pet name by accident in a meeting – very embarrassing!

PW: Most of us know you from Ladies of London on BRAVO (Note: Season 2 premiers Monday Sept 7, 2015 on Bravo), how did this opportunity come about?

Ladies of LondonMH: The network contacted me years ago and I was very reluctant to join the show – I wasn’t sure if I wanted to have a public profile and was nervous about exposing my family to everything that comes with being on a TV show. But, the project was so much fun, and I loved being a Lady of London! My fingers are crossed for season 2, too!

PW: Has being on the show, the experience of having cameras around, hearing what the other Ladies had to say, and the media stir when the show aired, impacted your previous friendships at all?

MH: Most of my friends have been very supportive of the show and excited for the project. For the most part, the show has only affected my relationships (both with cast-mates and others) positively; the only negative repercussion of the show is that I’m even busier than I was before!

PW: What are some of the positives you’ve seen in your life in regards to the show?

MH: In terms of our business, we have seen an increase in tourists visiting our restaurants and nightclubs who have seen them on the show. That is very exciting! If I catch wind that a fan is coming into Bumpkin, Eclipse, or Boujis, I try to make their visit special and swing by their table if I am in the vicinity.

Marissa cookingPW: On the show we really get a look into the balancing act you have between wife, business woman, mother and friend. How do you make it look so effortless?!

MH: Do I make it look effortless?! It certainly doesn’t feel that way, but thank you! I think what helps is prioritizing. I will always be a mum first and everything else comes second. Sometimes I have too many balls in the air and the juggling act feels impossible, but that is why I have such a wonderful and helpful husband to share the chaos with!

PW: Your personal style really shines in the show, and you have links on your blog so that your fans can see what you are wearing and where you bought it. How would you describe your personal style, and what are some of your favorite items in your closet?

Mapperton DinnerMH: I would describe my everyday style as very relaxed and Californian (lots of t-shirts and jeans). But, I love any excuse to dress up and have many flirty and feminine pieces. My favourite outfits from the show were probably my outfit at the Boujis party and this outfit worn to dinner in Mapperton. For days when I am running around from meetings to play dates to the office and I need to be comfortable, I live in Isabel Marant sneakers, J. Brand jeans, and a t-shirt.

PW: I always hear that beauty products vary greatly from country to country. Any US products you miss, or newly found British products you can’t live without?

MH: I miss Wakaya Ginger Perfection – it is powdered ginger that I scoop into hot water and lemon in the mornings. When I first moved here and didn’t have it, I noticed a difference in my skin. Now, I stock up every time I am back in California for a visit! A British beauty line that I have discovered and absolutely love is Sarah Chapman’s Skinesis range – I use all of the products and notice a major difference in my skin.

Marissa keep calmPW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

MH: Keep calm and carry on!

 

Click below to enter to win a Keep Calm and Carry On mug of your very own! We will have 2 winners...wahoo! To be entered to win you HAVE to leave a comment. Earn more points by following Marissa Hermer and PrairieWifeInHeels.com on Social Media. FYI we do check to make sure you really did follow us to earn extra points...so please be honest!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		I am a Feminist
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/feminist/
		Mon, 15 Sep 2014 12:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2846
		
		 having children holds woman back from achieving their dreams and being as productive to society as they could without their little life sucking children…double ouch…

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines a feminist as “a person who supports feminism” and describes feminism as “the belief that men and women should have equal rights and opportunities.”

feministBy this definition I am a feminist! Me, a stay at home mother of 4 children (with one more on the way). The lady who put her sweat pants on backwards this morning and didn’t notice until my neighbor came over hours later. My day yesterday consisted of waking up and feeding children, taking children to school, going to the store, homeschooling one child, feeding children, cleaning up from feeding children, naptime, picking kids up from school, playing with children, helping with homework while cooking for children, eating with children, cleaning up the house with children, bathing children, snuggling with children, throw a few diaper changes in throughout the day, praying and singing with children, and then finally some time in bed on my own with a book! Notice a theme there? It’s children…

Nowhere in the definition of feminist does it say anything about a woman who has a job outside the home. It says nothing about children! I am a feminist because I support the idea that men and woman should have equal rights. No one should be held back from achieving their dreams based on what sex they are. I support other woman in achieving their dreams, and refuse to allow my daughter to be kept from achieving her dreams simply because she is a woman. If she wants to be a dentist, a fashion designer, or doctor I want her to set out and get it done, and be just as valued as any man in the job. If she wants to get married and quit her job, follow her husband around the world and never have children, I say go for it! And if she wants to be like her mom and after a few years in the professional world, she wants to leave it all behind to have babies and rock her backwards sweats and a pony tail…I say you go girl!

Let’s take a deep breath ladies (and men, they can be feminists too) and remember that feminism is about supporting other woman to achieve their dreams, not forcing your dream on someone else.]]>
		
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		I Hate Flies
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hate-flies/
		Wed, 17 Sep 2014 12:00:58 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2853
		
		making hard choices or perhaps this Prairie Wife of the Week…If you’re in the mood to read a good rant stay with me.

fliesI hate flies. I absolutely hate them. The best torture for me would be to put me in small room with flies buzzing around me. I guarantee I would break and tell you where the treasure is hidden in 15 minutes. Right now my house is plagued by flies. I have fly strips hanging in strategic positions all through the house…laden with dead bodies (super gross I know) and still…I have been dive bombed by at least six flies in the last five minutes.

I understand that most of this plague is due to the Cowkids constant in and out movement from the house to the Prairie and back thirty billion times a day, but seriously it’s driving me nuts. I try and have a conversation with a friend and instead find myself twitching like I’m being electrocuted trying to get the flies off of my arms and legs and head and feet and face…And while I know that my house cleaning has deteriorated a little bit since becoming pregnant with CowBaby5 it’s not bad enough to draw flies in this amount. Everyone I talk to agrees that the flies have been particularly bad this year, and I hope they aren’t just saying it to humor me.

The first thought I had when I woke up last week and saw two inches of snow on the ground was “Thank God the flies will all be dead!” But nope, somehow these flies lived through 20 degree weather and snow to come back and buzz another day. Last night I was just about asleep and one particularly fat and loud fly decided to work it’s way back to our bedroom and spent the next 15 minutes dive bombing me. By the time it finally flew away I was so full of adrenaline and rage that I couldn’t settle down and get back to sleep for another hour.

I get that I may be a little hormonal (OK perhaps a lot) but these flies are driving me nuts. Anyone that has advice on what to do…please leave it in the comments!

Copyright: sbotas / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		YOU Pick-Prairie Wife of the YEAR 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pick-prairie-wife-year-2014/
		Fri, 19 Sep 2014 12:00:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2860
		
		one year anniversary! This journey has been absolutely amazing and we want to celebrate with our readers! The whole month of October will be full of fun giveaways along with our regular posts, reviews, and the interviews you've come to love.

Prairie Wife of the Year AwardAt the end of October we will be featuring the Prairie Wife of the YEAR picked by you, our readers! The Prairie Wife of the YEAR and one of the people who nominated them, will receive an award from PrairieWifeInHeels.com and will give an interview answering questions from YOU our readers! Think hard and feel free to pick a few favorites if you can't settle on just one. I've got a list of some of our most popular (the most hits, shares, and likes) past Prairie Wives and the direct links to their interviews so...check them out and leave a comment in the comments sections nomination the past Prairie Wife that you think should win our Prairie Wife of the YEAR 2014 Award!

Don't forget to use the buttons at the bottom of this post to share this post with your friends and encourage them to vote for your favorite!

PS When we changed over to our new site format in Feb, we sadly lost all the comments on our past posts. So, please feel free to leave new ones :)

The following list of Prairie Wives is in no particular order...check out all of our past Prairie Wives by clicking this link  , typing Prairie Wife in our Search bar, or going through our archives on the bottom right of this page!

TallGirlJ shares what it has been like to grow up with a brother who has special needs. Also, read her mother's side of the story too!

Kendra Richards, professional makeup artist to the stars (namedrop-Cindy Crawford) shares her wisdom, her amazing skin primer Heir Atelier AND answered all our reader''s questions!

Katie shared her beautiful family of 10 with us, and her story of how she flew across the world to find three of her children!

In an open and honest interview Amanda shares her story of alcohol addiction and recovery.

Texas Skin Savior shares how she has found her balance doing what she loves, and helping her family.

A young mother shares her story of how she fights for her son with special needs.

General Kathy Wright the first female General in the Wyoming Army National Guard, shared her words of wisdom with us.

Elizabeth journeyed across the world to Africa to help women and children in need.

Nicole shares her family's story of growing up with a mother who has MS, and offers some honest advice about caring for sick parents.

Texas Smiles inspired us all with her story of going back to school to follow her dreams.

Erin took her passion for photography and turned it into a full time career!

A local artist shares the beauty of Wyoming with the world.

One of the original Prairie Wives, Grandma Bea tells us about growing up in the 30's (with lots of great pictures).

 

Copyright: omkar / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Are You a Hunting Widow? Quiz
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hunting-widow-quiz/
		Sat, 20 Sep 2014 12:00:21 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2864
		
		It’s fall in Wyoming, and we all know what that means....thousands of women will be abandoned by their husbands and become “Hunting Widows.”
    

    Hunting Widow
    

    Not sure if you qualify? Take our quiz to find out!
    
1. Beginning on July 1st your husband rushes to the mailbox every day to look and see if he drew his tag. True_ False_

2. There is page in your Will stating clearly what happens to your husband’s firearms. True_ False_

3. The first crisp cool morning in August you wake to see your husband standing on the porch in his long johns starring off into the distance. True_ False_

4. You come home from a girls night out and find your husband and kids sleeping in a tent in the yard, complete with campfire (it was not the kids idea…)True_ False_

5. Every Sunday it is a battle to get your husband out of bed for church, until September, when he is up target practicing at dawn “before the wind picks up”. True_ False_

6. Your husband suddenly takes an interest in the grocery list, adding chili, instant coffee, and dehydrated meals to the list. True_ False_

7. You look over at your husband in late September and notice that his neck has mysteriously begun to swell. True_ False_

8. You know that the above question is funny because when deer and elk rut their necks swell (and you know what it means when an animal ruts). True_ False_

9. For the month of October the main decoration on your fridge is a topographical map of Wyoming, not jack-o-lanterns. True_ False_

10. The Wyoming Search and Rescue number is saved in your cell phone. True_ False_

11. The highlight of your social calendar (according to your husband) is the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation banquet. True_ False_

12. You are aware that Bugle is not a magazine for trumpet players. True_ False_

13. When in doubt you always go with fire arms for your husband’s birthday, Christmas, and Anniversary gifts (and he always talks about what a great gift giver you are). True_ False_

14. Your children know their way around the local Sports store better than the grocery store. True_ False_

15. When having guests over for dinner you always ask them first if they eat wild game. True_ False_

16. You know firsthand that the smell of campfire smoke, blood , and sweat is not an aphrodisiac. True_ False_

17. The only jewelry your husband has ever designed for you is made from an Elk Ivory. True_ False_

18. The main decor of your basement rec room can be described as dead Elk, Deer, and Antelope. True_ False_

19. When the men go missing at your block party you know they can be found gathered in front of the gun safe (most likely drooling). True_ False_

20. Your child’s first hunt was at the age of 2. True_ False_

5 or fewer True-Congratulations! You will still have your husband both physically and emotionally this fall!
6 to 14 True-Your husband is a hobby hunter. Expect to spend no more than two weekends this fall alone. Warning: Too much encouragement of the Hobby Hunter can lead to an eventual upgrade in your status to hunting widow.
15 or more True-My condolences, you are a hunting widow. Expect to be taking care of your family alone from Sept 15th to Thanksgiving. Support groups may be available through your church.

Copyright: <a href='http://www.123rf.com/profile_mihhailov'>mihhailov / 123RF Stock Photo</a>]]>    
		
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		Outlander by Diana Gabaldon
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/outlander-diana-gabaldon/
		Mon, 22 Sep 2014 12:00:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2872
		
		Outlander book 1So I have to admit that I have been obsessed with the Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon for over a year now. I started to read it at the recommendation of my HighSchoolBF when I was in the last trimester of pregnancy with Cowboy C. I always suffer from insomnia the last few months, and as you know the first year or so after my babies are born I have plenty of time for late night reading. When I began the first book in the Outlander Series I was immediately captivated. It had all of my favorite things- historical fiction, magic, romance, action, mystery, and of course men in kilts! I spent many nights reading and staying up way too late. When I finished the first book I was thrilled to learn that the Outlander Series was not just a trilogy but...wait for it....8 books (as of now)! Then, there are 7 (I think that's correct) other novels about Sir John Grey, a pivotal character in Outlander. 

Before I go on with my review of the books, I need you to know something else. This fabulous series has recently been made into a Television Series on Starz. HighSchoolBF and I have been counting down the days until the premier this fall. And oh man is it good! I kind of sneakily signed us up for a new TV package just so I could watch it...when The Cowboy saw all the new channels he was super excited and exclaimed "Hey it's a free preview weekend, you better DVR all the good ones!" As I sat on the couch I seriously debated whether I should be honest or just go with it until he figured out our "free preview weekend" was going on for months. For the sake of my soul I fessed up, and after much ridicule and eye rolling, he has finally left me alone. Take a minute to watch the trailer for the show.



Right...so tell me you aren't hooked?! I forced The Cowboy to watch the show, and thank goodness he never reads the blog because he would kill me for telling you that he enjoyed it, and has continued to watch it with me! The writers have done an amazing job staying true to the plot and keeping  Gabaldon's tone from her books. Just the right amount of suspense and drama, broken up by humor. The actors and actresses are amazing, I am a hard sell with book to movie/TV adaptations...the actors/actresses never seem to fit my image. I still can't bring myself to watch The Time Traveler's Wife for that very reason.

But, there isn't a character in Outlander on Starz that has disappointed me yet. Caitriona Balfe, who plays Claire, is the perfect mixture of femininity and strength. Sam Heughan who plays Jamie, blends brawn, brains and quick wit (and rugged good looks) into a character that makes every woman sigh just a little whenever he appears (even this happily married Prairie Wife). Tobias Menzies' (Frank and Jack Randall) ability to play duel roles is impressive, and I simply can't help but compare Graham McTavish (Dougal MacKenzie) to Sean Connery (in a good way). My good friend SweetN'Slim was here when I finally gave in and ordered Starz, and got to watch the first three episodes with me. As soon as she got home she ordered the first book, she just had to know what happened! You can watch the entire first episode here for free.

Claire and JamieThe first book in the series shares the story of Claire and her "current" husband, and what happens when she travels back 200 years and meets Jamie...the handsome Scottish hunk. As I stated before there isn't a genre that isn't covered. Gabaldon writes with wit and humor, and an obvious knowledge of Scottish History that would rival most history professors! Claire is a realistic mixture of grit and grace, and messes up enough times to make her someone who you just can't help but relate to. And Jamie...well Jamie is...Jamie....

Outlander seriesThe latest book in the Outlander Series takes place (more or less) in Revolutionary War America and the main characters now include Claire's grandchildren. There continues to be time travel in the books, and it's fascinating to see how Gabaldon ties it all together. A word of warning (take a look at the picture) these books are long! I am so happy that the Kindle was invented before I started reading this series because trying to nurse a baby while reading those books would be tough. I can honestly say that despite the length the books never got boring, I didn't find myself skimming and was always ready for the next book. The Chapters are well laid out and offer great stopping spots...if you have to stop!

I'd love to hear if you are an Outlander fan as well, and what you think of the book and TV series (which has been renewed for another 8 episodes)!]]>
		
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		Crispy Peach Cobbler
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/crispy-peach-cobbler/
		Wed, 24 Sep 2014 12:00:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2883
		
		away Elk Hunting, he'd be having it every day he was home! As I made my traditional Crispy Peach Cobbler I decided to make it taste a little more like fall rather than summer. I toned down the sweetness and added a little nutmeg and vanilla to the filling to bring in some bolder fall flavors. For some more great fall flavor try our Apple Extra Crispy Crisp!

Crispy peach cobblerCrispy Peach Cobbler

Prep time: 20 min Bake time: 30 min
Serves 8

Peach Filling
6 large peaches (8 medium)
1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup flour (white or wheat is fine)
1/2 tsp Cinnamon
1/2 tsp Vanilla
A sprinkle of nutmeg
A splash of lemon juice

Crispy Topping
1 cup oats
Âź cup brown sugar
½ tsp cinnamon
1 cup flour (wheat or white is fine)
A pinch of salt
ž cups ( 1 ½  sticks ) of unsalted butter, melted

1. Turn oven on to 400 degrees and spray a 9x9 glass baking dish with nonstick spray.

2. Cut peaches up into small chunks (I don't peel them).

3. Mix together peaches and all the other ingredients for the Peach Filling, stir well and set aside.

4. Mix all the dry ingredients for the Crispy Topping together, add melted butter and combine well.

5. Stir the Peach Filling one more time and place into glass baking dish.

6. Using your hands, sprinkle the Crispy Topping evenly over the Peach Filling.

7. Place Crispy Peach Cobbler into oven and bake 30 minutes or until the Crispy Topping is dark golden brown and the Peach Filling is bubbling.

8. Serve warm with Homemade Whipped Cream or Vanilla Ice Cream.]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week September 26, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-september-26-2014/
		Fri, 26 Sep 2014 12:00:46 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2890
		
		 past Prairie Wife of the week. Over the years I have had the pleasure of getting to know Kathryn better on both a social and spiritual level. She is currently the leader of a Bible Study I attend, and it was at one of our meetings that I first heard her mention that her husband had been deployed several times overseas. I had know that she was (and still is) an Army Wife and had moved several times but, I had never known that she had experienced such lengthy separations from her husband. My first thought was to feel ashamed of my inner complaints about a husband that is gone on week days, then I was filled with questions for her...and when the time was right I approached her about being a Prairie Wife of the Week. Her quiet strength and strong faith are two of her character traits that I have come to admire, and after reading her interview I now need to add wisdom, patience, and compassion. Please take the time to read this unique interview, and share it with others. It is memorable not only because it is a touching story of love and service to God and Country but, because there are so many other women and families that are serving America, whose stories haven't been told. In an interview with Past Prairie Wife General Kathy Wright she said "Thank service members; it’s because of them that we have our freedom. When we have a family with a service member in our community we need to be compassionate, and acknowledge the sacrifice that they make as a whole family." I ask you to please keep her words and Kathryn's story in your mind, heart, and prayers.

Kathryn shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Kathryn (K): The story of our family is a living testimony of God's love and faithfulness to us. My husband Nick and I met waaaaaay back in high-school on a youth backpacking trip organized by our church. We were just teenagers, I was 15 and Nick 17, but we both came home from the trip and said, "I met the person I want to marry!" Our parents both laughed and sighed (and maybe flipped out a little), but they encouraged us to seek the Lord, build a friendship, and see what God had in store for us when we grew up. Haha. Nick and I dated all through high-school and college and then got married right before I graduated from college. We've been married for 10 years now, and have 4 beautiful little boys, ages 8,6,4,2.

PW: husband is in the military, can you tell us a little bit about his career?

K: When I met my husband back in high-school, he already had the dream of joining the military and serving our country. His senior year in high-school, he applied and was honored to be accepted into the United States Military Academy at West Point. I had no idea what an honor it was (or how rigorous the application process was) to be accepted there, but was so proud of my soon to be soldier! He attended West Point for 4 years, and was commissioned as an Engineer Officer in the United States Army upon his graduation. It was the summer after he graduated that he proposed to me. Nick's first assignment as a new 2nd Lieutenant was a one year tour in South Korea and our plan was to get married after he returned (and after I graduated college).

Its funny to think back to that time... we had such a tearful goodbye when he left for South Korea. It felt so very far away, and I remember having thoughts of maybe never seeing him again. But God had an even bigger challenge waiting for us-- half way into his tour to South Korea, his unit received deployment orders to Iraq. South Korea was already considered an overseas tour, and it was (to us) unimaginable that troops would be deployed from this location-- yet this was the call of duty! Right away, we were tested, were we in it for the long haul?!?! I was in my senior year of college, and we had already been engaged for nearly a year when we got this news. We cried, and prayed, and cried some more. We didn't know how long the deployment would be, if he'd be able to come home one last time before he left, or if we'd ever get married. We had waited 6 years (through high-school and college) to get married to boot. It was such an emotional time. A few days after the original news, we got word that the soldiers would be given 2 weeks to go home and see their families before going back to Korea to train and deploy.

It didn't take us long to decide what we were going to do! We were GETTING MARRIED! We had spent nearly 6 years waiting and preparing to become one flesh in marriage...and we were ready, so ready, to completely share ourselves-- physically, mentally, emotionally. We were ready to be completely connected and united together. And after waiting for 6 years, no one could really say we were being impatient or impulsive! Haha! So, with 8 days notice, we planned the wedding we'd been waiting for (which also happened to be during finals week my senior year of nursing school). Boy! What a whirlwind! But again, what a testimony to God's faithfulness to us! Friends and family dropped everything and flew in for the wedding with just a few days notice. Friends offered services of all kinds, and before we knew it we had a caterer, church building, soloist, pianist, flowers, photographer and even a wedding cake lined up. Oh, and did I mention that my seamstress of a mom had been slowing sewing my wedding dress throughout the engagement, but it was no where close to being finished? My mom and her close friend stayed up late sewing on beads and lace. It was amazing how people came together and supported us during this challenging time! By God's mercy and grace we were married and joined together as one and enjoyed a week long honeymoon before Nick returned to Korea and deployed to Iraq.

The rest of my husband's career in the Army has been much like this story above. Move after move, house after house, separation after separation, God continued his work in us and grew us in faith, love and commitment. Nick was stationed at 5 different military bases, and served two one year deployments to Iraq. He was trained in air assault and as paratrooper (yes! for several years my husband jumped out of airplanes for a living! Yikes!). He served in many different roles, all as an officer, leading and training soldiers. Nick served for 9 1/2 years in the active duty Army before we decided to make an exit. Nick transferred his commission to the National Guard and is now serving as the Battalion Executive Officer for a local unit in our home state.

PW: Your husband has been deployed overseas several times. I have experience with my husband being gone each week for days at a time, but not for a year straight. Can you share with us what impact it has on your life to have your husband gone for a year at a time?

army picK: It is hard to put into words what it is like to be separated for a year at a time. A year is a LONG time. Nick's two deployments to Iraq took place at pivotal points in our lives-- the first, just weeks after we got married, the second, just weeks after we'd had our second baby. The deployments were filled with some of life's biggest challenges, yet also with biggest times of growth. Both in our love for each other and in our faith and trust in the Lord. So many people think of deployments as a time to just get through, a time when you put your life on pause until you are reunited. We tried to think of deployments as a time where we could grow and develop, not a pause button, but a growth button. What would the Lord have us learn through this trial? How could we deepen our love for each other, our commitment? How could our family mature and progress, even if we were separated? The answers to these questions didn't come easy, and again, came with much struggle, tears, and prayers. We learned so much through deployments.

We learned how to communicate well. Nick's first deployment was early on in the war in Iraq. Things were pretty hot over there and soldiers were losing their lives every day. We learned to never say anything we might regret. Never leave things unsaid. Never go to sleep angry. Never hang up in frustration. This is good advice for every family and every marriage, yet it was a matter of life and death for ours. We never knew if that phone call might be our last. So we talked about things that mattered. we shared the deepest parts of our souls. we prayed for and encouraged one another. We kissed the phone good night.

In addition to learning how to communicate, we learned how to trust God. One of the hardest things for a control freak like me was to learn that no amount of worrying, planning, thinking or rethinking, could change the outcome overseas. If Nick was called to die for our country, there was nothing I could do about it. I wasn't there. I couldn't protect him or save him. My hands were tied by the distance that separated us. It was hard letting go, but good letting go too. I learned to trust God in a much deeper way, knowing that while I couldn't protect or save my husband, God could. And God would. My husband's life (and death) were in His hands. My truest and deepest comfort was knowing that it didn't rest in my hands, but that life rested in my faithful Savior, Jesus Christ. This was a struggle for Nick as well, and he too learned to trust our merciful Savior for the protection and life of his wife and family.

We also learned how to trust each other. We never doubted each other's marital faithfulness, but I know there were a few times when we doubted our abilities to care for different things. Nick had to trust me to care for our vehicles! Haha. And to pay the bills, mow the lawn, train the children, and often to make important decisions without him. Have you ever planned an out of state move without the help of your spouse?!?!? Man, that was a hard one. I had to trust him to do everything he could to make our family a priority while he focused on his military mission; to call, pray, write, and care for us from a distance.

Army families will often say that deployments make or break you. By God's grace, deployments made us. Oh no, it was never easy... and if we could choose, we'd never be separated again, but we would both say that our deployments were always good. For our good. Because we knew, "All things work together for good to those who love the Lord and are called according to his purpose." (Romans 8:28)

PW: What advice do you have for other military families who have members overseas?

K: My best advice is to cling to Christ and cling to your spouse. Many people start looking for other people or other things for comfort and support...alcohol, money, sex, drugs... vacations, clothes, food. While "outside" support is crucial (oh the blessing of friends and family who will watch kids, run errands, pray with you, make meals, encourage you!!)," inside" support is even more necessary. Do not neglect each other and your marriage. Don't stop working at your marriage. Don't stop communicating. Don't stop loving each other. Don't look to other people to fill the void. Look to Christ and look to your spouse. Use the deployment as a time to build your relationship instead of putting it on hold. Cling to your spouse, let him know that he is your one and only. And cling to the means God has provided to grow and strengthen you. Be faithful in reading the Bible, prayer and attending church.

PW: When your husband came back from his tour what was the adjustment like for you and your family? What was the adjustment like for your husband?

K: The separations are always hard, but oh man, the home comings are so sweet. Its hard to express the overwhelming joy and emotion of seeing your soldier walk off the airplane and run to pick you up. Even though its been several years since our last deployment, just thinking of those sweet homecomings brings tears to my eyes. There is almost nothing better than being reunited with your spouse. Go watch a few YouTube videos of soldiers being reunited with loved ones. The reunions are even sweeter in real life.

But its funny that the welcoming home isn't without its challenges. As you mentioned, there are ADJUSTMENTS when your family is put back together. For the past year, I had been the decision maker. The home had revolved around me and my schedule. I decided what we ate, where we went, who we spent time with etc. When your soldier comes home, the pendulum swings and now I had input on what we ate, where we went, and who we spent time with. It was again a lot of trust and letting go. Nick took back a lot of the responsibilities I had assumed in his absence, and while it was a relief, it was also a challenge. I really liked things MY way. All the time. Haha.

Nick's personal transitions back into the US were generally smooth. I attribute this to his solid faith and strength in Christ, he trusted the Lord and could do "all things through Christ who gives me strength!" After the first deployment, we did not really know what it was like to live together as he had left so soon after we got married, but Nick sometimes struggled with the gray areas. He was used to taking orders and giving orders, and it frustrated him when things did not go as planned. He was a bit jumpy for a short time, but it quickly passed. Nick's struggle after the second deployment was learning how to be a father to a three-year old and getting to know our 20-month old of whose life he had missed so much of.

PW: As you watch your boys grow, do you think that your husband’s military service has impacted them?

K: My boys admire and desire to be like Daddy in just about every way. They all want to be big and strong. They all want short hair. They all want to love the Lord. And they all want to be in the military when they grow up. I don't mind the big muscles or Army haircuts, but it sure does pull at my heart strings to think of anyone joining the Army. Let's just hope they stay little. ;)

PW: What can we do as friends to support our military families?

K: Pray! Pray for our troops, pray for their families, pray for our government and leaders. And "do not without good from those to whom it is due, when it is in your power to do it" (Prov 3:27). Bring meals, make care packages, offer to babysit, bare flags. Don't just ask about the welfare of the soldier, but ask about the family at home. And ask how their relationship is. but above all, PRAY!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

K: I just wanted to share that I absolutely loved being an Army Wife. I loved moving around, meeting new people, serving different communities, attending Army Balls, watching my husband serve... I absolutely loved it. Looking back over our time with the Army, the Lord was always faithful to provide. We always found great churches where God's word was faithfully preached, we developed strong friendships at each duty station, and the Lord provided numerous opportunities to serve. In fact, we believe that God was, in part, preparing us for the work we have now - planting a church in Casper, WY. Additionally, Nick and I are big planners. We love to plan and set goals. But in our time with the military, God taught us to never set our hopes and trust on our goals and plans because He frequently changes them! (Isa. 55:8)]]>
		
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		Fall Beauty and Accessory Trends 2014: Dos or Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fall-beauty-accessory-trends-2014-dos-donts/
		Sat, 04 Oct 2014 12:00:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2897
		
		Fall Fashion Trends 2014: Dos and Don'ts, because there are SO many new beauty and accessory trends going on this Fall. Texas Two Steppin' and I narrowed it down to five picks after a ton of furious texting back and forth! I can't wait to hear what you guys think of our list. Do you agree or disagree, and which of our Fall beauty and accessory trends are you excited to try?! As always click on the pics to see more or buy the products.

Full Eyebrows

full eyebrowsPrairie Wife: This trend has been going on for over  a year now but, you can see by this picture from the Rachel Zoe Runway that the straight caterpillar eyebrows have been revamped a little for fall. This seasons brows are full, especially at the end by your nose but, still have a slight arch and a feminine shape. Unlike the thick caterpillar eyebrows (a DON'T for me) this fresher fuller look is a DO for me...if you have the right face to pull it off. Check out this eyebrow guide from our past Prairie Wife Professional Makeup Artist Kendra Richards, to find your perfect brow shape. Another word to the wise about eyebrows...when filling them in take a moment to walk away for a few minutes and then check them in natural light. It will ensure that you have done a great job filling them in and haven't been too heavy or light with your product.

Texas Two Steppin': For personal (and deeply rooted emotional) reasons I am totally conflicted with this trend of full eyebrows. Bear with me while a take a minute to explain. Like many of these stories it begins with my grade school peers teasing me about my "caveman" eyebrows. When I got to high school my girlfriends introduced me to the concept of plucking, and the tweezer became my BFF. But this was the '80s, long before the Internet, so I didn't know about shaping and the concept that eyebrows should be sisters, not twins. Plus, because my brows were so thick and dark and coarse, tweezing was a daily event. Needless to say, I cringe whenever I see a photo from this era. After I graduated from college and got my first job, a coworker took me under her wing and introduced me to professional brow waxing services. LOVE! Can I say it again? LOVE! My look and beauty style totally changed from that moment on. So now you understand my conflict--fashion is now celebrating the look that took me decades to dump! I do think this look is very nice on the model, so I will say DO if, and only if, you go to a professional to get the shape just right and then tweeze daily to maintain the perfect brow.

Large Felt/Wool Floppy Hats

floppy hatPrairie Wife: Other than a baseball hat thrown on my head to cover up my unwashed hair and naked face, I am not a hat person. I just don't seem to look good in them, and with the constant Wyoming wind this accessory just isn't particle for this Prairie Wife. For me this look is a DON'T. Cute in theory but, just not something I'm ever going to really do!

Texas Two Steppin': This is one time PW and I differ. I really don't look good in a baseball hat (or cowboy hat, for that matter) but can rock a straw fedora and newsboy cap like nobody's business. My family doesn't always get it, but I feel super confident and stylish when I'm wearing a hat. This DO seems perfect for fall (and I love that this one comes from my favorite store, Nordstrom), just don't pair it with patchwork or flared jeans as you might look like you are wearing a Halloween costume.

Booties

BootiesPrairie Wife: Booties have been going strong for well over a year now, and are showing no signs of going away. This shoe trend is a huge DO for me. I love the variety of booties out now; from lacy, sweet and feminine to sleek and professional (like these from one of my fav shopping spots, Marshalls). They even come covered in fringe or studs! Throw them on with a pair of jeans (please cuff your jeans so a sliver of skin shows between the tops of your booties and jeans) to instantly add pizazz to your look. Worn with a pair of tights and a dress (only closed toe with tights) and you've instantly added a little bit of funk to your workday look. Wear them with long maxi dresses or skirts to rock the Boho look, and put on a pair with tapered dress pants to look professional and chic.

Texas Two Steppin': It's a DO. At work I am known as the "lady in heels" but am so surprised that more women don't wear these in the office. A basic black pair with a modest heel (for me that means 3-4 inches) works with a wrap dress, shirt dress, pencil skirt, skater skirt, boot-cut pants, ankle pants...you get the idea. Bonus style tip: When I travel for business in the fall/winter and only want to pack a carry on, I wear a pair of booties because they are supportive and comfortable, go with everything and are easy to slip on and off going through security.

Slicked Back Hair

slicked back hairPrairie Wife: This slicked back 90's grunge look was seen all over the runway (like this pic from Dior). I've been waffling back and forth on if this is a DO or DON'T...and I still can't decided. I really like the look on shorter hair (look at the Dior ads with Jennifer Lawrence) so for me if you have shorter hair it's a DO. On longer hair, I think it might just be a little too rocker, greasy, grunge for me. I know right, who would have thought that I would say a rocker look is a DON'T? As always, a certain type of person could pull this off, but for most of us living in the real world I just don't think it looks good.

Texas Two Steppin': If you are a working women, this look is a DON'T. It doesn't matter if you work as a banker, accountant, teacher, waitress, gas station attendant, it just looks unkempt and sloppy and like you hate your job. I also wouldn't recommend it going out either, especially if you are single, as this is the kind of look that men don't understand. The only time I think it would work is if you are at the beach or lounging by the pool. Then, and only then, is it a DO...in my opinion...

Front to Back Earrings

front to back earringsPrairie Wife: This is a total DO for me. This pair from Target are chic and would look great on any professional woman, plus pearls are IN right now. There is a ton of variety in looks from professional to super edgy, and I am hoping to find a pair or two in my stocking this Holiday Season. I love that they add a little wow to your look when you have your hair pulled back into a soft, loose bun (another hot trend), or tucked behind your ear. A little mystery is always a good thing ;)

Texas Two Steppin': Hey, PW, why did you take all of my comments on this accessory...I say it's a DO for all the same reasons!

Readers, what are your thoughts on these trends?

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		The Cowboy's Elk Hunt 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cowboys-elk-hunt-2014/
		Sat, 27 Sep 2014 12:00:25 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2905
		
		their scouting trip a few weeks ago, the only wildlife they saw were the Elk, Deer, and of course more than a few rodents (one tried to curl up and take a nap with The Cowboy in his bedroll) and birds. All three of the men who were after Elk got one, and because they wanted to keep the meat fresh (if it gets too hot it spoils) they loaded up and headed home as soon as their tags were full. This year I had Ma and Pa at the Prairie Homestead to help out so, I didn't feel as much like a hunting widow as I usually do! Take a moment and enjoy the beautiful Wyoming scenery.

This is Big Springs and while it is obviously beautiful, what you can't tell is that it literally just springs forth from the mountain. The Cowboy said it flowed down about 12 feet!

Big Springs

The horses and mules are old pros by now. The Cowboy and his fellow hunters use them to pack in their food and ammo, and to pack out the Elk...and they ride them as well! The metal boxes are called panniers and are used to keep food dry and relatively unbroken. There are a variety of ways to tie panniers to a horse, The Cowboy used the Double Diamond Hitch here.

Horses Packed

The weather was fairly mild and frankly even when it's not The Cowboy and the other hunters rarely use a tent. For their time in the mountains this is home sweet home!

bed roll

The horses are rewarded for all their hard work with fresh mountain water and lush green grass.

Horses Grazing

As they headed out to look for their Elk the hunters came upon Lake Creek (say it crick) Falls. This was a great spot to get drinking water because of the fast running water, rocks and moss. All of these things act as a natural filter to keep the water clean.

Lake Creek Falls

The Cowboy got his Elk the first day in camp. It was wonderful 6 by 6 and we are so thankful for the meat that will feed our family (and a few neighbors as well) for the next year.

The Cowboy's Elk

One of the best things about Elk Hunting is the views. Fresh mountain air and stunning views are good for the soul. Here is The Cowboy's friend JohnnyRed enjoying the Wyoming beauty.

Johnny Red

Here is a shot of the hunters getting another Elk brought back to camp. After the Elk is shot they quarter and load it up onto the horses to be brought back to camp.

Getting Elk Out

Stop by next week to read about me earning my newest Prairie Wife Badge-Meat Processing...]]>
		
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		Pregnancy Brain Strikes
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pregnancy-brain-strikes/
		Mon, 29 Sep 2014 12:00:45 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2922
		
		 new baby in their house knows about baby brain. The inability to remember things until you have already left the house or store, and the overall fog that takes over your entire thought process and makes coming up with an idea for dinner a Herculean task. I think that we also need to address Pregnancy Brain. As I sit here 20 weeks pregnant with my 5th child, I find that my grey matter has begun to diminish at an alarming rate. I like to pretend that every time I loose a brain cell or two, it has gone directly to my baby, it gives me comfort that at least someone in this family may be able to walk into a room and remember what they needed.

Pregnancy BrainAs I sat and enjoyed some tea with a friend last week, I stopped mid story and looked at her blankly "I'm sorry, I have absolutely no idea what I was trying to say..." Being a mother herself, she just laughed and assured me I would remember it eventually...though I have to admit that I still have no clue what my point was. I find myself mixing up my beginning and ending sounds of words, resulting in confusion all around as I angrily glare at the Cowkids for not getting right on "reaning their cloom". My calendar has become my life line, one that I have to check 30 times a day because I simply can't remember for longer than 15 minutes what I read. Laundry sits in the washing machine for days and the dishwasher sits full of dirty dishes and soap, just waiting to be turned on.

Two  weeks ago we reached the pinnacle of Pregnancy Brain forgetfulness. Sometimes The Cowboy gets into town early and offers to help by picking the Cowkids up from school. On days when Cowgirl G has ballet I especially appreciate this. Spending an hour keeping the three Cowboys entertained while she dances is no easy task! He texted me that we would meet at dance and trade kids, and I thankfully texted him back. I headed out to dance and arrived more than 20 minutes early so I did what every normal person does, I took out my phone and phoned a friend. In this case it was TallGirlJ and we caught up and chatted away. After all, it had been more than 24hr since we last talked. In the middle of a vital part of our conversation The Cowboy rang and I did what most people would do, I ignored him and kept on chatting away.

10 minutes later (15 minutes after school was out) he pulled up next to me. I quickly hung up and rolled the window down and smiled at him. He looked in the van and said "Where are the kids?" Now The Cowboy is known around the state of Wyoming as a BIG trickster so I just smiled and said "Ha Ha, get Cowgirl G out of the truck and you can go." The look on his face told me that perhaps he wasn't joking and my blood pressure rose as I said "Wait I thought you were going to pick them up and meet me here! I've been sitting here for over 20 minutes!"

He shook his head "No, you were supposed to get them and meet ME here. I tried to call you to make sure and you dodged my call!" I started the car, said a few unladylike words, and with his laughter echoing in my ears called the school as I headed that way. Thankfully ballet is only 5 minutes from their school, and the office staff nor the Cowkids were upset in the least. But, oh man did I feel bad! In the five years of taking kids too and from school I have never been more than 5 minutes late to get my kids...and I was sitting there yacking away (and ignoring my husband) when I should have been in the school parking lot picking them up. The Cowboy assured me that it would only take a few weeks with a therapist to help them work through the emotional pain.

Thankfully with Pregnancy Brain I'll have forgotten all about it in a few more days anyway...

What does Pregnancy Brain do to you?

Copyright: lovleah / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Our One Year Anniversary is Here #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/one-year-anniversary-giveaway/
		Wed, 01 Oct 2014 12:00:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2929
		
		

Prairie Wife: It's crazy to think that's it has already been a year since PrairieWifeInHeels.com began, today marks our One Year Anniversary! What started as a simple way for me to offer support to other women by sharing my life here on the rugged and beautiful Prairie of Wyoming, as well as my love of fashion , beauty,  good food and books...has turned into so much more. When I began this blog my goal was to be open and honest with my readers about the ups and downs of life as a woman, wife and mother on the Prairie, in hopes that along the way I would help other women to see their own strengths. My big sister Texas Two Steppin' came along for the ride to offer her words of wisdom about being a wife, stepmother, and business woman. The reaction from our readers has been so much bigger than I ever thought, and I truly feel that we have stayed true to our Prairie Wife Guarantee.

Over the last year I have had moments of frustration as sick kids, exhaustion, and life in general has pulled me in too many directions to count. There were days and weeks when I felt like I truly had no energy to give to myself, much less the blog...and feared that I would let my readers down. As I gritted my teeth and forged ahead (in true Prairie Wife style) I could see that the benefits were soon out weighing those stressful times. Chatting with my favorite author, hearing that my post made someone laugh or helped them through a hard day, not to mention sharing the stories of so many profoundly amazing men and women, has truly inspired me to become a better wife, woman, and mother.

Texas Two Steppin': This blog has been such an unexpected joy, and I am forever grateful to my little sister for asking me to come along on this ride. My "real job" doesn't allow me much time for creative writing and self expression, and I have truly loved connecting with women and men with incredible and inspiring lives. While we started out featuring stories about the fabulous females in our lives, it has been such a joy to "meet" new people, like Marissa, Connie and Kendra, who influence us but probably wouldn't be hanging out in Johnson City, TX (although they are always welcome!). And I can't tell you how special it was to represent Prairie Wives in the front row of a Nordstrom fashion/beauty event. Just pinch me! But even more special is the fact that PW and I have bonded as we've texted, emailed, philosophized and written about our passion for beauty and fashion, family and friends, and our really rural lives.

This month is all about celebrating this blog, and you our readers, and what better way than with a whole bunch of giveaways?! Every week we will have at least one giveaway starting right now! All you have to do to win a $10.oo gift card to Starbucks is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, telling me your favorite thing about PrairieWifeInHeels.com. Don't be shy and feel free to tell us a few things you like (we won't turn down more praise) or, tell us what you don't like (we can take it). We want to know what you love, so we can give you more! Earn more points by following us on social media. Don't forget to be honest, we will be checking to make sure you truly are following us.

Thanks again for all your support, we can't wait to read what you have to say!

xoxo Prairie Wife and Texas Two Steppin'

PS Don't forget to click on the Top Mommy Blogs picture to the right of the page (or at the bottom if you are on your mobile) whenever you stop by! All you have to do is click to show your support (no info from you is needed at all)!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Announcing our First Ever Prairie Wife of the Year!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/announcing-first-ever-prairie-wife-year/
		Mon, 06 Oct 2014 12:00:06 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2983
		
		

I was amazed at the response from our readers in our YOU Pick- Prairie Wife of the Year contest...and what an amazing group of women you voted for. But, in the end there can be only one winner...It is our pleasure to announce this year's Prairie Wife of the Year....drum roll....long pause...clearing of throats....

     PWW Katie Shoes
    

    Katie and her family of 8 children!
    

    I am thrilled that you found her story of adoption as inspiring as I did. As part of being Prairie Wife of the Year not only will Katie receive gift cards to Target (a favorite shopping place of both Prairie Wife and Texas Two Steppin') and Starbucks but, she will be meeting with us to do a follow up interview.
    
This is where we need help from our readers!

We are giving you the opportunity to help us interview Katie. Please leave any question(s) you may have for Katie about her family or adoption in the comments section. Then stop by on October 31st to see if we picked your question!

Thanks again for all your support!

Copyright: ealisa / 123RF Stock Photo]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week October 3, 2014 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-october-3-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 03 Oct 2014 12:00:04 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2991
		
		A big part of being a Prairie Wife is "loyalty to friends and family" and if a Prairie Wife loves something she tends to shout it from the roof tops! Today I am here to shout about one of my favorite places to shop here in Wyoming. When I walk in I know will always find just the right gift for my girlfriends (and a little something for me) and the darling baby gear has me wondering if maybe I should find out what CowBaby5 is going to be. One of the first things I did with Texas Two Steppin' when she came to visit this Winter, was stop by my favorite boutique The Floral Rhino (139 South Center Casper, WY (307)265-0063), and do a little shopping. As we exited the shop into the freezing February air, Texas Two Steppin' was so aglow over her latest finds that she didn't even complain!

I've known Marcy, the owner of The Floral Rhino, for a few years now. Our boys attend the same school and have been in the same class together several times but, until this interview I've never had the chance to sit and chat with her. Now that I have...I'm afraid I might just have to keep on coming up with excuses to have coffee with her. Marcy's obvious passion for her boutique and her customers shone through as we chatted about her journey from stay at home mom to small business owner. Her confidence in her ability to get the job done is contagious, and so is her laugh. Marcy is the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week not only because of her willingness to listen to her true self but, because of her honesty in admitting that things aren't always perfect. Her knowledge that family should factor into all areas of her life is an example to us all, and her commitment to her community is sure to have a positive impact.

This month is PrairieWifeInHeels.com is celebrating our One Year Anniversary with a month of Giveaways. After you read this interview take a moment to enter to win a $25 gift card to the Floral Rhino. Don't worry if you don't live in Wyoming, they have an online boutique! Marcy also has a special deal for ALL of our readers. Stop by The Floral Rhino and mention this article and get 5% off! Also, The Wyoming Woman's Expo is coming to Casper, Wyoming this weekend. The Floral Rhino will have a sponsor booth so make sure to stop by! Click here for the address, phone number, and hours of The Floral Rhino.

MArcy Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family?

Marcy (M): Though I was born in Utah, my parents were both Wyoming natives, and I grew up in Cody, Wyoming from the age of two, along with my older sister. I met my husband Brian when I was living in Dallas, TX teaching a High School business/computer course. My cousin is actually the one who introduced us, though it took him months of trying to finally make it happen! We did the long distance thing for a few months and then when the school year ended, I moved to Laramie, Wyoming to be with Brian. We were married a year and a half later. Soon after we married, we moved to Casper, Wyoming, and he started his Crazy Rainbow fishing guide business. When we became pregnant with Brice, my first son, we purchased the Ugly Bug Fly Shop. Looking back, there were some crazy years for us, but we seem to have made it through just fine. Isn't it amazing how things happen?

PW: You are the owner of one of my favorite boutiques, Floral Rhino. Have you always wanted to own a boutique?

WY clothesM: I actually worked retail with my parents all of my childhood and hated it (mostly because it was rodeo themed, and I am not a cowgirl!) So, if you had told me that one day I would be running my own boutique, I’d have called you crazy. It’s actually something that just evolved from an innocent statement…I love to buy gifts for friends; it’s such a joy to me when I can find just the right gift. For years I have kept a notebook full of ideas and products. When I came across something that struck a chord for me, I would simply jot down the brand of gift and the name of the friend it would be perfect for (or myself). The notebook was my go-to for ordering online.

My family travels quite a bit, and I enjoy going into boutiques with my little notebook and seeing all the variety of products from town to town, country to country. I felt disappointed that Casper didn’t have a boutique that offered the gifts I wanted for my friends and family. I would have much rather spent my money here in Wyoming. One day I was complaining yet again about this void, and my husband looked at me and said, “Why don’t you do it?” It was when my second son was getting ready to enter Kindergarten, and the timing was right for me so…I did it!

PW: How did you decide on the name and the vibe for your boutique?

signM: I spent days and weeks brainstorming, and I had a huge list of names of every flower and animal you could think of. I really wanted something that was unique and feminine but not too delicate. Then, like these things do, it just came to me! Right as I thought of the name the Floral Rhino, a picture of our logo came to me as well. It was fate, I guess! As far as our vibe…that’s a hard thing for me to define. I wanted to not be blatantly cowgirl or country (we already have some amazing boutiques carrying those products here in Casper) but still fit the unique Wyoming vibe of chic yet practical, tough yet feminine, and urban but casual. I guess you could say us Wyoming women are a mixture of many great qualities, and the somewhat eclectic feel of my store reflects that! My desire was to meet the needs of the women of Wyoming. I want my store to be a place you walk into looking for the perfect gift for that one person, and instead find the perfect gift for everyone on your list and a little treat for yourself too!

PW: Do you have a background in business?

M: As I mentioned before, my parents were always business owners, and I learned a lot from watching and helping them. I have dual degrees in Business Marketing and Management, and I spent a lot of years in that field working for a variety of different businesses. Because of all this and my experience with my husband’s businesses, I wasn’t intimidated to start one of my own.

PW: Can you tell me what setting up a boutique involves?

corner displayM: First, I had to find the space for the store. I was lucky that between family and friends I had a connection for the perfect downtown location. It actually started as an office for me to help with some of the family accounting, and I was able to transform it into the boutique. I met with a contractor to modify the space and piece by piece began to gather up the furniture and cases for my displays.

 

I had to apply for all the permits and the tax paperwork, which is no fun but necessary. I had a financial adviser that helped walk me through the process. As far as getting stock, I simply started out by contacting my favorite companies from my notebook, and I started wholesale accounts with them. Then, I began meeting with company representatives out of my home until the boutique space was finished. For our soft opening, I did a private event with friends, family, and some people from the community. I am so thankful that we did that. It really allowed me to see what was popular and get some ideas in place for the next week when we officially opened our doors!

PW: How do you decide what brands and products you are going to sell, and could you walk us through your process for picking out your products?

M: Just like when I was shopping for my friends and family, if I am in a store and there is a product I like, I write it down in my notebook. Now, instead of buying it then or ordering it online, I just contact the rep. They often let me know of other products that I might be interested in. For right now, I buy things I like and so far it seems to be working.

PW: What have been the pros and cons of being a small business owner in Wyoming?

WY cupsM: It’ll be three years at the end of October since we first opened. The lack of population in Wyoming can be really difficult. When it is the holiday season, we are really busy, but the rest of the year you just never know when our customers will be coming in. Drawing people to the store can be hard. In Wyoming, you simply can’t underestimate the power of word of mouth. The longer we have been here, the more people learn about us…so if you stop by and love us, tell your friends about it too! A major positive is the loyalty of our customers. In Wyoming, if people love you, they support you in any way they can. I am really proud to have brought something new to our town, and I love being a positive part of the community.

PW: Any advice for other women that are dreaming of setting up their own boutique?

Floral Rhino HeadM: Make sure you love the products you’re selling, be true to yourself, and come up with your own special niche. There are going to be long hours and there may be sacrifices that need to be made. You have to relinquish some of the control to others and be OK with chaos at times. Dot your I’s and cross your T’s with the financial aspects and know when to seek help from the professionals. In the end, remember to breathe. If you are doing what you love and giving it all you can, things will always work out in the end.

PW: How do you keep your balance (sanity) between being a woman, wife, mother, and business owner?

M: I have a very flexible and amazing family. My husband and kids are so supportive and understanding about when I need to focus on the boutique. It helps that Brian is a business owner himself, and he knows what the first few years are like and supports me in the same ways I supported him. I am so thankful for my ability to focus and get the job done, as well as being able to multitask…a true life savor!

JewelryI find that making jewelry helps me to keep my mind in the right place; you might say it’s my Zen. I belong to a Bible study group, which helps nourish my soul. To keep my body strong, I try to spend time in the Wyoming Mountains hiking, running, and snowshoeing. I travel and love to see new places, which helps refresh my creative spirit. A lot of these things I can do with my family, and it keeps us focused on spending time together and making memories.

PW: What are your professional goals over the next five years?

tableM: Stay above water…LOL! I don’t see myself expanding my store physically; I really enjoy having a boutique that offers unique handpicked gifts to my customers. That personal touch and being hands-on is what brings me the most fulfillment. Continuing to draw more customers to the store and continuing to get the word out would be wonderful.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

M: "Whatever you want to do, if you want to be great at it, you have to love it and be able to make sacrifices for it." Maya Angelou

Take a moment to enter to win a $25 gift card to the Floral Rhino. Don't worry if you don't live in Wyoming, they have an online boutique! Marcy also has a special deal for ALL of our readers. Stop by The Floral Rhino and mention this article and get 5% off! All you HAVE to do to enter is leave a comment below (scroll to the bottom of the page). Earn more points by following us on social media. Don’t forget to be honest, we will be checking to make sure you truly are following us.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		I am NOT a Morning Person #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/morning-person-giveaway/
		Wed, 08 Oct 2014 12:00:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=2996
		
		The Cowboy always goes on and on about the full breakfast’s his mom sent him off with every day, while hinting that cereal or yogurt isn’t the best way to start the day (I have to add that I also serve them fresh fruit). I notice that on Monday’s (he takes the kids to school Monday’s which I love) he’s busy showering and getting ready and not making eggs and bacon for breakfast…As the kids are eating I’m running back and forth to my bathroom to slap on clothes, or some moisturizer, or blow dry my roots (who has time for the whole head of hair)…I shove some food down my throat and try to get lunches made while not wasting too much time standing with the fridge door open trying to remember what I needed!

After much nagging (grouchier and louder each time I have to say “stop talking and eat”) and warnings about watching the clock ("5 more minutes to eat I don’t care if you’re done or not") the kids get their breakfast down their throats and it’s time to get dressed. There is no sense in getting dressed first because you know they are just going to spill milk or yogurt on their shirt anyway. Cowboy C sits on the potty while I slap on some makeup (trying to remember to use liner on both eyes) and hopefully I come back to find the pee in the potty, not on the rug. I get Cowboy C dressed (on super busy days Cowboy J and Cowgirl G will help by getting him dressed) and holler at the kids to get on shoes, load up backpacks and head to the van.

As we pull out of the garage as carefully as I can (I don’t want to run over any Cowcats or Cowkittens) I see the horses peering over the corral fence and shooting me dirty looks. I pull the van to the barn and feed the horses their hay, while trying to keep the hay rage down to a minimal level.

Hopefully by 7:30 we are hitting the Highway for the 30 minute drive into town. Thankfully that 30 minutes allows me to get my blood pressure down and I can be back to my “normal” pleasant, loving and cheerful self by the time I need to kiss the kids goodbye at school!

MIXIM Blueberry Cookie BitesTwo weeks ago the lovely people at Ehrmann who created the MIXIM heart-shaped Greek Yogurt line of products, approached me about trying their yogurt. After showing them our Prairie Wife Guarantee I agreed to try their Yogurt. It just became available at out local Safeway store and, the Cowkids love yogurt. As I said above, it’s a breakfast must around here! To say that the Cowkids loved MIXIMS would be an understatement. They were ecstatic to pick a flavor to try, Cowgirl G just had to have waffles and maple syrup. Both the bigger Cowboys followed their sweet tooth and picked flavors with chocolate. We opened the containers and they giggled as they played “chef” and mixed in the perfect amount of add ins to their yogurt. Cowboy C got very into the stirring…it was bath night anyway. The yogurt was tasty, healthful, and fun to eat (it went down the hatch so quickly we got to school 5 minutes early) and the Cowkids all gave it two slightly sticky thumbs up.

The people at Ehrmann have offered to give one lucky PrairieWifeInHeels.com reader a giveaway of the entire MIXIM heart-shaped Greek Yogurt line! Simply enter the giveaway below and in one week we will announce the winner. The entire MIXIM heart-shaped Greek Yogurt line will show up at your door ready for you and your family to enjoy!

All you have to do to win the entire line of MIXIM Greek Yogurt is leave a comment at the bottom of this post, telling me what morning looks like at your house! Earn more points by following us on social media. Please be honest, we will be checking to make sure you truly are following us.

Copyright: haywiremedia / 123RF Stock Photo

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Prairie Wife of the Week October 10, 2014 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-october-10-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 10 Oct 2014 12:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3005
		
		rocker mom to little old British lady. I purchased my first piece of Silpada Jewelry over 5 years ago, and it's still a piece I  wear all the time...and get tons of compliments on. It's made it through three Cowkids and is as sturdy as ever. Part of our Prairie Wife Guarantee is only sharing products that we truly love and use. Not only is Silpada an amazing company that offers hand crafted jewelry in a variety of styles and at prices that won't break the bank, it's also a company that allows many women to improve their lives. One such woman is this week's Prairie Wife of the Week. Her loyalty to Silpada (she's been a sales rep for 11 years) and her focus on family make her the perfect pick. While I wanted to ask her about Silpada, we went a little deeper, and I asked her to share some of her tips and tricks on how she branched out her sales past her immediate friends and family. I mean honestly, we've all been there...I can only go to so many parties before The Cowboy starts to notice the dip in the bank account! She also gives some practical advice on hosting a party, after all she's been to hundreds!

As part of our One Year Anniversary celebration we are giving away a fabulous pair of Silpada Balancing Act Earrings! Not only are they super on trend (check out our Fall 2014 Beauty and Accessory Trends: Dos and Don'ts) but they are a sleek and chic style that will accent any style! All you HAVE to do is leave a comment telling us what your favorite kind of jewelry is! Earn extra points by following us on social media. Please be honest, we will be checking to see if you are following!

stephani shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Stephani (S): I grew up in Nebraska but now currently live in Wheatland, Wyoming. I have 17 year old twins and a 16 year old. My husband and I own a title business. Between our business, a house full of active teenagers, and my own social life I find that it’s pretty easy to stay busy!

PW: You’ve been selling Silpada Jewelry for 11 years; can you tell us how you first got involved?

spiceS: When I lived in Nebraska a good friend of mine was selling Silpada jewelry. While I initially took a look at her catalog to be a good friend, I soon found myself addicted to the fashionable jewelry that I could actually afford! While living in Nebraska I never really considered selling, simply because my young children took all of my time (and energy). When our family moved to Wyoming I didn’t really know anyone, and things were overwhelming at first between establishing our title company and getting the kids settled in. Once things were more under control I began to look for ways to meet more people in the community. I thought selling Silpada Jewelry would be a stress free and simple way to put myself out there and make new friends.

PW: How has selling Silpada Jewelry helped you and your family?

S: The biggest thing for me is that it helped me to meet people in my community and the surrounding areas. It turned our new town into a place we just can’t imagine leaving. I can honestly say that I have met some of my lifelong friends through selling Silpada. It was a way for me to help supplement our income and support my kids in their activities. With three active kids those sports fees and uniform costs add up quickly!

PW: Any advice for other women interested in becoming a part of the Silpada team?

S: The best advice I have for people thinking about joining Silpada, is to take time and think about the purpose behind the decision. Think about what you want, are you trying to meet people or make money? Once you have a direction and a goal you can focus on that. That’s what I love about the company, you can move as far forward as you want. Also, you know with Silpada, you are selling quality sterling jewelry that looks expensive yet offers a great price. It comes with a lifetime guarantee and is a company and brand you can be proud to be a part of.

PW: A lot of women are supplementing their income by selling products. Do you have any advice for how they can branch out past their immediate group of friends and family?

Topit offS: For me personally I always wear my jewelry, it really speaks for itself. With kids in sports and traveling out of town so often, I use those events as an opportunity to approach new people. I’m not a big “pusher” of my jewelry (as I said it really speaks for itself). I simply talk to them about everyday life and make a personal connection with them. More often than not this will eventually lead to me selling them jewelry or booking a party and, if it doesn’t, I still benefit from having met a new person. I’m just not comfortable being an “in your face” seller. Another easy way to branch out is to ask your friends and customers to take a few catalogs and spread them around their place of work or other events they attend like ballet practice or swim lessons.

PW: How do you find a balance between being a women, wife, mother, career woman, and Silpada Sales Rep?!

S: I prioritize what’s most important. I put my family first and put them up on the calendar first. If I can do one party a month great, if not, no biggie. I find that there is time to fit in the things that matter if you can stay organized and focused. My calendar should really get most of the credit not me, it’s what keeps it all in balance!

PW: In 11 years of selling Silpada Jewelry you’ve been to a lot of parties. Can you give us some dos and don’ts for hosting a great party?

partyS: I go to my parties to have a good time and meet women. I act like a guest and mingle. I find that the “low key approach” is the best way to go. The hostess sets the mood, and they know their crowd the best. From what I’ve seen the more simple, the better. Don’t think you have to throw the party of the year and put out a full spread. If you want to do a wine and cheese tasting or just desserts do it! If my customers want ideas all they have to do is ask me and I’ll certainly offer support. Theme parties are fun and easy to plan… beach, wine, Holiday, cupcake, and margaritas…just stop by Pinterest and get inspired. I can also do a catalog party or a Facebook party but, I find it actually takes more time and energy for the hostess to do those than a regular party.

PW: Any favorite dishes that are always a hit with guests?

S: The simpler the better. If it’s too elaborate people get nervous about trying things. You can’t go wrong with cheese and crackers or chips and salsa. People get stressed out about making it perfect. So often everyone is so excited to get out of the house, that they are just happy to be there! Keep it simple and easy.

PW: Silpada has a great range of jewelry designs, can you share a few of your favorite looks and styles, and maybe what you like to wear them with?

About TownS: My number one pick is their watches! I like them because it is a statement piece, I always get compliments on it and it makes any outfit feel put together. One very popular piece right now the Saturday Knight Necklace and the Winding River Earrings go with everything! Another thing I like about today’s jewelry trends is anything goes, mix and match colors and metals. Silpada makes it affordable to buy a variety or pieces you can combine to show your own personality and style. I can wear the jewelry with jeans and a plain white t and let it speak for itself, or use it to fancy up my LBD. With a range of prices from $19-$300 it fits just about anyone’s budget.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

 S: The secret to having it all is believing that you all ready do.

DON'T FORGET TO ENTER TO WIN! As part of our One Year Anniversary celebration we are giving away a fabulous pair of Silpada Balancing Act Earrings! Not only are they super on trend (check out our Fall 2014 Beauty and Accessory Trends: Dos and Don'ts) but they are a sleek and chic style that will accent any style! All you HAVE to do is leave a comment telling us what your favorite kind of jewelry is! Earn extra points by following us on social media. Please be honest, we will be checking to see if you are following!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		CowBaby5 Boy or Girl: Part 1
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cowbaby5-boy-girl-part-1/
		Sat, 11 Oct 2014 12:00:12 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3019
		
		Let me give you some background. The Cowboy and I solve a lot of our marital “problems” through compromise. We have found that allowing both of us to win and lose a little bit works well for us. For example in regards to picking names for our Cowkids, The Cowboy names any boys and I name any girls. We come up with a list of 3 or 4 names that we both agree on (after hours of “discussion”) and then after the baby is born either he or I pick the name that we think fits best. For picking if we should find out the sex of the baby I picked to find out for our first, and then it was his turn for the next baby. We found out what we were having for the first two Cowkids.

Technically, this compromise meant that when it came time for Cowboy W’s ultrasound (Cowkid #3) it was my turn to decide. But, The Cowboy pitched such a fit that despite me wanting to NOT find out I gave in and we learned we were having a boy. When it came time for Cowboy C’s ultra sound (Cowkid #4) I put my foot down. The Cowboy had broken the cycle of compromise and I really wanted to be “surprised”. I have to put that in quotes because with each Cowkid at about 8 weeks of pregnancy I’ve said what sex I think the baby is…and at this point I haven’t been wrong yet. I knew we were having a boy but I didn’t officially know. By Cowkid #4 not much was going to be a surprise, not to mention we had everything we needed neatly labeled and organized. It would be simple to just grab the newborn boy or girl bin and add a few pink or blue touches to our gender neutral nursery. It was SO fun to not know what we were having. The video of the Cowkids coming in to meet the baby and finding out it was a boy is priceless!

When we found out CowBaby5 was on the way I knew I wanted to be “surprised” again and, like always, The Cowboy wanted to find out. I stood firm in my decision but something a little unexpected happened. Our Cowkids are all getting older, the two oldest are now 8 and 6…and they REALLY wanted to find out. Cowboy W is only 4 but he picked up on the vibe and all of them have been ganging up on me for the last month and begging to find out if it’s a boy or girl. The Cowboy and I decided to let all the Cowkids come to the ultrasound and I was still firm about not finding out. We all crowded into the ultrasound room and our amazing OB began the ultrasound.

Cowbaby5 ultrasoundThe kids were absolutely amazed at the pictures of the baby, and it made it so fun to watch their faces as the baby kicked and waved and shouted at them. Cowboy J was fascinated with being able to see the heart and stomach and Cowboy W was laughing hysterically at all the baby’s “ninja moves”. Cowgirl G thought that the baby waving and opening and closing its mouth was the cutest thing ever. Cowboy C just spent the whole time trying to dig in the Hazard Waste trash can.

When it came time to check the sex of the baby our OB said “You guys didn’t want to find out right?” The Cowkids immediately started to jump up and down and plead with me to find out. My heart couldn’t stand it so I told the Dr. to find out. The Cowboy immediately said “What, no! You said no!” I explained my change of heart as the Dr. sat staring at us and the Cowkids held their breath waiting to hear what The Cowboy had to say (I personally feel like he was being a big traitor). We went back and forth with yes and no and our poor OB’s blood pressure began to rise, not to mention her neck was probably starting to hurt from looking back and forth at us. I told her to look and she agreed the mother is always right…only to have The Cowboy mention how he was the one that paid the bills…Finally true to our marriage The Cowboy offered a compromise.

He said we could find out but, that whatever sex the baby was, we were going home and getting rid of all the baby clothes we wouldn’t need. The silence was deafening…I think we can all agree that finding out what the baby’s sex is and deciding we are done having kids AND getting rid of baby clothes is two completely different things…

What would you have done?
Did we find out if Cowbaby5 is a boy or a girl?
Look at the picture what’s your guess?

Stop by Monday for the rest of the story!

Copyright: kaarsten / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		CowBaby5 Boy or Girl: Part 2
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cowbaby5-boy-girl-part-2/
		Mon, 13 Oct 2014 12:00:18 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3028
		
		CowBaby5 Boy or Girl: Part 1 if you haven’t already!

When we left The Cowboy had thrown down the gauntlet. Find out if CowBaby5 is a boy or girl and get rid of the baby clothes we don’t need (which we all know involves a grieving process and a certain amount of time and emotional strength) OR don’t find out what the baby is.

envelopeI stared at him open mouthed and once I got my breath back I said very clearly “If that’s your compromise then no question about it, we are NOT finding out!” The Cowboy looked at the Cowkids, Cowgirl G was barely holding back tears, and said “Sorry kids, Mommy said NO!” Our poor OB stared at me waiting to hear what I had to say. I looked at her and said “I guess you got a look into the inner workings of our marriage. But, I know while we were “discussing” all this you looked at what the baby is so…can you write it on a piece of paper and seal it in an envelope and we can decided later?” The older kids grasped onto this glimmer of hope and our OB breathed a sigh of relief and quickly printed out pictures. Carefully hiding from The Cowboy who literally had her backed into a corner (I KNEW he wanted to find out), she wrote on the picture and sealed it in an envelope, and wisely handed it to me.

We headed out to the car with The Cowboy nagging me for the envelope the whole time. Remember I was fine with not knowing all along so, I knew it was safe with me until we came to an official compromise. The Cowkids were begging to open the envelope and we explained that daddy and I would talk about it and let them know what we decided.
When we finally had a moment alone I grilled The Cowboy on his change of heart. “It’s like this...” he said “I didn’t want you to make an emotional decision and regret it later; you were so firm on not finding out. It’s like the epidural thing. You always say you don’t want one and it’s my job to keep you on track once you’re in labor. But in the room you always change your mind, and I keep you focused. You always thank me afterwards.”

What could I say to that? It’s all true (don’t worry I’ll fill you in on birth another time) and really kind of sweet, right?! He wanted to find out but just didn’t want me to make a decision I would be upset about later. I explained that for me it was about the Cowkids and letting them be a part of this experience. Especially since I am pretty sure this IS out last baby.

SO we gathered the Cowkids on the couch and let Cowgirl G open the envelope and hand it to The Cowboy. The Cowboy announced….

girl

Cowgirl G began to jump up and down and scream with joy while Cowboy W slapped his leg and said “Dang Nammit” while shaking his head. As of now he has decided having a little sister could be pretty fun. Cowboy J asked to verify the truth of it being a girl and then said “Dog Gonnit” and began to cry. I would feel worse for him if he didn’t already have two brothers! Just so you know, he’s starting to be OK with another sister now that he’s had some time. Cowboy C got caught up in the emotion and sat on the couch happily screaming as loud as he could. We are all thrilled and just for the record…I’ve been saying it was a girl all along…it’s hard to always be right ;)]]>
		
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		OZ Naturals' Serums #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/oz-natural-serums/
		Wed, 15 Oct 2014 12:00:16 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3037
		
		When OZ Naturals approached PrairieWifeInHeels.com about trying some of their latest products their timing couldn’t be better. As most of you know Texas Two Steppin’ and I are loyal Rodan and Fields gals. Their products have solved a multitude of problems for both of us. From Texas Two Steppin’s skin woes due to her chemo for breast cancer to my dark spots due to pregnancy. The very same day I received their e-mail I had just read an article in Allure Magazine about layering skin care products. Sometimes more isn’t better but in the case of beauty products layering in the right way with the right products can result in a ton of benefits to your skin. I encourage you to read the full article but the gist of it is start with the lighter products first (serums) and then move on to heavier products (creams), allowing for time for each product to soak in before applying the next. After sending OZ Naturals our Prairie Wife Guarantee  to make sure they knew we would be honest in our review, they agreed to send me two serums (free of charge) to try.

My Vitamin C and Hyaluronic Acid serums came through Amazon.com (where you can buy the products at a massive discount for yourself right NOW) and I was thoroughly impressed that each product came with an e-mail with recommendations for use and an invitation to contact them with any questions or concerns.

The Vitamin C serum  helps to keep skin youthful and counteract wrinkles by increasing collagen production and also helps to repair UV damage, like dark spots and fine lines. I was pleased that they mentioned that combining the Vitamin C serum with Retinol could cause irritation. I use a  Retinol product nightly from Rodan and Fields, so I really appreciated the heads up.

The Hyaluronic Acid serum (I thought the name sounded a little scary) moisturizes and plumps skin while helping to heal and sooth any inflamed areas. It also can help with the appearance of fine lines. So basically, after using both of these serums for three weeks (the standard time you should give a new skin product before making any judgment) I would be sure to be mistaken for a 20 something college student…

OZ Natural H AcidI used the Hyaluronic Acid serum daily (in the morning) after my Urban Decay B6 Primer Spray and before my Rodan and Fields Soothe Moisturizers. It was thick, almost like a gel, and only a small pea sized amount was needed to cover my face and neck. When I put it on I noticed instantly a tight, but not in an uncomfortable way, feeling on my skin and my lotions seemed to be working more efficiently. I used the Vitamin C serum every other night; I rotated it with my Retinol product just to make sure I didn’t have any bad reaction. It was much thinner. I recommend placing four drops in your palm and then spreading it on your face and neck. I noticed a slight tingly sensation the first few nights and my skin was a little red but nothing terrible.

After the first week my skin was dryer than usual but, I knew from the e-mails that this was normal. By the middle of week two not only was my skin no longer dry but, it was as smooth as if I had a daily facial! I didn’t really notice a big change in my Rosacea (which is mild) but my under eye area is certainly lighter and my discoloration from scarring due to pimples (I am a picker of pimples I admit it) was considerably lighter! My lines around my mouth are also slightly diminished and I am looking forward to seeing them continue to go away. My new fresher skin means that my makeup goes on smoother and I need to use less product, both wins! After 3 weeks of use my bottles are not even ¼ gone and I have become a true fan of these OZ Natural Serums. You better believe I’m taking advantage of the major discounts on Amazon.com and stocking up. I’m also regretting that I gave TallGirlJ the undereye cream to try…I can’t wait to read her review!

As part of our One Year Anniversary Celebration we are having a month of giveaways! Enter below to win your own bottle of OZ Naturals Vitamin C Serum. There will be TWO lucky winners! Remember to be honest, we will be checking to see if you are following us on social media!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		ModCloth.com Layered Looks for Fall 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/modcloth-com-layered-looks-fall-2014/
		Sat, 18 Oct 2014 12:00:38 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3047
		
		ModCloth.com approached us and asked PrairieWifeInHeels.com to put together a look for fall to share with our readers I was super excited. After all, here in Wyoming I've had my boots and sweaters out for weeks (it's already snowed twice)! I was especially pleased because ModCloth.com is a site that I've used for years, so working with them fit perfectly with our Prairie Wife Guarantee. ModCloth.com offers "Fashion for Everyone" which to me means quality pieces at affordable prices in a variety of sizes that work for women of all ages. As most of you readers know I am currently pregnant with CowBaby5. So, I picked pieces that will work with my current size and comfort needs, yet still look great after I've had the baby. With the constant changes in temperature layering in Fall is a must so, I chose several pieces that can all work together. I came up with over 8 outfit combos using these ModCloth.com peices, and I'll touch on a few of them. Stop by ModCloth.com to see their whole collection of fall sweaters and cardigans, you won't leave empty handed! As always just click on the thumbnail pics to go to the site and buy the item!

    

    ModCloth Layered Looks for Fall
    

    

    ModCloth Layered Looks for Fall by prairieheels featuring short boots
    

    

    

    
Fall Look: Casual

fall casualThis Fall a huge trend is mixing prints, but it's one that can be a little intimidating. For this look I took two subdued prints (the Western Print Grey Sweater and the Polka Dot Tunic) in neutral colors and put them together for a realistic take on this trend. Skinny Jeans and Boots are still going strong this fall but I added a twist with these fab tie boots. At first I was going to do knee high boots but, these boots add a little bit of feminine uniqueness to the look. The sturdy heel adds height but will still be safe for this preggo mama to wear in the icy parking lots! The jewelry (The Art Deco Earrings and Bohemian Bracelet) gives a nod to the pattern on the sweater but keeps it from being too Southwestern/Cowgirly. I didn't pick a necklace because the two patterns showing at the neck offer enough interest. For those of you in warmer Fall Climates (like my big sis Texas Two Steppin'), simply take off the sweater and tuck in just the front of the blouse (you have to show off the cool button details on the waist of these skinny jeans).

Fall Look: Dressy

Fall dressyThis look is perfect for the office, date night, or Sunday brunch with the in-laws. The Wine Colored Skirt (a hot color for Fall) adds a punch of Fall color, and with it's practical (and on trend) length I don't need to worry about anything showing if I need to bend over and pick up a Cowkid. The cozy Cream Sweater keeps the outfit from being too over the top. I just love the ruffle and zipper detail on these sweet (and a little sexy) booties! The Red Bib Necklace adds a bit of color near your face and the Feminine Earrings add a subtle bit of sparkle. For our warmer climate readers just take the Polka Dot Tunic (from the casual outfit) and tuck it into the Wine Colored Skirt. The rich color of the skirt and the Close Toed Booties will give you that Fall look you crave but, you won't get too hot!

Mix and Match for More Outfits

      
	
    • Add the Jewelry and Cream Sweater from the Dressy Look to the Skinny Jeans and Tie Boots from the Casual Look and your ready to cozy up with your Sweetie and some Hot Cocoa in front of the fire.
      • 
	
    • Take the Booties, Cream Sweater and Jewelry from the Dressy Look and pair them with the Skinny Jeans from our Casual Look. Add a Leather Jacket, curl your hair and put on an extra layer of mascara and you're ready for date night!
      • 
	
    • Switch out the Polka Dot Tunic for a fun Vintage T-shirt and keep the rest of the Casual Look for a practical but cool errand day outfit.
      • 
	
    • If you love the hipster vibe simply put the Tie Boots and Jewelry from the Casual Look with the Wine Skirt and Cream Sweater from the Dressy Look. Add some thick tights, dark rimmed glasses, and throw your hair up in a perfectly unkempt bun!
      • 

    
I can't wait to hear what you think of these looks! If you love what you see let me know in the comments, or share how you would wear these Fall clothes from ModCloth.com. Don't forget to Pin this look, and stop by my Prairie Wife Style Board on Pinterest to see more of my outfit picks from ModCloth.com! They had so many cute sweaters and boots I just couldn't stop ;)]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week October 17, 2014 #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-october-17-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 17 Oct 2014 12:00:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3051
		
		Ladies of London and Kim of Queens are my current favs) I know that I can never go wrong with HGTV. I love to get inspired by the makeover shows, they make it look SO easy. But when it comes time to make changes around here I often find myself feeling intimidated and unsure. While Pinterest offers a wealth of how-tos and ideas I more often then not rely on friends and family to help. Thankfully my good friend and neighbor is an artist and always willing to come over and share her opinions and offer suggestions.

As I sat at Cowgirl G's ballet class a few months ago I started to casually chat with another of the moms. It turns out that she had just started her own interior design business! I was immediately fascinated and started to ask her a ton of questions. Much like a doctor I'm sure she gets pretty tired of handing out free advice but, she was incredibly gracious and answered all my questions. When I approached her about becoming a Prairie Wife of the Week she agreed right away...and our interview ran well over the standard hour! Her passion for her work and her creativity bubbled out of her as we chatted about her customers and her vision for her business. Hearing here talk about all the little things you can do to make big changes in your home inspired me, and much to The Cowboy's displeasure we spent the last weekend doing little renovations around the house (a blog post about that is coming)! Lauren is the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week because of this inspirational attitude, she truly loves to help people create a haven out of their home.

As you know this whole month we are celebrating our one year anniversary with a month of giveaways! Stop by the end of this interview to enter to win an amazing prize...a free consultation with Lauren Griffith! Who doesn't want a professional interior designer to come by their house and offer suggestions for how to make it closer to your dream home?!

Lauren Shoe

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us about your family.

Lauren Griffith (LG): I was born and raised in Casper, Wyoming. While I loved Casper, like most college aged kids, I couldn’t wait to move away and try something new. I went to CSU in Fort Collins, Colorado where I studied interior design and construction management. I had a great experience there, and upon graduation I moved to Jackson Hole, Wyoming where I worked for an engineering company and a golf course/residential developer. My jobs in college and thereafter crossed all spectrums, from historic preservation to surveying new sites, to designing interiors and managing new construction.

A combination of factors led to me moving back to Casper. The high cost of living in Jackson was hard but mostly, it was my father’s cancer diagnosis that led to my move back home. After he passed way I was in transition and I was offered a job as a project manager for the Wyoming School Facilities Department. The job required me to assist in coordinating the planning and manage new school construction. I was also able to aid in the selection of school furniture throughout the state, which was truly rewarding. My husband, John and I were friends in High School and saw each other the first day of my job with the state and we just clicked. I never would have guessed that I would end up back in Casper and marry high-school buddy John Griffith, and I can’t imagine it any other way! Last year my dream came true and our family moved into a 102 year old house downtown. It’s always been my dream to gut my own home and redo it, so it’s been a labor of love for us!

PW: You just launched your own interior design company Lauren Griffith Interiors, have you always wanted to focus on only working in interior design?

outside spaceLG: I’ve always wanted my own business! I enjoyed working for, and learning from other companies. But I knew I wanted to have a more personal relationship with my clients and more artistic freedom. I went with the interior design aspect as opposed to the construction route because I’ve realized what a difference interiors can make to people’s everyday attitudes and lives. I’ve experienced the impact of walking into a room and feeling inspired, and I want to help people achieve that in their own spaces. The way a space functions can make such an enormous impact, and I want to be involved with the intricacies. The background I have in construction really helps me, and when necessary I‘ve been able to design projects as well as take on the management. I focus on creating my clients idea of functional beauty, and I try to be as environmentally friendly as I can. In the end I want to make a name for myself and my company throughout the whole state of Wyoming while focusing on using local materials and talent.

PW: Can you tell us what your personal home style is?

LG: It’s of course a mix! Urban with some western flair, Mid Century Modern with a dash of Wyoming and with kids and dogs, practically as well! I really think a home is to be lived in and enjoyed by the owners. I love antiques, the searching part is fun but I really only have objects that I am aesthetically drawn to. I appreciate clean lines but I like to have quirky little surprises spread throughout the house. I definitely curate my space and I change pieces out often. You simply can’t put everything out, and it’s a great way to showcase pieces and keep them special.

PW: Can you walk us through the process you go through when meeting with a client to the completion of their house/room?

LG: I like to have a casual meeting at my client’s home first. When they walk me around their space I can tell so much just from that. They need to tell me what they think is great about their space and what isn’t working for them. I find out their wants and budget and then I’ll go back to the office and come up with a plan. I am a very visual person so, I collect a lot of visuals and present it as a package.

Living roomWhen you see everything together it makes so much more sense than just showing individual fabrics or pieces of furniture. It’s so important for me that my clients feel like the space represents them. Once I get their approval (I’ll redo it as many times as I need to) I prefer to go and purchase all the pieces. Over the years I have formed important relationships with vendors, which means I can generally get better deals than the average walk in customer. Also, I’ve found that clients sometimes move away from the vision we first had when they go and purchase things on their own. After all, who doesn’t get side tracked surrounded by a showroom full of beautiful things?

If the project is space planning and decoration, I usually try and do it in one day or over a weekend but it depends on the size and scope of the project. Real life and time do not move in sync with an HGTV episode so these things usually take time! I love the impact of doing it all together at once, and it allows me to make those changes that I never would have seen if I did it piece by piece.

PW: Besides designing interiors you also offer space planning…what is that?

LG: I come into your house and instead of redoing your home I use what you have already and rearrange it so that your space is more functional for you, so it flows better. It’s amazing what making a few tweaks here and there can do to improve your overall living space.

PW: For those of you interested in this service the cost is only $75 dollars an hour (or win a consultaion with Lauren by entering below)!

PW: You also specialize in Kitchen Design. What are some things that you think every kitchen needs?

kitchenLG: Things vary depending on a family’s personal needs but in general you need to have prep space, and fluidity. In a kitchen, planning is everything and the cook’s tools need to be reachable. Some things to consider…If you enjoy entertaining make sure you have room for that, if you have special dishes you like to display make space, if you have kids consider the safety and functional aspects. How large your family is impacts your storage space for items. In the end it doesn’t matter what size a kitchen is if it’s planned well. Lighting is important as well. A simple but effective way to update a kitchen is to paint cabinets and install a new back splash. The impact is huge compared to the cost. People congregate in the kitchen so embrace it, and make it functional and comfortable for you and your guests.

PW: What tips do you have for home owners about making a space their own?

LG: Pick once piece you love, whether it’s a piece of art, a rug, or a pillow and use it as your inspiration and draw from it. Texture, colors, shape…they all can inspire you. Don’t be afraid to go to the store, look at the paint chips, and don’t underestimate the usefulness of the sample size paints! Ask for samples of flooring, countertops, cabinets and any other materials you like. You can take them home and see how they look in your space over the course of a few days. The impact of light (both natural and artificial) and other interior materials in your space will change the way the color interplays in your space. If you love a piece find a way to make it work in your home. Maybe an old dresser can turn into a kitchen island, it doesn’t’ have to be used the way it was originally intended!

PW: What are three things that a home owner can do that will make the biggest impact on their space?

bedroomLG: Add accessories that bring in a kick of personality and/or color. Items like pillows, lamps, and art are an inexpensive way to indulge in a trend you love and not be stuck with it forever. Paint is the easiest and most cost effective way to change a space. Light fixtures can add a big wow factor too. They can be expensive to purchase new but if you’re willing to go second hand there are so many unconventional choices. Just hit Pinterest and get inspired!

PW: Any furniture purchasing tips and tricks of the trade?

LG: It’s really hard to order online, I really think that you have to try furniture out and you obviously can’t do that online! Think about proportion. Before you buy, get the measurements and tape it out on the floor to make sure it is the right size for your room. Make sure that the fabrics fit your lifestyle…do you have pets or kids? Are you always entertaining or spilling your wine? Comfort needs to be considered as well as the visual appeal. As far as cutting costs, you can usually find great second hand pieces and reupholster it.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of Wisdom?

LG: Make YOUR space YOUR own! Don’t worry about trends, make your home your haven. At the end of the day this is your space and it should reflect who you are!

All you have to do to enter to win a FREE consultation with Lauren Griffith Interiors is leave a blog post comment! Earn more points towards your giveaway by following us on social media. Please be honest, we DO check to make sure you were honest with your entries if you are picked as a winner! Because of the nature of this prize it is only open to Casper, Wyoming residents and people living in the surrounding areas. If you live in the Cheyenne, Wyoming area feel free to enter as well, Lauren would be happy to meet with you when she is in the area!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		10th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/10th-annual-pumpkin-carving-contest-giveaway/
		Mon, 20 Oct 2014 12:00:04 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3079
		
		Growing up in The City Ma and Pa didn't do the whole pumpkin carving thing (mostly because it would have been a pain with four kids, as I now know first hand) nor did we trick or treat at night...or even on Halloween. In The City we Trick or Treated the Sunday afternoon before Halloween. When The Cowboy and I first started to date and he invited me to go Trick or Treating at night...on Halloween...with him and his nieces I was thrilled! Much to his embarrassment I came decked out in full costume (Hermione from Harry Potter). He rolled his eyes but put up with my exuberance over the holiday. Little did he know that it would soon become a tradition...

In true Cowboy style The Cowboy turned our annual Halloween Pumpkin Carving into a contest. Pre Facebook we would have friends and family come by and vote. When I joined Facebook we simply posted the pics and hit up our friends to virtually vote. Last year with the beginning of the blog I invited my readers to vote.

This year is our 10th Anniversary of our Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest as well as the One Year Anniversary of PrairieWifeInHeels.com so anyone that votes (simply tell us your favorite in the comments section) gets entered to win a $10 Starbucks Gift Card! As always you can earn more points by following us on social media! Please be honest we DO check to make sure! For this contest we will also be counting people who vote on Facebook or Twitter!

As I mentioned last week The Cowboy and I have a unique way to handle disagreement in our marriage, compromise and taking turns works really well for us. This year it was my turn to pick the theme and I went with Disney. We keep things anonymous and don't say who made what pumpkin (lots of years people are surprised when they learn who made which one). So far the winning tally is The Cowboy 7 and Prairie Wife 2...I've been sneaking up on him the last few years!

Can't wait to see which Pumpkin you vote for!

Woody Collage

Minnie Mouse Collage

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Prairie Wife of the Week October 24, 2014 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-october-24-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 24 Oct 2014 12:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3087
		
		TallGirlJ does the accounting and payroll for her father's business, Cheeleo now has a flourishing cookie business, Lindsey helps run her and her husband's ice cream store, and Erin took her passion for photography and turned it into a thriving business. This week's Prairie Wife of the Week is another woman who does it all to help support her family. What started out as a simple cute accessory for her daughter has now turned into a full fledged business on Etsy, Lucy's Bows and Arrows. One where she has all the creative control, and can simply take a break for a week if she has more pressing things to do...now that's what I call genius! And just in case you thought that was a lot, Rachel has turned her family's love of reading into an amazing blog to support other families as they try and raise children who love to read. Rachel's strong work ethic, love for her family, and seemingly endless creativity and energy make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week!

Don't forget to stop by the end of the interview to enter to win a headband for that sweet little girl in your life! In honor of our one year anniversary Rachel has agreed to giveaway one of her darling headbands to on lucky reader. All you HAVE to do is a leave a comment at the end of the post to enter to win. Earn more points by following us on social media, and please be honest we will be checking.

As a special treat for our readers Rachel has offered all of our readers 15% off at her Etsy shop! Simply enter the code PRAIRIE15 when it's time to check out.

Rachel Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Rachel (R): My husband and I live with our daughter Lucy in Kansas City, Missouri. My husband is a pastor in a historic city-center neighborhood of Kansas City. I have the joy of staying home with our daughter.

PW: You have a business on Etsy called Lucy’s Bows and Arrows, can you tell us a little bit about what you sell?

grey and white stripeR: I sell handmade and unique headbands for babies and children. Lucy’s Bows really has two categories of headbands…basic colors and designs (pink, gray, navy, chambray) that will go with anything and then headbands that are more unique…and may be just the thing for a special outfit, photo session, or event.

PW: What led you to decide to go into business?

R: Lucy’s Bows actually kind of started accident…there were 2 main reasons, practicality & because I enjoy making things. Practicality, because I realized I was spending a ridiculous amount of money on fabric for headbands for our daughter Lucy. It quickly became obvious that I needed to “share” our fabric/headband stash with the world, or beg my husband’s forgiveness for all the craft store purchases. And then of course, I just really enjoy the making and designing aspect.

PW: Can you walk us through your design process?

R:  When I first started making headbands for Lucy, I very specifically wanted to make my own design…tailor made to what I wanted: comfy, cute, versatile, and resilient headbands. Lucy is very active, so she’s been a great test market…I’ve tweaked and changed the design a lot since those very first headbands.

I love fun colors, bright designs, and unique prints…I’m especially drawn to modern fabric designers.

But as I mentioned earlier, there’s lots of lovely basic colors too…super soft fabrics in shades of pink, gray (gray on Lucy is one of my favorite things!), cream, and navy. Recently, I made a bow out of chambray…I’ve yet to find an outfit in Lucy’s closet it doesn’t match!

PW: Any tips for our readers that have contemplated starting to sell a product on Etsy?

chevron bowR: If you are thinking about selling something on Etsy…you absolutely should do it! I experienced a ton of fear and stress about opening the shop. But since I found the courage to actually do it, its been so exciting and a great help for my family. Just sell something unique that you enjoy making and that you feel passionate about! One thing that helped me, I purposefully didn’t look at shops that sell similar products…I didn’t want to feel disheartened or tempted to copy or change my product in anyway based on someone else’s successful product…I was/am confident that my product is worthwhile and unique and didn’t want fear, discouragement, or even jealousy to take over!

PW: You also have a blog called LucysNarnia.com, what was your inspiration?

readingR: My husband and I are very passionate about books, reading, and raising our children to be readers…which is what the blog is about, “A Book-Loving Mom’s Journey to Raise Readers.”

But more specifically, the name Lucy’s Narnia really evolved from two ideas…First, of course, the fictional Lucy who discovered the world of Narnia in C.S. Lewis’ books The Chronicles of Narnia. And then, secondly, our daughter--Lucy’s Narnia…the idea that she (and all of us!) can access imaginative and spell-binding worlds through what she/we read. Quality literature contains the power to open our minds and heart to so many ideas and worlds. When we read engaging stories we enter into a different world, our own Narnia. That’s our wish for our daughter Lucy--that she experience and cherish all the good things that reading and books give us…her own personal Narnia.

PW: What are your business/blog goals for the next three years?

R: Honestly, the goals are very small! I want both--the blog and the business--to continue to help our family and other families. For the blog, I really just want to inspire parents to read to their children and families to read together. The blog is profitable and worthwhile to me, even if it only ever reached a couple of families and inspired them to read books together as a family. My heart soars every time a mom tells me that she’s using one of the book lists from the blog to help her pick books for her family. I really love that!

PW: How do you keep the balance between all of your roles?

R: Balance is super difficult, especially when I spend a lot of time making headbands and my husband has a job that’s very personable and takes a lot of time. But there’s one thing we’ve found to be very vital for our family…we strive to keep one day a week just for family. He doesn’t do anything relating to his job and I don’t do anything with headbands. It’s difficult to make this happen…he’s off work that day, and it’s really easy to go work on headbands since he’s available to take care of Lucy. But true rest as a family is so important! I really can’t recommend this enough! Even if its just a half day. Out of necessity, it doesn’t always happen every week…but the goal is there, one day…just family. That day keeps us sane.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife Words of Wisdom?

R: I truly believe, and I've seen the evidence in the lives of many families and children, that reading together and sharing stories together as a family is one of the most important things that we can do for our children. Quality stories have the ability to tie us & bond us together with adventures, love, hardships, victories, etc. etc., all without leaving the safety of our cozy living rooms. There are lots of wonderful stories out there, that the whole family can enjoy...Honey for a Child's Heart is an engaging book and a wonderful resource to help you find the perfect books for your family. Plus, there's tons of very specific book lists on the internet to help you get started.

Enter to win a headband for that sweet little girl in your life! In honor of our one year anniversary Rachel has agreed to giveaway one of her darling headbands to on lucky reader. All you HAVE to do is a leave a comment at the end of the post to enter to win. Earn more points by following us on social media, and please be honest we will be checking.

As a special treat for our readers Rachel has offered all of our readers 15% off at her Etsy shop! Simply enter the code PRAIRIE15 when it's time to check out.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		5 Things They Never Told You About Pregnancy
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/5-things-never-told-pregnancy/
		Wed, 22 Oct 2014 12:00:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3097
		
		Warning: Do not read this post if you are thinking about being pregnant but are not yet pregnant, if you are embarrassed easily by hearing people talk about bodily functions, or if you are male.

angry pregnant womanOne of the fun things about this pregnancy is that I get to enjoy being pregnant along with my close friends and frequent contributor on this site TallGirlJ. While we are 6 weeks apart it's still been fun to experience all this together. As we sat talking about the emotional/hormonal up and downs, the pain of thigh chaffing, the evils of the under-wire bra, and nipple changes that come along with pregnancy we decided to help our fellow ladies out. While many pregnancy books aren't afraid to talk about painful sex or urine leakage, we have found that there are quite a few things that they skim over, or leave out altogether. In the spirit of true Prairie Wife sisterhood, we decided to talk about a few of the things those books never told us about pregnancy.

Pregnancy insomnia, it’s going to happen...and it sucks

TallGirlJ: Nothing is more frustrating than waking up at 2 a.m. and being super awake. Just laying there, thinking how tired you are and how you can wait until nap time the next day...Welcome to pregnancy insomnia. I tell myself that it’s my body’s way of getting me ready for what’s to come, though this doesn’t make it any less frustrating!

Prairie Wife: Everyone warns you about the getting up to pee and the challenges of finding a comfortable position when you have a big old baby belly. No one warned me about waking up after four hours of sleep with a racing mind as well as a full bladder. Nothing is more frustrating than laying in bed wide awake while simultaneously feeling utterly exhausted. My best advice is to use the time to think about the baby and your future, think of it as special prenatal bonding time. I also find that SleepyTime Teas helps me fall asleep, which can be a problem for me as well.

The epic battle of pregnant woman vs. the shoe

TallGirlJ: Another thing they don’t tell you is how hard it gets to bend over… Pregnancy in the summer has benefits because you can just wear flip flops year round, but that doesn’t work so well in the Wyoming Winter. That’s when you hope to find the perfect pair of cute, loose, slip on boots. The pain of bending over doesn’t just apply to shoes. Just the other day my husband was telling a friend that he finds it funny to come home and see random things lying on the floor. I have found some things are just not worth bending over to pick up, it’s not worth the pain!

Prairie Wife: High heels, booties, knee high boots…I love them all. But when putting them on results in a 911 call because you have fallen over and can’t get up, or you have to immediately go to the bathroom after you put on each shoe, it’s time to give it up. When the waistband of my jeans (not to mention my belt buckle) digging into my baby belly results in my poor infant kicking and rolling in protest it’s time to stop. So even I, Prairie Wife in Heels, must admit defeat in the last trimester, and resort to more casual slip on... unless it’s a really special occasion. PS I have learned that an 18 month old can hand you all the dishes from the dishwasher which saves a ton of bending over time.

Rapid Hair Growth

woman shavingPrairie Wife: All the baby books talk about the benefits of a lush full head of hair. What they fail to mention is that this hair growth is not just on your head but everything from the eyebrows down. Perhaps the growing size of my belly is what draws my attention to it but, even my belly sprouts its own fur during this time…and it’s worse when I’m pregnant with a boy. Forget 5 o’clock shadow on your face, it’s a 1:00 shadow in your armpits.

TallGirlJ: Hair growth, yes it happens, and hair on you head will grow much faster and oh that is SO nice! But, they forget to mention the hair on your legs, armpits, face and well, you can use your imagination on everything else, grows triple speed as well. There is nothing like taking a shower and shaving only to notice later that it has all grown back by the end of the day. Also when I am having a boy, I grow lovely lush sideburns! The good news is that the new unwanted hair does fall out, and the growth will return to normal once you have the baby.

Drippy Under Carriage Syndrome

Prairie Wife: Look I know it’s gross but I’ve gotta share this one. None of the books mentioned this pregnancy symptom…they warn you about bladder leakage but not about the constant ooze that comes from your overwhelmed girl parts. And it gets worse the last few months…like I’m talking you’re going to want to change your underwear several times a day worse…

TallGirlJ: Oh the wetness. There are times when it gets to the point where you stop and think...did I wet myself? Did my water break? Nope, it is just the lovely moisture your body puts out.  I am sure there is a scientific reason for this, but at this point, I personally cannot see why! Just embrace it, and know it’s not forever!
NOTE: This should not have an odor, if so consult your doctor!

Your body will never be the same, get over it

Prairie Wife: I’ve been able to loose the baby weight, get back into my clothes, and even regain my six pack after each Cowkid…so far. But, there are things that will never be the same. My belly button is no longer an iny but a sad saggy outy. After nursing 4 Cowkids my boobs can only be described as empty skin with nipples and are now what I call 34 AA long. I may have escaped stretch marks on my stomach but I’ve got a ton on my boobs, butt, and thighs. Take a deep breath ladies, when all these changes start to get to you, look at that beautiful baby you made, that person that you gave life and nourished inside of you for 9 months. Know that it was a job well done. Also, put down the magazines and take a look at the real people around you. All the moms at the pool or the beach look just like you…beautiful!

TallGirlJ: I am not as lucky and Prairie Wife as I struggle more to lose the baby weight. But, after lots of effort I can get to a good point yet still never be the same. I have never nursed longer than 2 weeks and my boobs are still not the same, its just pregnancy. So know whether or not you nurse, they will grow and stretch no matter what! Stretch marks are going to happen, and if you are lucky your feet will grow too...just like mine! In the end it’s totally worth it. Wear your changes like a badge of honor. I know I have earned every part of my new body.

Shout it out ladies, what pregnancy symptom do you wish you had know about?!

Copyright: creatista / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: ninamalyna / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Easy One Pot Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/easy-one-pot-homemade-spaghetti-sauce/
		Sat, 25 Oct 2014 12:15:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3108
		
		make a batch of our Quick and Easy Meatballs and throw them in to make a hearty Spaghetti dish that will have your kids (and husband) asking for seconds!

Easy One Pot Homemade Spaghetti SauceEasy One Pot Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
Prep Time: 15 min Cooking Time: 30min-6 hours
Serves 8-10

Ingredients

1 med Onion, finely chopped
4 cloves of garlic, minced
2 tbs of Olive Oil
1/2 cup chopped Sweet Pepper
2lb of Tomato Sauce (that's two large cans)
2 14.5oz cans of diced tomatoes (fire roasted ones add more flavor)
1tbs dried oregano
1tbs dried basil
1tsp dry fennel seeds (crush them to release the flavor)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Take a large sauce pot and place the onion, garlic, olive oil and sweet pepper into the pan. Saute on med high for approx 5 minutes or until they are just getting soft. If you are adding meat to the sauce put it in now to brown as well.
2. Add all the other ingredients and stir thoroughly. Place the lid on and bring to a boil.3. Once the sauce is boiling let it simmer for 20minutes-6 hours depending on your schedule, stir occasionally. The longer the sauce simmers the more flavorful it will be.
4. Serve hot over pasta.

Note: If you are adding meatballs I like to cook them first and then just add them to simmer for the last few hours. If you are using frozen meatballs (that are precooked), add them frozen into the sauce at least 1 hour before serving.

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		A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/constellation-vital-phenomena-anthony-marra/
		Mon, 27 Oct 2014 12:00:33 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3114
		
		the last book review that I wrote here on the blog. What can I say, I love to read even more than I love to write! I’ve realized that often times I go on kicks and read a certain genre or time period for a bunch of books and then find myself in the mood for something else. Lately I’ve been on a French kick. Perhaps it’s because the cold Fall weather is officially upon us, and I’m longing for the warm sun and historical streets of the French Rivera…or maybe it’s just that since becoming pregnant with CowBaby5 I’ve been feeling much more feminine than usual. While I’ve read several good books there weren’t really any that I felt like I needed to share with you. There was nothing that stood out as particularly enjoyable or life changing, until this week.

BBC link to Chechnya HistoryFor some reason my mood switched this week and when I went to my Amazon.com wish list to find something new. I decided to try out A Constellation of Vital Phenomena by Anthony Marra. It is neither Historical Fiction  nor French but rather a modern novel (it takes place in the 1990’s and early 2000’s) about life in Chechnya. I vaguely knew that Chechnya used to be part of Russia but in the early 90’s when the USSR dissolved it became independent…sort of. I’m the first to admit I am not up at all on current events; and was in my self-centered High School and College years during the time of this book. I know in a somewhat vague way that Russia and its bordering countries have been struggling for decades to regain a non corrupt economy and better quality of life for its people. The recent events in Russia and the Ukraine have definitely not escaped my notice but, until I read this book I had absolutely no concept at all of what had happened to the people of Chechnya, nor a true understanding of what it means to live in a country full of political turmoil.

To make a long political story short (click here if you want to see an easy to read timeline of Chechnya’s recent history) for the first 15 years after it declared Independence in 1991 Chechnya was riddled by war and terrorism. In 1994 Russia sent troops to Chechnya to crush the Independence movement. The result of this 20 month war was a death count of over 100,000.

A Constellation of Vital Phenomena A Constellation of Vital Phenomenatakes place during the time of this war and the aftermath. Cities are leveled, there is no electricity, no fresh water, no food, and whole families disappear into the night and are never heard from again. This sounds like something from Nazi Germany…but it all happened as I sat up late into the night sipping Pepsi and typing term papers on my laptop, just in the last decade. I was completely oblivious to the fact that I was taking so much for granted. I ended this book with an appreciation for the life I have been given as an American, and a resolution to be more aware of the suffering of others in this world.

This books shares the stories of a small village in Chechnya and several of its inhabitants that are linked by the love and friendship of days gone by, and the realities of betrayal, torture, and death that are upon them as a result of war. It’s about a father’s love and hatred for his son, a neighbor’s responsibility for a child, and one woman’s struggle with the ghost of who she has become.

It sounds weighty and depressing I know, and don’t get me wrong there are parts of this book that left me with my mouth hanging open and tears in my eyes. But through it all Marra’s absolutely stunning writing conveys such an honest picture of human emotions, and the strength of the human spirit, that you simply can’t stop reading it and searching for each grain of hope that he leaves behind. There are characters you love to hate, and ones you know you should hate but love. From the beginning I knew how this book would end, but trust me, you will read it anyway. Knowing that despite all the terror it will end with life and hope.

Click here to see some more book reviews by Prairie Wife on Amazon.com]]>
		
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		My Pregnancy Cooking Strike
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pregnancy-cooking-strike/
		Wed, 29 Oct 2014 12:00:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3124
		
		 Texas Two Steppin' and partner in crime TallGirlJ have been with us from the very beginning. Today I would like to introduce a new frequent contributor, BonitaBlueEyes! She has become a close friend of mine over the last two years and her spicy personality shines through in her writing. Stop by our author page to read a little more about her and get to know her through her first post!

cooking strikeFor the last two months of my third pregnancy I went on a cooking strike. Because I believe in doing everything 110 percent, I also quit meal planning and grocery shopping. It was a liberating experience, and something I know every pregnant woman (or any mom really) secretly dreams of doing. The simple truth was, I was tired of cooking. I was hugely pregnant, working part time as High School Spanish teacher, and dealing with the care of a preteen son and toddler daughter…not to mention my husband. Every step of the entire process of making a meal for my family was just utterly unbearable to me. Even my beloved Pinterest couldn’t help inspire me.

You are probably thinking that I'm somewhat of a drama queen at this point. You wouldn’t be the first lol! Since I am new to PrairieWifeInHeels.com, let me give you a little more background on what led up to this strike…

I haven't eaten meat on purpose in eleven years, and I chose to marry a man who grew up on a ranch in Mexico. He was raised by doting women who cooked three large meals full of meat and starches a day for him. In contrast, I was perfectly happy grazing on my vegetation snacks all day long (with as little cooking as possible involved). When we were first married, I winced at the sight of meat in the cart, would not enter the kitchen if he were cooking it, and made him use a special separate cutting board that I refused to touch even when clean.

Over the years I've come a very long way in the name of love. Now I will actually throw some meat into recipes as long as I don't have to directly touch the poor animal with my bare fingers! Like a typical woman, I expected this self-sacrificing of my morals to be met with the deepest appreciation from my loving husband…Ha! Instead, he complained at 90 percent of our meals and then refused to eat leftovers for his lunch. Don’t forget there is also a toddler that eats 3 bites a meal and a picky tween involved at each meal time as well. You can see why making a meal to please everyone was causing my blood pressure to rise. I tried everything! Heck, I could start my own blog with my creativity of how I accommodate us. But a women who is pregnant, swollen and tired, can only take so much before she is forced to take drastic action.

One day, I simply snapped. It was Sunday and our typical family grocery shopping day. "When are we going to the store?" My husband asked me. I looked at him and silently handed him my list:

man at grocery storeWatermelon
Other fruit
Salad
Coffee and creamer
Milk
Eggs
Apple juice
Breakfasts
Lunches
Dinners

I announced that I would not be presenting myself in public unless entirely necessary. He took it rather well, I must have looked as miserable as I felt! He left without protest and even took our two year old. I closed my eyes and laid back onto the couch thinking…this is awesome! I got out of grocery shopping on a Sunday AND time alone?! And then my husband came home....

Besides forgetting several items on my short list, he brought all processed, boxed food and junk snacks for him and the kids to eat. I gritted my teeth, bit my tongue and continued my strike out of physical and mental necessity. Over the weeks his shopping skills began to improve. After all, a man’s system can only handle so much grease and fake cheese before it starts to rebel. The generosity of family and friends in bringing us meals after the birth of our daughter helped me keep up my strike as well.

My daughter was born in May and my strike finally ended on Father's Day. Mentally and physically I had finally begun to be back to “normal” and I felt that by this point my husband would surely appreciate my efforts a little more!

As I sat and read this post to him, thinking to add a little of his male insight to the incident, I discovered that he didn’t even know I was on strike…I hope he was just teasing, and trying to get a reaction out of me. I know for sure he hasn't complained ONCE about the meals I’ve prepare since, and my children seem to have improved their appetites and attitudes as well. Sometimes I wonder, perhaps I should have continued the strike and enjoyed my freedom but, maybe the break resurrected a whole new set of skills in me?

Have you ever gone on strike, or wanted to? I’d love to hear your stories!

Copyright: ariwasabi / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: photomak / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		The Kindness Project
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/kindness-project/
		Sat, 01 Nov 2014 12:00:46 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3135
		
		For example, the Cowkids were sent down to clean the playroom a few weeks ago, when suddenly I began to hear screeching piercing noises that were making the Cowdogs cower. I softy went down the stairs and heard Cowgirl G verbally berating the Cowboys for their lack of effort and teamwork. Should I mention that she was spending all her energy screaming and crying rather than cleaning? The other day Cowboy J lost his belt. Rather than look for it he immediately went to Cowboy W and tortured him mentally. He accused him of being a liar and thief and intimidated him with his size and voice so much, that the perfectly innocent 4 year old fessed up and said he did it! In truth the belt was in Cowboy J’s pants, which were on the floor of the bathroom, where he had left them after he had taken a shower the night before! Then we have petty little things like Cowboy W holding the baby gate shut so Cowboy C can’t get through…resulting in nerve shattering screams from a frustrated Cowboy C.

I’ll admit that I lost it when the belt incident occurred. The whole drive to school I lectured the Cowkids on how our home was a safe place where no one should feel intimidated or bullied. That there were enough mean people at school and in the world at large that were going to make them feel badly, and I was in no way going to put up with it in our home. I emphasized over and over that our home is where we should feel the most loved and safe, confident in our ability to be loved no matter what. A place we go where our hearts are filled, not picked at and broken. I’m sure they only heard every other word (if that) but it got me thinking about how something needed to change. The Cowboy and I are always respectful and polite to each other, and I know for a fact I don’t intimidate and bully my kids. It was the real world leaking in and I knew it was up to me to fix this problem.

So we began a kindness project.

kindness chartI printed out a piece of paper and placed it where all the Cowkids could reach it and see it. Each person in the family, The Cowboy and I included, had 14 empty squares next to their name. Anytime someone felt good inside because of something someone else did or said they could put an X in a box next to that person’s name. You can’t give X’s to yourself and only one X can be handed out by each person a day. Whoever fills all their boxes first gets to pick a family activity for all of us to do. Only The Cowboy and I could remove X’s and that would only be done only if someone was extremely unkind. At dinner each night when we gathered to eat as a family I asked who had put X’s up that day. Each Cowkid shared who they gave an X to and we talked about what that person did that made them feel good inside. Some acts of kindness were simple, like me helping with homework, and other acts of kindness were more involved like playing a game or reading a book to a younger sibling.

The Cowkids were thrilled at the idea of a “kindness competition” and the first two days we almost choked on all the sweetness. Things settled down after the first few days but I still noticed a change in our house’s overall vibe. I think the key to the change wasn’t the chart itself but the nightly positive reinforcement. Not only were the Cowkids filled with joy and pride when they saw a new X by their name but, hearing a sibling praise them in front of the whole family made them feel extra loved. I also noticed that whoever gave the X was feeling pretty good inside as well when they got to explain why they gave an X. On days when one of the kids didn’t get an X I waited to see pouting, and maybe even a rehashing of all the kind things they had done that had gone unnoticed. I am pleased to say that this hasn’t happened yet. Perhaps it’s the stern warning that they are not to ask for X’s or prompt another Cowkid to put an X up, or maybe it’s simply that they are feeling more confident and secure now!

The first round of The Kindness Project is done and Cowboy J was the winner. I’m looking forward to seeing how the next round goes, and I can honestly say that this has truly made ALL of us more kind!

How do you help your kids to be kind to each other?

Copyright: ilona75 / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Year 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-year-2014/
		Fri, 31 Oct 2014 12:00:21 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3139
		
		our first ever Prairie Wife of the Year. Every time we get a chance to chat, whether for an interview or just running into each other around town, I'm always left with a warm glow...and the thought "we need to get together more!" As we met for this interview I realized again why Katie was picked by our readers to be our winner. Her passion for life, her quick wit and ready laugh, as well as her honesty and ability to truly listen to others all combine to make her a woman to be admired. Add to that her unfailing drive to be the best woman, wife, and mother she can be, her unwavering Faith, and her longing to find each and every orphan in the world a place where they can feel secure and loved...and well...you can see why the honor of Prairie Wife of the Year doesn't begin to cover the awards this woman should have! Take a moment to read this interview (it includes some great questions from our readers) and get inspired!

PWW Katie Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): Since our last interview with you in February how has your family been?

Katie (K): We’ve been good! We have four kids that are in school right now and four that we are homeschooling so, we are busy as always. Of course we are all looking forward to the holidays!

PW: Congrats on being our first ever Prairie Wife of the Year, why do you think your story resonated so much with our readers?

Whole FamilyK: I hope it’s because it was something that stirred their hearts. I think that it’s a sign that people are not only becoming more accepting that families are looking different now, but that they are actively embracing it. I think that my honesty and openness about the adoption process, the trials and tribulations, the cost and about how we went through the process of deciding what was right for our family, was refreshing for people to hear…and interesting too I guess!

PW: Time for a few questions from our readers…

Erica: How many children did you want before you had any?

K: I’ve always had 13 on my heart and it looks like I’m well on my way! I have always wanted a big family and have always envisioned a house full of kids. We are so thankful for each and every child and truly see each of our children as a gift. Something we take seriously is being able to adequately provide both emotionally and physically for our children but I have to say that every time God asks us to add to our family, and it seems like it doesn’t make sense, He makes it work! I love seeing the dynamics of a large family. Our children are constantly being challenged to be patient and understanding. They learn that the world does not revolve around them and to pitch in and help even if they don’t feel like it. The only way this ship is gonna sail is if we all pitch in and help! Balance is key and while we enjoy seeing shared responsibility, we are mindful of not putting too much care of the younger children on the older ones.

Pat: What do you like best about your family life now, and what helps you through the hard days?

all the kidsK: I love that even though there are so many of us, and such a range of ages, we still like to be together. It seems like when we are all in the house we always end up congregating together, whether it’s in the kitchen or spread out comfortably on the couch and floor. We are always laughing together; even the little things can set all of us off. When someone is gone we can feel it, and I notice them being missed by the other kids. The genuine closeness is a joy, and makes me feel like we are doing it right.

There are hard days with kids, and hard days with me. Just like everyone else I take a deep breath and try and make it through until bedtime the best that I can. Our faith in God is paramount for all of us; He is always there for me to rely on for strength. He may not pick up that broom and sweep the box of cereal that spilled on the kitchen floor BUT, He gives me the wisdom to know it will be there in an hour when I have time to sweep it up or the smarts to let the dog in to eat it. Sticking to our routine is important, you need to have some flexibility and have fun, but especially with our kids that have challenges, routine equals safety. Just getting back on track and keeping the kids and I (and Bob) focused on what needs to get done can help things get back to rolling along somewhat smoothly!

Riley: What is the most challenging thing about a family of 10?

K: When I think about it there are so many things…how can I pick one lol?! First and foremost… Laundry!! We have major laundry issues! It’s seems to be an ongoing challenge for us. Other than the mountains of laundry, I think keeping track of the schedule is particularly challenging for our large family. It can be hard to balance our extra-curricular activities combined with school and the assorted appointments here and there. We want all of our children to have something that they enjoy and are successful at, something just for them, but with our large family the logistics of it can be very interesting. I’ve learned to limit how many things they can pick and we use it as part of our behavior reward system. The kids have to earn the right to have these extra fun activities by showing us they can handle it with good choices and self control in our day to day lives. We also see extra activities as a way to build self esteem and self control so……. it’s a balance.

Erin: When do you get time for yourself, and for you and your husband?

K: I think as a mom, whether you have one kid or 20, you have to have something every day that you look forward to or a time that you know is just for you. Maybe it’s sneaking a bite of your favorite chocolate while hiding in the closet, maybe it’s a break during naptime where you can just zone out in front of the TV or on Facebook. It’s the key to sanity! I have a set time everyday that is my time and I spend it how I wish. I don’t clean or do anything productive even though I may want to. I might use it to sleep or to just read for an hour or two. Knowing I have this break in the middle of every day has kept me going through many rough days.

Katie and BobFor Bob and I, getting some grownup time alone is vital to not only our relationship, but to the strength of our whole family. I strongly believe it is important for our kids to see us actively taking time to be together and work on our marriage. We make sure and take Saturday night as our night each and every week. It can be something as simple as hanging out on the porch, and the kids know they have to leave us alone. We go on a “big” date about once a month. By that I mean we actually leave the house. Sometimes it is dinner and a movie, or it could be a grocery store date. We use this time together to catch up on the week, focus on us, and talk about our kids.

PW: What are your hopes for your family in the next 5 years?

K: Our family’s motto is, “to love and serve.” We try and live our daily lives by this standard and use it as a litmus for our relationships and activities. If we are out in our community how are we loving and serving those around us? Are we being kind, respectful, and helpful? In our home are we showing and being examples of those same qualities of love and service to each other? I hope that in five years we are still, every day, trying to love and serve each other and those around us. I can’t wait to see where we are and how we are doing this in five years!

PW: You are a loud and proud advocate for adoption, what can people do to help some of the 100 of millions of orphans around the world?

K: There are always organizations that could use your support. If you personally know that adoption is not right for you, there are so many ways you can still help. You can donate to organizations both in and out of our country (please do your homework and pick one that is ethical). You can sponsor a child, help with grants that specifically go to families in the adoption process, send items to an orphanage that have identified that they are in need of items such as diapers, syringes, clothing and other practical items. Many orphanages have milk funds that specifically go toward purchasing formula, and medical funds for specific medical needs. Helping provide for basic human needs will give any child a chance to live until their forever family finds them. Find a local family that is trying to raise money and support them. Be a kind ear or an extra set of hands to the heroic foster parents that are in our community. The power of prayer is so important too! Pray, pray, pray that the children in foster care and orphanages find their way into the loving arms of a forever family.

Some great places to give:

http://www.lifesongfororphans.org
http://www.newdaycreations.com/foster/help/onetime.htm
http://www.rainbowkids.com/international-adoption/
http://www.wyafc.org/index.html
http://www.setonhousecasper.org

PW: Any last Prairie Wife Words of Wisdom for our readers?

K: Find what you love and go after it with wild abandon. Focus on God and He will show you what His heart is for you and the Grace will be there. Ask for help when you need it and make sure you don’t forget to care for yourself in the process of following your passion. Take what you have learned, even the hard and yucky stuff, and share it with others because you never know when it will be a blessing to someone else. Have a sense of humor and eat chocolate every day! And last but not least, a favorite quote from a favorite example of love and service, “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” The dear Mother Teresa.

Photos taken by, and used with permission from, Erin Potter Photography.]]>
		
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		Potty Training: Stage Two
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/potty-training-stage-two/
		Mon, 03 Nov 2014 13:00:58 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3150
		
		 Potty Training: Stage One and gave you an overview of my potty training philosophy and listed the first steps to getting your child comfortable with the potty. Take a look below and see if you are ready for Stage Two!

sitting on pottyReady for Stage Two? If they are showing 2 or more of the below signs get ready…
1. Your child is totally comfortable sitting on the potty and it’s not a struggle at all.
2. They are asking to sit on the potty and/or will sit on their own and look at books while you leave the room.
3. They are going pee or poop in the potty 5 or more times a week.
4. Your child is watching the pee or poop go out, talking about it as it happens, and even squeezing stomach in and trying to help the process along.
5. They tell you when they have to go pee/poop and lead you to the bathroom (doesn’t matter if they really go or not)

This stage does not include any underwear or pull-ups, I still have my children in diapers. It does involve a lot of naked time and you will most likely have accidents to clean up. Stock up on the paper towel and carpet cleaner! If you are spending all your time cleaning up messes give it a break and try again in a few weeks. Also, please no yelling and punishment for messes…they are still learning!

Many of the same rules from Potty Training: Stage One still apply. Make sure YOU are ready and it’s good timing for your life, read and watch DVD’s about using the potty, and cheer and make a big deal out of every pee or poop in the potty victory.

Start a routine for potty time, and start being firm about it.

1. Take a look at your child’s daily routine and look for any patterns. Cowboy C always goes poop just before we head out for school, and usually within 30 min after eating lunch and/or before bed. Start putting your child on the potty every day at these times.
2. Take a look at your day and see when you will naturally be having them go to the potty in the future. Sitting on it before you leave is a big one, as well as before nap/bedtime.
3. Get serious about putting your child on the potty. Now that they have the hang of it you need to make them get used to stopping what they are doing and sitting down to go. Even if they fuss, if it’s time for them to sit on the potty, they need to sit!

Naked time! A wise mother of 4 boys told me the best way to potty train her kids was let them run around naked…I couldn’t agree more! I get that this is messy and maybe gross but, so is taking off four pairs of peed on undies a day. Often by the time you get them to the potty and get pants and a diaper off, you’ve missed your opportunity. Also, if they feel it on their legs or feet it really helps them make the connection SO much faster than with a diaper. After the first time or two my kids can usually stop it and finish in the potty too.

1. Any time your child goes pee or poop on the potty let them run around naked for 30min or so. Chances are they won’t have an accident and it is a great way for them to start noticing how their body works. Put them on the potty before you get a diaper back on them.
2. Let them be naked as much as you can, outside is wonderful. Just don’t loose track of time and let them go too long without potty time!
3. Ask them a billion times (at 30min and then every 15-20 min after that) if they need to go potty during naked time.
3. If they do go pee or poop on the floor….

Talk about it, talk about it, talk about it (even thought you will be over it by the end of the first day)!

1. If you child goes pee or poop on the floor say “Uh oh we put our pee and poop in the potty!” Then immediately put them on the potty (yes before you clean it up) and say “Next time you have to go pee or poop say “Potty Mama” and run to the potty! We put our pee and poop in the potty!”
2. When you change a wet or poopy diaper say “Uh oh you went pee/poop in your diaper! Next time say “Potty Mama” and go run to the potty. We put our pee and poop in the potty!”
3. When they go pee or poop in the potty “YEAH! Good job you put your pee/poop in the potty, that’s what big boys/girls do! Good work putting your pee/poop in the potty!”
4. When they tell you they have to go potty (even if they don’t actually end up going) “Good job! You said “Potty Mama” and ran to use the potty! We put our pee and poop in the potty!”

Have them participate in all the steps.

1. When they use the potty have them help flush and close the lid on the big potty and wash hands. Get that routine down now, the more they get familiar with the big potty the better.
2. Have them come into public restrooms with you and talk about what you are doing. Have them flush the big toilet, and put the lid down. If it flushes while you are on it (which we all know it will do when your kids is on there) play it cool and talk about it.

Have them sit on the big potty.

1. Some parents start their kids on the big potty from the beginning so just skip this if that’s what you do.
2. Start having them sit on the big potty a few times a week (or every day) just to get used to it.
3. Make sure you stay in there for these times, the last thing you need is a tragic slipping into the potty accident to scar them for life!

girl dressedStart working on getting dressed and undressed. This part is really important, and often overlooked.

1. Start having your child help you pull their pants up and down each time they go pee or poop on the potty, talk about the process.
2. When changing a diaper/getting dressed have them help pull their pants up and down. Talk about it.
3. Have them start pulling their shirt up when they sit on the potty, and talk about keeping clothes clean and dry.
4. Have them start pulling their shirts on and off at diaper/getting dressed time. Have them begin to put their arms in their sleeves. Talk about forwards and backwards.

This stage I am really firm about doing for at least two weeks. After two weeks I back off a little bit with naked time, the times I put them on the potty, and the asking over and over if they have to go.

Your child is ready for Potty Training: The Final Stage if…

1. They are going to the potty 2-3 times a day (or more) on their potty.
2. They barely fuss at all when you tell them it’s time to sit on the potty, even when you know they don’t want to stop playing.
3. They have gone potty on the big potty several times and are comfortable with public toilets.
4. They come to you at least 5 times a week to tell you they have to go potty, and then use the potty.
5. They can pull their pants up and down on their own, and lift up their shirt when they sit on the potty.

Questions, concerns, tips and tricks?! Leave them in the comments!

Copyright: dgm / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: sam74100 / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		American Girl Doll...or Not
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/american-girl-doll/
		Wed, 05 Nov 2014 13:00:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3160
		
		Texas Two Steppin’ is the same way so perhaps it is genetic. I try to have all my gifts bought and shipped here before the first week of December. Then all The Cowboy and I have left to do is take the individual Cowkids out to choose gifts for their siblings.

Christmas GiftIt should come as no surprise to my regular readers that we have a system of gift giving that we stick to around here. The Cowboy and I only get one gift each for the Cowkids. It’s really worked well for us, and let me explain why we do this. Our Cowkids are pretty lucky, and blessed with not only a pack of siblings but a multitude of loving Grandparents, Aunts, Uncles, and family friends who often send gifts. Add to that Santa Claus who brings them one gift off their list (we mail a list at Macy’s every year to donate to Make a Wish Foundation), a book, and an item of Wyoming clothing and you can see why just one gift from Mom and Dad each doesn’t seem so stingy. After all, just adding up gifts from siblings, parents, and Santa each Cowkid gets eight gifts…that seems pretty good to me!

We emphasize the thoughtfulness in picking just the right gift to give to others, often hand create crafts to send to Aunts and Uncles, and of course talk about the true meaning of Christmas, the gift of Jesus to the world. The Cowboy and I both were raised on pretty tight budgets, and though at times it was really hard to see others have what we couldn’t, we also see how it went into creating who we are today. At first when we had kids it was an act of necessity to keep gift giving down to a minimum. We saved for months to get that one perfect gift for each other and Cowboy J and Cowgirl G. Lately we’ve been blessed with a budget that isn’t quite so tight but, we still really try hard to make sure our kids know they can’t (and shouldn’t have it all). Cowboy J spent one year telling everyone he knew he was going to get a four wheeler for Christmas. We had actually planned on giving him this gift but, we changed our minds and got him another gift…just to prove a point.

American Girl DollNow that Christmas will soon be upon us the Cowkids are beginning to talk about what they plan to ask Santa for on their list. Cowgirl G has been professing her desire…dare I say NEED for an American Girl Doll this year. She has actually been asking for one since her birthday last year, when a catalog mysteriously showed up at our door. For those of you that are unfamiliar with American Girl Dolls they are beautiful 18 inch dolls that come with a book sharing their personal story, numerous accessories and furniture choices, and even clothing for both them and your child. For the doll, book, and outfit they charge…wait for it….$120.00.

American Girl Doll listNow these dolls are beautiful and very well made. I hear the hair is like no other doll hair in strength and ease of brushing and the clothes are strongly stitched and easy to wash. There are also American Girl Doll stores where you can take your child to get their doll fixed, buy accessories, and even hold birthday parties. Cowgirl G takes exceptionally good care of her dolls and is very responsible. For her birthday last year she murmured a time or two about an American Girl Doll so, thinking I was super smart, I bought her a Fancy Nancy Doll that was similar in size, came with a book, and two outfits (at a much lower cost). While she liked it you can see from her list that she feels she has “grown out of” this doll. Yup that’s correct, my daughter wrote a list of why she wants an American Girl Doll (notice she even did the logo correctly).

Now technically we can afford for this doll to be her one gift from me, and even have her brothers purchase an outfit or accessory or two for her gifts from them…but the question is should I?!

Before I leave you I need to add that I spent years begging Ma and Pa for an American Girl Doll of my own (several girls I went to school with had 3 or more)…and needless to say they could never afford to buy one for me. I know that I can’t ignore my emotional connection to this decision, that’s why I need your help!

What do you think readers…American Girl Doll…or Not?!

Copyright: anskuw / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week November 7, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-november-7-2014/
		Fri, 07 Nov 2014 13:00:48 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3169
		
		A word of caution to our readers: This week's interview is an open and honest conversation with a mother whose son died a few days before delivery. Please read at your own discretion and know that the purpose of this interview is to provide support to families who have experienced their own loss. It is also intended to offer education and support to those of us that wish to help friends or family members who have experienced a similar loss.

I met this week's Prairie Wife of the Week when we were both pregnant with our third child. As we waited to pick up our older children from preschool we would casually chat and compare pregnancy notes. We hit it off but never made it as far as making plans outside of school to get together. Bryonna was due a few months before me and when the end of March came around I wasn't surprised that I wasn't seeing her at pickup times anymore. After all, I knew that when my third child was born, getting Cowboy J to preschool was going to be on the bottom of my must do list. About a month or so later I saw her as she walked into the school and immediately asked "How's the baby?!" As soon as the words were out of my mouth I knew something was wrong. She answered, "Oh, you didn't hear?" and as calmly and quickly as she could told me that her son had passed away before delivery. I offered her a hug, told her she would be in my prayers and we exchanged phone numbers, along with my offers to help in any way I could. As I got into the car I promptly held my pregnant belly and sobbed, for her...and in fear for myself and my unborn child.

After doing this interview with her I am so glad that I waited a week or so and then began to call and text her to try and get together. At the time I felt like I was stalking her, but I now know that I did the right thing. We got together for coffee and openly talked about ALL of our children...we both shed a few tears. When Cowboy W was born I called her and honestly told her that I wanted to see her but understood if it was too hard. I was pleasantly surprised when she expressed not only a desire to come and hang out but, it seemed to be healing for her to hold Cowboy W. Bryonna's strength in sharing her story with me, and our readers is astounding. I admire her for her honesty as she talks about the grief of losing a child. Her advice for families experiencing loss and those that want to help them is both heartfelt and wise. I am honored that she allowed me to share her story. If  this week's Prairie Wife interview has helped one mother to feel loved and supported during her time of grief, than it was well worth it.

Bryonna Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us about your family.

Bryonna (B): I grew up in Rawlins, Wyoming. I met my husband in Casper, where I attended college. We both worked at the same store and at first we hated each other! They say opposites attract and here we are, 12 years later, happily married. We recently moved to Surprise, AZ because of a job change for my husband.

PW: We met when I was pregnant with Cowboy W and you were pregnant with your third child, can you tell me about your pregnancy?

Kannon ShoesB: I was pregnant with my second boy and, overall, it was an uneventful pregnancy. When it came time to do all the blood work at 18 weeks, as recommended by our doctor, it came back positive for Down’s Syndrome. We never considered terminating the pregnancy, but we did a level two ultra sound to determine what we would need to be prepared for when our son was born. During the ultra sound, the only thing found was a white spot on his heart, which can be an indicator of Down’s Syndrome but is pretty low on the list. So, we did an amniocenteses test. During this challenging time, I was depressed and concerned for, not only our baby, but my two other children as well. I had faith in God’s plan for our family, but I was a wreck when I thought about how life changing it would be to have a child with Down’s Syndrome. When everything came back fine from the test, it was a huge relief for us!

PW: When you went in to give birth to Kannon things didn’t go as planned, can you share what happened?

B: Kannon was born at 4:21pm on Sunday, March 21.

The Friday before Kannon was born, I didn’t feel very well and the baby wasn’t moving very much. On the advice of our doctor, we went into the hospital to be checked out. His heart rate was fine and he responded in all the ways they expected to their tests. The nurse called my OB and asked if he wanted me to be induced. At the time he was in surgery and couldn’t induce me. So, because everything checked out OK, they sent me home. We had a busy weekend and on Sunday I knew I was going into labor. When I felt like it was time to head to the hospital, we dropped the kids off at the sitter and headed on our way. We were filled with excitement and joy, like any parent getting ready to meet their child. The nurses prepped me, as they would normally, while our doctor headed to the hospital. I had the gown on and they placed the contraction and heart monitor on me…and they couldn’t find the baby’s heartbeat. Everything stopped for me…

When our Doctor came rushing in, he said “What happened?” I looked at him and shook my head, “Nothing” I said, “Everything has been normal!” I had no unusual pains, no bleeding, no indicators at all that there was something wrong. They pulled out the ultra sound machine and there was no heartbeat.

KannonIt was then that we knew there was nothing that could be done. They told me that I needed to go ahead and deliver him like normal. They gave me a bunch of drugs, I am sure it was to keep me calm during the delivery. I gave birth to my son. He was 8lbs 15oz and 21in long. We named him Kannon Levi… and he was perfect! There were no obvious signs of anything, no cord wrapped around his neck, no bruising, no signs of trauma. They encouraged us to take pictures of him and allowed us to spend as much time alone with him as we needed. Later we did blood work on him, and to this day we have no answer at all for what happened.

 

PW: I know that most of us can’t even imagine the sorrow you and your family must have felt. What did you and your husband do to help both you and your children work through the loss of Kannon?

B: When I went home that night from the hospital, my mom was already there to help. Between my mother and my mother-in-law, I had support at my house for the next month. They also helped us plan the funeral. We didn’t put anything in the paper and just had family and close friends there to support us. Our oldest daughter went to the funeral home and held him and both she and my son put a teddy bear in his casket at the funeral. I felt that it was important that they could give him something to keep with him.

We talked about Kannon daily, which was very therapeutic. I read as much literature as I could to help myself and my kids. We went to therapy as a family and went to individual counseling. Frankly, my husband didn’t talk about it much. I think men deal with things differently; he just turned into himself and worked on things in his heart rather than talk about it. Over and over, I read that as the kids grow older, questions will continue and will change as they gain a better understanding of life and death. Now, when they ask questions about Kannon, they are different and new.

I just went with what came naturally and didn’t put any limitations or schedule on my sorrow. I think that putting limitations on my time to grieve would have caused even more stress and anxiety. I tried to keep the kids on a normal schedule as soon as possible but I was open to the times when we just needed to be together. As a past educator, I knew that routine and schedule would offer a sense of safety and security to my kids and would allowed them to cope in healthy ways.

PW: What were some things that your friends and family did that you found helpful?

B: Just being willing to talk with my family and I about it and acknowledging that it happened; not being afraid to cry in front of us and with us, bringing meals and offering child care, taking the kids to school or picking them up, helping with the little things like cleaning the house or grocery shopping. Knowing I had all these people to help with the little things in life allowed me to heal. I don’t think I left the house for at least a month…and that’s what I needed.

I knew that I had two beautiful children that needed me and that I needed to be strong for, but I still allowed myself to be human. I would caution anyone aware of a similar situation to be diligent about calling and stopping by, watch for signs of severe depression…and be aware that it’s not just for the first few weeks that help will be needed. If you have a way you can help, act on it, and just do the things that you think the mom needs. She won’t be in a position to delegate or ask for help…making those kinds of decisions is just too overwhelming in the beginning so help is really needed.

PW: What are some things that you wish people had not said or done (though I am sure you know they had the best intentions)?

B: We had, for the most part, “good” experiences. I struggled a little personally because I felt like people were looking at me thinking that it was something I had or had not done. No one actually said anything to make me feel that way but I always felt like it. Saying “This, too, shall pass.” is not helpful. The loss is always there and it will never “pass” or go away. Really, even if someone said the “wrong” thing, even though I was upset, I always knew they were trying to be helpful. People were sensitive to my children. I learned from this experience that people in general DO have the best of intentions and always strive to offer love and support to others when they see they are in pain.

PW: Can you share anything that you think might help someone who has had a similar experience?

B: I think that families need to know that it’s ok to grieve and let the world stop for a little. But you can’t let it consume you; you have to keep living! I did go through a stage where I was in limbo and the world kept moving but I was stuck. I was angry with the people around me that were moving on while I was still mourning and grieving. All this is a normal part of grieving. Eventually I was honest with myself and looked at what I was doing; I gathered the strength I had left and used it to continue living and growing. I think perhaps the best advice is to do what comes naturally to you. Though there is a pattern to grief, everyone grieves in different ways. Some people need to set limitations on their cry time, others (like me) need to just hide away for a while and then emerge ready to live. No matter who you are, find someone to talk to that will check in on you regularly (for months). I strongly feel a professional is best but a friend or family member will work, too.

PW: It has been four years since Kannon’s death, what do you do as a family to keep his memory alive?

Kannon GraveB: We visit his grave as often as we can. Now that we have moved, we have family that visit and leave little things for him. On March 21st every year, we celebrate his birthday and have a cake and release balloons. We aren’t afraid to talk about him, and we believe that he is with us in spirit. We have pictures of him around the house and talk about him with friends and family whenever we can.

PW: I know that you struggled with fertility issues after Kannon, can you talk to us about that?

B: I wanted to try immediately after Kannon was born. I felt like it would help me to heal, and I was consumed by it. We had a lot of trouble conceiving, which had never happened to us before. We had a miscarriage two years after Kannon was born, it was devastating for me. After the miscarriage, we began to look into adoption, I just felt like our family wasn’t done yet. Then my husband switched jobs and we moved to AZ. With all the stress and chaos of moving and getting the kids settled in new schools, trying to have a baby and adoption got put on the back burner.

PW: As we sit here chatting I am hearing the sweet little noises of a beautiful baby boy named Keegan can you tell us all about that little blessing?

B: After we moved to AZ and settled in, I went back to work full time for the first time since having kids. I got a job at a local elementary school working with students with special needs. I really enjoyed my job but of course the working mom gig is hard! My husband’s job forced him to be away from home for weeks at a time and it was becoming too challenging for me to work, shuttle kids around, help with homework, and take care of the billion other things we do as wives and mothers. We decided that it was best for me to work part time. It was clear that that wouldn’t work for the school, so I decided to quit and go back to staying home. A few weeks after I handed in my notice, I found out we were pregnant.

To say the pregnancy was stressful is a huge understatement. I thought if I talked about it, it would jinx everything so I really kept it close and told no one. I didn’t buy anything for the baby at all. One day my husband came home with a rocking chair for me and I just couldn’t touch it. It sat unopened in our living room for weeks. I was really actually pretty crazy…I felt that if I could take control of little details, I could control the big picture, which, of course, I know firsthand is wrong; in the end it’s all in God’s hands!

We had planned on waiting until 12 weeks to tell the kids but they had praying for years for a baby…and it just kind of came up naturally in conversation so we told them at about 6 weeks. They were excited and thrilled. We felt like honesty was the best policy. They were also old enough to notice a change in me if something had gone wrong. I spotted at week 10 and that was terrible, but everything turned out to be OK; we collectively held our breath for 9 months.

Thirty weeks came around and everything was going great. For my own mental health, I had purchased a home Doppler and one day as I was listening to the baby, I caught an arrhythmia in the heart beat. I called my doctor’s office and they told me to go to the hospital, so I did. The doctor on call looked at my chart and read my file and decided that with my history I need a full workup. We did a level 2 ultrasound and the ultra sound tech was doing her thing and then she called another tech in…I knew something was wrong. There was something that wasn’t looking right with the heart, so they sent me to a pediatric cardiac specialist. They discovered that the baby had an Arterial Ductus that was prematurely closing. If it did close before the baby was born, the right side of the heart would fail, resulting in the baby’s death.

Bryonna and kidsThey monitored the baby and I and watched twice a week to see how the blood flow looked. I also had stress tests weekly on top of my normal weekly doctor appointment. I went to the doctor every single day for the last 6 weeks of my pregnancy which was more than a little stressful, but worth it to keep an eye on everything! Sometimes I had to travel as much at 1.5 hours one way; it was stress on top of stress.
They decided that if they could get me to 37 weeks they would then induce. But at 36 weeks they noticed that the duct was constricting a little bit more and the blood flow was diminished. Added to that was my stress level and they felt that it was best to induce me then. My son was born June 18 at 9:54 am weighing 7lb 3oz and was 19 inches long. We named him Keegan Ladd and he is the best and the happiest baby ever!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of Wisdom?

B: If you know someone who has experienced the loss of a baby, don’t be afraid to talk about the baby and ask questions. We, as parents, don’t want to forget our children; we want to remember them. It helps us to keep that memory alive when people know that there is another child, and the more we can talk about our child, the easier it is to keep that memory alive.

For grieving moms, let people help you, allow yourself to grieve naturally, and keep hope in your heart.

Some Sites That May Be Helpful

https://www.nowilaymedowntosleep.org/

http://nationalshare.org/

http://healgrief.org/]]>
		
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		Winter Fashion 2014 Trends: Dos or Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-fashion-2014-trends-dos-donts/
		Wed, 12 Nov 2014 13:00:09 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3180
		
		Prairie Wife: I feel like we just did our Fall Fashion 2014 Trends: Dos or Don'ts, but in truth the post was up two months ago...how time flies! The weather here in Wyoming is getting much colder and I find myself enjoying my horse chores a little less each week. Some of that is because of the rapidly growing baby belly and the trouble it causes, but mostly it's the nippy air and fierce wind that has me dreading feeding the horses. I love the cozy sweaters and knee high boots that the winter fashion brings. While doing this post I am finding that the weather differences between Texas Two Steppin's "winter" and mine have caused a little  more variety in our opinions this time around.

Texas Two Steppin': This past weekend it was in the 80s and I was wearing shorts, but I think PW jinxed me because the temps are supposed to plunge into the '20s in Central Texas this week (a rare occurrence). Oh well, break out the closed-toed heels! We can't wait to hear what our readers think of our Winter Fashion 2014 Trends: Dos or Don'ts list! As always, click on the pic to go directly to the site and view/purchase your item.

Quilting

quilted bootPrairie Wife: Don't, don't, don't...ugh this one is a don't for me. It just always reminds me of an old lady (and not in a style icon kind of way) and I immediately imagine I can smell stale perfume and moth balls. You can disguise it on a sweet little bag or a trendy bright jacket but in the end, quilting just says OLD and dowdy to me!

Texas Two Steppin': Do, do, do is the advice from me to you! Yes, not everything with quilting is on trend, and I am not a huge fan of patchwork quilting, but you can find certain items that are sleek and stylish. I absolutely love the quilted patches on my cobalt blue leather moto jacket. And one of my favorite pairs of black leather boots that were recently "stolen" by Step Girl are quilted. They have a four-inch stiletto heel, so I will argue that they are not dowdy in the least. True, you need to look at the quality of the piece because it can easily look cheap if the stitching is poor quality, but there is a reason Chanel quilted handbags have been featured in fashion magazines for decades.

Buffalo Plaid

buffalo plaidPrairie Wife: I'm sure it will come as no surprise to you that this is a Do for me! Not only does it remind me of my Nirvana lovin' plaid shirt wearing High School days but, the little bit of country that Buffalo plaid adds to any outfit is something I love! That being said I'm not completely sold on a Buffalo Plaid skirt...a form fitting shirt, sweater, or jacket is perfect! I am also on the hunt for a Buffalo Plaid shawl, how cute would it look thrown over a Chambray top with dark wash jeans and brown knee high boots?! SOOO cute right?!

Texas Two Steppin': It is a Do for me too, but for totally different reasons. I like it because it is a classic look. About 10 years ago I splurged on my first Ralph Lauren piece--a buffalo plaid fitted  flannel shirt. Because it doesn't get super cold here, I usually roll up the sleeves and then pair it with jeans, a tank top and ballet flats for the weekend. Easy breezy, and every now and then I'll even pair the tank/shirt combo with a black pencil skirt and riding boots for casual Friday at the office. My one-year-old granddaughter just got a buffalo plaid button down in hot pink, and I am honestly considering looking for one in my size because it was so cute (yes, if I find one, I do solemnly swear to never, ever, ever wear it at the same time as her).

Cigarette Pants

cig pantsPrairie Wife: These are a total do for me! I love that fashion right now has pretty much anything for everyone. The loose drapey harem type pants (that I am loving right now) are comfy and boho chic, while these slim and sleek pants are professional with just a hint of sexy. They are date ready with a pair of heels and a silk blouse or perfect for the PTO meeting with a pair of oxfords and a cardigan. Just make sure you have them tailored (or sleekly rolled) so that they hit right at your ankle bone or a bit above! PS My favorite  magazine Marie Claire did a great article on "Cheap" Cigarette Pants!

Texas Two Steppin': Hello, can you say Audrey Hepburn? I just bought a black brocade pair that I plan to wear to the many holiday parties we get invited to. Heels or flats, emerald pullover or white button down or sequins tank with a tuxedo jacket--the number of looks I can create are endless! Of course this is a Do, but I am going to stray a little bit from Prairie Wife's recommendations. I honestly think these only look good cropped just above the ankle; any longer and they are just skinny pants. And, you must tailor, not roll them, so you don't loose the sleek, signature look of the cigarette pant.

Robe Coat

belted coatPrairie Wife: I just can't decide on this one but to be honest I'm leaning more towards Don't for me. It looks super cozy and warm, a must in the Wyoming winter but...I think of our wind and how it would just be constantly blowing open. Also, I know from experience that a longer coat causes problems for me when I am getting in and out of the car and bending over to pick up Cowkids. Add to the my huge belly from CowBaby5 getting in the way of the tie. I just have to pass on this trend, sorry.

Texas Two Steppin': I'm so sorry it doesn't work for you PW! I know it won't protect you from the wild Wyoming wind, but in Texas this is totally a Do. I bought a purple robe coat last year, and the few times it was cold enough to warrant wearing it, I was stopped by strangers begging to know where I found it (Nordstrom Rack). I love that I don't even have to button it to look put together; just a quick tie at the waist and I'm heading out the door. Now, I guess you would call my coat a "modified robe" since it is more of a tunic length, so don't give up on the trend right away--the right version for you is out there.

Split Seam Tops

split seamPrairie Wife: This one is a don't for me. I am all about leggings and skinny jeans with tunic tops right now, it's almost all I wear! This split seam shirt offers the butt coverage I love but with the split seam and my extra long waist I know I'd have to wear a tank underneath to prevent belly/muffin top sightings as I run around after Cowboy C. Plus, I think it looks a little dated and 1980s in a bad way! The first time I saw it I immediately envisioned Texas Two Steppin' wearing one with leggings and several layers of tube socks covering her legs from ankle to knee. If anyone could pull that look off today it'd be her but, I just can't offer my support!

Texas Two Steppin': Hey, those weren't layers of tube socks, those were legwarmers...and at the time they were "in." I am going to say that, like most trends, this one depends. I totally agree with the tank top suggestion, Prairie Wife, and if you have to wear a tank you ruin the look. I also agree that butt coverage is a must when you wear leggings, especially when you get to be my age. But I did see someone at the office rocking the split seam, and it looked great because 1) she had a boyish figure 2) the top was a combination of two complementary fabrics and 3) flesh wasn't showing. But I'm afraid that with my curves that exact same top would have looked hideous on me. So, if you are feeling adventurous, by all means try this look out. But do yourself a favor and try it on in the store before you buy it because it is tricky to pull off.

Do you have any Winter clothing trends that you think are total Dos or Don'ts? Please share!]]>
		
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		Little Girl Bedroom Makeover: French Inspired
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/little-girl-bedroom-makeover-french-inspired/
		Sat, 08 Nov 2014 13:00:51 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3185
		
		 CowBaby5 we've got a bunch of things to check off our to-do list. From past experience I've learned that it's best to make big changes several months before the baby comes (especially when you have a toddler). It allows everyone time to adjust and causes less stress and turmoil to those first exhausting months of having a newborn in the house. On our list is; potty train Cowboy C; make the nursery gender appropriate, and move a few of the Cowkids to new rooms. Cowgirl G was moved down to a larger room in the basement (our former guest room) and Cowboy C was moved down the hall and out of the nursery.

renoirI really believe it's important for the kids to help pick their room "theme" though it causes The Cowboy to roll his eyes. It may sound silly but giving them "control" and allowing them to make choices for themselves and making them stick with them for a long amount of time really helps them to become more responsible and conscious decision makers. Right away my little fashionista girl picked a French theme. Influenced I'm sure by The Cowboy and my trip to France earlier this year! I went to Amazon.com and picked out a bunch of French items for her to look at. I wanted to show her choices and let her pick. I assumed she would go with the bold modern fashion prints (she spends hours drawing her own fashion designs and wants to be on Project Runway when she grows up) but threw in some cute Eiffel Tower/Poodle pictures as well as some French Impressionist paintings. I was surprise when she immediately went for the Degas and Renoir paintings! I tagged her choices and then let he think about it for a few days. When we touched base again she was still all about the French Impressionist theme so I hit Pinterest and gathered up some ideas.

We had a tight budget for the room, and several furniture pieces that were already in the room that we needed to use. Luckily the wrought iron bed and quilt we already had were perfect for her theme. I found a few inspiration pictures to help me with the furniture and Cowgirl G and I hit our local Home store and picked out paint colors that would go well with the light pink walls we already had. Cowgirl G picked her three favorite prints from Amazon.com and I bought black frames to help them match the wrought iron bed and newly painted hardware on the furniture. A wall sticker helped add a bit of little girl charm, and emphasized her French theme. We kept a wide open area of floor so she could have room to spread out with her dolls and toys and we made a little dress-up corner perfect for her and her friends.

Here is a chair a friend gave us to use for Cowgirl G's desk.

chair before

This is the dresser that was already in the room for our guests to use. I took off the hardware and painted it black so it would match the wrought iron bed.

dresser before

I bought a spray primer and we covered all the furniture with two coats of it. Make sure you do this in a well ventilated area!

primer

I then used two coats of tinted cabinet paint to make the furniture match my inspiration picture from Pinterest. I used sandpaper to wear away corners and edges to give it a more rustic look. To add the aged brown to the worn spots I used cheese cloth and a dark wood stain (just buy a few sample packets, you won't need a whole can). Put some of the stain on the cheese cloth and rub it on the worn areas, start with a little you can always add more.

dresser done

Here is a look at the final product! Because it is a basement room I chose shear curtains to allow in as much natural light as possible.

Cowgirl G bed

We covered the chair with a bold pattern to tie in with the black accents. The bulletin board is a simple framed board that I covered with a floral pattern that ties in with the blues and pinks (though it's hard to see it under all her art work).

Cowgirl G desk

The dresser turned out great, and I'm glad I was going for a distressed look as The Cowboy gave it a few extra dings as he carried it down!

Cowgirl G desk

Do you let your kids pick their room theme?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week November 14, 2014 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-november-14-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 14 Nov 2014 13:00:07 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3199
		
		Marissa Hermer of Ladies of London, agreed to be a Prairie Wife of the Week a few months ago. After that big coup I became a little less scared to dream big. One Tuesday night as I was sitting on the couch eating ice cream and watching one of my favorite shows, Kim of Queens on Lifetime (it just finished it's second season) I thought "I would love to go out for lunch with Kim, and her sister...and her mom!" Their obvious passion for life, sassy attitudes, and confidence just ooze out of the screen. Add to that fun quotes like "I've got more drama than a squirrels got nuts, y'all!" and "Just call me butter baby, 'cause I'm on a roll!"  and you can see why I would be more than willing to find a sitter and spend a few hours with them. It occurred to me that while a lunch date was probably not in the cards...perhaps an interview was! I sent an e-mail to Kim's people who promptly responded that Kim would be glad to do an interview. After I got done squealing and dancing around (as much as a woman largely pregnant with her 5th child can dance) I got down to the business of working out the details.

Thankfully when it came time for my phone interview my lovely neighbor was willing to watch the two littlest Cowboys. I was nervous enough  to chat with Kim, the last thing I needed was Cowboy C to throw a tantrum in the middle of it! I shouldn't have been worried. I can honestly say that Kim is as gracious, thoughtful, and witty in real life as she is on the show. We bonded over a shared love of baseball hats, mom sweats, Pinterest and the never ending concern for the future of our children. She was honest and open with me and I found myself feeling like she should be charging me by the hour for her life coaching tidbits she slipped in throughout the interview. I can't wait for her book to come out next year, I know that it will be a self help book that will become a tool that allows me to truly grow as I read it! Kim's passion for God, family, work, and staying true to herself make her a Prairie Wife to be admired. Add to that her ability to motivate and help others grow through well chosen words of wisdom and you can see why she is one of my favorite Prairie Wives ever! Maybe, just maybe, she Allisyn and Jo will take me up on that offer for lunch...my treat!

Stop by the end of this interview to enter a Giveaway! Our Kim of Queens Prize Package includes a signed photo of Kim, a Pageant Place T-shirt (size large), a darling makeup bag full of Hardee Girl makeup and jewelry goodies, and what every woman needs...her very own crown! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post. Earn extra points by following PrairieWifeInHeels.com and Kim Gravel on social media. Please be honest, we will be checking all entries to make sure they are valid!

Kim Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family.

Kim (K): I live in Georgia with my husband Travis and two boys Beau and Blanton. As you know from the show I grew up in a tight knit but always loud family. We are a passionate God loving family and I am a passionate person, I can see that in my boys and I love it!

PW: When you were younger you became involved in pageants, and eventually won the Miss Georgia title and became the US Goodwill Ambassador to Japan. Can you share why you, a self proclaimed “ugly duckling,” became involved in pageants?

Kim head Shot 1K: I was not the typical pretty girl, but I knew that I had something to say, even at a young age. I had a talent for singing and I knew I had a unique point of view and at that time, I had nowhere to share my views. We had drama at school which was wonderful. But it wasn’t a place where I could be myself and share my personal story. I never looked at pageants as a beauty competition; I always focused on the interview and microphone part. I was into female empowerment (though I wasn’t aware of it at the time) and I saw pageants as a way for me to stand strong and reach others in my community.

PW: You now run Pageant Place (the topic of a hit Lifetime TV show) where you offer workshops and classes for young girls and teens who are interested in participating in pageants. Your no nonsense approach is admired by thousands of fans but…in the end you still work with the most feared of all creatures…the pubescent girl. Any advice for those of us who have young girls and teens on discipline and building healthy self-esteem?

K: I put into practice what my parents did with my sister and I. Though I need to say that I strongly feel that kids today face so much more than we had to face as children! With all the social media bombarding our kids they are getting the same message over and over…conform. This is the definition of beauty…slim, clear skin, tall, big lips, full breasts and lush lashes. Or this is what it means to be successful...money, big house, flashy car, designer clothes, and a private jet. When in truth the definition of beauty and success is individual to each person. It’s killing our kid’s creativity and confidence and keeping them from developing their own personalities. It’s also exposing them to things that they shouldn’t be exposed to at an early age. It’s the nature of the beast, so rather than ignoring it, have those hard (and sometimes embarrassing) conversations. Show them the harsh realities and then educate them about how to handle it. Then when it happens and you aren’t there…they will have the strength to conquer it on their own.

We are trying to protect our kids from all the bumps and bruises of life that hurt us, and believe me I’m a mom I get it! To be strong adults, our kids have to spread their wings and then falter and crash down to the ground every now and then. Be there to offer support and encouragement, but don’t always be the one holding them up. Let them hurt a little bit and learn how to cope. Allow your child to discover who they are. Help aid them in that process, but don’t take it over.

I think that discipline today isn’t enough and it’s for the wrong reasons. We do it because of what other people may think of our kids when they see them throw a fit in the store, not for their own character development. My favorite rule for the teens is if they don’t pay for it they shouldn’t play with it. If my kids want a phone or a car great, give me money each month for the phone bill or pay for your own gas. Putting restrictions on their behavior and making clear boundaries for them is healthy!

We need to be building leaders not followers. Let them be who they are, know that they will rebel (and as long as it’s in a safe way allow it) and let them discover their strengths. For my family and I faith is a vital part of our lives. As a parent you need to educate your children about the why and how of what you believe, don’t just expect them to blindly follow…because it won’t stick once they leave the house if they don't truly believe.

Read a second more recent interview with Kim now!

PW: A lot of mothers I know contemplate putting their daughters in pageants. Do you have any advice for them? Is there such a thing as too young or too much?

K: I don’t like pageants that don’t have a speaking element to them. If you want to have fun and have it be about the dress that’s fine. The interview forces the girls to develop communication skills. When you put a girl on stage at 8 years old, and teach them how to share their ideas and beliefs with strangers, just think how it will benefit them at 16. Don’t break the bank to do pageants, look at is as a hobby. If you set out each time with the goal to grow not win the crown, the crown will always come. You may need to push your child sometimes, after all kids are kids. But, you need to make sure it’s because they are going to thrive by continuing, not because you want them to be there. In the end be an aware parent that’s tuned into your kid, you’ll know when it’s time to take a break or when it’s time to push forward.

Kim FamPW: Your mom and sister both work with you, and while you make it clear it can be trying at times, your love for each other is obvious. Has your relationship with your family always been that way?

K: We are very passionate and opinionated and have always been that way. But in the end we don’t take ourselves too seriously so no offense is ever taken. We are self aware and loving and we know that all the fuss and yelling comes from a place of love.

PW: Though I’ve never met you in person, your confidence is SO apparent that it practically jumps out of the TV. Can you share some personal tips and tricks you use to feel better when you’re not feeling great about yourself.

K: There are three things that are foundational to building my confidence.

First: It’s no secret that my relationship with God is important to me. His strength gives me my strength.

Second: We all have things that go wrong each and every day whether it’s a headache, a bad hair day, bad weather, 20 extra pounds, or losing your job…nothing will ever be perfect. The key is stopping the chatter, that inner negativity that weighs you down. As soon as that voice starts picking at you, shut it down and replace it with your truth!

Third: Know what your purpose on this earth is. If you don’t know what it is, start working to figure it out! Why are you here? If you define your purpose and keep your focus on that, it doesn’t mater what the world does and says, no one can take that away. My personal call is to build, to edify. I build businesses, people, relationships, buildings…that‘s just what I do. When you have people that know their purpose and stay focused well, that’s when you get the Oprah’s of the world! Those unique people that stimulate positive change wherever they go. If you aren’t dead yet, you still have something to do.

PW: You are a whirlwind of activity and besides your pageants you are also a professional makeup artist and have your own line of makeup products called Hardee Girl. What makeup products should every woman have in their makeup bag, and know how to use?

Kim head shot 2K: I can’t emphasize good skin care enough! Exfoliate, exfoliate, and exfoliate. Take at least one day a week to nourish your skin. As far as makeup products, you HAVE to have a good bronzer…please no orange. I don’t wear foundation every day; just throw that bronzer on your cheeks and you look fresh and rested. Everyone needs a good nude lip color for their specific coloring. When you find it get the lipstick, lip pencil, and lip gloss. I am a self proclaimed freak about brows. You’ve all heard it before; if the eyes are the windows to the soul the brows are the window frame. Keep them arched in the right way for your face, and don’t over pluck. Start and end your eyebrows where your eye is, it gives you an instant eye lift. Mascara is harsh, so be careful what products you use and try to skip it when you can. Many of the formulas have formaldehyde in them and that will wreck your lashes. Hardee Girl is developing our own mascara that prompts growth and is natural. I am super excited because we are currently working with QVC to start selling a variety of our Hardee Girl products.

PW: Besides being a woman, wife, mother and business owner you are a blogger, life coach, public speaker, and a singer in your own band how do you keep it all balanced?

K: I’ve got a great support system, both emotionally and also the people that are willing to help me juggle it all. I took time “off” to stay home with my boys. During that time I always said that Lord willing I would get back out there and make a difference. Now I am out there, and I love it! We had a lot of time to prepare and plan for my transition back to work, and I know that planning is why things have gone so well. I don’t think you can have it all, but I know you can do it all if you have the right mind set.

PW: You have two young boys, which I know can be absolutely exhausting yet filled with joy at the same time, can you share a little bit about your experiences with motherhood?

Gravel Beach PhotoK: When my boys were born I took 5 years and stayed home with them. I traveled some but, most of my focus on the boys. I’m not going to lie, it was hard. It wasn’t easy for me and I struggled with the transition, there were times that I didn’t enjoy it at all. As I look back I know in my heart it was the right choice and it was good for my kids, and good for me. Becoming a mom changes who you are and for many women it gives them confidence in who they are and what their purpose it...I have been one of those woman who gained a new sense of self by becoming a mother. I think as a mom I really try to focus on not raising children, but raising young men. Like all mom’s I have areas I know I need to work on. I admit to being the marathon screamer as a mother, and then when things settle down I always feel badly. But, all you can do it take a deep breath and try and move forward and do better next time. My kids are always so good at showing me the worst parts of myself. I’ll hear things come out of their mouth and think…Uh oh, I know where they learned that!

PW: On the show we always see you dolled up and amidst the hustle and bustle of your work, what do you do to relax at home (please tell me you do own a pair of trashy mom sweat pants)?

K: I am a homebody and we love to just “be” a family. For me, my home is my haven. We take walks together; snuggle on the couch watching TV, and sit down to eat home cooked meals together. I totally admit to being the typical mom, right now I’m wearing a baseball hat, sweat pants, and not a bit of makeup. I do NOT glamor up every day, only when we are filming or I am at work, just like every other women I love my days off!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

K: But we do not belong to those who shrink back and are destroyed, but to those who have faith and are saved. Hebrews 10:39

Note: Want to know what Kim is up to now? Check out this interview we did with her in February of 2015!

Don't forget to enter our Giveaway! Our Kim of Queens Prize Package includes a signed photo of Kim, a Pageant Place T-shirt (size large), a darling makeup bag full of Hardee Girl makeup and jewelry goodies, and what every woman needs...her very own crown! All you have to do to enter is leave a comment on this post. Earn extra points by following PrairieWifeInHeels.com and Kim Gravel on social media. Please be honest, we will be checking all entries to make sure they are valid!

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		Kid's Movies Need to Come With a Kleenex Rating
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/kids-movies-need-come-kleenex-rating/
		Mon, 10 Nov 2014 13:00:47 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3213
		
		This weekend I got the chance to be what I call “the FUN mom!” It doesn’t happen around here very often but every once in a while I get a chance to do something with my kids just to spoil them rotten and make a memory. I love to go to the movies and one of my favorite things is to take the Cowkids to a kid movie and chow down on popcorn and slurp soda (a rare treat for all of us). Due to the cost of this activity (it was $50 this weekend for everything) we only do it a few times a year. The Cowboy does not enjoy kid’s movies and was more than happy to stay home with Cowboy C so I could take the three bigger Cowkids on a date this Saturday.

The Cowkids voted and decided to go to Big Hero 6. It looked cute and according to all the reviews it was a good one for all my kids’ ages. We headed to the movie, arrived nice and early, and got perfect seats. I took our required “movie selfies” turned off my phone and settled in to watch the movie.

While I am not what you would call a movie buff, I have seen my fare share of kid’s movies. I knew without a doubt that at some point an adored family member or pet was going to die…it’s just how these things work. The last movie we saw was How To Train Your Dragon 2 and The Cowboy was mortified when he looked down the row and saw all of us sobbing not so quietly into our popcorn. This time I was prepared and had a few Kleenexes ready to hand out to the Cowkids. I made sure I sat where I could pat heads and hold hands comfortingly with all three of them when the sad occasion occurred.

mom crying at movieAs I predicted we sat with tears flowing down our faces a few minutes into the movie. As the plot continued we cheered up, dried our tears and moved forward…only to be sobbing yet again…and then one more time in the span of 45min! I completely emphasized with the little girl behind us who was crying so loudly her mom had to remove her from the theater. After the third time I wasn’t sure if I could keep my own sniffle level down much longer! Poor Cowboy J and Cowgirl G were puffy faced red eyed messes (we are not pretty criers in this family). Cowboy W is a little younger so he wasn’t quite so upset but he spent at least half of the movie in my lap with a quivering lip. We sat as the credits rolled drying yet more tears, though this time they were the happy kind, and waiting for our faces to look a little less tragic.

We went to the bathroom and loaded up for the ride home. Per tradition I asked each Cowkid to share their favorite part and character with me. Cowboy W chimed in right away followed by Cowgirl G. When I asked Cowboy J what he thought he quietly said “I need some more time before I can talk about it.” And wiped away another stray tear, I can’t say I wasn’t feeling the same myself!

Now, don’t get me wrong, it was a wonderful movie and totally appropriate for my kids to watch, and I would watch it again! But, I really wish The Motion Picture Association of America would put a Kleenex rating on kid’s movies. Just a little picture under the G or PG rating that shows you how many times you will need to pull out the Kleenex. Don’t you think it would be better for all of us to be a little more prepared?!

Copyright: agencyby / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: hohotun4ik / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Holiday Makeup with Professional Makeup Artist Kendra Richards #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/holiday-makeup-professional-makeup-artist-kendra-richards-giveaway/
		Sat, 15 Nov 2014 13:00:52 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3237
		
		one of my favorite past Prairie Wives, Professional Makeup Artist to the stars, Kendra Richards! Stop by her Instagram to see her amazing work and get more than a little star struck (she failed to mention she knows Curtis Stone). She graciously took the time to chat with me and answer some questions that I think we all have when it comes to the Holidays. How can we look best in family pictures, what is the best filter for a flawless face, what looks are best for holiday parties? Thankfully besides answering all my questions Kendra directed me to her super helpful how to videos, make sure you stop by to brush up on your makeup techniques! As a special gift from us to you we are giving TWO WINNERS their own Heir Atelier Ultimate Makeup Prep! Enter to win at the end of this interview.

Prairie Wife (PW): The holiday’s are almost upon us and for many of us that means a ton of pictures! Can you share some tips for making our makeup look flawless in pictures?

Black Lined EyesKendra (K): The first step is to make sure you are priming your face and eyes. I recommend a product like Heir Atelier for your face because it both moisturizes and primes. This combination works together to keep your makeup smooth and looking flawless. Use an eye primer every time you wear eye makeup to help your eye shadow last longer and prevent your shadow from creasing. Powder should be used on your T zone to prevent you from looking greasy. Choose a lightweight formula for the most natural look while giving you the best results. When I do red carpet work I don’t powder the whole face, I want as much of the real skin to show through as possible because that is what keeps skin looking dewy fresh and young.

PW: Are there any particular things we should emphasize (or hide) to look better on camera?

K: It’s important to remember that one size doesn’t fit all. In the end good pictures often end up being mostly about good lighting! We always say good lighting will hide a multitude of sins and bad lighting with great makeup will still result in a bad picture. When doing your makeup choose one thing to focus on, eyes OR lips, so the different parts of your face aren’t competing. A lot of people still think that when you wear makeup for pictures you need to wear more than you normally do, while decades ago this was true it isn’t necessarily true anymore. With the current smartphone lenses, digital cameras and HD cameras you shouldn’t follow that rule anymore. Stick to your regular makeup routine. If you are doing family pictures bring a makeup bag and a mirror and have your photographer take a test picture to check your look. You can always bump your makeup up a little if needed after seeing the test photo. Don’t forget to bring toothpicks, and check your teeth for food!

PW: Is there a certain tilt of the face or an expression that will be more flattering then a full on smile?

Cindy Crawford Beauty at every ageK: If you look at many of the red carpet celebrities most of them have a pose they use all the time, they have learned how they look best and give you that pose or face most every time . Watch that your chin is not too high (you don’t want people looking up your nose) but give it a little lift and jut your chin out a tiny bit which helps flatter your neck. In general you probably want the camera just a little higher than your eye level. Experiment to see if you look best looking directly at camera or with your face slightly to one side. Go ahead and practice in front of the mirror, no one will know! Think about the expression in your eyes and try and smile with them (one art director I work with tells his models to “smeyes”) a slight smile is great and you can even show some teeth. Find a look that you like and works for you, I like to think of something that makes me very happy and have fun because I think it shows. What works for me is thinking of my sweet dog Ella… I can’t help but smile.

PW: So many pictures today are taken with phones, are there different things to think about with our makeup to look our best on Instagram?

K: Be sure to have your T-Zone powdered so that you don’t look greasy. If you are wearing shimmer you want it in strategic places like high on the cheekbone, the brow bone or eyes but not where it might make you look oily. Sometimes flash will wash you out a little if it is too close to you so in that case DO add a little more color where needed despite what I said earlier about not needing to pile makeup on if you think you will be in close quarters shooting photos with a flash. The best way to be prepared is to take some practice shots at home, it’s a great way to check and make sure your makeup is just how you want it. What looks good in a mirror doesn’t always look the same in a photo. Even as professionally we often end up doing tweaks on set because things look different on camera. Do your homework ahead of time. If you want to try a new look or product do it a few weeks ahead of time so you can be confident you look your best on a big night. Remember, there is nothing wrong with keeping the same look you always have if it’s what you like and feel comfortable with!

PW: Speaking of Instagram what filters do you think are the best for the “flawless face” look we all strive for?

Kendra Doing Eye MakeupK: I have a photographer friend that runs his pictures through multiple filters to get just the right look, which is a great tip! I personally like Xpro and Mayfair but it depends on what I’m sharing. If I am sharing a photo about the makeup colors I want them to look as true to life and authentic as I can. Try a few filters out on your photo and pick your favorite. There are some great apps (I love FaceTune that allows you to clean up an image yourself and VisageLab is a no brainer photoshop tool that does the work for you) that will clean up all your pictures up for you. They take a great picture and makes it look even more flawless!

flawless flacePW: A lot of people tend to immediately think red lip and glitter eyeshadow for a holiday party look, what do you think?

K: I think red lip OR glitter eye shadow not both. Just because it’s the holiday’s doesn’t mean you need to look like a Christmas ornament! My general rule of makeup-pick one thing to emphasize. Go ahead and have fun with the holiday aspect but remember, you should be trying to look like the best version of yourself, not like someone else! And if red lipstick isn’t your thing you don’t have to wear it, festive means different things to everyone.

PW: Is it best to wash your face clean from the day’s makeup and start over if you have an evening party to go to, or can we just layer on top?

K: Ideally clean your face and reapply your makeup before going out. If you can’t do that use a primer/moisturizer like Heir Atelier to freshen up any dry areas. Then reapply makeup where you need it. Blotting papers are a great way to control shiny without adding more powder.

When it comes time to create your party look there are a few tricks to take your day makeup to night. Emphasize your lashes by adding some black eyeliner on your upper water line. If you are looking tired, use a deep blue liner to make your eyes look whiter and fresher. Go ahead and add another layer of mascara and comb through your lashes with a metal eyelash comb between each coat (I do this day or night) this will keep your mascara from clumping. Keep your lips moisturized so your lipstick looks fresh. Begin using a lipscrub a few days before the event to prep your lips and skin so you’ll look your best!

PW: How can we keep our makeup lasting all night long?

K: I can’t emphasize the importance of using a primer on your whole face before you apply your makeup (I bet by now you know what primer I prefer)! Don’t forget to use a primer made specifically for your eyelids on your eyes. Using a cream eyeshadow or powder it helps keep the color from fading and prevents your makeup from settling in the creases. I use a simple moisturizer or my primer on the under eye area. Too much makeup and especially powder under your eyes can result in emphasizing what you are trying to cover up. I like to use a soft highlighting product under the eye and blend out over the cheekbones to give a glow and lift to the face. For mascara I stay away from waterproof mascara because it tends to clump. I like Kiss Me mascara by Blinc for those long events/parties, it has staying power and it takes both water and pressure to remove it. If you have oily skin keep blotter papers in your purse and just use one quickly when you use the restroom…beware of over powdering! For those of you with dry skin bring a light moisturizer to quickly tap onto any spots that may be feeling tight and dry. Ultimate Make Up Prep does have moisturizing ingredients in it so that you won’t have to continue to add hydration.

PW: Any predictions for new makeup trends in 2015?

Plum LipsK: There are definitely a few things I saw from the runway for Spring. Plum lips and red lips are all over the runways. Black eyeliner in a variety of styles. I saw the cat eye, as well as bold black eyeliner on the top and on the bottom. In the end I always say you need to be discerning and do what looks good on you. Take what is on the runway and tweak it so you look your best. Perhaps for your skin tone you need to use a sheer plum gloss rather than a rich matte lipstick. Maybe the best look for you is black eyeliner on top rather than around your whole eye, or a cat eye with brown liner rather than black. Experiment and have fun but some makeup trends just won’t work for everyone. Remember, glowing gorgeous skin will never go out of style…anything you add to that is just the icing on the cake!

Kendra will be stopping by throughout the week to answer any questions you may have, and to respond to your comments! Also, don't forget to enter to win your very own bottle of Heir Atelier Makeup Prep!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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		How to Take Amazing Holiday Photos
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/take-amazing-holiday-photos/
		Mon, 17 Nov 2014 13:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3250
		
		Erin when she was a Prairie Wife of the Week and she shared how she took her love of photography and turned it into a business. With the holidays coming up, many of us are rushing to get family photos taken for Christmas cards. I hope I’m not alone when I share that I spent weeks trying to pick out the right outfits for all of us. Then you have all those holiday pictures with relatives...I always keep my fingers crossed that at least one won’t have my toddler screaming and reaching for me! As part of our month of Helpful Holiday Hints, I asked Erin if she would take a few moments to answer some questions and offer some advice that will help ensure that all your holiday memories are perfectly captured!

Prairie Wife (PW): Let’s start with family picture advice first. What do you think about matching outfits, coordinating outfits, or everyone wearing whatever they want?

Erin (E): There are so many options and things to think about when it comes to deciding what to wear! I personally like when the outfits look coordinated. I suggest picking three or four colors and then mixing it up. Have one person wear stripes in that color theme, another person in plaid, then floral etc. If there is an accent color you can have someone wear a solid shirt in that color. Fabrics with texture always look great. Layers are wonderful for both visual interest and added warmth for an outdoor session. Sometimes it is tempting to wear holiday attire, but if you want to hang a print of your family up year round it may end up looking too seasonal. If it is cold outside for your session, throw some hats and mittens on those little ones, they will be much happier. Look online for outfit ideas, I recommend Pinterest.

outfits

PW: Props or not for family pictures?

E: Most of the props I use are useful ones, something to sit on or a simple prop that will add color and interest to a photo. When the prop takes the attention away from the people in the photo I think it is too much. That being said, for holiday cards you might want to add a little extra prop in your photos. A few ideas are large letters that spell something festive, a Christmas banner, or perhaps ornaments or a Christmas Star.

couch

toddlerPW: Any advice for how to make younger children look at the camera or stay still?

E: Well, I know this lady that does a great cookie monster! Ha Ha!

PW: That would be me…I spent 20 minutes singing like Cookie Monster to keep Cowboy C happy our last photo session! I can honestly say the raspy throat the next day was well worth it when I saw the beautiful pictures.

E: The answer to this question totally depends on the individual child and what the mood is. I rely on the parents for this because they are often very helpful and know what type of coercion will work best! I also totally agree with bribery and some sort of reward. I love it when parents throw in a “If you can cooperate we can go get a treat!” I also like to get the kids up and moving some, and breaks in between shots to explore close by can help. It is best to keep the mood light and fun whenever possible. If the kiddo is very young sometime you just have to chase them around with the camera and hope you get some good shots!

PW: Do you have any favorite poses that work well for families?

E: My favorite poses are when everyone is touching and looking cozy. Things that help achieve this vibe are of course physically being close together, holding hands, an arm around someone next to you, leaning on someone, and sitting in laps. Being able to see the love a family has for each other just makes a wonderful photo!

touching

PW: Natural light makes the best pictures, but in winter this isn’t always possible. What can we do to make our indoor pictures look better?

E: Basically, learning a little more about your camera will help with this. Just experiment a bit with different settings. When there is low light, your shutter speed slows down to allow more light in. This results in blurry photos, so you need to figure out a way to add more light. Pick a room that has the best light, a room with windows that let in a soft light. If the sun is too bright, hang something to help soften the light if pulling the curtains takes too much of the light away. By reading your camera manual and figuring out what your camera is capable of will not only improve your indoor photos, but all of your photos!

PW: When it comes time to take holiday pictures of gift opening or family time what advice do you have?

E: Time to turn on the video camera! This is a great time to be able to hear the excitement as well as see it!

PW: Any other helpful holiday hints for great holiday photos?

E: What is your favorite part of Christmas? Decorating the tree, cooking a big dinner, or playing family board games? Snap a few photos during these special times. In twenty years you’ll love having those memories to look back on!

joy

Stop by Erin's site or her Facebook Page to see more of her work and to schedule your next family photo session! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section, Erin will be stopping by this week to answer them.

Make sure you read our Holiday Makeup Tips post and learn how to look your best in pictures from professional makeup artist Kendra Richards!]]>
		
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		Holiday Pinata Cookies
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/holiday-pinata-cookies/
		Wed, 19 Nov 2014 13:00:01 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3265
		
		Past Prairie Wife of the Week, and Guest Contributor here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com Cheeleo from Life Is Sweet, took the time to show us how to make our own Holiday Pinata Cookies. Take a moment to watch the video and then scroll down to find step by step instructions. While Cheeleo uses Turkey cookie for a fun Thanksgiving Pinata but just think how cute Christmas Tree or Snowmen Pinata cookies would be?! For some great frosting and decorating tips click here!

Questions or comments? Just leave them in the comment section and Cheeleo will stop by to answer them!



Holiday Pinata Cookies

 pinata cookieIngredients
1 Batch of baked Sugar Cookies
Royal Icing
1 bag of small chocolate candies (mini m&m work the best)

1. Roll out a batch of sugar cookies using your favorite recipe (or use sugar cookie dough premade and in a roll...we won't tell). Make sure that every third cookie has a hole cut out of the center (see the video for exact instructions).

2. Bake the cookies and decorate the ones that do NOT have a hole in the center. Remember that you will have to decorate opposite sides of the cookie if it is not symmetrical (once again see video for clearer instructions)!

3. Once cookies are decorated and dried, place the first cookie frosting side down. Using your Royal Icing trace a thin line around the edges of the cookie. Place the cookie with the hole in the center on top of the icing.

4. Fill the hole with small chocolate candies, make sure you don't over fill it!

5. Using your Royal Icing pipe a thin line around the cookie with the hole in the center that is now filled with candies. Place another frosted sugar cookie, frosted side up, on top of the icing. allow to set for 5 hours.

6. Serve to your friends and family and watch the fun as they discover the sweet treat inside their cookies!

Pinata Cookie Open

 

 

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		Winter Beauty and Accessory Trends 2014: Dos and Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-beauty-accessory-trends-2014-dos-donts/
		Sat, 22 Nov 2014 13:00:48 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3271
		
		Winter Fashion Trends 2014: Dos and Don'ts and now it's time for our Winter Beauty and Accessory Trends. Texas Two Steppin' and I had more disagreements than usual with our Winter Fashion Trend Post...I can't wait to see what happens this time! As always click on the pictures to go directly to the site to buy the items.

White Boots

Zara White BootsPrairie Wife: While in theory I think there is nothing wrong with the look of white boots, and I even like them, I have to say in reality this look is a DON'T for me. Wearing these with black tights and a LBD (Little Black Dress) with a bright colored wool coat sounds like the epitome of chic winter wear to me. But, the reality is that my winter is full of trudging through less than pristine snow, parking lots full of dingy puddles, and four pairs of Cowkid feet covered in muck that often end up stepping on my toes. These boots (no matter how cute) wouldn't last a day in the life of this mom!

Texas Two Steppin': I live in Texas, where you'd think white boots would be the epitome of cool, but for me these are also a DON'T. If I put them on I would probably look like a Dallas Cowboy Cheerleader who took a wrong turn and ended up in Johnson City. Or maybe a vintage go-go dancer, and not in a cool "Mad Men" way. Either way, I just can't bring myself to try this look.

Over the Knee Boots

Over The Knee Boots TargetPrairie Wife: OK I have seriously put a lot of thought into this one. Cowboy C has had an ear infection so this has allowed me a little more time than usual to ponder the pros and cons of Over the Knee Boots. My conclusion is that this trend is a delicately said DO. When styled correctly I think that these boots can add a trendy rocker edge to any look, just enough pizazz to make people look a second time as you walk by. Styled wrongly and you look like Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman...before she got the classy Sunset Boulevard makeover. To put it bluntly, if you wear these wrong you look like a hooker. So how do you wear them? This pair from Target would look perfect with black leggings or thick tights and a loose dress at a modest length that ends a mere inch or so from the top of the boots. The key words here are loose and modest. Pair them with jeggings or skinny jeans and a loose long sweater, think tunic length, and you look like a trendy mom on the go. These boots with slightly distressed skinny jeans, a vintage T, a long cardigan like this one from ModCloth.com, and fab chunky jewelry is the epitome of rocker chic. The boots add all the sexy you need to the outfit, so make sure you keep the rest of your look classy!

Texas Two Steppin': I have been putting in lots of late nights at the office this week and haven't thought about this trend as thoroughly as PW, but it is a DO. In fact, I purchased a pair in August when it was 100 degrees outside because I loved the look so much. However, a word of warning, do not get a pair that have a fabric/elastic top--every time you step they will start to work their way down your thigh and start to bunch up at your ankles. And if they are tight enough to stay up, you risk cutting off the circulation to your toes which isn't a good look. Bottom line, spend the extra for leather or suede over-the-knee boots.

Gold Eyeliner

Mary Kay Gold eylinerPrairie Wife: I think this one is a DO! Especially with the holidays a touch of gold eyeliner can brighten up your eyes and add a festive sparkle to your holiday look. I encourage you to think outside of the box with this trend. Use it over your regular liner to add just a little wow, line the inner corner of your eyes with it to brighten up your eyes, or use it only on your bottom lash line for a subtle look. Stop by our Pinterest Beauty Board to see some examples of this trend and get more helpful Holiday makeup tips from Professional Makeup Artist Kendra Richards here!

Texas Two Steppin': To steal a phrase from my sister, while in theory I think there is nothing wrong with the look of gold eyeliner, and I even like it on models in magazines, I have to say in reality this look is a DON'T for me. At my age (40 something grandmother), I just don't think I could pull it off without looking like I was Julia Roberts from Pretty Woman. Maybe if Kendra came over and gave me a quick lesson I would become a believer, but no matter how many Pinterest posts and YouTube videos I watch, I just can't see this working on me. But it just might work for you, so if you have some time to practice before your big holiday party, give it a try.

Wine Nail Polish

wine nail polishPrairie Wife: I love nail polish, and I've done several posts about my favorite colors and trends. I recently became addicted to Jamberry Nails and I still love all their patterns and colors. That being said, I love this color and it's another DO for me! It's sophisticated and sexy and goes with anything and any color. Think about it on your fingernails with a great white tuxedo jacket and sleek black cigarette pants, or a sleek LBD...classy and chic. It would also look great on my toes with silver or gold glitter...or maybe both?!

Texas Two Steppin': My main/pedi professional is a former Prairie Wife of the Week, and as soon as she returned from her maternity leave in October, I had her paint my toes wine with a golden glittery "statement toe". I wear open toed heels to work year-round, and this color makes me feel seasonally appropriate. I absolutely love my wine pedi, so yes, this is not just a do, it's a DO it now!

Pom Pom Winter Hats

Tommy Hilfiger HatPrairie Wife: Winter is here and many designers are trying to make winter accessories both functional and fashionable. All the big names from Stella McCartney to Tommy Hilfiger (as seen here) have taken the plain winter hat and tried to make it a little more fashionable by using bright colors, sophisticated patterns...and apparently the pom pom. This time I'm going to have to disagree with the experts, pom pom winter hats are a DON'T for me. I'm all about cozy head gear both for practicality and to make it less obvious I skipped a shower but, the pom pom to me is a little too cutesie!

Texas Two Steppin': Eeeeewwwww! Yes, that was my honest first reaction when I saw the photo. I think it would look great on my granddaughter or a tween, but even Step Girl, who is in her mid-'20s and very cute (if I do say so myself), is too mature for this look.

So, what beauty trends and accessories are you DOing (or DON'Ting)?]]>
		
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		Holiday Outfit Inspiration
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/holiday-outfit-inspiration/
		Mon, 24 Nov 2014 13:00:42 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3287
		
		Cozy and Casual
    


    

    

    

    Cozy and Casual for the Holidays
    

    

    Cozy and Casual for the Holidays by prairieheels featuring christmas drinkware
    

    

    

    
This outfit is cozy and casual yet still looks put together. I imagine wearing it to a casual family get together or a night in with your sweetie drinking hot cocoa snuggling on the couch! It's also perfect for running those last minute Holiday errands or meeting up with the girls for a little shopping and lunch. The low heeled boots are functional and stylish and the darling boot cuffs add just the right bit of country to the look. The Buffalo Plaid scarf is totally on trend right now and adds a pop of color (and warmth) next to your face. Put your hair in a messy bun to show off these fab statement stud earrings, grab your purse and head out! PS Wouldn't it be super cute for Holiday Family Pictures too?

    Dressy and Chic
    


    

    Dressy Holiday Outfit
    

    

    Dressy Holiday Outfit by prairieheels featuring aldo sandals
    

    

    

    
This outfit is dressy, chic and very versatile! The black cigarette pants are a classic look that's back in a big way this winter. Ditch the clutch and wear the booties for dinner at the in-laws (or to meet your partners parents for the first time). The strappy heels and clutch make it perfect for drinks or a hot date after work. The wine colored top is a nod to the Holiday Season without being too festive. Add the matching polish (a look that's everywhere right now) on your toenails and fingers to look perfectly put together. Don't forget to push up the blazer sleeves to show off you bangle bracelets and to keep this from looking to corporate!

    Black Tie Ready
    


    

    Holiday Black-Tie Look
    

    

    Holiday Black-Tie Look by prairieheels featuring a green bracelet
    

    

    

    
This outfit is black tie ready and sure to make them look twice when you walk in the room. The A-line dress mixes patterns (once again a BIG trend) but in a subtle way. The cut of the dress as well as the patterns will be flattering to any shape and size and the shoulder and neck line allow you to wear a bra so you won't be tugging and tucking all night long. The closed toe strappy heels add a hint of sexy but keep it practical for winter, with the closed toe you can slip on some sheer black tights for extra warmth! The green accessories are a nod to the Holiday Season without going overboard and I just love the bow detail on the clutch! I added my makeup choices including gold eyeliner (see how to wear it right here) and a plum lip. Stop by Kendra Richard's post about Holiday Makeup for some great tips and tricks to look your best. Another reason I picked this dress is it's ability to become a classic in your closet. Throw on tights, knee high black boots and a cozy cardigan for date night. Put a thick cozy sweater over the top and wear it with ankle booties for a fun hipster look...the possibilities are endless!

What do you think of our outfit choices, what do you love (or hate)?!]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week November 21, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-november-21-2014/
		Fri, 21 Nov 2014 13:00:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3326
		
		graduated from college, and not even engaged to The Cowboy yet. Her husband and I taught at the same school and I recall her coming in with her two beautiful boys and helping him set up his classroom. I was in awe of this put-together woman who was staying home with her boys yet still so obviously bright and intellectual, and I envisioned myself being like her sometime in the future. Dallas took pity on me, alone with no friends in a new town, and her and Jade had me over several times for dinner and fun with the boys. I still think of her every time I cut an onion, she saw me mangling one as I tried to help her make dinner, and calmly showed me how to wield a knife properly.

I'm thankful that through the years Dallas and I have kept in touch and that she didn't immediately write me off as the silly egotistical 20 something I was when we first met. Each time I talk with her I am renewed in both energy and spirit as we bond over a life full of little boys and the challenges of trying to stay true to ourselves while staying focused on our family.  As a young mom she chose to leave her job as a lawyer to stay home with her children, and then years later reentered the fast paced field of law. Dallas' refreshing honesty about life as a working mom is something that all of us that have been there can understand. A few months ago, when I learned that Dallas had decided to start her own law practice , I knew that I needed to have her be one of our Prairie Wives.  These are all choices that I not only admire, but ones that I know many of our readers can relate to! Please feel free to ask Dallas any questions in the comments section...and I hope that we see more of her sage advice again on the blog as a guest contributor (hint hint Dallas)!

Dallas Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family and how and why you became a lawyer.

Dallas (D): I grew up in Nebraska as the oldest of three children. I went to college in Hasting, Nebraska where I met Jade, who is my husband of almost 17 years. After college I went to law school in Boulder, Colorado. I really didn’t have much familiarity with what lawyers did from day to day, but I loved law school in terms of the analytical brain work. I ended up being drawn more to the transactional side of the law as opposed to trial work. Transactional work is essentially giving clients advice about their business and personal transactions so they have the right information about legal risks and protections to make the best decisions they can under the circumstances.

After graduating from law school, I worked for about 3 years in Colorado at firms that worked for clients in the telecommunications industry, including cable television companies and companies that were building fiber networks and selling internet services (ISPs or internet service providers). This was in the late 90s and early 2000s, in other words during the dot-com bubble when businesses and consumers were just starting to explore the possibilities of moving business transactions online and investors were jumping to buy shares in anything that had a “dot com” after the name. All in all it was a pretty interesting time to be in the industry and I learned a lot about both the underlying technologies that made the internet possible, like fiber optics, as well as the business structures companies who were building software or building platforms expand their brick and mortar businesses to the net.

In the midst of all this, we had our first son and found that we were spending a lot of time driving back and forth between Cheyenne (where Jade had family) and Denver. And as the dot com bubble peaked and then started to burst, I realized that the work wasn’t a good fit for me at that time of my life. What I took away from that experience is that I work best when I can really see how what I’m doing provides value and as a first or second year associate in a large law firm setting, that’s sometimes challenging to see. I work better in a collaborative role with clients and stakeholders. Essentially, I was disenchanted with what I was doing, and … I missed my baby! So we ended up moving to Cheyenne in 2001 and helping in a family business for a period of time and then Jade got his teaching certificate and I became a stay-at-home mom!

PW: Can you share a little bit about your life as a mother of 4 boys?

D: After our move to Cheyenne, we had three more boys – our boys now are 14, 11, 10, and 7. Both my husband and I felt that our family would benefit from having a parent at home, and we have been so fortunate to be able to build a life where we could do that for much of the time we have been parents. I am really thankful for the time I was able to be a stay at home mom – while the budget was challenging, the days were so fun spending time with legos and the park and the library and lots of noise. Now that the boys are older, we spend less time at the park and more time at various activities, but I still seem to pick up a lot of legos and there is still quite a bit of noise. We also are enjoying how the internet has somewhat replaced library time – often the boys will find something funny or interesting online that they share with us (what does the fox say … enough said) and we have a lot of fun with gaming as well. The three youngest boys are currently obsessed with a civilization building game and have formed an online alliance with some of their friends. I frankly don’t have any interest in playing, but I love listening to them talk about their strategies and plan and problem solve as they’re playing it.

PW: What was the transition like to go from stay at home mom back to work as a lawyer?

D: The main drawback I found to staying at home was that it seriously compromised my ability to engage in a little retail therapy – sometimes a girl just needs to go to Target and pick out a new scarf or a pair of boots! So when our youngest son was three we decided that it was time for me to go back to work. I was fortunate to be offered an opportunity to work for the state Medicaid agency right as they were starting to look at how they could use electronic health records to run their programs better and to support better care to their recipients. That job led to a related position with the State where I oversaw a grant that was designed to help exchange health records electronically between doctors and hospitals who weren’t necessarily using the same technologies. In both of these roles I got a lot of experience with online privacy and security issues and making sure the projects complied with HIPAA and other regulations. So in a way I was back to the transactional role of making sure everyone understood the risks and requirements and then helping to recommend a best decision.

Going back to work was surprisingly fairly smooth. By this point my husband was an experienced teacher and comfortable in his job. This meant he was able to step up and help a lot with the boys. It was a good fit for me schedule wise as well. I didn’t have hearings that I had to be up all night preparing for. It was work with a team that I could count on and we had predictable schedules to work with – very few emergencies that required me to drop everything in my personal life at a moment’s notice. That’s something I would advise other moms returning to work to think about when they look for a job. How does your schedule fit with the needs of your family, will there be flexibility in your schedule, and can you prepare for the higher stress times before they come?

PW: Any survival tips or tricks for other working moms out there?

D: Talk to your husband or partner and make sure they are one hundred percent on board. If you have a partner who will help you carry the load that will make all the difference. It means so much to me that Jade can, and will, go to the store and make dinner. Keeping tasks and responsibilities clearly organized and dividing up chores is another thing that has helped us. Communicating my expectations with my kids and husband keeps us clear on who needs to do what.

Let’s be honest too…you are going to need to let go of some of your standards. The first fall after I’d returned to work my third son who was a kindergartner at that time casually mentioned that his teacher gave him a comb that day at school. My stomach dropped as I looked at the rag tag group of boys in the back of the car. Messy hair, torn jeans, and wrinkled shirts…Needless to say we didn’t purchase any school pictures that year! Also, don’t be a martyr. If you spend every free day running around and cleaning and playing catch up and then being resentful and grouchy, you aren’t doing anyone any favors. Think about why you went back to work. Wasn’t it to help make a better life for both you and your family? Hire a cleaning lady if you can, or whatever you need, to take some of that pressure off. That way you can enjoy the time you have with your family.

PW: In the rare moments that you get to yourself, how do you relax?

D: My default relaxation is to get lost in a book, and I shockingly have really begun to like working out in the past few years! I also am not above locking myself in the bathroom for a few moments of peace. We are a pretty mellow family; so on the weekends when we aren’t busy with sports we like to stay home and relax.

PW: This year you decided to open up your own practice. What led you to make that decision?

D: The projects that I was working on with the state started to wind down, and I looked around and wasn’t sure what my role would be going forward. I also had a growing sense again that I wanted to be more face to face with my clients, and see directly how I was bringing value. Taking my law firm experience with my experiences in state government, I felt confident that I had the skills to manage a business and provide legal and consulting services in the areas I’d been so fortunate to gain some expertise in. So last September I opened my practice and within a couple of weeks had my first client call – someone I had worked indirectly with while at the state – who was working on a great health technology business using video conferencing to provide counseling services. I like going straight to the business owner with my recommendations and supporting a business that has a specific, direct value to its customers.

It’s been wonderful to work one on one with my clients and collaborate with them. My focus is on helping people with the legal aspects of getting an idea or a business off the ground, and it’s so exciting to be a part of that! I am also available for any kind of consultation work. I’ve helped families who know they need a will, but have no idea how to begin the process. I help them to draw up a document that gives them piece of mind and provides the future they want for their children. I’ve advised people in legal trouble that don’t know how to start working their way out of a problem, and advised bloggers who want to make sure they are running their sites both legally and ethically, as well as helping them separate their online business assets and liabilities from their personal assets.

PW: What advice would you offer to other lawyers that are considering this kind of move?

D: I’d give the same advice to lawyers as I would to anybody considering starting a business – know yourself and your reasons for going out on your own, be persistent in where you are going but flexible about how you get there. I am starting out with a commitment of not going into debt to do this and I think that you need to think about your cash flow strategy as you start out. There is always time to grow bigger, and frankly, it’s much better to fail before you’ve invested a bunch of your money and other people’s money! There is always time to grow bigger, so start small. Use the opportunities we have through technology to do things inexpensively and grow bit by bit. Know yourself and your limitations. Make sure that you don’t get stuck sitting by yourself staring off into space for hours on end. Take some time to evaluate yourself and your goals and figure out what kind of environment you need to flourish. Stay positive and focused and have clear goals (and a timeline for meeting them) for your practice.

PW: Are there any misconceptions about lawyers, specifically female lawyers that make you crazy?

D: I think the perception of lawyers as people who are confrontational and argue just for the sake of arguing makes me a little bit crazy and also a little bit sad. The best lawyers are good listeners who can listen to and read people and figure out what their real needs and objectives are. While confrontation and argument are sometimes a tactic we use, ultimately lawyers are problem solvers and planners whose end goal is to give their clients the information and support to achieve their goals.

PW: How do you pick a good lawyer?

D: First, start by asking people you trust if they have a recommendation. For example, your accountant or financial planner or insurance agent should be able to refer you to a good estate planner or a business lawyer. Go with your gut and schedule a consultation to make sure it’s a good fit. You often have to pay for the consultation but, most lawyers will then take that off your end fee if you work with them. You need to feel heard and understood and leave with a piece of mind. Also, pay attention to the little things. Are they returning calls and getting back to you promptly? If not it’s probably best to look somewhere else.

PW: Where do you hope to see your family and your practice in five years?

D: I see my practice primarily as a way for me to serve my family. My ultimate goal for my family is to provide a good life for them and to be able to say yes when the boys have opportunities for getting an education or starting out in a business or career. I also want my practice to grow and be a business that helps my clients have better lives. I want my clients to walk away feeling confident and supported. Whether it’s starting a new business or writing a will or seeking advice about how to solve a dispute with a family member or business partner, I want my clients to know that they are secure and I have taken care of them to the best of my ability.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom for our readers?

DL: I think one of our biggest jobs in life is to be as happy as we can. To do that, you have to get out of your head and manage the “reptile brain” that says it’s safer not to risk anything. I’ve also gotten more comfortable with the idea of not being perfect at every single thing on my very first try! Show up and try, more often than not good things will happen for you.]]>
		
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		ADHD Part 2:  The Diagnosis
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/adhd-part-2-diagnosis/
		Sat, 13 Dec 2014 13:00:04 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3212
		
		ADHD Part 1: Pre Diagnosis if you haven't read it already!

messy kidI made the soonest available appointment with Leslie, the woman recommended to me by my son's teacher. She is an amazing board certified child and adolescent clinical specialist with prescriptive authority. Our initial appointment was a 2-hour observation. Her office is full of intriguing toys and fun games. Leslie watched NiĂąoZ play, and true to his nature, he spent the entire 2 hours switching activities every 5 minutes. She also had everyone involved in caring for Zach fill out a questionnaire about him. If necessary, she will go and observe children in other environments to make an accurate diagnosis, though we did not need this. My son's results from 2 hours with Leslie came out as clearly and undeniably ADHD (Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder).

Having my son "diagnosed" was not my mission. In the beginning I was actually quite defensive! I absolutely did not want NiùoZ given a label that would follow and haunt him. I feared we were placing him in a box that he'd never get out of. Let's be honest...I also felt guilty. Did I do something that lead to this disorder? I was relieved to find out that ADD/ADHD is genetic, my son has a 50/50 chance of his own children having ADD/ADHD.  On top of that, medicating him was not on my list of what I wanted to do either. But, I trusted Leslie's expertise and appreciated her very scientific method in presenting the information to me. A 5-year-old child should be able to stay at one activity for a 20-minute period, not the five minutes that my son was consistently doing. His impulsive behavior and inability to keep friends were also strong indicators. She confidently demonstrated written evidence, and openly invited me to do my research before we went any further.

In all my research, one thing stuck in my mind most in my quest for ADHD treatment for my son. Children who truly have ADHD and are not medicated are way more likely to self-medicate when they are older. This means turning to alcohol or drugs, not to mention they are more likely to indulge in a myriad of risky behavior, become pregnant, or commit suicide as teens or adults. It became clear to me that not addressing the issue now could make the situation even more difficult for all of us in the future.

I ultimately decided that if medicine would make my son successful in his life, we needed to give it a try. And do you know HOW QUICKLY he was successful? 3 days. After 3 days on medication, he was doing what other kindergartens were able to do in school.

happy at school

When treating your child's ADD/ADHD with medication it is very important to have them monitored often by someone you trust (I felt confident in Leslie's ability to monitor him). This helps to ensure proper development and weight gain, and you can remain confident that they are not over-medicated "zombies," and that the medicine is not effecting the liver or kidneys. Your child's medication should not make them lethargic or take away from their personalities.

Do you have a child with ADHD? I'd love to hear your experience.

Check back with our success and struggles since our diagnosis in the third part of this series!

Copyright: justmeyo / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: darrinhenry / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Time to Say Goodbye (to Leftovers)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/time-to-say-goodbye-leftover/
		Wed, 26 Nov 2014 13:37:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3251
		
		

This is a serious question because one in six Americans will get sick from food poisoning this year, according to www.foodsafety.gov. I totally get that it is important not to waste food. However, it is more important not to be known as the hostess who poisoned her friends and family. If you visit their website you will find tons of great information about preparing, cooking and storing food, but here are a few of the most relevant Thanksgiving tips:

      
	
    • Cooked meat (yes, that means turkey and ham): 3-4 days refrigerated, 2-6 months frozen
      • 
	
    • Any type of salad (lettuce, chicken, egg, etc.): 3-5 days refrigerated, please don’t try to freeze it!
      • 
	
    • Casseroles and stuffing: 3-4 days refrigerated, 2-3 months frozen
      • 
	
    • Pumpkin or pecan pie: 3-4 days refrigerated, 1-2 months frozen
      • 
	
    • Custard pie: 3-4 days refrigerated, don’t try to freeze it!
      • 
	
    • Homemade eggnog: 2-4 days refrigerated, and again, don’t try to freeze it!
      • 

    
In my family, our basic rule is that if you haven’t eaten it by day three, be safe and toss it. And remember, your fridge should be set to 40 degrees or lower and freezers should be kept at 0 degrees or below.]]>    
		
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		Readers Become Writers #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/readers-become-writers-giveaway/
		Sat, 29 Nov 2014 13:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3304
		
		Here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com we work hard to make sure our readers are happy. Our Mission is to offer support to other women (and their families) through humorous, honest and heartfelt blog posts about our experiences. We want to encourage others to lead their lives with grit and grace so they can discover the “Prairie Wife” within. Lately I've had a few readers inquire how to become writers on PrairieWifeInHeels.com. While Texas Two Steppin' and I have two frequent contributors TallGirlJ and BonitaBlueEyes at this time we just aren't ready to have more than that. But, I also don't want to miss the opportunity to share a great story that may offer support to our readers in a way we can't! So...that being said we are giving one of our readers a chance to be a guest contributor on PrairieWifeInHeels.com!

starbucks cardDo you have a story that will make us laugh our butts off or a heartwarming tale that will make us reach for the Kleenex box? How about a funny quiz or a Top 10 list? If you've always wanted to be a blogger here is your chance to give it a shot! Don't be scared to give it a try. After all, even if you don't win the grand prize (having your work published on PrairieWifeInHeels.com), we will still be picking one lucky person from the group of readers that submitted work to win a $10 Gift Card to Starbucks!

TO ENTER

Submit your writing (please no more than 2 submissions per person) to us at prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com with the Subject listed as "Readers Become Writers". Please make sure you include a title as well as your name and contact information. We will respond to all submissions so that you know we have received your writing. All submissions must be received by 6:00pm December 13, 2014. We will announce the winner of the Starbucks Gift Card on December 20, 2014 and we will be publishing the grand prize winner's work on December 27, 2014.

NOTES

Please know that we may make small edits or changes to your work (as we do with all of our contributors) but we will make sure we receive your final approval on the work that will be posted.

Copyright: ivaleksa / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		ADHD Part 1: Pre-Diagnosis
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/adhd-part-1-diagnosis/
		Mon, 01 Dec 2014 13:00:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3314
		
		I first noticed something was a little different with NiĂąoZ when he was about 14 months old. I guess you could say I just thought the Terrible Twos were coming on early. I was a young mom anyway, and I looked years younger than my true age (something I'm thankful for now). I'm sure others saw me as a teen mom without parenting skills who had an out of control child. In reality I was in my early 20's, divorced, well-educated and traveled. I was a voracious reader, nutrition conscientious, perfectionist, Type A mother. I was killing myself trying to follow everything that the American Academy of Pediatrics told me I should do.

Was I actually perfect? Absolutely not! But I was doing my best and cared a ton. Yet despite all this...my son was completely out of control. If our day stayed on track and everything went according to the norm, NiùoZ was great! He could sit at home and read books with me for hours. All he needed was a simple set of expectations before going into the grocery store;  "We are going to get food today. Please do not ask for toys or candy." and he would comply and the trip would go smoothly.

Now take NiĂąoZ to child care, birthday parties, or tweak his schedule in the slightest way, and things look a whole lot different. And Vacations? Ha! Forget it! He was kicked out of several daycares. He would spit in kids faces, smack kids in the face, or knock an elderly woman down (yes these are real examples). His final preschool before kindergarten was dedicated to his success, and gave him a fresh beginning each day. Even so, he was sent home on what seemed like a daily basis.

Throughout all of this, I was seen as the problem by many. I only know this because kind teaches who were committed to NiĂąoZ's success admitted that many would jump to the conclusion that I was a bad mother...though they assured me they knew the opposite was true. Being judged a "bad mom" was truly the least of my worries. I was just searching desperately for anything that would help my son to succeed. We tried dietary changes and had him evaluated by the CDC (who basically offered the not-so-helpful advice of being consistent). I read everything I could in an effort to help him. I started him in activities that would strengthen his impulses and cerebral cortex such as tae-kwon-do and piano lessons . I wanted an answer, and I prayed and cried about it consistently, alone, after dropping him off at school or putting him to bed.

mom with naughty toddlerNiĂąoZ started kindergarten, and things did not improve. His teacher and principal called me in for a meeting and as they "talked" to me I felt completely attacked. They told me something was wrong with him, and he did not behave like a normal child. Could he have ADHD, they asked? I didn't know anything about it, but totally assumed that an ADHD child would not be able to sit and read books and do puzzles for hours like my son did. Besides, he was evaluated by the CDC, who were experts, and they mentioned nothing of this to me! The staff suggested I get another opinion and I left in tears. A couple of days later, my 5-year-old boy was held in the principal's office for an entire day.

Stressed to my core, I sat watching my sweet NiĂąoZ working hard in his tae-kwon-do class. Feeling at a loss, I wondered what to do and where to go to help him. In that moment, I felt I could not handle one more moment of my situation, my anguish must have been obvious that day. After the session his instructor kindly approached me and said, "Your son is doing so well. He's really in the right place here. He reminds me so much of my own son at that age. Could I please recommend someone who has helped us so much?"

I was thrilled! She seemed to be sent by angels, and eventually turned out to be a answer to my prayers.

Do you have a child with ADHD? Did you feel overwhelmed and guilty before you child was diagnosed?

Copyright: stockbroker / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: domenicogelermo / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week December 12, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-december-12-2014/
		Fri, 12 Dec 2014 13:38:01 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3322
		
		my breast cancer story in October 2013, it was tough but I persevered because I wanted to let others know that bad news can lead to great things. Two months later, when I was diagnosed with cancer a second time, sharing the news with our readers came a bit more naturally.

But how do you share the story the incredible oncologist who not only saves your life but also understands the healing power of a new pair of heels? During the interview she described herself as "a cancer slaying prairie wife,” and I can vouch for her skill, dedication, determination as she attacks this killer disease. And while I've gotten to know her during my treatments and clinical trials, I so enjoyed getting to know more about this woman who decorates her exam room with photos of her beautiful children and makes rounds in four-inch heels. Alright, let's get on with the interview and don't forget to read the incredible story about the shoes that are pictured below

oncology heels

Texas Two Steppin': Tell us a bit about yourself and your family.

Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife: I am an oncologist in Austin, Texas, and I specialize in breast cancer. I grew up north of Dallas, in Plano. I moved to Austin for my undergraduate, and after finishing over a decade of medical training in Houston, I was happy to return to Austin—where I call home. I met my husband over our cadaver (Doris) the first day of medical school. He is a cardiologist for children. Aside from being able to date someone in medical school who could also tolerate your formaldehyde stench (the cadaver smell-embalming fluid), it has been incredible to have a partner in life who places a high value on serving people by treating their chronic health conditions, has a deep understanding of demanding but meaningful work, and is willing to pick up the slack when needed. We have three children—12, 9, and 6 years of age—who are our greatest adventure.

Texas Two Steppin': Why did you decide to specialize in oncology?

Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife: I wanted to be an oncologist because it is a remarkable time in oncology. The paradigm for how we treat cancer is changing so much within the past decade. We are able to do so much more than ever before. More patients are surviving this disease, and it is a great privilege to see them through it.  Being a breast cancer specialist is also very gratifying. I get to help (mostly) women go through a very difficult time of their life and see them through to the other side—when they are cancer free. I have met so many amazing women in the process and it is a constant source of inspiration for me.

When I was in medical school, I saw my friend lose her father to CML, a chronic form of leukemia. In 1999, when I graduated from medical school, people with CML had an average survival rate of 5 years. In that time we had recently come to understand the molecular cause of this form of leukemia—a translocation in the 9th and the 22nd chromosome—and were developing treatments to target the cause. Clinical trials were underway for a drug called Gleevec, and in 2001 a landmark clinical trial was published in the New England Journal of Medicine showing an amazing response to this treatment for patients with CML. The drug was approved by the FDA in just two months. The 5-year survival for patients with CML had gone from only 50% to over 95% overnight with a new targeted therapy.

We were in a new era, an era of molecular medicine. This represented a tremendous paradigm shift in oncology—we were learning to do so much more. I feel like it must have been how doctors felt when they first discovered antibiotics. I had to be a part of this change. In addition to being a part of a field that was rapidly changing, I wanted to develop relationships with people and take care of them for long periods of time.  Oncology allowed for all of those things, and I don’t look back and regret that choice.

Texas Two Steppin': To me you have always been the doctor who gave me incredible advice and treatment so I could kick cancer’s butt not once, but twice. But in reading your biography, you are a distinguished doctor who has received many honors and awards related to breast cancer research and cancer public policy. Unfortunately, I didn’t have the opportunity to meet you to discuss breast cancer prevention. So let’s take some time and discuss it now.

You taught me that cancer is as individual as the women and men it impacts and there are certain things we can’t escape like genetics and our age. And, we all know that we should eat healthy, lower our stress levels, and exercise. Yet many of us don’t. So do you have any tips to help us give up the excuses like we are too busy, it won’t make a difference, etc.? What are the most effective actions we can take to decrease our odds of having cancer?

Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife: Great question, and great time to ask. It's true not all cancer can be prevented (we don’t get to pick our parents and their risk), but there is a great deal we can do. For women, first and foremost, know your risk. Is their cancer in your family? What type? Have a conversation about this first with your family and then with your doctor. For women with a strong history of cancer, often we can predict risk with genetic screening or would recommend a different surveillance plan. For breast cancer, women should be doing a self breast exam and have an exam with their doctor annually. Colon cancer is also common, affecting 5% of Americans. Begin screening colonoscopy at age 50—if you are at average risk. If you have colon cancer or other cancers in your family, talk to your doctor about a need of increased screening.

For all patients, live a healthy lifestyle. Eat a diet that is rich in vegetables and fruits, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates—using fats and simple carbohydrates sparingly. Be physically active—exercise 3-5 hours per week. Don’t smoke. Reduce sun exposure with appropriate clothing, hats, or sunscreen. The basic message is screen for cancer and make healthy choices. It won’t prevent all cancers, but it will prevent or reduce the risk of death for so many of them.

Texas Two Steppin': So many of us (myself included) are not faithful about performing our monthly breast exams. Why are these important, and what should be the first steps if something out of the ordinary is felt (besides not panicking)? And when should a woman schedule her first mammogram—is 40 now the norm?

Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife: Breast self exam is really important because many women find their own cancers. You can’t find it if you are not looking. Women of average risk should have mammograms annually beginning at age 40. 1 in 8 women get breast cancer. It is just common. I see women all the time that have cancer diagnosed early due to screening—and then are much more likely to survive it. For women with higher risk, a different screening strategy may be needed. You should discuss this with your doctor.  Also, discuss the mammogram results with your doctor.

Texas Two Steppin': The Internet is full of so many stories and websites with different and differing suggestions, remedies and horror stories. What online resources would you recommend for women interested in learning the facts about breast cancer or looking to support a friend or family member with the disease?

Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife: American Cancer Society (www.cancer.org), and National Cancer Institute (NCI.gov) are  great resources.

Texas Two Steppin': I know I really appreciated hearing that having chemo is not like you see in the movies (my reference point was Susan Sarandon in “Stepmom”) and severe pain is not the norm. As someone who participated in a clinical trial, I also know there is some incredible research being done, but what do you see on the horizon for treating and preventing cancer?

Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife: I am really excited about our targeted therapies.  There are three strategies in breast cancer that I think are really exciting. The first is CDK 4/6 inhibitors that harness the body’s own immune system to fight cancer. They have shown a lot of promise in early clinical trials, and we have three trials ongoing looking at these agents. The next is targeted agents against Her2 amplified cancers. These Her2 neu positive cancers can be very aggressive, but we have many novel agents that can keep them in check. The last is parp inhibitors. These are useful in some genetically associated very aggressive breast and ovarian cancers—like “triple negative” breast cancer. They show a lot of promise, and I am so happy we are participating in these clinical trials.

Texas Two Steppin': OK, now’s your chance to give us one wonderful or unusual healthy living tip and any final Prairie Wife words of wisdom that we just shouldn’t live without.

Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife: Life is a juggle. Me, and so many other Prairie Wives, have to learn to adapt and somehow find balance and persevere. Sometimes that is hard—especially when you are fighting cancer. A friend and partner of mine expresses this sentiment in a famous John Wayne quotation that I have come to know and love, “Courage is being scared to death—but saddling up anyway.”  Saddle up, Ladies!

P.S. My heels have a story. I wore these heels five years ago when I attended an event for a local breast cancer organization that raises funds and has survivors make artistic bras—and some model them down the runway. That year one of my patients, who was modeling in the event, collapsed and had a cardiac arrest. In these heels, I climbed up on the runway, gave her CPR with a colleague, and my husband shocked her heart back in to a normal rhythm. She is now a 10-year survivor of cancer, a Prairie Wife, and mother of a beautiful 4-year-old little girl. As a doctor I have done several resuscitations, but no others in 4-inch heels in front of 600 people. Who has seen the miracles that I see?  It is a great privilege to see the miracles that I see—even if it is not always bluebirds and lemonade.

Texas Two Steppin': So very well said, Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife, and I give you credit for all of the bluebirds and lemonade I've experienced since we met three years ago. Thank you for doing this interview, thank you for being you, and, while these words are not enough, thank you for working your miracles on me.

While she has an incredibly hectic schedule, if you leave a comment here for Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife, we promise to forward it along. And as you make your New Year's resolutions for 2015, please be sure to add monthly breast self-exams to your list. 

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		ADHD Part 3: What's Worked for Us
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/adhd-part-3-whats-worked-us/
		Wed, 07 Jan 2015 13:00:19 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3334
		
		ADHD Part 1: Pre-Diagnosis and ADHD Part 2: The Diagnosis.

Although medicine can help a child who truly has ADHD (especially during school hours) stay focused, it doesn't make life perfect! There are still morning battles, battles over testing limits, and everything that comes with caring for child until their head hits the pillow at bed time...when we all finally get a break! Here is what I found helped my son through the years thus far (he is now 11). These are really good for any child, but especially for children with ADHD. As with all advice on the site please remember I am NOT a doctor and it is always best to consult your child's doctor for any big changes.

girl with clockRoutines and Clearly Communicating the Daily Schedule

All children feel safe with a routine. NiĂąoZ (and children with ADHD in general) especially loved his. One time on a Saturday when I was not planning on following our bedtime routine, he came and asked me "Isn't it time for my bath then books? It's dark outside!" I found that he behaved much better if I told him everything that was going to happen ahead of time in the morning. I often gave him updates throughout the day as well.

Limit Screen Time

As tempting as it is to put your child in front of the television or video game, too much screen time will not help your child gain an active attention span. I only let NiùoZ watch TV on weekends when he was little. Instead, I encourage you to enroll your child in activities that will build their confidence. Let them explore everything your community offers to find their own passions. Remember that ADHD children also have the gift of hyper-focusing.  When they are passionate about something, they can focus on it more than others. Use that focus! Warning: Be careful to do this gradually as to not overextend your family commitments!

Chores

Children with ADHD probably need more support for a longer period of time than other children, but they are more than capable of helping around the house. Give them chores that interest them, when possible...perhaps let them pick what they want to help with. NiĂąoZ preferred to work alongside me with what I was doing, dusting, and anything involving a spray bottle! Take this time to teach your child how to be organized but, be prepared to support your child in organizing forever (at least that's how I feel right now). NiĂąoZ still struggles with organization!

Create Positive Behavior Plans (include your child)


The world will tell your child everything that is wrong with him or her. Show them their strengths! Write it out and have them sign the paper and tuck it away to look at when they need some positive affirmation. When my son was very little, I would make a laminated construction paper animal that he would chose (in true boy style he always picked a snake). I would give him stickers to put on it as he behaved well. When he got to a certain amount of stickers, he would get a simple reward that he chose ahead of time. It may have been extra screen time or going for proud boyice cream. There is no need for extravagant rewards here. Less is more.

When NiĂąoZ got a little older, he was way more motivated to get daily screen time. If I had to count to three at any time during that day, he would not get screen time that day. If he responded to my counting and corrected himself before three, got all of his chores and homework finished, and it was still early enough, he could have one hour of screen time. This system was one we came up with together, we wrote out every detail of the deal and signed it. It has worked for many years.

Revise and Reevaluate as Necessary

If your child is struggling in school even after help is given, there may be other factors to consider. NiĂąoZ did very well from kindergarten through third grade. Then all of a sudden he struggled socially, was refusing to complete assignments, and started to dislike going to school. When I brought this to Leslie's (our therapist who prescribes medication) she encouraged me to get NiĂąoZ evaluated by the gifted and talented department in our district. She had mentioned this to me on several occasions, but I thought why fix what's not broken? At the time NiĂąoZ was happy and doing very well.

Since this was no longer the case, I had him tested. He tested so high that even though there was not room in the 3rd G/T classroom, he could be placed in a 4th/5th combo class. From what I've seen, many gifted children also have ADHD. Gifted does not always look like an overachieving child, so keep this in mind! Gifted education comes with a whole new set of challenges, which I'd be happy to write about as well, if our readers are interested.

Read and/or Attend Parenting Classes

There are many parenting books and resources for parenting more difficult children. I hardly ever agree with a whole book or philosophy, but I always take away at least one new thing that can help us. Take advantage of what is available to you. Don't forget audiobooks while you drive! This is one way I make sure to get reading in my busy schedule. (I'll be posting a list of some of my favorite parenting books soon)

Take Care of Yourself

Very honestly, NiùoZ takes more patience than I often have.  This means I need to stay on top of what makes me a better person.  For me that looks like getting enough sleep, exercise, sunshine, prayer and a bit of alone time.   Whatever your mental health requires, stay on top of it.  If you lose your cool, apologize to your child, forgive yourself  and begin again.

Spirituality

Some days my trust in God is the only thing that gets me through.  It is also important for me to teach my son to rely on Him.

A Whole Village

Support from family and friends has brought us a long way.  Both my husband and NiùoZ's father have supported and helped me all along through this journey. Leslie, my parents and many friends.  Don't be afraid to call for backup when you need it.

What parenting tricks have helped you with your child?

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Person of the Week December 5, 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-person-week-december-5-2014/
		Fri, 05 Dec 2014 13:00:46 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3338
		
		I first met Chrystofer Benson at the grand opening of Rootz Salon and Spa. He was there to support his fellow Matrix educator and friend David Lee Anderson Jr, and not only helped do some makeovers on a few well deserving women but, took time to show our little Wyoming town some avant garde hair! His fantastic hair designs and his obvious talent drew me in and I couldn't take my eyes of him during his presentation. Following the presentation TallGirlJ and I had the opportunity to chat with Chrystofer. He was witty, intelligent and kind...and as we walked away TallGirlJ and I both agreed that he was truly an artist. His passion for his work, his drive, and his willingness to not only lead others but work along side them, make him the perfect Prairie Person of the Week.

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Chrystofer Benson (CB): I grew up in Salt Lake City, Utah and I am an only child. Through the years I have lived all over the country and in 2004 I moved to NYC when I became the lead trainer for the Matrix Global Academy. I lived there for seven years and even though I loved it I decided to move back to Utah in 2010. I still travel to NYC quite a bit, and I also fly all over the world. I have two dogs, a Chihuahua and a Dachshund, thankfully my family is more than willing to take care of them when I am on the road.

PW: What led you to decide to work in the beauty industry, and specifically to work with hair?’

CB: I had family that worked in the industry so it was always there. When I was 18 my grandfather suggested I try working with hair. So despite not being very motivated I decided to try it. Being a young 18 year old male, I walked into class and immediately decided I liked the male female ratio of 70 girls to every man! I did well in school but I wasn’t really passionate about it.

colored hairThen it came time for a student competition that my uncle had previously won. Everyone expected me to win, and when I lost it was the worst feeling for me. It prompted me to start taking school and my work seriously. I started to actively compete as a student and doing really well. I walked away from that experience knowing that if someone tells me I can’t do something it turns into a huge motivator for me, and I will do whatever I can to prove them wrong!

PW: You are currently the Artistic Director for Matrix, can you tell us what your job entails?

CB: A main part of my job is training the teams of people that go to salons and educate hairstylists about our products. The MATRIX team and I travel all over the nation to individual salons but we also have national shows. I do trade shows and the photo shoots that later end up being the advertisements for Matrix products. As a team leader I have learned that it’s OK to ask people to give more. Being honest and communicating with people in a respectful way is always better for everyone. I represent Matrix and I believe in it as a brand and the message it sends. I also help to set the trends for hair color and cuts for the next year.

PW: Tell me more, what does that mean? How do you pick what trends are going to be big a year from now?

editorialCB: Basically we are forecasting the future, and then making products and coming up with styles that will then be seen in our advertisements and hopefully out on the streets. It’s a huge process that involves work with the global design team and brainstorming with professionals from around the world. We look at clothing and the trends in the fashion industry, because hair, fashion, and beauty go together. This year’s trend is inspired by graffiti and called Graffiti Nation. I am so excited about it! Graffiti has gone from being something undesirable to a legitimate art form that is recognized the world over. It’s based on the lines and the drips caused by the paint inside the lettering. For our Graffiti Nation trend we have taken the elements of the art form, rather than a literal interpretation. As a team we have to make sure it’s both inspirational and achievable. Whatever trends we pick, we have to make sure it’s a technique our teams can teach others. It has to realistically go from a trend to the real world. I love being a part of that whole process, it’s so much work, yet so rewarding at the same time.

PW: As someone that has traveled all over the world, what are some things that you have seen that make someone beautiful, no matter what culture they are in?

CB: The answer is as simple as embracing who you are. Growing up we all receive the same message, conform. Be something you’re not but that others will like. I think you need to embrace who you are and don’t be ashamed to show it. In the beauty business it can be incredibly hard to embrace your individuality and not conform. I see it as my job is to make someone feel their most beautiful version of themselves. Yes, we work with beautiful models, but they have all the same issues as everyone else. In the end, no matter what others say, unless you embrace your uniqueness you will never be satisfied with who you are. That doesn’t mean you should stop growing and settle for where you are today! You just have to get to a point in your life where you are happy in your skin and true to yourself while at the same time respecting who other people are.

PW: You have just received several awards from NAHA including 2014 hair colorist and master stylist (people’s choice). Can you walk us through a competition and what it involves?

black and white 1CB: A lot of people envision a competition as a big showdown with models in chairs, hair and scissors flying through the air, and emotional hair stylists rushing to beat the clock. In truth it’s not like that at all! There are a variety of categories and a variety of competitions. Some are based on photos that you send in to a panel of judges. While others are done in person with models and based on texture, cut, color, etc. Something like NAHA (North American Hairstyling Awards) it is based on what category you enter, you send in your work by the deadline, and then they judge all the entries and make the announcement for who is in the finals. Using the same submissions, they then narrow it down to the winner. The hairstylists in the finals travel to Las Vegas in July and do a big show and convention. At the end of the convention there is a big OSCAR night like show where they showcase the finalist work and have presentations along the night where each category is announced and the winner is named.

Now that I’ve done so many competitions, I have become comfortable and have certain routines and habits. Though I have had some stressful moments during photo shoots, as I am sure we all have lol! During my time as a hairdresser I‘ve lost far more times than I’ve won, and while it’s not easy, you can learn a lot from it. Embracing this has helped to keep me from being overwhelmed by the competition process. You go home learning when you don’t win. When you fall down and get back up again, each time you get back up you’re stronger. NAHA is our Oscars and Emmys. Whether I win or lose I’ve learned to put it in perspective, it is one thing I do, not what defines me.

PW: You’ve done hair in every venue possible from editorial work and teaching and presentations to runway and salon makeovers. Do you have a favorite?

chrystofer teachingCB: The stage is by far my favorite. I love to get on stage at shows where it is for hundreds of people or big shows like 80,000 people at a trade show watching me work with my Team doing what we love, it’s a thrill and I still go whoa each and every time! It makes me think about what I do in a new way. I have to make sure I think about the people in the seats and what they want to see. They key to making it an enjoyable experience is having a great team who have a mutual respect for each other and can be held responsible to do the best they can. It involves so much more than me, from model’s, to makeup artists, lighting to wardrobe and sound. As the team leader it’s my job to get everyone to believe in the same vision and bring out their best. The amazing energy that goes into the planning and the show itself feeds my creativity, there is nothing better! In the instant it is both incredible and in your face stressful…the pressure is on, but in a good way. I love going out there and empowering and inspiring people and I hope that how much I care about them and love what I do translates to our audience.

PW: Any advice for the everyday person who wants to revamp their hair look?

CB: I am a firm believer in trusting your hairdresser! I love women, but they will come in and spend 10 minutes telling you what they don’t like about their hair, and that can be hard to work with. You need to go to your hairdresser and say “This is what’s happening, and what do you recommend?” With the prevalence of the internet and social media you know what going on trend wise, and you can tell if a hairdresser is on point. Trust them and their business and don’t be afraid to ask them for details. If you trust them and their work listen to what they are saying, it’s their job! You need to be involved and participate in the process and trust your gut. If one stylist in the salon isn’t a good fit for you, ask to meet with another one.

blond and blue hairPW: What are some hair trends you are seeing now that you think are worth a try for our readers?

CB: I think it’s about embracing who you are. If conservative is you, then embrace it! Classic to couture is different for each person, and so is pushing the limits. Go to your appointment, bring visuals in and consult with your hairdresser. Trends are for inspiration, but in the end you have to find a way to translate them into your life.

PW: Anything you don’t want to see on the street anymore (hair wise lol)?

CB: No at home hair color and cuts! Go to a hairdresser! I guarantee you can find someone in your price range. They went to school for this, they are professionals and know what they are doing, be open to them and chances are you won’t be sorry.

PW: How do you recharge and rejuvenate your creative energy, what inspires you?

CB: My team, the people I work with, and the different cultures I get to see as I travel inspire me. Simply relaxing at home with family and friends rejuvenates me. Being a Hairstylist is not just my career, it’s my lifestyle. I love to travel, collaborate with other professionals, and surround myself with diversity. It both energizes me and charges me! After 20 years in the industry I am continuously seeing new things and learning new things, that keeps me going.

PW: Do you have any advice for our readers that aspire to be where you are?

black and white 2CB: Always be thinking about your client. Success in this industry is all about your reputation, which depends on your relationship with your clients. Take the time to form those relationships, engage your clientele and listen to them. Stay current with the trends and your education, and use the variety of techniques that you have learned to create the look your clients want. When you know your clients well put some thought into the cut/color before their appointment. Prepare, show them the look book and give them ideas. If you need to, be patient and work them into the cut/color that you know will be perfect for them, your success will continue to grow as you form these relationships. Don’t just wait for life to happen, you must go out and do it. Get exposed to new things!

PW: Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

CB: I think I’ll always be involved in hair. I’m launching my own brand of tools called Chrystofer Benson Collective. It’s for hairdressers based on education and with a portfolio of inspiring looks and tools to go with it! I want to continue to inspire others through my work with Matrix. I look forward to being creative in new ways and continuing to work with amazing talented artists around the world. Frankly, I can’t wait to see what happens!

PW: Any last Prairie Person words of wisdom?

CB: Be better today than you were yesterday.]]>
		
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		The Woman I Wanted to Be by Diane von Furstenberg
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/woman-wanted-diane-von-furstenberg/
		Wed, 03 Dec 2014 13:00:04 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3350
		
		her iconic wrap dress for years. TallGirlJ and I even went to one of her DVF stores on a trip to Las Vegas this year. In the end I decided that I wasn’t ready to buy one of her dresses yet (I knew that I would be hopefully rapidly expanding with CowBaby5) but I look forward to heading to one of her stores in the future and picking the perfect dress to one day hand down to Cowgirl G. As I was watching TV the other day I saw a clip for a new show called House of DVF. It’s a reality show about Diane’s brand DVF and their search for their new brand ambassador. During the first episode I was immediately struck by Diane von Furstenberg. She was poised and polished, intelligent and kind, yet more than willing to call a spade a spade. As I watched the show I saw her mention her new biography The Woman I Wanted to Be and I grabbed my Kindle and downloaded it.

the woman I wanted to beI expected a book that would be interesting but not necessarily life changing…I was SO wrong. Within the first few pages of the book I was captivated. Diane began by talking about her mother and the lasting effect she had on the woman that Diane would become. Her candid tale of her mother’s internment in not one but two Nazi concentration camps, and her eventual recovery (though not without struggles along the way) sucked me in and I couldn’t put the book down. I found myself highlighting numerous quotes in the book, and can’t wait until Cowgirl G is old enough to start to understand her wisdom. One particular favorite of mine is “Accept the reality, embrace the challenge, and deal with it. Be in charge of your own life.”

 

The book goes on to talk about Diane’s life growing up in Europe as well as her many love affairs. I found her willingness to fall in love, and share all the details fascinating! As her story continues she talks about motherhood and her joys as well as her feelings of guilt and inadequacy. It made her seem so refreshingly relateable and I felt even more connected to her story. She also talks about the ups and downs of her business throughout the years, the struggles and defeats that followed her rapid rise. True to her mantra she simply found ways to learn from the experiences and continue to succeed. I can’t recommend this book enough; I only wish I had it to read when I was in my 20’s. It’s a fascinating story full of words of wisdom, and written in such a way that you can envision Diane herself strolling through her beloved Cloudwalk woods, and chatting with you.]]>
		
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		Goody Bags for Every Girlfriend
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/goody-bags-every-girlfriend/
		Mon, 08 Dec 2014 13:00:53 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3359
		
		an easy and non-expensive way to give great gifts to all of your girlfriends with the Girlfriend Goody Bag. I gave a few links of some of my favorite products that I gift to my friends. This year as always, I plan to do Goody Bags for all of my girlfriends. I search out items that can be bought in bulk and then split them up amongst all my friends. Each girl ends up with a little bag full of goodies that she can use all year round. I like to think it's a nice way to say thanks for all that they do!

As part of this years Helpful Holiday Hints, I thought it would be fun to show you how to make the bags a little more individual rather than each friend getting the same thing. Below are just a few ideas I had! Don't forget that these items are meant to be split up, for example in the Jewelry Goody Bag I would split the bangles up and give a few to each friend, rather than the whole stack. It's the same with the chocolates, nail polish and candy cane ornaments! As always click on the thumbnail pics to go directly to the link and buy the items.

What do you do for your friends during the Holidays?

Girlfriend Goody Bag: Yummy

    

    Girlfriend Goody Bag: Yummy
    

    

    Girlfriend Goody Bag: Yummy by prairieheels featuring belgian chocolate truffles
    

    

    

    
Girlfriend Goody Bag: Jewelry

    

    Girlfriend Goody Bag: Jewelry
    

    

    Girlfriend Goody Bag: Jewelry by prairieheels featuring plastic christmas ornaments
    

    

    

    
Girlfriend Goody Bag: Beauty

    

    Girfreind Goody Bag: Beauty
    

    

    Girfreind Goody Bag: Beauty by prairieheels featuring belgian chocolate truffles
    

    

    

    

    

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		5 Things They Never Told You About Labor and Delivery
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/5-things-never-told-labor-delivery/
		Wed, 10 Dec 2014 13:00:59 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3368
		
		Warning: Do not read this post if you are thinking about being pregnant but are not yet pregnant, if you are embarrassed easily by hearing people talk about bodily functions, or if you are male.

pained pregnant womanOne of the fun things about this pregnancy is that I get to enjoy being pregnant along with my close friend and frequent contributor on this site TallGirlJ. While we are 6 weeks apart it’s still been fun to experience all this together. Last month we shared with you 5 Things They Never Told You About Pregnancy. As our due dates draw nearer we've found ourselves chatting more and more about the realities of pushing a baby out of your girl parts. Yet again we both felt that the experts have let us down by glossing over details or simply not mentioning things at all. While we could have come up with a much longer list of things to know about labor and delivery we stuck to our top five. Before we start ladies, I just want to tell you three things.

      
	
    1. Giving birth hurts and it's messy and it will change you physically and mentally forever.
      2. 
	
    2. Everyone's birth experience and expectations are different and I truly hope yours is exactly what you want.
      3. 
	
    3. In the end all that matters is that first moment when you hold your baby!
      4. 

    
So without further delay in the spirit of true Prairie Wife sisterhood, here are five things those books never told us about labor and delivery.

If you have a birth plan, be prepared to never use it.

Prairie Wife: I had this great birth plan for my first baby. It was typed out and everything you could imagine was on it. From the music I wanted to listen to and positions I wanted to try, to what outfit I wanted to wear in pictures. When I handed it to my veteran OB she laughed and said “good luck”. I was really upset, but still printed copies to give to nurses in the room and have next to The Cowboy and I in the delivery room. When I ended up being induced rather than the natural childbirth experience I had planned I should have given up then and there…but I still insisted on keeping it next to me. Flash forward 12 hours later and I was shaking and throwing up and The Cowboy was tearfully pleading with me to get an epidural. Needless to say the only thing that happened as planned was I had a baby! Since then I’ve had a mental birth plan of what I want to happen (and it has hardly ever gone the way I envisioned) and made clear a few points with The Cowboy that we must stick to. In the end I’ve learned that both God and OB’s laugh at birth plans…

TallGirlJ: I never had a birth plan...see my answer to the next question lol!

It’s never too early to pack your hospital bag.

Prairie Wife: As I sort of said above, babies are going to do what they want when they want, and you just never know when they will decide to be born. I am a planner and by now I’ve got this hospital bag thing down pat, see my list here for what you really need. As I was unpacking from our trip to Florida today I almost just went ahead and packed my bag for the hospital…after all Cowbaby5's due date is only 10 weeks away, and you just never know…

TallGirlJ: I apparently am not a planner like the Prairie Wife. I am now officially 3 weeks or less from having a baby, and just last night I thought to myself… maybe I should think about packing my bags in case this baby does decide to come on his own? With my first two kids I was induced both times because my blood pressure was high. This meant I had a day to go home get my stuff together for my journey to the hospital. I wonder what kind of things would be left behind in an urgent pack?! Now I’m feeling that I better go home and pack so I don’t have to find out lol!

Nothing is more exciting than those first few contractions, and then it’s not exciting at all….it just hurts!

Prairie Wife: With all the Cowkids I’ve walked miles to help get things going. When finally those first few contractions hit and get regular I am always so excited because it means that I’ll be meeting my baby soon. It’s exhilarating and my adrenaline gets pumping. Then shit gets real and it’s not exciting at all it just hurts…a lot!

TallGirlJ: I have always been induced so when my contractions hit, they hit hard! But, I feel the same way heading into my induction. I am always super excited and can’t wait to get started, but once it gets started it's started...and there is NO going back! Let the pain begin!

You ARE going to poop but trust us you won’t care.

Prairie Wife: The books kind of breeze over this part but most first time mom’s I know latch right onto this little tidbit of information and proceed to fret and fuss about it. I whole heartedly admit that I was one of those moms. But in the end when it happened I wasn’t even aware of it because A. I was in so much pain and B. I was trying to push a baby out. As far as your husband’s reaction…I asked The Cowboy about it one time and his response was something like “There was so much terrible stuff happening down there I didn’t really notice it…” That’s reassuring right?

TallGirlJ: I was so scared about this before my first baby, and I must have done it, because as the famous potty training book says “everyone poops”…but no one ever brought it up or said anything to me. So as far as I know it never happened. With my second baby I didn’t even think about it!

You will forget how much it hurts…until you’re in the middle of it and then there is no turning back.

deliveryPrairie Wife: I’ve had an epidural with one of the Cowkids and gone au natural with the other three. Each time I feel totally prepared and mentally ready to handle the pain and then I’m in the middle of it and I literally say “How on Earth did I forget this?!” It hurts, it hurts a ton. Giving birth is scary and stressful, and painful. Seriously though, you eventually will forget exactly what it feels like, and I promise you the second the baby is out it will feel so much better!

TallGirlJ: For me I think I forget until about 36-37 weeks. Then I start feeling super uncomfortable and to be honest I feel like my hips, pelvis and nether regions are separating. That's when it all starts coming back… but by this point it is way too late to change it! So my advice it just roll with it and get and epidural if you want one! As Prairie Wife says it’s all worth it once you are holding that baby in your arms!

What do you wish you knew about labor and delivery? Tell us, we want to hear it!

Here are a few more supportive posts about pregnancy and babies that may be helpful.

 Pregnancy Brain Strikes

Prairie Wife of the Week August, 29, 2014 (interview with a postpartum nurse)

Dress That Baby Belly

What you NEED in Your Nursery

Prairie Wife of the Week May 23, 2014 (interview with an OB resident)

Copyright: creatista / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: justmeyo / 123RF Stock Photo]]>    
		
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		Annual Cookie Exchange 2014
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/annual-cookie-exchange-2014/
		Mon, 15 Dec 2014 13:00:21 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3399
		
		Here on the Prairie we are pretty big on traditions, and the Holidays are full of fun things we try to do every year. This year as always we had our Annual Cookie Exchange. A few years ago I became completely overwhelmed at the idea of trying to hand out homemade goodies to all my friends and neighbors. While everyone loved the cookies, trying to meet up during this busy time full of errands, out of town visitors and Holiday parties was close to impossible! So, to make life easier for us all, and to have an excuse to throw a party, I came up with our Annual Cookie Exchange. The idea is simple, everyone makes a few dozen cookies and brings them to one location.

cookie exchange 1Then for a few hours everyone can chat and catch up while the kids run and play. It's always so much fun to see who brought what cookie, and we often try out new recipes from Pinterest on each other! We eat cookies, drink hot cocoa or cider, and then before each guest leaves they collect a tray full of goodies to take home. We spread the open containers out on the counters and table, and I place small groups of napkins and paper plates around so it's easy to grab a cookie (or three) to sample. I usually ask each person to bring around 4-6 dozen treats depending on the amount of guests. I know this sounds like a lot but most cookie recipes make two or three dozen in one batch! I also recommend setting the date for the first Sunday of December. No one is tired of cookies or feeling too overwhelmed by the Holiday Hubbub yet. We keep the time to 3-5:30, it's after nap but the heading home time makes it clear no food will be provided...not that anyone is hungry after eating cookies the whole time!

goody bagFor an extra bit of fun we have Santa come visit. The kids get to chat with him up close and personal and spend a little more time with him than they can at the mall. He even reads them The Polar Express which they love! Each kid leaves with a small goodie bag and I take this opportunity to hand out my Girlfriend Goody Bags! When the night is over it's a simple party to clean up. Simply shake out the table cloth, and throw away any plates and cups that have been scattered. There are never any left overs to clean up and the toys that have been left out can wait for another day.

Here are a few of my favorite cookie recipes to use each year!

The Best Cookies Ever I just add a cup of Holiday m&m's to the recipe

Pinata Cookies

Lemony Snicket Cookies

Salted Chocolate Caramel Rounds

And here are some great cookie decorating tips!

What are your favorite Holiday cookies?]]>
		
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		Winter Beauty Must Haves
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-beauty-must-haves/
		Wed, 17 Dec 2014 13:00:50 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3412
		
		Winter is officially here in Wyoming, and with it comes my dry patch skin. This week I wanted to share a few tried and true products I've used for years to help sooth my dry skin, as well as few new things I just can't live without! As always just click the pic to purchase the product.

    

    Winter Beauty Must Haves
    

    
 

    Winter Beauty Must Haves by prairieheels featuring Maybelline
    

    

    

    
From left to right.

This Urban Decay B6 spray has been in my arsenal for over a year, and I talked about it in my makeup primer post. As soon as I get out of the shower I apply this to my face and let it soak in before using my serums and regular moisturizers. Now that it's winter if I feel my skin getting tight (like after a car ride or nap) I simply mist my face to keep looking fresh. If I have any really dry areas I simply dab a bit of Heir Atelier Makeup Prep over the dry spots. It immediately hydrates them and doesn't mess up my makeup!

I can't live without my H2O mask. Year round I use it once a week to plump up my skin and keep it looking fresh. In the winter I up it to two or three times a week. I often slather it on my face when I'm in the shower and then wash it off at the end.

The health benefits of Green Tea have been all over the news lately and I've been drinking it first thing in the morning for years to help my metabolism. But, it also helps keep my skin hydrated and clear as well! So, to help combat the drying effects of winter, I often drink a cup in the afternoon too. Along with my Detox Water it keeps my skin glowing and healthy even in the harshest winter weather.

Last but not least, I have recently found two makeup products that are perfect for my more parched than usual winter skin. Maybelline Dream Bouncy blush in Peach Satin gives my cheeks that "I just came in from a lively brisk walk through the snow" look with none of the work. The creamy formula glides on smoothly and stays put all day. This CC cream from Physicians Formula gives me just the right amount of coverage but has more moisture than my favorite BB cream. It gives me that extra bit of protection I need from the dry air, but still gives me a natural flawless look.

What beauty products help keep your skin fresh in the Winter?]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week December 19, 2014 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-december-19-2014-giveaway/
		Fri, 19 Dec 2014 13:00:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3419
		
		at my local Farmer's Market where she was selling her all natural, hand crafted body care products. At the time I didn't have a moment to stop by her table and actually try or buy her products. So, when she approached me a few months later and offered me the opportunity to try a few of her amazing products I was thrilled! She sent a wonderful collection of her products to me, and I immediately  dug into them. The products were wonderful, and I can't get enough of her luscious body creme and shower truffles. I approached her about being a Prairie Wife and despite her already packed schedule she was more than happy to share her story. Her desire to bring all natural products to her local community and to help others improve their health makes her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week!

As a special Holiday Gift for ALL of our readers Eliza has offered 10% off all of her products at VintageBodyCare.com (if you spend more than $15). Simply shop at her site and enter the code PRAIRIE10.

Don't forget to take a moment to enter our Vintage Body Care Giveaway! Eliza has given one lucky reader the chance to win a jar of Body Butter and a package of her best selling Shower Truffles in a scent of their choice. All you have to do is stop by VintageBodyCare.com and check out her products. Leave a comment in our comment section telling us what product you would love to try, and follow us on social media to earn more points. Be honest please, we do check to make sure you are truly following us.

Eliza shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family (where you grew up and where you are now etc.).

Eliza (E): I am originally from Utah and my family moved to Idaho when I was young. I went North to Alaska when I was in the Army. I met my husband there when I was a flight nurse and he was a pilot. Eventually we decided to move back to the lower 48 and moved to Wyoming 4 years ago. I continued to work as a flight nurse for several years but have been able to stay home since March. I have a daughter that is 2 ½ months old and 2 year old daughter, as well as two stop kids that are 17 and 21.

PW: I first met you this summer at a local farmers market where you were selling your handmade all natural body products. Can you tell me what prompted you to create Vintage Body Care?

Body ButterE: With my first daughter I was put on modified bed rest because of premature labor concerns. With all this free time I spent a lot of time on the internet, just looking around. Somehow, I ended up on an all natural site that had several articles about all the toxins in lotions and beauty products for adults, and even in baby products! As a nurse I was already pretty health conscious and we were already on a whole food diet. Also, because of my training I knew that our skin is the largest organ in our body, and absorbs everything that is put on it. So, I started to meddle around with lotion and gave it as gifts. Eventually people stared to ask to buy it and Vintage Body Care was born! I have to give my husband credit here; I was really scared and nervous of disappointing customers and myself when I first began. He encouraged me and told me I needed to do it, and COULD do it. I also work really hard to try and keep the prices of my products reasonable because I want to provide everyone with a healthy way to take care of their skin and bodies.

PW: Can you walk us through your process for creating your products?

E: It usually starts at 3 am when I can’t sleep and a recipe just hits me. As far as creating products I started with a lotion because I am a self proclaimed lotion freak lol! Then I developed an herbal diaper cream that works especially well with cloth diapers. As the brand grew I stopped thinking about myself and started to look at what other potential customers were wanting and using. I listened to my customers and naturally found our products developing into more of a spa feel.

As for the actual hands on creation it depends on the products. Several of the products involves a lot of measuring ingredients, exact temperature control, and at times just trying things and seeing what happens. I am also currently taking an herbalist master certification course. I am thrilled because I can then combine this new knowledge with what I am already creating, and integrate it into our products.

PW: How do you find the time to create and sell your products as the mother of two young children?

soapE: With a lot of help and support from my family. Both my mother and my husband watch the two little girls while I make products. I have to plan my production schedule around them because there are some things I simply can’t do with them around. I use lye in our soap and I can’t have them anywhere near that. My kids also help when they can. My two year old helps me tie the soap twine and loves handing me ingredients. My husband watches them so I can go and manage a booth at craft fairs or shows. My step daughter also helps me sell when she can, and even is getting ready to run a booth all on her own for the first time. I am so thankful for their unwavering support and confidence in me!

PW: I was able to try your body butter, shower truffles, and handmade soaps. Each and every one of them smells so good! How do you come up with your lovely scent combinations?

E: Some of them I just think will go well together and try it! Other times, I look for a scent that has therapeutic properties. For example, my pregnant mama body balm has both lavender flower and essential oil as well as vanilla beans, all of these can naturally and safely help calm and sooth a pregnant mom. My healing hand balm has oils known to have antibacterial and antiviral properties in it , which helps it to work aid in my client’s health and it contributes to the smell. I also pick some fragrances because they smell great (to me at least) and because my customers ask for them.

PW: As a mother with young children do you plan to create products just for babies or children?

E: I am actually putting the finishing touches on a few products now and will soon be releasing our Mama and Baby line! Some of the products are teething oil, herbal diaper cream (that works wonderfully with cloth diapers), baby powder and pregnant mama belly balm and bath products. But, most of my products I already create are totally safe for a new born. The only ones that aren’t are unsafe for infants because they contain an essential oil that isn’t recommended for use on infants.

PW: Are you currently working on developing any other new products?

body polishE: We are always working on new products! Lately I have been focused on developing herbal baths and some mineral based soaps and bath melts. I’m trying to find a way to make magnesium a part of my products because so many people are unknowingly lacking it in their diet. I love to hear from my customers, what they love and what they wish we made helps drive our development of new products.

PW: Where do you hope to be in five years?

E: If I can keep my sanity and don’t have too many more kids, I’d love to have a retail location. One of my favorite parts of Vintage Body Care is the interaction with customers. I really enjoy guiding them in the right direction and helping them find the product that will truly help them feel better, and beautiful. I can do a little of this at markets but often with the crowds and getting everything set up it can be a rush. Not to mention, more than a little exhausting! I love that I have the ability to sell online and offer my products to people all over the country, but online I don’t have the opportunity to interact with customers.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

E: If you have a dream or an inkling of a dream try it, you never know where it will take you.

As a special Holiday Gift for ALL of our readers Eliza has offered 10% off all of her products at VintageBodyCare.com (if you spend more than $15). Simply shop at her site and enter the code PRAIRIE10.

Don't forget to take a moment to enter our Vintage Body Care Giveaway! Eliza has given one lucky reader the chance to win a jar of Body Butter and a package of her best selling Shower Truffles in a scent of their choice. All you have to do is stop by VintageBodyCare.com and check out her products. Leave a comment in our comment section telling us what product you would love to try, and follow us on social media to earn more points. Be honest please, we do check to make sure you are truly following us.

Vintage Body Care.com Giveaway!
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		An Unexpected Few Weeks
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/an-unexpected-few-weeks/
		Mon, 22 Dec 2014 18:37:10 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3435
		
		I am the first to admit that I am super anal and regimented. I blame it on being a single mother of four kids (almost five) five days a week. After all, if I'm not on top of everything it can all fall apart and turn into utter chaos so quickly...and of course I'm the one left cleaning up the mess. Now, don't get me wrong...I'm not constantly picking up toys, running after the Cowkids wiping noses, and always looking perfectly groomed and five minutes early for everything. But we DO follow a pretty solid schedule for waking up and bed/nap times and I have certain days for laundry and housecleaning. As for my blog I've got posts planned out at least a few weeks ahead of time and scheduled writing time and social media time several tomes a week.

I've done a pretty good job (if I do say so myself) keeping everything balanced and staying pleasant and cheerful despite all the stress of the Holidays and being full of twice the normal amount of Estrogen thanks to CowBaby5. But here's the deal...I've learned you can only do it for so long before something happens and the balance is lost...no mater how you've tried to prevent it.

In the last 7 weeks the Cowkids have, between them all, had Strep nine times. We went on an amazing family vacation (more on that Wed) which while great, involves a lot of before and after work! Then we have all the extra school and social activities on top of our normal busyness. What tipped me over?

Well if I wrote this a week ago I would have talked about how I was exhausted and overwhelmed and started crying in the middle of mom group. Women that have been my friends for five years, known me through miscarriages and family death and have never seen my cry watched me break down...all over a couple extra heads of horses to feed in -31 degree weather. I felt broken and exhausted and had a good scream/cry at The Cowboy and moved on...and didn't' change a thing. I kept on doing it all and rushing around, and being everything I always was to everyone.

Then this last week the blog got some sort of bug, and it was all I could do not to turn into a swearing screaming computer throwing banshee. Over a stupid thing like that! I snapped at the kids, I was less than gracious to Ma and Pa who are here to visit, and I was tired and grouchy at The Cowboy because it was keeping me up at night. Thinking about all the readers that would get frustrated and not stop back...just when things were going SO WELL! Should I even bother typing any new posts? And what about our amazing Prairie Wife of the Week and her giveaway...how was she going to feel seeing no comments on her post...let down and frustrated I'm sure!

And then TallGirlJ had her baby. A beautiful healthy baby boy, so sweet and lovely, so  perfectly made. As I held him the first time it reminded me that this was truly all that mattered. The simple joy of sitting, holding and loving him, and celebrating the joy of his birth with my friends and family.

At that moment my messy house, unwrapped gifts, and broken blog were pushed where they belong, at the bottom of the list. We went to church on Sunday and the Cowkids were washed and moderately well behaved, and I graciously took the compliments from sweet old people on our "beautiful family" without trying to explain that they normally aren't like that. When Ma and The Cowboy told me I looked beautiful I smiled and said thank you instead of "What? In this old thing?" or some other self depreciating comment. This morning I wrapped gifts with each child and did a winter craft project with the Cowkids instead of getting this post typed and written right away. I have no idea what we are having for dinner...and I really don't care.

nativityDuring these unexpected few weeks I felt myself slipping and sliding into someone that I don't want to be. An overwhelmed, grouchy, martyr mother (a mother who does things for others while being bitter and complaining about it). My focus and my heart were all off balance and besides making those nearest to me miserable, I wasn't really enjoying being me so much either. Thanks to the birth of a baby boy I was saved (does this story sound familiar?) and reminded of what I already knew.

So this week I am doing what I can to get things done, but I'm not going to push it. This is my last few weeks to relax before school starts back up and then CowBaby5 will be born. I plan to enjoy Ma and Pa's visit and The Cowboy being home a bit more, and not having to get everyone dressed and out of the house by 7:30.

I think we'll all be much happier with fewer days spend vacuuming and more time spent snuggling on the couch.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed lately?
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		2015 New Year's Resolutions Roundup
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/2015-new-years-resolution-roundup/
		Mon, 29 Dec 2014 13:00:34 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3444
		
		Texas Two Steppin': I always like to start my resolutions by seeing how well I did with the previous year's listing. I'm pleased to say that I achieved them all, and I owe that in great part to y'all--there's nothing like having thousands of readers to keep you honest and on track! This year I'm going to cut my resolutions down to three and Prairie Wife, Tall Girl J and BonitaBlueEyes will be joining in the "fun!"

Alright, here I go...

1. I promise that I will make a trip out to the Wild West and visit with all of the Prairie Wives in 2015. OK, I have to admit that while this is a great resolution, I know for sure it is one I will actually complete because I get to meet my godchild and get hugs from all the other nieces and nephews!

at work2. The last six months I have had some new, unexpected, and totally exhausting work assignments. Every day and most evenings I have been spending my time writing reports and reading research, so I haven't been able to spend my free time on fashion and beauty and personal style. Seriously, I still haven't read September's Elle yet! But I am rededicating myself to my writing and am going to try to publish at least one post a month. Right now that seems like a daunting task, and I'm going to need your encouragement to meet this goal, but I'm really looking forward to finding a bit more balance between my home and work lives.

3.  Because I have been so crazy busy (see above) I haven't had the opportunity to share my latest news with y'all, but in 2015 I'm getting a daughter-in-law! The Texan and I are thrilled (as is Prairie Wife) and I resolve to tell you all about it in my next blog post, but I promise it won't be wedding news all the time! But, I will need your help finding a stepmother-of-the-groom look, and can't wait to hear your thoughts as we prepare for a 2015 winter wedding, Texas style.

Prairie Wife: Hello all, I'm glad you are stopping back by despite us taking a week off to spend Holiday time with friends and family...and let's face it I spent a lot of time taking naps too! Just like Texas Two Steppin' I took some time to look back on last year's goals and I also did pretty darn great! Though 2014 got off to a rough start it still turned our pretty amazing, and I am looking forward to 2015 and all the blessings it will bring.  I had this post already written a few weeks ago but, due to an unexpected few weeks I've reflected on, and revamped my three New Years Resolutions so here they are...

1. In 2015 I resolve to relax and reevaluate my priorities as needed, let some things slide, and along with that ask for help when I need it. While on the blog I am perfectly honest about the ups and downs of life on the Prairie. In "real life" I pretty much keep my head up and charge forward with a smile. After several of my friends read my post about the rough time I've been having I got multiple texts from friends "yelling" at me for not asking for help. They had no idea that I had been feeling overwhelmed. Firstly, it made me feel great that I had such wonderful support, and then it made me feel badly for not being more honest and relying on them for support more. After all, if I were in their place I would be upset too! So with CowBaby5 on the way in 6 weeks I resolve to let the little things slide (you may see only 3 posts a week for a month or two) and ask for help!

getting package2. I am standing up and saying that I am addicted to Amazon Prime, and perhaps internet shopping in general. Perhaps addicted is too strong a word...I don't spend more than we can afford and we do use/wear everything I buy (and I stick to my closet organizing rules) but, my spending has been a little over the top the last few months. I am also guilty of popping into my favorite local boutique the Floral Rhino a little too much, and can anyone say no to the Target Clearance rack?! So, I am going to spend 2015 being a more conscious spender. I'll be sharing my journey with you on the blog, I've already thought of some great ways to trim my monthly spending!

3. Lastly I resolve to spend more time as the fun mom. I know that I can't just let things like homework, chores, and manners slide but, I can spend more time playing board games, helping them play Skylander on the Wii (even if after 15 minutes I want to claw my brains out), playing outside, and simply turning the ringer on my phone off and being more present. With a new baby coming I know that this will help all of us keep our "love cups full!"

TallGirlJ: As I wrote my resolutions for Prairie Wife I couldn't help but feel that some people may see them as a little cliche! But, what can I say, these are the things I need to work on to be the woman, wife, and mother I want to be. One of the things I love about PrairieWifeInHeels.com is how easy it is to be honest, and how many of you our readers respond to that. So, despite my wish that my resolutions were a touch more exciting here they are...

1. Be more positive. I must saying signing up for a silly app on my phone called Timehop (an app that shows you past posts and pictures from your years on FaceBook) has been a great way to be reminded myself of how precious and cute my kids are, and also, how negative I can be... It will pull up status updates that I have done in the past and some of them are very negative. While I know that many were just me showing frustration and venting, I currently couldn't tell you what any of them were really about! This tells me I need to suck it up and look at the positive in things, because obviously none of that stuff ended up meaning anything! I am the first to admit I give up and get frustrated super easy, this is something I would really like to try to change.

2. As many of you know I did a post about going yell free. When I was following my plan my house was more peaceful and I felt much less frustrated. I have to admit that since becoming pregnant with Baby #3 I have fallen off the wagon. I have let myself get very frustrated and reverted to yelling instead of trying to find other ways to deal with issues. And I know yelling does not work!! All it does is bring more frustration (not to mention guilt) and now my kids are reverting to yelling at each other more. In 2015 I am holding myself responsible and getting back on track!

running3. In 2015 I will loose the baby weight and exercise! As I said in my intro I know this is very clichĂŠ, but you know what...I don't care! I had a new baby on December 20th (a beautiful baby boy who weighed in at 7lb 13oz and 20.5 in) and my goal in 2015 is to loose the weight I gained with the baby. I am not pushing it, I know I will never be a size 8. I want to be healthy. I also want to get back to my running! For those who know me I used to say I would only run if something was chasing me or if I was playing a sport...Well then came kids and the weight. When Prairie Wife talked me into trying running with her I thought she was crazy but wanted to try something new. After doing it for a year (including running several 5k's) I realized that running gives me my 20-35 mins of alone, sanity, thinking time! I got lazy when I found out I was pregnant and only ran for a few weeks. Between morning sickness and laziness I stopped...and it is one thing I have missed more than anything during this pregnancy. Even more than beer, and I love a good beer now and then ;)

BonitaBlueEyes: On my official resolution list I have the same old clichĂŠ goals that everyone else does like loosing weight, being more kind, and being a better mom. And those of you that have been keeping up with my posts are probably imagining how long my list is! But, when Prairie Wife asked me to send her three New Year's Resolutions I decided to focus on my resolutions that are more unconventional.

1.  I'm going to help the environment more by becoming as minimalist as possible with 3 kids.  I'm going to use cloth wipes and diapers, grow a vegetable garden, and do all I can to consume less! This includes shopping less, and finding new ways to reuse what we already have! Don't worry I'll let you know how this little experiment of mine goes here on the blog.

2.  I'm going to write more by contributing at least 12 posts to PrairieWifeinHeels.com.  Prairie wife does not necessarily need to use them if she doesn't want to, but I'll give her 12. I didn't realize how therapeutic writing was for me until Prairie Wife invited me to be a frequent contributor on the blog. I was really nervous to do my first post but now I LOVE it! I'm also going to write at least 3 bilingual children's stories.

reading in bed3.  I'm going make time to read more by banning Facebook at night.  I'll also read 3 books that are outside of my regular self-help/spiritual/parenting genre.

What are some of your resolutions?!

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Going on Vacation with a Budget
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/going-on-vacation-with-a-budget/
		Wed, 31 Dec 2014 13:00:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3459
		
		The first week of December The Cowboy and I surprised the kids and CowGranny with a week long trip to Florida. There were several reasons we went the surprise route. First and foremost The Cowboy loves a good surprise so, he had CowGranny booked for the week and thinking she was coming up to watch the Cowkids while he surprised ME with a trip (oh what a tangled web we weave...)! Instead we whisked her off on a trip to sunny Florida where she was surrounded by 4 completely wound up Cowkids for a week...she might of got the raw end of that deal! We chose not to tell the Cowkids simply to save our own sanity. Anyone with children knows that if you tell them about anything exciting ahead of time they will badger you relentlessly asking if it's time yet! After surprising CowGranny we headed to the airport and hopped on a plane. We landed in Tampa Bay and spent a day at the beach before heading to our resort in Orlando the next day. The kids had no idea Disney World was in the plans until we pulled up to the gates, their reactions were hilarious. The next day we went to Universal Studios and when Cowboy J realized we were going to Harry Potter World he cried he was so happy. We spent a down day at the resort (which was just what we all needed) and then hit Sea World before flying out the next day.

Cowgirl G on beachThe Cowboy and I have been planning this trip for over a year, with four kids and three adults it took some planning and saving to make sure we could enjoy the trip without breaking the bank! So, I thought I would share with you a few of the things that we did that helped us save $100's of dollars a day. Keep in mind that these tips are for a vacation of more than three days. Also, while some of these tips will only help you if you're headed to a big theme park, many of these tips are ones we use no mater where we travel.

1. Plan ahead and use those points you have saved up!

Sea WorldThe Cowboy spends on average over 240 days a year on the road...that's a lot of nights in a hotel. We learned early on the wisdom of signing up for hotel rewards programs. Even those of you that only travel every now and then, it's amazing how the points add up. As a bonus most programs add a bunch of points just for signing up. With a big trip, take some time to plan ahead and save up those points. It's worth it to drive a few blocks further to stay at a hotel where you belong to the rewards program. Even if you only get two nights of your week long stay free, your saving at least $300! The same goes for airline points. Sign up and save them for a big trip, even one ticket bought with your miles can save you hundreds of dollars.

2. Take a look at a few airports near where you are going to compare prices.

We first looked at flying into Orlando when we decided to take the family on this trip. On a whim The Cowboy checked out the Tampa Bay Airport. Thank goodness we did because we save hundreds on each plane ticket which added up to almost two thousand dollars saved! We had to rent a car anyway (think about renting from an off site place instead of right at the airport), so we stayed in Tampa Bay one day and hit the beach and then drove the two hours to Orlando. It wasn't a problem at all, and I'm so glad we had the time at the beach!

3. Try and stay in a room/villa with a kitchen if you have kids.

Disney WorldWhen traveling with kids (especially as many as we have) we often have to get two rooms when we go anywhere for more than a few nights. It's just not practical to have so many of us on top of each other for such a long time. A few years ago we started asking for suites or villas. Most of these come with a kitchen set up and it has saved us SO much money. Stopping at WalMart and buying breakfast cereal and yogurt, snacks, sandwich fixings and food for a few simple dinners (like spaghetti or chicken and rice) will save you hundreds. Just eating breakfast in the room not only saved our sanity (it is SO hard to get up and get into a restaurant the second the kids wake up) saved us on average $40 every morning with our group of four kids and three adults. I know that many hotels offer free breakfast but it's always a stressful crowded mess of people in pajamas pushing and shoving for the last stale banana muffin. Just eating three dinners in our room saved us over $200, not to mention the last thing I wanted to do after a 10 hour day walking around Disney World was make the Cowkids sit and behave in a restaurant while they waited for a meal!

4. Pack a lunch and bring it to the theme park.

All of the parks we went to allowed you to bring backpacks. Packing a lunch and a bunch of water bottles was a great way to save us money and time. We bought a loaf of bread, peanut butter, jelly, and fruit and snacks and packed a lunch each day. We also loaded up on bottles of water and then simply refilled them at the restrooms. We still let the kids indulge in an ice cream cone or another sweet treat at each park. We saved over $250 doing this...that's crazy!

5. Pack light to save on luggage costs.

No matter what we think about it, the reality of flying now is that you have to pay an extra luggage fee. If we had a suitcase for each person on the trip we would of had over $200 in luggage fees alone. The Cowboy and I shared a suitcase and I packed all four of the Cowkid's clothes in one suitcase. Most villas have laundry rooms inside, and every hotel I know of has onsite laundry facilities available for guests. I did two loads of laundry on our off day and we had plenty of clothes for the kids to wear (and an extra pair was clean and ready when Cowboy W barfed on the plane). We also buy a pack of diapers, and sunscreen when we get our groceries. Checking strollers and car seats is still free and cheaper than renting them!

6. If possible travel during the off season.

Harry PotterThe Cowkids missed a week of school to go on this trip but, the money we saved traveling during the off season was well worth it. We gave their teachers plenty of notice and had all their work done when they returned the next week. Hotel and plane costs were considerably lower during the off season and the crowds were considerably smaller. In Universal Studios the Cowkids never had to wait in line for more than 5 minutes! Not to mention the "winter" temps of 60 degrees were still plenty warm to us!

7. When you check in ask the hotel if they have any deals.

We bought our theme park tickets ahead of time, and upon arrival found out that our hotel had discount deals with the parks they could have offered us...lesson learned for next time! Also, if you are staying at a place that offers a time share sales pitch it might be worth the few hours (most offer kids club type babysitting) for the free incentives they offer you for your time!

How do you save money when you travel?

For more tips on traveling with children check out this post!

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		We Need Your Help for February Flashbacks #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/we-need-your-help-for-february-flashbacks-giveaway/
		Fri, 02 Jan 2015 13:00:42 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3479
		
		This Giveaway is now closed. Thanks so much for all your comments and e-mails! The Featured Prairie Wives for February Flashbacks are.....Amanda and her candid conversation about addiction, Katy and her experience in Direct Sales with Rodan and Fields, Elizabeth and her journey to Africa, and Kim Gravel of the Lifetime show Kim of Queens! Stop by each Friday in February to read all about them!**

Texas Two Steppin' and I were chatting about the blog last month, and started talking about our Prairie Wife of the Week posts. It turns out that not only is it one of our favorite parts of the blog...but our readers love it too! After all, who doesn't love taking a peak into someone's life and reading all the answers to those burning questions you always wanted to ask?

women fightingWe thought it would be kind of fun to check back with some of our past Prairie Wives of the Week and decided to do February Flashbacks. The only problem was, we couldn't agree on what four Prairie Wives we should touch base with! We each have our personal favorites and just couldn't settle on four, after all, each and every one of our Prairie Wives is amazing in her own unique way.

So...as a solution we decided to ask you to help us pick. Then we had the clever idea to do a giveaway as well! After all what better way to start a new year than with a giveaway for our readers?

starbucksAll you need to do is nominate your favorite past Prairie Wife (you can nominate up to three) is let us know in the comments section of this post. Just leave their name and their story. We have had several Katie's on the blog so we need you to say "Katie who adopted three children from China."or "Katie, the woman who had a home birth." Also, if you have any questions you want us to ask in the February Flashback interview make sure you let us know! We will pick one of our readers that commented to randomly WIN a $10 gift card to Starbucks!

We can't wait to see who you guys nominate!

For a quick way to look back at past Prairie Wives simply go to the Prairie Wife tab in our menu at the top of the page. Just a few of our past Prairie Wives are...

Prairie Wife of the Year 2014 Katie

General Kathy Wright

Cancer Slaying Prairie Wife and how she hopes to change the face of Oncology

Kim Gravel of the Lifetime show Kim of Queens

Nicole and the story of her mother's battle with MS

Amanda and her honest look at her battle with addiction

Elizabeth and her journey to Africa 

Marissa Hermer from the BRAVO show Ladies of London

Grandma Bea and her wise words of wisdom

Sarah and her journey to adopt a boy from Russia

Chasetity and CowGirlOnGreen and their fight for their children with special needs

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Nesting: Urban Myth or Tragic Truth
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/nesting-urban-myth-or-tragic-truth/
		Sat, 03 Jan 2015 13:00:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3484
		
		Dictionary.Referance.com defines nesting as “The tendency to arrange one's immediate surroundings, such as a work station, to create a place where one feels secure, comfortable, or in control.”

The Cowboy defines nesting as “When my pregnant wife makes no sense and makes me redo shit that I’ve already redone three times, or that was just fine before we started.”

birds nestingSome people claim that a pregnant woman’s need to “nest” or prepare her house in sometimes extreme ways for a baby, is just a bunch of baloney. That it’s encouraged by society and those around her, rather than a very real primal urge that can’t be ignored. I found numerous online sites that state that while nesting is not always experienced by all pregnant women, it is in fact a real phenomena…and we all know that if the internet says it, it is the truth! Most of the sites claim that nesting usually occurs in the last weeks of pregnancy, and the form it takes varies from individual to individual. Several sites clearly state that while nesting will most likely not harm the mother or baby, it is best to delegate the heavier lifting or more strenuous tasks to others. You can be sure I shared that wise “medical” advice with The Cowboy!

As you can probably gather by The Cowboy’s quote above, nesting in a very real thing here on the Prairie! As you read this post you should know that there is a flurry of activity going on at the Prairie Homestead. For me personally I have two stages of nesting. The first stage occurs around the end of my 5th month of pregnancy. When I am beginning to get large, yet can still move around comfortably. It suddenly occurs to me that we need to repaint, redecorate, or even move rooms around in the house before I become too large and tired to complete the task. When pregnant with Cowboy W I repainted and redecorated our Master Bathroom. With Cowboy C I forced The Cowboy to repaint the kitchen and make a super cool organization wall I saw on Pinterest (to this day he hates Pinterest). With CowBaby5 I moved two of the Cowkids to new rooms.

woman nestingNow that I am 34 weeks pregnant my second stage of nesting has kicked in. In this stage I have an uncontrollable urge to prepare the nursery, pack my diaper bag, and purge every closet in the house. I even mark a day in red on the calendar so The Cowboy can begin to mentally prepare. At this point we have this stage of nesting down to a science. The Cowboy keeps his mouth shut and brings in the correctly labeled containers from storage that I request. In this case “Girl Room” and “0-3 Month Girl Clothes.” He then keeps the Cowkids out of my way until I call for him again and then he removes the newly packed unneeded totes (in this case “Boy Room”), hangs up curtains and pictures, and hauls out trash bags of clothing and items deemed unneeded to be donated to a local Charity.

When it comes time to clean out closets he places a smile on his face as he stands and takes everything off the shelves, hands it to me to sort, and then puts it back. When we are done he then gathers up the sorted piles and removes items to the dump or donates it to the local Charity.

When the day is done I’m exhausted and The Cowboy is completely over it. The Cowkids are little zombies from all their time spent in front of the TV and we are all happy it’s over! But, I simply can’t explain the feeling of peace that over takes me as I finally stretch out on the couch with some ice cream. For me nesting isn’t about passing time, it’s about dotting all those i’s and crossing all those t’s so that the only thing I need to focus on until the baby is born is those last special moments with my Cowkids. I feel empowered and ready for the baby to come. I’m focused and clear on what I need to do to help bring this new blessing home from the hospital and keep everything running smoothly (more or less) here at the Prairie Homestead.

I know it sounds like The Cowboy gets the short end of the stick and I can’t say you’re wrong. Thank goodness he doesn’t read the blog, he’ll never know I feel bad for him! At least rather than making the nesting last weeks (as it was with Cowboy J) we’ve got it down to one day of misery!

Follow us on Instagram (@prairieheels) to see pics of what nesting really looks like on the Prairie Homestead!

What do you think? Is Nesting an urban myth or a tragic truth?

Here are some posts that can help you get ready for your new baby!

What You NEED In Your Nursery

What a New Mom NEEDS for the House and Bathroom

Packing Your Hospital and Diaper Bag

Packing a Baby Bag for Your Car

How to Help a New Mom

What Every New Mom Needs to Hear

5 Things They Never Told You About Labor and Delivery

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Is it OK to Return Gifts from your Kids?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/is-it-ok-to-return-gifts-from-your-kids/
		Mon, 05 Jan 2015 13:00:35 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3492
		
		That being said we’ve had some doozies for us parents over the years! Like the massive arrows that Cowboy J insisted on getting The Cowboy for Christmas one year. I swear the sharp titanium heads on those arrows would have pierced a tank…not to mention what it would have done to an Elk! Last year Cowboy W got me a shade of lipstick that resembled Mississippi Mud. Last Mother’s Day I received a flamingo yard statue, as well as a large white, plastic, Goose shaped planter.

Now of course, some of the success of the shopping does depend on where we take the kids. WalMart resulted in the Mississippi Mud Lipstick (as well as a neon green guacamole bowl) and the Garden corner of Menards produced last year’s landscaped themed gifts. I’ve learned my lesson and have tried to stay away from sports stores, unless we have a specific item in mind. Too often we have wound up with ammo that won’t work for any guns that The Cowboy has or a Rambo type knife.

Cowgirl G is actually the best purchaser of all the Cowkids but even she has had a few misses over the years. A coral colored blouse with jewels all over it made in a stiff polyester fabric comes to mind…Last year she was right on trend and bought me a brocade silver and black pencil skirt I can’t wait to fit into again!

So here is my question for you, my readers. You were such a big help with my American Girl Doll problem (we ended up purchasing one for Cowgirl G and she hasn’t stopped brushing her hair or changing her outfits since) that I thought I would see what you felt about this question…

Is it OK to return gifts from your kids? Over the years I have to admit that I have returned gifts from The Cowboy and purchased other items, and on the sly I have done the same thing with a few of the Cowkid’s gifts. The Cowboy never minds (nor do I when he does the same) but as the Cowkids have gotten older it’s been harder to return things without them noticing. This year The Cowboy took them to my favorite boutique and while the gifts they got were lovely, two of them I just can’t see myself wearing. It doesn’t help that I know I can return the gifts and get something I’ve really been craving!

So what do you think? No returning gifts at all? Return them on the sly? Or be honest and even have the Cowkids come help pick out new items?

I can’t wait to hear your advice!

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week January 9, 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-january-9-2015/
		Fri, 09 Jan 2015 13:00:49 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3504
		
		 LitteHouseInAmerica.com  kept on showing up on her timeline. One day I clicked it and found myself immersed in a charming blog. I found myself adding it to my regular list of blogs I stop by weekly. The poems and pictures were often a calming breath of fresh air in my week. Imagine my surprise when I realized that Karen was the blogger and author of the poems I had enjoyed so much! I knew I had to have her as one of our Prairie Wives and I am so pleased to introduce her and her work to our readers. While I am an avid reader I can't say that I often read books of poetry. But, Karen's poems are so heartfelt and place such beautiful and vivid images into my mind that I became and instant fan. Her love of family, her passion for her writing, her appreciation for the wonders of nature, as well as her ability to listen to her inner voice make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week!

karen shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family.

cowsKaren (K):  I grew up in Connecticut; when I was 13 my parents moved our whole family to a non-working ranch in Wyoming. My dad was ready for a change of pace from his job in Manhattan and my mom, who grew up on a dairy farm in Upstate, New York was eager to get back to her country roots. My mom and dad met in Manhattan and always joked about how they must have been the only two Manhattanites who loved hunting, (so of course Wyoming seemed like the perfect place for them to move)! As soon as we moved, I fell in love with the open skies of the west, the people of Wyoming and the ranching lifestyle. I went to boarding school in Colorado for High School, and after college in California knew I wanted to go back to Colorado or Wyoming to live. My three kids, husband and I currently reside in northern Colorado where I can still sneak up to Wyoming and get my fix when I need!

PW: Before you became a stay at home mom (if you don’t like this phrase feel free to switch it out) you taught English/Creative writing was that challenging in this increasingly tech focused age?

K:  I took a break from teaching High School (eight years ago) right when technology was starting to require a lot more from teachers in and out of the classroom. Managing students’ cell-phones was a huge issue, and incorporating the most up-to-date programs and technology into lesson plans was becoming the new standard. Technology is both a blessing and a curse for teachers, because while it makes certain things more complicated and difficult, it also makes it easier for students to turn in papers online, or keep up with lessons and homework through their teachers’ websites. The increased accessibility and communication means that there is little excuse for a student to be unprepared. It can also discourage plagiarism and cheating because information is so easy to find and trace.

PW: You currently have a blog called LittleHouseInAmerica.com where you share your daily experiences through poetry and photography, what led you to start this blog?

little houseK: After having my first two children pretty close together, I realized that I wasn’t living in the moment like I always pictured myself doing before I had kids. When I was teaching, I used to tell my creative writing students to walk around their world as if they had a camera around their neck—to look for the things around them that might be seemingly mundane, but had the potential to be turned into the most fantastic, beautiful image if they could just get down on their knees and look at something from a different angle or lens, then describe it using words. I decided that I needed to be doing that for my kids and myself as a way to remember and cherish those whirlwind first years of parenting. Certain looks from my kids; a snowstorm outside their bedroom window while they were taking a nap; a coyote on my jog—changing a diaper. I just needed to change my lens, slow down and see how awesome and amazing all of those moments really were. I’ve always loved writing and photography, so LittleHouseInAmerica was born after I decided I really wanted to share those moments with others.

PW: I think that poetry in this age is an art form that is misunderstood and even overlooked. Can you share what you love about writing poetry?

K: I love writing poetry because if fulfills something within me to write it. It feels like the greatest endorphin rush to put words together on a page in such a way that I am relaying a moment the way I wanted, and in a way that (I think) sounds melodious and nice when it rolls off the tongue. It replaces chocolate or a fit of temper when I am broody, or a jog when I can’t get outside.

PW: You are also currently working on a novel can you tell us how you find time with three kids to write, and also your process?

K:  I have to treat my writing like a job, and have just recently come to terms with the fact that being a stay-at-home mom doesn’t mean I can’t designate separate “work” time for my writing on a daily basis. Even though my writing is not paying the bills, I have to respect the process and my long-term writing goals enough, to treat it like it is worth the time. A huge part of the writing process for me, has been to do it every day. In the past, I wasted too much time trying to figure out what my own process was, (like there was this magic formula I was supposed to follow), that I didn’t realize the only way to truly figure it out, was to keep writing, making mistakes, and keep on writing some more. Even when I don’t feel like it, or am not sure about where my story is going, I just have to keep those juices flowing so that I keep on pushing and learning new things about myself and things I didn’t expect to end up on the page.

beautiful boyPW: Many of your poems are about your childhood out west, growing up living off the land, and just enjoying nature. What do you hope your readers will learn when they read your work?

K:  I really want my readers to feel that no matter the differences we all have in the way we were raised or in our chosen system of beliefs, there really are so many common values we share in our relationships, for ourselves, and in our way of seeing the world.

PW: Physical activity is a big part of your life, can you share more about that?

K: My running, since the time I discovered a runner’s high in college, has been such a centering force in my life. The amount of times I have gone on a jog in the worst mood possible and returned a better person, has been countless. I am not fast, and my form leaves a lot to be desired, but my love of running has allowed me to finish six marathons around our beautiful country. Running and writing has always gone hand-in-hand for me too…Just like a clean room, my mind needs to be cleared of the clutter with some good old-fashioned cardio before I can sit down and write :)

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom for our readers?

K: Keep on being honest with, and checking in with that little voice inside of you who can so easily get lost in the business of life. Keep listening to what she cares about and wants, and devise a plan for her to go after that!

PW: Karen will be stopping by throughout the week to respond to any questions and comments. If you like her work please Like her FaceBook page and receive regular updates about her blog and writing!]]>
		
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		Tim Gunn's Fashion Bible by Tim Gunn
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/tim-gunns-fashion-bible-by-tim-gunn/
		Sat, 10 Jan 2015 13:00:45 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3516
		
		Tim Gunn's fashion bibleMost of my reading is done on my Kindle, I can’t speak highly enough about this lightweight modern marvel! But, every once in a while there is a book that simply must be bought in its “true” form. For Christmas Santa got me a copy of Tim Gunn’s Fashion Bible “The fashion history of everything in your closet.” I took full advantage of The Cowboy being home for a few days and read it cover to cover in the course of a few days. Now, I wouldn’t recommend this book to everyone. You definitely need to have a certain level of interest in both history and fashion to find this book worth your time. If you simply like to shop or appreciate a fashion magazine now and then I wouldn’t encourage you to pick this up.

That being said I wanted to write a post sharing with you some of the great tidbits of fashion advice I read in this book! Tim Gunn isn’t afraid to share his opinion and while he and I will have to just agree to disagree about athletic wear and if it is appropriate to wear out and about (I say yes and he says no, no, NO) I finished his book ready to charge forward in 2015 with a more focused outlook on my personal style. Don’t forget to follow us on Pinterest for weekly fashion and life inspiration!

• Shape wear was invented for a reason, use it! Take the time to try it before you buy it and find a style and size that smooths your problem areas. Is it 100% comfortable…no! Is it worth looking and feeling your best, yes!

• Take the time to find the best style of jeans for your body type and lifestyle. Just because skinny jeans are fashionable doesn’t mean you should wear them. If boot cut with a high waist looks best on you, wear them! Don’t pay attention to size; no one can see the tag. If you invest in an expensive pair remember that darker wash is dressier and appropriate in more places than faded.

• Dresses come in two styles draped (think flowy and looser) or tailored (fitted and structured). Take a look at your closet and see what you lean more towards (and make sure you look the best in this style) and keep an eye out for those qualities when shopping for new items.

• Skirts come in a variety of lengths, fits, and fabrics. Pick what works best for your age and lifestyle. A tight pencil skirt is not best for a busy mother with young children, but a knee length a-line skirt is perfect. If you think it might be too short or tight…it probably is!

• Never underestimate the power of a belt to transform your outfit and shape!

• If wearing sky high heels isn’t practical for you then don’t wear them! Kitten heels and flats are a perfectly acceptable substitution. No matter what you choose, make sure your shoes are well taken care of, and make sure you hem your pants to a flattering length!

• Spending hundreds upon hundreds and even thousands of dollars on a purse is just silly. There are plenty of quality fashionable purses sold at reasonable prices. Once again pick a style that works for you, moms will naturally need more room and pockets than a single 20 something. Everyone needs a nice small clutch for a night out on the town.

• Big cost doesn’t necessarily mean the best quality. Buy the best you can afford (without being obscene) and make sure your clothes fit you and your lifestyle…you’ll always look classy, confident, and chic!]]>
		
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		Spaghetti Headz #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spaghetti-headz-giveaway/
		Mon, 12 Jan 2015 13:00:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3528
		
		When I first received an e-mail asking me if I would like to try Spaghetti Headz hair twists I wasn’t sure if they would be a good fit for us. After all, Cowgirl G had just chosen to chop off her lovely locks into a short and sassy bob. I took a few minutes to browse the product online and after taking a look knew that Cowgirl G would love then, even with her new do. I had the people at Spaghetti Headz check out our Prairie Wife Guarantee to make sure we were on the same page, and received the Spaghttie Headz the next week. Cowgirl G was ecstatic and bounced up on down while she waited for me to open them.

 

This would probably be a good time for me to admit that I am NOT one of those moms that can do their daughters hair all darling and Pinterest cute. Cowgirl G has pretty much been “styling” it on her own since the age of three, and I started to keep a brush in the van for all the times I forgot to even brush it before we headed out the door. Her new cut was the best decision ever (wash and wear), and I keep my fingers crossed that Cowgirl G will take over doing CowBaby5’s hair when she has enough to need attention.

Needless to say I was a little intimidated at the idea of trying to place the Spaghetti Headz in Cowgirl G’s stick straight and somewhat fine hair…I shouldn’t have worried. After one attempt the Spaghetti Headz twist easily wound around Cowgirl G’s hair, and stayed in without any slipping until nap time (about 4 hours) when she took it out (with no snags or rats left behind). We chose not to cut her Spaghetti Headz to the same length as her hair, but it is an option. After I placed her first Spaghetti Headz twist in her hair Cowgirl G spent several minutes gazing adoringly at herself in the mirror. She then came back and wound another Spaghetti Headz around her wrist as a bracelet and then immediately grabbed her American Girl Doll and asked me to show her how to put one in her hair. It only took her three tries and she had it down, and ran off to play.

spag headzThis is a cute product that I can foresee Cowgirl G and her friends having lots of fun with! The variety of charms and styles are numerous and I know you can find just the right style for your little girl! I already have plans to buy a few packs of them to break up and put in her Birthday Goody Bags for her friends. I’d say that the ages that would most enjoy this product are 4-9 year olds. The younger girls will like the bright colors (and you can even style it to make it look like a crown) and the older girls will have fun trying out looks on each other!

The great people at Spaghetti Headz have offered to do a giveaway with THREE winners! One grand prize winner will receive a package of Spaghetti Headz hair twists of their choice and two runners up will receive 25% off a set of Spaghetti Headz. All you need to do is leave a comment about your favorite way to style your daughters hair. You can earn more points towards the giveaway by following us on social media. Please be honest, we do check!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Save Money on Your Grocery Bill
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/save-money-on-your-grocery-bill/
		Wed, 14 Jan 2015 13:00:27 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3538
		
		 2015 New Year's Resolution Roundup one of my resolutions was to try not to spend so much. This post is the first of several sharing what I have done to trim our budget. In the spirit of full disclosure I have been working on this particular post over the course of several months, not simply since New Year’s Day!

grocery cartFirst a little background for our readers that may be newer. My family consists of me (a 35 week pregnant 30 something woman), my husband (The Cowboy) and four Cowkids. Three Cowboys ages 8, 4, and 23 months and a Cowgirl age 6. We live out of town and only eat out on average twice a month. Now this IS subject to change depending on my various stages of pregnancy (cravings) and exhaustion but, the reality is, that I cook mostly from scratch at home. The two oldest Cowkids eat Hot Lunch at school once a week with perhaps a few extra times a month if they request it. We only drink water (which we have to buy) or milk and the sweet treats are mostly homemade. I do not purchase organic fruits or veggies unless they are on sale.

On average in one WEEK (give or take a day or two) we go through 3 gallons of milk, 24 eggs, 1 pound of bacon, a bunch of bananas, a bag of apples, 3 cartons of berries, 2-3 heads of lettuce, 1 bag each of carrots, sweet peppers, and celery, 1 ½ boxes of cereal, 14 containers of yogurt, two loaves of bread, 1 package of string cheese and a whole bunch of other food I am not going to bother listing. We also have at least 3 other people over for a meal once a week (and have guests staying for a few days about every other month). While we mostly eat Elk meat, I do purchase breakfast meat, pork chops, and chicken from the store.

Before this experiment our monthly grand total we spent on groceries was $1,000 and I went to the grocery store every week.

Below I have listed what I have implemented over the last 3 months that saves us around $300 a month on our bill! I have to tell you now that I DO NOT clip or print coupons. If you are looking for an extreme couponing post stop now. I understand that I could save even more money for our family by doing this (growing up Ma would spend hours cutting and organizing coupons) but, I simply do not have the time or organization…not to mention desire or patience to do this.

• Make a list and stick to it. The best thing I did was invest in a magnetized grocery list pad that sticks to the fridge. As soon as The Cowboy or I notice something is running low we put it on the list. And I stick to the list…no going rogue! Part of this is also never letting The Cowboy go shopping; he has no impulse control at all at the grocery store!

• Try to go to the store only every two weeks. This was something I didn’t predict would make a big difference in our budget…but it has. When I see the fridge starting to dwindle by the middle of week two I find new creative ways to cook with what we have (much less waste) and also find myself using items from the pantry that would have probably been ignored until next year’s can drive!

• Buy in bulk. My friends will tell you that I fought this one tooth and nail. What can I say? After going to the same local grocery store every week for 6 years I had developed a strong attachment! As I sat down and really looked at the massive amounts of food we went through weekly I knew that I could go to our local bulk store and buy 36 eggs and get them all used before they went bad…and that it was silly to ignore the savings of shopping this way. We did end up buying a refrigerator to keep in our garage to help store the extras.

• Make a meal plan. You can stop by our Pinterest Organization Board for some really specific meal plans but I prefer to do a more general one. The night before I go to the store I take a look at the calendar and jot down a few meals a week that I know for sure I want to make. Perhaps you know company is coming and you want to do a roast, jot it down on the calendar and add the necessary items to your list. Or maybe there is a new chili recipe you want to try…put it on the calendar and immediately add the ingredients to your list. This helps me to keep variety in our diet but, also ensures that nothing goes to waste.

• While I don’t do coupons I do use the App on my phone for our local grocery store. Despite buying in bulk every few weeks I do stop by our smaller store for certain items I can’t find at the other store. They have an easy to use App that allows me to simply place coupons on my card by clicking on the sale item. On average I save $20 a trip with this (and I also get gas rewards).

• Buy generic. In this day and age there is really no difference between name brand and generic, other than price! So when I can, I buy generic or store brand. It tastes just as good and often costs dollars less!

What do you do that helps you to save money on your grocery bill?!

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Ham and Cheese Bundles
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/ham-and-cheese-bundles/
		Sat, 17 Jan 2015 13:00:55 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3545
		
		my college days with CollegeBFF. Whenever she came back from her visits home she would always bring a bunch of delicious homemade goodies from her mom. Luckily she often took pity on me and shared the love! Her mom's Ham and Cheese bundles were one of my favorites and upon later moving to the same small town in Wyoming where CollegeBFF grew up (isn't it funny how things work out), I asked her mom to share her recipe with me. I have since perfected it (in my opinion) and always make a big batch for The Cowboy to take Elk Hunting and to freeze into several meals before a baby is born. First I posted the recipe like I usually do and then I included a few step by step pictures because it can be a touch complicated without watching someone the first time!

For variety I also make Cabbage and Beef Bundles (sauteed cabbage, pepper jack cheese, and cooked ground beef), Hamburger Bundles (cooked ground beef and bacon with cheddar cheese), Pizza Bundles (pepperoni, any cooked veggies you want, and mozzarella cheese), and even Vegetarian, BBQ, and Breakfast Bundles...the possibilities are endless! All you have to do is cook the ingredients (except the cheese) before you put them in the dough. To freeze your bundles simply cook them and then place them in a gallon freezer bag, then thaw/reheat them in the microwave. You can serve these bundles with any kind of dipping sauce that you want, simply pick what you feel goes best with the bundle. We love to dip the hamburger bundles in ketchup and mustard and the pizza bundles in red sauce.

Ham and Cheese Bundles

This makes approx 16 Bundles which serves anywhere from 8-10 people
Prep Time: 2 hours 15 min (allowing for dough to rise twice) Bake time: 15 min

Ham and Cheese BundlesIngredients
Bread or Roll Dough (I have pinned several of my favorite recipes)
2 Ham Steaks (feel free to use leftover Ham from a Spiral Ham or even sandwich ham in a pinch)
1/2 medium Onion diced
2 cloves of Garlic
1 TBS Olive Oil
Salt and Pepper
4 cups of shredded Sharp Cheddar or Colby Jack Cheese

1. Make dough as instructed and let rise for one hour or until doubled in size.
2. As dough rises place all the ingredients other than the cheese into a pan and heat on medium until cooked.
3. Place dough on a lightly floured surface. Roll dough into a rectangle shape approximately a 1/4 inch thick.
4. Using a Pizza cutter or a knife cut the dough into squares roughly the size of your palm (they don't have to be perfect).
5. In the center of each square place a heaping spoonful of the cooked ham mixture and a liberal amount of shredded cheese. Continue until all the filling is distributed.
6. Take the four corners of each square and pinch them together. Carefully twist them while pressing closed any seams and then push gently down to seal the bundle.
7. Place the bundle twisted side down in a glass rectangular 13x9 pan sprayed with baking spray or coated in butter.
8. Set oven to 400
9. Fill the glass pan with the bundles allowing them to touch. Cover with a towel and let rise for 1 hour (I place them on the warm oven). Don't worry if they don't get too much bigger!
10. Place Bundles into oven for 15 minutes or until evenly browned. Serve hot or freeze!

Roll the dough into a rectangle and cut into squares.

cut dough

 

 

 

 

 

Place the filling and cheese onto each square and seal the Bundle.

filling up squares

 

 

 

 

 

Place the Bundles sealed side down in pan, let rise, and then bake.

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		Prairie Wife of the Week January 16, 2015 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-january-16-2015/
		Fri, 16 Jan 2015 13:00:56 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3553
		
		local businesses and small town entrepreneurs! Michell, owner of Girl In Air, a super charming home decor and DIY supply store, was the perfect pick for our Prairie Wife of the Week for a multitude of reasons. A woman, wife, mother, business owner, blogger, artist/crafter/DIY, and teacher...you name it Michell does it! Her desire to teach others to create for themselves, as well as her willingness to donate her work to help others in her community make her an example for us all. When I met with Michell I was impressed with her talent and ability to multitask. She whipped out an awesome custom sign as we chatted away, without missing a beat. I appreciated her honesty about her struggles as a business owner, as well as the advice she gave me from her experiences as a blogger. I can't wait to see your comments after you read her story!

giveaway small

Michell has offered our readers an amazing chance to win a custom made piece of art, created by her! This USA painting is made of Cedar plank wood and the size is 24x36. Stop by the end of the interview to enter to win. All you HAVE to do is comment but you can earn more entries by following PrairieWifeInHeels.com and Girl In Air on Social Media. Please be honest, we will be checking!

GIA shoe pic

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Girl In Air (GIA): I grew up in Houston and moved to Cody, Wyoming when I was 19. For some people that might have been a drastic change but, I loved everything about it! I got married and had two daughters. After my divorce I moved to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming. My plans changed and I ended up becoming a flight attendant for United Airlines. I met my current husband in 2008 and moved to Casper to be with him. My son was born when I was 40. He has been such a blessing to me, and I just love spending time with him. Having grown daughters I know how quickly the time goes and I find myself really appreciating that with him.

PW: Currently you own a store called Girl in Air here in Wyoming. On top of this you have a blog and online store, and are a woman, wife and mother. We’ll be talking about all that in a minute but first, tell us how you began creating your own home décor and crafting?

GIA Bird CageGIA: It actually started during my pregnancy with my son. I had some complications and was forced to quit my job as a flight attendant and stay home. I began to crochet to ease the boredom. I would post my work on FaceBook to share with family and friends and soon people on FB were asking how I made things. I love to teach others, so it seemed natural to me to begin doing DIY tutorials. This was before Pinterest really became big so, I started my blog as a way to give others an easy way to access my tutorials. At this same time we built a house and as I was decorating it and creating the space I shared that with my readers as well. Watching me go through the process of decorating a house (and my son’s room) people really became involved, much more than I ever expected. Everything just kind of took off from there!

PW: From perusing your store and blog I can see that you work with wood, metal, stone, jewelry, AND crochet…is there anything you won’t try?! What are your favorite types of projects?

GIA: I’m willing to try everything and anything. I’ve found that whatever I try seems to always turn out OK, and even better than expected! I think that through the years I’ve learned that if you are willing to put the effort and time into creating something, or trying something new, it will always work out.

I love when my customers bring me things from Pinterest they have seen, or pictures from magazines and catalogs, and ask me to create it for them. I love a challenge! It’s really amazing how many videos and tutorials are out there to offer you help. Just Google stenciling on wood on YouTube and you’ll have thousands of options. Another passion of mine is using my craft to help local charities. It’s been an unexpected part of starting my Girl In Air store.

PW: Tell me about your blog and online store.

Girl In AirGIA: As I said before, my Girl In Air blog is tutorials and inspirational pictures (stop by my Pinterest page to see it all) for my readers and customers. I love sharing my creativity with the world, and inspiring people to do the same. Fairly soon after I began blogging I started to be featured on other blogs, and various businesses and magazines approached me to share my work. This was a great motivator for me because it prompted me to go bigger and try new things. While I don’t blog nearly as often now that I have a store I still really enjoy sharing what I’m doing with my readers. Instagram (@girlinair) has been a great way to do this without all of the writing (I am not a fan of writing lol). I also enjoy the interaction with people that a blog and social media provides; it’s so fun when readers share with me their successes!

The online store is not only my personal creations but also tools for crafters. So in a way it really just reflects what I blog about…my projects and the tools I use to make them.

PW: What led you to start your own business, what are the pros and cons?

chalk paintGIA: In truth I really had no idea what I was getting into when I opened Girl In Air, I was naïve! I was doing the blog and online store, being featured in various magazines and even doing monthly tutorials for our local News Channel. It occurred to me that rather than simply have my things sold online and doing “virtual tutorials” I should open a store and have everything in one place. That way people could see and touch my work, and I could do workshops and be right there to offer support. Another motivator for me was Annie Sloan Chalk Paint. I love her products and really wanted to share them with my customers but, you have to have a store to sell them.

I had no idea how much time and energy owning your own business would take. I didn’t realize how much it would take to create a store full of products (all hand crafted by me) in time to open...and then keep things coming! And I am the first to admit that I am hopeless with the accounting and numbers side of things. Years into it and I am still working out the balance. I’m learning how to price my work and be comfortable asking for money in person, rather than online. I know that sounds weird but, I am so focused on the creating part it’s a struggle for me to think about all the other areas of owning a business like this. But, I am learning each day. Like I said before, all you have to do is dive in and be ready to work, and everything will turn out!

PW: You mentioned before how much you enjoy working with local charities. What exactly do you do?

giving roomGIA: I just created what I call The Giving Room in my store. People bring in any old items they think I can use like windows, furniture, barn wood etc. It is priced and placed into the room. The profit from anything that sells from that room goes to 12 local charities (each charity has a designated month). If possible I try and create something with what people have brought, like painting it or making a window into a picture frame. Many of my customers are DIY and are coming in for tools and supplies so they stop in and see something and become inspired and purchase it to turn into a custom piece for themselves. I also have volunteers that will come in to work on the pieces and then put them back into The Giving Room to sell. In the future I would like to hold a workshop to show customers how to use a certain technique, and have them decorate the items that will then be placed back into The Giving Room. Then they go home knowing how to create something new but having helped their community as well!

PW: As a mother with a young son how do you keep your balance between work, family, and friends?

GIA: I’ll let you know when I have that figured out!

PW: What tips do you have for those of us that see the lovely items in your store and the projects on Pinterest and want to give it a go?

GIA: Just go for it! The worst that happens is that you end up repainting something. Do your research and watch the videos and tutorials before you start to work on the projects. Stop by some of the stores in your town, like Girl In Air, and see if they offer workshops. Even if they don’t, the people that work there usually can help you get started, and answer many of your questions.

PW: You’ve recently begun teaching workshops through your store, what gave you the idea to do this?

storeGIA: It was one of my hopes for having a store, that it would offer me an opportunity to teach face to face rather than just through my blog. Throughout the year I travel around the US to learn how to use various products and new techniques. It’s something that I really enjoy doing. I decided to offer classes to show what I’ve learned through workshops I’ve attended, or just my experience. It’s been hard to find hours that work for both my customers and I, but I’m working on it! My workshops aren’t about bringing a bottle of wine and chatting with your girlfriends (though those are fun). My workshops come more from a place of education, and showing you how to create with new techniques and materials.

PW: Where would you like to see yourself in five years?

GIA: I would like to see my business continuing to grow with more opportunities to hire employees to do all the stuff I hate. Then I can just create, sell and teach workshops...all the stuff I LOVE! I would like to be able to work more on the blog and continue to have the opportunity to teach people all over the world how to do what I do. I hope that I can continue to keep my son a priority, even though having my own business has allowed me to spend more time with him than a “regular job”, it’s just never enough!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

GIA: “She thought she could, so she did!”

If you're ever in town make sure you stop by Girl In Air 134 E Midwest Ave, Casper WY (307)337-3926

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Throwing a Baby Shower, Prairie Wife Style!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/throwing-a-baby-shower-prairie-wife-style/
		Mon, 19 Jan 2015 13:00:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3577
		
		The time is drawing near for CowBaby5 to make her appearance and BonitaBlueEyes and TallGirlJ threw me an amazing baby shower this weekend. I've found that throwing a baby shower for someone that already has multiple children can be tricky. Throwing a baby shower for a first time mom is always a BIG deal. Lots of games, food, registering for gifts, advice, photos and keepsakes. I had such a wonderful time at my shower for Cowboy J and I felt so special and loved. But...then you have a few more kids and if you're like me, you don't really need anything at all! I neatly save all the clothes and room decor in clearly marked containers. When I'm nesting and ready to put together the nursery I simply have The Cowboy bring in the right boxes and the baby swing and car seat.

diapers and foodWhen it came time for Cowboy W to be born (my third baby and second boy) I have to admit I wasn't as thrilled at the thought of sitting and playing games (guess what candy bar is in the poopy diaper, baby items word search, and celebrity baby match up come to mind), and I really didn't need anything. So, instead of a typical shower my girlfriends were all asked to bring diapers (any size) or a frozen meal (because isn't that what you REALLY need after a baby) and meet up at our local paint your own pottery place. We chatted and painted followed by a low key dinner, and I received a lovely keepsake plate they all signed as a keepsake. It was a perfect grown up girl night and I didn't have to buy diapers for months!

baby shower decorOver the years we have perfected throwing a baby shower for someone who already has it all...and if I do say so myself the shower we had this weekend was perfect! We held it here at the Prairie Homestead, and while the girls offered to come clean I had no problem doing it. Not only did it make me do some deep cleaning I'd been putting off, but now my house is sparkling and ready for the baby, all I'll need to do is light cleaning over the next few weeks to keep it up. Also, all the diapers and meals were placed immediately where they belong, no clean up! This time we got smart and had a forced dress code of sweats...bras and makeup optional. BonitaBlueEyes and TallGirlJ had an amazing spread of munchies, a hot chocolate bar, and Cheleeo from Life Is Sweet Cookies brought a fabulous plate of cookies and macaroons (stop by the 31st of Jan for a giveaway from her)! The girls put up a few decorations including some sweet flowers, pink swirls, and photos of me pregnant taken by Erin Potter. There was even a cute keepsake frame that I placed in the baby's room as decoration. We had a great group of gals, if I do say so myself, and we spent a kid free evening comfortable, stuffing our faces and chatting. It was low key and full of laughter, the perfect event to celebrate a baby and motherhood!

What kind of baby shower do you prefer?]]>
		
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		Show Yourself Some Compassion
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/show-yourself-some-compassion/
		Sat, 24 Jan 2015 13:00:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3585
		
		Momnipotant Series. As we watched the DVD this month it was a topic that I could tell resonated not just with me but with all the moms. The focus was not getting trapped in the cycle of comparing yourself to others. After all, we only know what people share on the outside, not what they are struggling with on the inside.

overwhelmed momAs I listened to the women talk and share their frustrations and disappointments I realized something...I found myself shaking my head at their fears and concerns. They are all such amazing women! It shocked me how hard they were being on themselves, when I could clearly see that they were not only good moms but wonderful women and wives as well. As I drove home I began my mental list of all the things that I needed to do and I could feel my blood pressure rise when I realized how far behind I had gotten that week.

Then I stopped, and took a deep breath, and showed myself the same compassion that I showed all the women in our group. That’s when it hit me. I needed to start showing myself the same compassion that I constantly showed my friends. Would I judge TallGirlJ harshly if she told me she took a nap instead of putting away the baskets of laundry that had been sitting for days? No way, I’d probably be jealous! When I see that mom at school picking up her child in sweats, a hoodie, and a baseball hat do I even bat an eye? Nope! Have I ever even noticed the state of my neighbor’s floor under the table when I have stopped by for a visit? Never!

happy womanSo why am I killing myself to get laundry put away, waking up from a nap early to shower just to get the kids from school, and putting myself into a tizzy and ignoring my kids to sweep and mop the floor? Of course I need to be realistic, these things do need to get done, and fun or not it’s my “job” to do it. But, I’ve decided not to beat myself up if I don’t get it done all the time! This last week I spent 30 minutes playing (yes actually playing) with Cowboy C and Cowboy W. I sang the Tigger song while they jumped up and down and sang and shouted like lunatics. And yup the dishes were still there to do after nap time. I wore the same pair of sweats three days in a row and no one threw snow at me or pushed me down in the parking lot when I went to pick up the Cowkids! I’m happier and calmer and the Kindness Chart is filling up with X’s faster than it has in weeks.

Next time you feel yourself using that inner voice to do harm, when you find yourself feeling that you are not enough, take a deep breath and show yourself some compassion.

Do you find that you are harder on yourself than others?

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Brighten up Your Winter Wardrobe
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/brighten-up-your-winter-wardrobe/
		Mon, 26 Jan 2015 13:00:56 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3591
		
		Winter Blues have hit me hard this year! I know that we have months before Spring comes to Wyoming and I have a few tricks up my sleeve to help me hang in there until March (OK maybe April). One thing I like to do is brighten up my winter wardrobe with practical but fresh feeling clothes and accessories. Below I have a few of my favorite pieces that are all under $50 (I'm trying hard to stick to my New Year's Resolutions). As always, click on the small picture to get the link and buy!

    

    Brighten up your winter wardrobe
    

    
 

    Brighten up your winter wardrobe by prairieheels featuring a plaid shirt
    

    

    

    
This bright and bold yellow cardigan from ModCloth.com is both cozy and practical. The sunny color is sure to make you smile and will look great layered over a cute patterned blouse. Pair it with light wash jeans and brown knee high boots for winter, or ballet flats for Spring.

This orchid colored infinity scarf from Target is warm and bold. It will look sophisticated over a black turtleneck or add some sass to a plain white t-shirt.

This plaid shirt from American Eagle  is on trend for winter and the coral color will look so pretty with jeans and cream or gold colored accessories!

I love this green chunky necklace from WigsBuy.com (and it is totally Texas Two Steppin's style) it reminds me of all the flowers that will be blooming in the Spring. Pair it with a chambray top for a nature inspired mix of blue sky and green grass or use it to add an unexpected burst of color to a dark navy blouse!

These flats from Overstock.com just make me smile! The tassels and stripes give them a nautical feel and the bright blue is sure to put some Spring in your step no matter how dreary the weather truly is.

I love this chunky Orange watch from JomaShop.com! I can wear it all year long and mix it with a multitude of other colors and patterns. Roll up your sleeves to really show it off!

These Gray front to back earrings from LorisShoes.com are an accessory DO! The gray color is unexpected but will go with anything, and add interest to even the simplest look.

What piece do you like the best? How will you brighten up your winter wardrobe?

 

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		5 Things They Never Told You About Postpartum
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/5-things-they-never-told-you-about-postpartum/
		Wed, 21 Jan 2015 13:00:48 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3595
		
		Warning: Do not read this post if you are thinking about being pregnant but are not yet pregnant, if you are embarrassed easily by hearing people talk about bodily functions, or if you are male.

One of the fun things about this pregnancy is that I get to enjoy being pregnant along with my close friend and frequent contributor on this site TallGirlJ. While we are 6 weeks apart it’s still been fun to experience all this together. Last month we shared with you 5 Things They Never Told You About Pregnancy and 5 Things They Never Told You About Labor and Delivery. Since then TallGirlJ has given birth to a beautiful baby boy and my due date continues to draw nearer. She is currently living through her Postpartum time, and I am mentally preparing for it. Yet again we both feel that the experts have let us down by glossing over details or simply not mentioning things at all. While we could have come up with a much longer list of things to know about those first few months with a new baby, we stuck to our top five. We hope this helps you, or at the very least gives you a laugh or two!

1. Your undercarriage is going to be angry, really, really angry!

Prairie Wife: Of course I knew that things were going to be “sore” and “uncomfortable” down there…but just like pregnancy hair growth the books skim over the details. I was absolutely shocked at how my girl parts were able to hang down to my knees, the scratchy soreness of stitches, the shockingly painful hemorrhoids, the exhausted and bruised pelvis bones and ligaments, and the blood and cramping. Scary right…but I assure you it does return to normal…and more quickly than you think. Take a look at our hospital bag post to see what you can bring to ease your pain. Make sure you ask the nurses for a diaper full of ice and PLEASE watch your bleeding levels. Yes you will bleed more than a regular period, but if you have any concerns at all ask the nurses!

TallGirlJ: Oh the undercarriage...Prairie wife is right, all the books "forget" to mention the true facts. You know how you got to go 10 months of pregnancy without having to deal with the pesky “Aunt Flo”? Well no worries if you missed her. After having a baby you get to deal with her super rank sister “Aunt Never Goes Away!” You will get to make up for those 10 months of not seeing her, for about a month straight after a baby. Just when you think she has left she will be right back! Your stitches will feel like sandpaper in your undies and your hemorrhoids will just be added fun. The good news is it will all go back to normal. In the mean time, you will have a beautiful baby to hold and cherish to remind you it’s all worth it!

2. Prepare to never feel clean!

you stinkPrairie Wife: Between the weeks of bleeding, the leaking breast milk, the pee (yours and the babies), the spit up, and the night sweats as your body removes all the extra water it’s collected for the last 9 months (I sleep on a towel the first few weeks), you will be feeling pretty nasty. Add to that extreme exhaustion and the very real choice of catching a 30 minute nap or showering for the first time in two days…guess which one you’re going to pick? God made dry shampoo, body spray, baseball hats, baby wipes, and clinical strength deodorant for a reason. That reason is new mothers! Take a breath and don’t worry about it. Chances are you feel way stinkier than you really are, and if your husband complains let him hold the baby so you can take a long luxurious shower…or consider it a way to ensure you can get shut eye without him bothering you!

TallGirlJ: Ah yes, the feeling of never feeling clean... It’s a given that showers are a luxury when you have kids, so add a new baby to the mix and they become worth more than gold. Between trying to get kids to school, making sure they are bathed and the baby is clean and fed it’s hard to remember that yes you too should take a bath! On top of all that, every place that can leak is leaking something, and babies like to pee a lot (especially boys). When you take off their diapers you are bound to end up covered with something. As Prairie Wife says, you usually feel grosser than you appear and naps are much more important!

3. Your hormones are no longer your friend.

TallGirlJ: I always forget this part. Which, I guess is a good thing, and maybe this is what allows me to want more babies...because man am I a mess! I will cry for a week straight over the silliest things. But, at the time they will seem so big! The good news is that your hormones will start to straighten out. I become less and less teary as the weeks go on but this stage can easily last about 3 months. One day I'll be just being fine, then the next day (or moment) I am sad or getting my feelings hurt over something silly. You do want to be careful and keep an eye on things. If you start feeling really down or even anxious it’s not normal, and it is O.K. to ask for help. Sometimes all it takes is talking to a friend. Other times you might need a bit more help for a few month to get yourself lined back out, and that is O.K. too.

Prairie Wife: Those pregnancy hormones can be pretty rough and cause a multitude of problems but, over the last 9 months you’ve become used to the ups and down. As they leave your body and readjust their levels they cause a whole new multitude of problems. The overwhelming love and joy you feel the first days after your baby is born is usually accompanied by what I call “The new mom adrenaline rush.” You feel great and wired, on a new mom frantic hormone high…and then it leaves. Then come the tears, the exhaustion, the doubt, perhaps even guilt. When my milk comes in I’m a walking tearful zombie. The exhaustion adds to the problem by making it harder to bite your tongue and regain control when you’ve lost it. Just let it all happen ladies! The quicker you give in and let it all out, the sooner you’ll be back to “normal”. If your feelings don’t go away or seem severer (if you want to hurt yourself or the baby) please talk to a health care professional or a trusted friend or family member.

4. It’s OK if you don’t bond with your baby right away.

mother bondingPrairie Wife: When my first baby was born I watched The Cowboy hold him and saw them instantly bond. They stared intently in each other’s eyes and I swear I felt the bond form. When I was finally allowed to hold him (let’s not get into that now though OK) I waited for my bonding zing…and waited. I loved him, I was excited to finally meet him, but I know I didn’t feel what The Cowboy did. Eventually that “Mama Bear” instinct kicked in but it took months. I never said a word to anyone. When Cowgirl G was born I instantly felt that Mama Bear moment and my heart breathed a sigh of relief. I chalked up my lack of insta-bond with Cowboy J to him being my first baby. Then when Cowboy W was born I gazed adoringly at him and waited for my Mama Bear moment...nope once again, no dice.  As I watched The Cowboy hold him a few moments later I saw them zing. This time I knew not to be afraid and that my time would come eventually. As The Cowboy and I sat, I asked him about it. It turns out he had the same fears as me, but with Cowgirl G! Turns out each baby and parent is different. Don’t worry if you don’t have that Mama Bear Moment right away, it will come!

TallGirlJ: I also had a moment of insta-bond with one of my babies while my Mama Bear Moment with the other two came about a week later for me. It is a crazy thing, and can make you feel super guilty when you don't feel it at first. The great news is, the love is there right away! You will feel that so strongly that when your Mama Bear Moment comes, it makes that love that much more powerful!

5. You CAN do this motherhood thing!

Prairie Wife: Between my lifelong dream of motherhood, years spent as a nanny, and a college degree in how to work with children I thought I would have this mom thing in the bag…opps, was I wrong! Nothing was scarier than bringing that tiny baby home and being the main person in charge of taking care of him. I had so many struggles that I could turn it into a 20 part series! In the end, through the love and support of The Cowboy and my family, I learned that I could do it. And that even if I made mistakes they were made with the best of intentions. Read my post What Every New Mom Needs to Hear and know that this baby was given to you for a reason. You are the mother that your baby needs to become who they are destined to be!

TallGirlJ: I think the important thing to remember is every mother is different. You can not (and should not) compare yourself to that mom you believe is super mom, and try to hold yourself to up to her standards. I guarantee they have struggles too (they just hide them). It's O.K. to strive to be a better mom and  try different  tricks or ideas you might see. Don't get caught in the trap of trying to be like other moms, it will only make you feel like a failure. Find what works for you and roll with it! In the end it will make you be the super mom your kids need. Just remember, being a mom is hard, but it also super rewarding. You were chosen to be a mother, just love your kids and guide them in the best way you can. I assure you the greatest rewards will come!

What do you wish you had known about postpartum?

For more support for new moms read these posts...

Baby Brain Attacks

What Every New Mom Needs to Hear

How to Help a New Mom

Does Your Baby Sleep Through the Night Yet?

You Never Know What You'll Get

How to Cover Up Undereye Bags

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		5 Painless Ways to Trim Your Budget
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/5-painless-ways-trim-budget/
		Wed, 28 Jan 2015 13:00:38 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3607
		
		2015 New Year’s Resolution Roundup I shared with you my desire to trim our budget here on the Prairie Homestead. While I know most of you are probably pleased about the drop in gas prices, here in Wyoming it’s already caused quite a bit of stress! So, this plan of mine frankly came at a great time, and might really end up saving our family some anxiety in the future. I’ve already shared with you how to save thousands on your family vacation, and how we save on average $300 dollars a month on our grocery bill. Now I’m sharing a few ways that I’m cutting out those little expenses that add up to big savings.

1. Eat at home!

We all know that eating out can quickly add up, especially with a large family like ours. I whole heartedly admit to giving into my pregnancy exhaustion a little too frequently these last few months. Especially on Wednesdays when Cowgirl G has ballet class until 5. It’s just so much easier to pull up to our local drive through, grab food, and feed everyone on the long drive home. But, the bill was often almost $30…even at a cheap burger place! Add to that picking up two pizzas to cook at home once a month and there go half my savings from my grocery budget. So, I’ve made up my mind to get back to our old habit of only eating out once a month. Take a moment to click on our Recipe tab and see a whole bunch of crock pot meals that you can make ahead of time (and freeze for later). And stop by in the next few weeks/months for healthy meals that take under 30 minutes!

2. Take a look at all your subscriptions.

happy girl with moneyI love fashion, and I love my fashion magazines! At this point I don’t need to cancel all of them but, even I have to admit that trying to keep up with the huge pile of magazines that comes each month is more stressful than relaxing. Over the years it seems that without my really noticing, more than a few extra magazines have slipped into my mailbox. So, I sat down and went through them and picked out my favorites, the ones that I just can’t wait to read. All of the rest of them I have canceled…I felt guilty at first because it really wasn’t anything personal but, when I realized that I was saving myself almost $100 a year I felt a ton better!

Remember there are other subscriptions than magazines. Years ago I joined a kid’s movie club and while most of the time I remember to send in the “No Thank You” post card at least several times a year I found myself forgetting, or missing the deadline. Then a charge was put on my credit card and we received a movie I never wanted. In the course of my nesting I found a pile of dusty brand new DVD’s and resolved to cancel the service (it was actually way easier than I thought). I just save us another $100 (or more). I also took the opportunity to sell them on a local FaceBook site to get some of my money back. You may also have a television, online program, beauty product, clothing, or food subscription that simply isn’t what you thought it would be anymore. Cancel it! You can always sign up again if you find you truly miss it.

3. Cut down on the expensive coffee.

One of my big indulgences is going to Starbucks and having a cup of coffee with a friend. Or a favorite way to treat a mom at a play date is to grab a coffee for her (and me) on the way over. We all know that those coffees add up, particularly if you are doing it once or twice a week. I also buy my two little Cowboys hot cocoa and pastries…I often don’t have time to eat breakfast so I need a sandwich or pastry too! When I took a moment to reflect I saw that I was spending $25 dollars (or more) on coffee a week…ouch! I refuse to totally give up my little luxury time for me (and my friends) but there are a few ways I can save myself some money. Firstly I am only meeting up with my girlfriend every other week. Now I no longer buy the kids a pastry but bring a snack in my purse for them to have with their hot cocoa. I have also thrown a box of protein/fiber bars into the van for me to eat when I skip breakfast. It’s also worth it to sign up for the Starbucks reward club where you can earn free coffees and they offer discounts that you can easily cash in with an app on your phone.

4. Talk to your husband/partner/friend before you buy it.

This one is a hard one for me, but it really works. I of course don’t call someone about every little purchase! It really is amazing how being forced to justify your purchases to someone else can make it obvious if it’s a need or a want. I often don’t need to actually call and have a real conversation! Just thinking in my head how I would justify why I was buying another pair of black boots is enough to make me realize I don’t “need” the item after all!

5. Get inspired to reuse and restyle what you already have!

Spring accesPinterest has actually been more helpful than harmful to our budget! Lately when I’m feeling the need for a wardrobe makeover I simply go shopping in my closet and find new stylish ways to wear older items. Go to our Pinterest page and check out our Prairie Wife and Texas Two Steppin’ style board to find some more inspiration. The same goes for things like nail polish (our beauty board has some great ideas), jewelry, and makeup.

Don’t forget about household items! I have a bunch of old frames that I haven’t used and rather than buy new ones I’m taking some inspiration from a past Prairie Wife and amazing DIYer Girl In Air and sprucing them up! This interior design guru and past Prairie Wife has a bunch of budget friendly and easy ways that you can revamp your house without making any purchases, or by simply buying a few low cost pieces.

How do you trim your budget?

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		We LOVE Our Readers
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/love-readers/
		Fri, 30 Jan 2015 13:00:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3614
		
		LOVE our readers. After all it’s your comments, feedback, and sharing on social media that keeps us motivated to keep on sharing our grit and grace with the world. Last year we officially declared February We LOVE Our Readers Month and we plan to do it again! What this means for you is a whole month of giveaways. With a new one every week…sometimes two! All we ask from you is that you keep on sharing your love with us. Comment on our posts and tell your friends all about this little blog you love!

Most of our regular readers are aware than any day now CowBaby5 will be making her grand (and hopefully quick and painless) entry into the world. For the month of February and perhaps March as well, I will be trying my best to post 3 new posts a week. But, please forgive me if I get behind or disappear for a few days! I hope that you all understand that my focus needs to be on my family (and my sanity) for these first few weeks and months. Make sure you follow us on Facebook, Twitter (@PrairieHeels), and Instagram (@PrairieHeels) because I will be trying to keep you updated on our Prairie Life through pictures!

To kick off our We LOVE Our Readers Month one of our favorite past Prairie Wives Cheleeo, the owner of Life Is Sweet Cookies, is offering ALL of our readers 10% off any orders for the whole month of February! This is not only for or local readers; she will gladly ship her custom cookie creations all over the lower 48 for her customers. Just use the code PRAIRIE when you place your order…or simply mention this article!

Life is Sweet Cookies

Life Is Sweet Cookies has also graciously given one lucky reader the opportunity to win a small box of her amazing Valentine’s Day cookies. We will ship them to you, or send them to a loved one as a tasty Valentine’s Day surprise.

All you NEED to do to enter this giveaway is comment below. Tell us what you LOVE about PrairieWifeInHeels.com (or what you don’t)! Earn more points by following PrairieWifeInHeels.com and Life Is Sweet on Social Media. Please be honest, we WILL be checking to make sure you follow us.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Noonday Collection
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/noonday-collection/
		Mon, 09 Feb 2015 13:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3617
		
		I am a Noonday Ambassador. I’m so excited for the opportunity to introduce you to Noonday Collection. Noonday Collection uses fashion and design to create economic opportunity for artisans around the world living in vulnerable areas. These artisans design and create beautiful, handmade jewelry and accessories using methods passed down through generations.

scattered steps necklaceLives are being changed every day around the world through the provision of sustainable, dignified work. Noonday provides low-interest, upfront loans for artisans, emergency relief, scholarship programs, and long-term trade. Noonday also recently became a member of the Fair Trade Federation. All of this is made possible through lovely hostesses inviting friends into their homes for a Trunk Show. This fabulous girl’s night allows women and their friends to shop with purpose. So how did this all become a part of my story?

bright stripes scarfThis time last year, I was starting my first bible study. We chose the book Restless, by Jennie Allen (HUGE plug here… I’m obsessed with this woman! I could write for days why you should read this book and follow her organization, The IF Gathering!). During the very first video of her series, she introduced Jessica Honegger, the found of Noonday. Jessica came shared her amazing story about the start up of this company. Basically, she was in Rwanda in the middle of adopting her third child. As a way to raise money for the adoption, she brought back jewelry and hosted her first Noonday trunk show. The purpose and product drew such an overwhelming positive response that it quickly began to grow into a business. Follow this link for the entire story.

This was the first time I had ever heard of a company like this. Honestly, it was the first time I really contemplated conscientious purchasing! I slowly began reading about this company, its Christian values, and its overall purpose- shop, style, share, and advocate. After months of prayer and overthinking, I finally decided to become an ambassador.

noonday purposeUnderstand that I was not looking for more on my plate. I am a wife, mother of two, teacher, and also help lead our local IF:Gathering. There was just something telling me that this was part of my purpose. I needed to share these stories with other women, other mamas that understand how lucky we are to be able to send our children to school, provide meals for all members of our families, or run to Target if we run out of Pullups! I knew there were women that would see how this opportunity helps moms in developing countries send their babies to school or even provide basic needs. This opportunity has opened my eyes to the luxuries we have and how easily we can take them for granted.

Did you know that there are women living in villages in Ethiopia and India that are not allowed in the same community as their family because they have HIV? Do you know how very treatable HIV is now? Since partnering with Noonday, there is a group of women artisans that are now aware of the life-giving medications available for them, and they can afford the treatment. The stories Noonday has to share are truly amazing! The impact this company has had around the world in the few years it has been around is truly unbelievable. I feel so grateful to be a part of this company.

lines and stripes catch allI hope the words I have written leave you feeling a little restless yourself.
Maybe you are curious about Fair Trade purchasing.
Maybe you want to learn more about our artisans and their AMAZING work.
Do you want to host a party and help create a marketplace for the 2000 artisans Noonday Collection partners with?
Or maybe you just want to shop!

 

 

Noonday is launching their Spring Line February 17, 2015. As incentive to check out this incredible new line (and as part of PrairieWifeInHeels.com We LOVE Our Readers Month of Giveaways) we are offering a giveaway! One lucky winner will receive a $75 Noonday Gift Voucher! All you HAVE to do is comment on this post, but you can earn more points by following PrairieWifeInHeels.com and Noonday Collection on Social Media using the Rafflecopter form at the bottom of this post. Please be honest, we WILL be checking all winning entries.

Thank you, dear reader, for taking the time to learn a little bit about Noonday Collection.

When you satisfy the needs of the oppressed, you night will become like the noonday.
Isaiah 58:10

noonday collection logoAnnie Boulanger
noondaywyo@gmail.com
www.andreaboulanger.noondaycollection.com

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Helping Our Foreign Familia
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/helping-foreign-familia/
		Mon, 02 Feb 2015 13:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3618
		
		http://www.migrationmonitor.com/remittances/ )

My husband and I personally contribute to that statistic by sending money to his family in rural Mexico each month. I have a handful of friends and family members that constantly challenge our decision to send money to my husband's family. They tell me how that money could help my immediate family have a little more financial breathing room. They say that we should put an end to the handouts and  just tell them to get jobs, or help them come to America to find a job...If only it were that easy!

abandon mexican houseCurrently working 6 full days a week brings in approximately $50 a week where they live. You may justify this with thoughts like "Well, the cost of living is so much cheaper there!" But the harsh reality is that when I was there, prices were so inflated that everything cost the same as it does here, and gasoline was more expensive. My husband's family does work, they work very hard, with no way to get ahead. These are amazingly kind-hearted and hard-working people. We've paid for visas and submitted paperwork for them to be able to legally immigrate here, only for them to be denied. Imagine how they feel trying to make a living in such a hard economic environment. Unable to give their children all they need (not want, need), and without hope of a legal visa to enter the United States and create a better life. There is a whole blog worth of potential writing on this complex situation!

What I know is that the money we send them allows them to live better. I believe God has, and will, continue to bless us for our generosity! The bible is brimming with verses about helping others, and it is very clear to us that this is one of the ways our family is called to serve. We are in the process of creating a business for them that we hope will create a situation that will help them get on their feet. We are currently collecting items from friends and family for them to sell in a second hand store they plan to create in their small town. We want to empower them to be self-sufficient, and perhaps in the future they may no longer need our support. For now, they desperately need us to help them provide the basic necessities for their family, and I am happy that we have the means to do so.

What do you think about this situation? Whether you agree or disagree I'd love to hear what you think!

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week January 23, 2015 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-january-23-2015-giveaway/
		Fri, 23 Jan 2015 13:00:39 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3634
		
		Dream Upon a Princess for Cowgirl G's next birthday party, when you see everything they include in their packages I bet you'll be thinking about it too! Don't forget to stop by at the end of the post to enter to enter to win THREE great prizes, and don't worry you can enter to win all THREE of them!

Faith Shoes
Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Faith familyFaith (F): My parents grew up outside of Great Falls, Montana and I spent most of my early childhood in Billings. I have two little sisters and I can’t imagine not talking with them all the time! My family is very very close, which is something I really value. We still vacation together as a whole family and…it’s usually to go visit more of our extended family! My family moved to Riverton, Wyoming when I was in middle school and then moved to Casper when I entered High School. One of my sisters lives in Lander and works in Auto Painting and Repair and my youngest sister is a Junior in High School. They both help me with my business as well. I really enjoy living in Wyoming but, I am not averse to moving somewhere else!

PW: You recently graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theater from the University of MN, Duluth and a minor in dance. Can you tell us why you decided to be an actress, and what are some of your favorite past roles?

F: I’ve been singing my entire life! I was in every competition and talent show I could get myself into, and I even danced a little bit. When I was younger our local High School would always come to do a Christmas program for us. They would go into the audience and sing to us. One time one of them came and sang to me and I loved it, I felt so special. I knew then that I wanted to make others feel the same way. I really began to focus on it as an actual career when I was in High School. My High School decided to put on a production of Cinderella and I really wanted to be in it. I practiced for hours and worked so hard to prepare for that audition. All my hard work was worth it when I got the lead role of Cinderella! I loved every aspect of the experience; the collaboration between the director and others in the cast and crew, and the interaction with the audience afterwards. I realized that as “just” a singer you are by yourself with your band behind you.

After college I had the opportunity to live a summer in NYC where I had a role in an off-Broadway show. I loved NYC but it is REALLY expensive to live there, and it is so far away from my family. I try to go to NYC at least once a year. It allows me to be inspired by the atmosphere and talent, and then I bring that all back to Wyoming with me!

Another amazing experience for me was when I was in Sesame Street Live. I got to go on tour with them, it was an exhilarating experience. I enjoyed being able to reach a wide range of age groups with our show, from the tiny clapping baby to their parents and grandparents. That interaction with the audience is why I like family friendly type shows (and roles), it just seems to be better fit for me!

PW: In June of 2014 you began your own business called Dream Upon a Princess. You and your cast dress up as princesses and princes (with superheroes coming soon) and attend birthday parties and local events. Tell us what sparked this idea?

F: I have always wanted to work for Disney and I actually had the opportunity to be in their college program. After a ton of reflection I decided that I wanted an actual degree in performance, so I turned them down. While in college I worked for a woman who had the same type of business. We would dress up as characters and attend parties and charity events. After I graduated and returned to Wyoming I realized that we had nothing like that here so, I spoke with her and asked if she would mind if I planned to do the same kind of business in Wyoming. She had no problems with it (after all I wouldn’t be competing with her business in MN) so I decided to go ahead.

princess partyAs I said before I love working with children and doing children’s theater. I can’t tell you how amazing it is to make a child light up! I’ve found that it’s not just the kids but really anyone that see us. When we are walking around wearing our costumes, the parents, kids, everyone sees us and smiles! Just a simple wave when we are in costume can brighten someone’s day. Bringing the magic and wonder of fairy tales to kids is something that not everyone gets to do. Realistically, how many kids are going to get to go to Disney World and have that experience? Not many! That’s one of the reasons we do group events like our Valentine’s Day event (one ticket to this event is being given away to a lucky reader) where parents can purchase a ticket and give their child that magical experience.

PW: Can you share your pricing?

F: Currently I have three packages, and the details are also available on our website. Stop by and look at all of our Fairy Tale Princesses and Princes that are available! We can come to your house or a public venue. We travel anywhere is the state as long as it fits into our schedule, and an additional cost may reflect how many parties I need to turn down to do that one. I charge .50 per mile once outside of Casper.

Our 1 Hour Package is $150 for one Princess (The Snow Queen and Ice Princess come as a pair and count as one princess, as well as Rapunzel and her Prince). You can add extra Princes or Princesses for $50 each. This package includes picture time, crowns and markers and stickers to decorate them, goody bags for up to 10 kids (each additional child is $5), a sing along, game and story time and face painting!

Our 45 Minute Package is $95 for one princess. It includes singing, story and game time, and pictures.

Our 30 Minute Package is $80 and includes a sing along and pictures. If you do only one princess (for example Cinderella rather than a pair like the Snow Queen and Ice Princess) it is only $50.

PW: Can you share what it’s like to walk into a room full of adoring fans for your job?

F: It’s fabulous! Sometimes the kids are scared because they are so overwhelmed. There are times when I can tell I may need to ease them into it. After all, how would you react to meeting your hero?! Being the magic for them is a great feeling.

PW: What are some of the challenges of your work?

ice princessF: Keeping the costumes and wigs in shape is a never ending task! Thank goodness my mom is an expert and willing seamstress. The Snow Queen is one of our most popular characters and I have three costumes I keep in rotation. Between frosting smears and little tears one of them is always being cleaned or repaired! But no one ever said being a Princess would be easy lol!

While I have had a few parties that get a little crazy I have to say that most of them are wonderful. The biggest challenge can be getting some of the kids to believe in you. I really have to stay in character and work hard to make the magic come alive, I’ve found that by the end I usually win them over.

On the business end I haven’t had a weekend free since I started Dream Upon a Princess! And I am currently working three other jobs. Scheduling and asking for money can be a little overwhelming, and I’m learning my way around all the financial and accounting parts of owning your own business.

PW: I’ve noticed that you attend quite a few charity events, what is your philosophy about helping your local community in this way?

princessesF: That is one of my favorite things about this business. With how much my family moved when I was a child I never really felt like a part of one community. Since starting this business and doing charity work I’ve become deeply involved in our community, and I have realized the value both professionally and personally. So many kids don’t have parents that are able to pay for a party, or they don’t have parents at all! We recently participated in an event for Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Wyoming. It was so much fun, we talked to just as many adults as we did kids! My princesses, princes, and I do these for free. The fact that I work with such caring people who are willing to give their time is a reward in itself!

PW: Where do you hope to see you and your business in the next five years?

F: I’ve thought about expanding my business into new towns, while still keeping it in Casper. That means I need to work on getting a group of trusted employees that will help me to run Dream Upon a Princess in a variety of places. And…I wouldn’t turn down a Broadway roll if it came up ;)

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

F: Never let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. If you want something all you need to do is put all of yourself into it and it will happen. Maybe not at first, but eventually, your dream WILL come true.

Three Giveaways...that is a DREAM come true!

All you HAVE to do to enter to is comment! Earn more points towards the giveaway by following us on social media. Please be honest we DO check!
One reader can win a ticket to our Valentine’s event. On Feb 8th at the Casper children’s theater at 2-3:30. If you want to buy a ticket it is $25 per person. We are going to have a photo booth, singing , princesses, cupcake decorating, story time, and games.

Two other lucky readers will win a Frozen Themed Tutu dress or a little boy shirt created by 4 Angel Babies!
One tutu dress frozen theme one and a little boy shirt

a Rafflecopter giveaway


a Rafflecopter giveaway

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Join Our Virtual Baby Shower!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/join-virtual-baby-shower/
		Sat, 24 Jan 2015 18:01:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3651
		
		Texas Two Steppin': As you know, Prairie Wife is about to give us all another Cowbaby to love. I wanted to find a unique way to welcome my niece/goddaughter into the world and show my little sister how special I think she is. Last week her friends threw her an awesome shower, but my work obligations didn’t allow me to attend. Phooey. So I have commandeered the blog and we are going to have a Virtual Baby Shower! That way all of us can be a part of this special event for PrairieWifeInHeels.com!

Just post a comment here or on our Twitter and Facebook pages sharing your congratulations and well wishes for a quick, painless and drama-free delivery! Prairie Wife is not a fan of baby shower games, but she does love to gather guesses on the birth day, weight and length, so be sure to add your thoughts in your note below (I said Feb. 14 ;)).

So let’s get this party started, and to show you how it’s done I’ve enlisted the help of TallGirlJ, BonitaBlueEyes and former Prairie Wife of the Week, Lindsey. P.S.--Love you PW, and I can still surprise you after all these years!

 BonitaBlueEye’s 10 Reasons PW is Amazing and Shouldn't Stop at #5

1)  She's real. She'll always tell the truth in an eloquent way and be herself.

2) She's a great mother, and should seriously write her own parenting book.

3) She treats everyone the same and will  seriously talk to anyone.

4) She'll take time from her very busy life to be there for her friends.

5) She taught me that it is okay to not have the house perfect all the time.  Happy children come first.

6) She volunteers much of her time to her church and children's school.

7) She's fun. Pure, sober, belly-laughing fun.

8) She understands that to give her best to her family she must care for and take time for herself.

9) She's willing to acquire all kinds of tough Prairie Wife badges for her family that I couldn't begin to dream of doing. (She had me feed her horses one day and it about knocked me over).

10) She's witty and always says the right thing at the right time.

Congratulations on your baby girl, my dear!

 TallGirlJ: I have now had the pleasure of having Prairie Wife in my life for over six years. In this time I have gotten to know her and love her; she is one of my best friends. I have seen her welcome home two of her four babies. I even got to be in the room when she welcomed Cowboy C into this world--what an amazing experience that she shared! I cannot wait to meet Cowbaby 5 and see what she will add to this already amazing family. I am also so glad that we got to share being preggo together; who better to indulge guilt-free with than your BFF! Congratulations and lots of love to this beautiful, smart, caring, giving friend who I tease about getting what she wants (but in truth she deserves all the wonderful blessing she gets)!

card

Come on, join our Virtual Baby Shower now!]]>
		
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		Drop Everything and Take a Bath #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/drop-everything-take-bath-giveaway/
		Wed, 04 Feb 2015 13:00:52 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3664
		
		the birth of CowBaby5 I find that I am trying to squeeze in  a little more than my usual amount of alone time. After all, I know that soon enough my days will be a never ending cycle of feeding children, trying to keep up on the basics of housekeeping (emptying trash and laundry...doing dishes, vacuuming, and mopping will no longer be a priority), and sleeping for only an hour at a time. Notice showering is not on the list...and forget about a long luxurious bath!

The Cowboy has been a gem lately and I've had no problem taking advantage of it to go to the movies and lounge and read a little more than normal. My favorite way to relax is with a long bath in our deep tub. I love to lock the door, grab a magazine or my kindle, and soak away my worries while giving myself a facial. The result is a calmer mommy and a pleasant and cheerful wife!

VBC bath productsA few weeks ago our past Prairie Wife Eliza of Vintage Body Care gave me some of her latest and greatest bath products to try. As soon as I opened up the bath salts and smelled them I knew that I was going to LOVE them and I was not disappointed! Eliza cleverly (and thoughtfully) includes a muslin bag to place the salts in. This way the all natural dried herbs and flowers don't go down your drain or stick to the sides of your tub..she's thought of it all! I also added one of her bath melts and was surprised at how luxurious my skin felt after the bath. I didn't even need to apply lotion...and I am super twitchy about keeping my skin moisturized! Eliza has just the right amount of scent and oils added so that you feel refreshed, clean, and carry just a hint of delicate scent on your skin. The spa soap has a wonderful lather and washes off leaving your skin glowing, clean, and moisturized. Her all natural, handcrafted products are healthy for you, the environment, and affordable!

As part of our We LOVE Our Readers Month of Giveaways Vintage Body Care is Giving away a Spa Package filled with her luxurious bath products! All you NEED to do is go to VintageBodyCare.com and look at all of her amazing Valentine's Day Packages. Then leave a comment on this post telling us which one you would love! You can earn more points by following us on Social Media! Please be honest we will be checking to make sure you truly follow us.

As an extra bonus for all of our readers Vintage Body Care is offering 10% off all orders on the site for the month of February! Simply enter the code PRAIRIE10 when you checkout, Happy We LOVE Our Readers Month!

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		Get Those Pictures Off Your Computer
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/get-pictures-off-phone/
		Wed, 11 Feb 2015 13:00:10 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3676
		
		As the youngest of four children I have a bone to pick with Ma and Pa. This is nothing they haven’t heard before so I’m not afraid to air this dirty laundry. There are little to no pictures of me as a child! For my 30th Birthday Texas Two Steppin’ and BigBrotherB’s wife created a photo album full of pictures of me…that they got from my Grandma Bea. I was in tears when I looked through it because I had only seen one picture of me as a baby. I know that I was loved by Ma and Pa (and hopefully still will be after this post) and now that I have a herd of children myself, I understand why their focus wasn’t on capturing my every moment. Also, it wasn’t the age of digital photos and phones that are always on hand to snap that darling moment you just can’t miss. You had to find where your camera was last placed, load the film, take the film to the store, pick it up and put the pictures in an album.

Like most people I have completely over compensated for this childhood trauma. I admit to being the mom that takes hundreds of pictures of her children. I am NOT crafty so I don’t place the pictures in fabulously decorated scrapbooks. I simply print pictures out and place them in an album for each child with a few words scribbled next to each one. I also make a family album for The Cowboy and I to cherish when the Cowkids are all gone. When we continued to have more children I kept this habit up but I found that I was often months and eventually even a whole year behind. Generally as I began to nest for the next baby I would take all the pictures from my camera and phone, put them on my computer and then an SD card. I would take them to Walgreens (with a coupon to help offset the cost of printing out 500 pictures ) print them out and then spend hours putting them all in albums.

Cowkids AlbumsThis last month when I began my nesting process for CowBaby5 I found the pictures on my computer and phone calling out to me to be printed out and organized. Maybe it was hormones or perhaps just plain normal pregnancy exhaustion…but the thought of printing out all the photos and sitting on the floor for hours organizing them and putting them in albums made me tear up. I put out a plea to my close friends and CollegeBFF encouraged me to use Shutterfly.com to create the albums. She assured me it was a piece of cake and I would never look back once I did it. So with a sigh I decided to give it a try…and I am so glad I did! In the matter of two days I was caught up on over a year and a half’s worth of pictures. Including a special album dedicated to our trip to Nice, France that The Cowboy and I went on!

I have to admit that the first album I did is nothing compared to the fabulousness of the last few. It also took me more than twice as long to do it. By the end I was whipping out an album in an hour (pictures are automatically organized by date for you) with thematic embellishments, fun backgrounds, and clearly typed out text on every page! Add to that the amazing coupons and discounts that Shutterfly.com always seems to have and it ended up costing me less money than the old way. Below I’ve got step by step instructions on how to make a Shutterfly.com photo album. Hopefully it will save you a few hours of messing around and get all of your albums looking equally fantastic! Frankly though, most people with a touch of computer savvy should be able to catch on pretty quickly. What are you waiting for? Get those pictures off your computer and into an album!

1. Get your photos downloaded off your phone and camera and onto your computer.
Organize them by album. For example I have 5 folders with each kids name and The Cowboy and I. I simply copy pictures and paste them into the correct folder. Don’t worry about organizing them by date. Shutterfly.com will do this for you.

2. Go to Shutterfly.com and pick your album size and style.
Click on the photo book menu at the top of the web page, pick your size (8x11 is perfect I think), and your favorite style for your album. When you click on your choice pick hard or soft cover (I use soft) and select your photo book.

3. Upload your photos.
You will automatically be prompted to upload your photos. You can get them off your computer or even Facebook or Instagram! Select all of them by clicking the first photo in your folder, hold down the shift button, and select the last one listed. When you see your photos click the light blue “all” button in the top right corner of the box. This will select all the photos. Then click the orange “add to photo book” button at the bottom right of the box.

4. Create your cover and title page.
First when promoted click the orange button that says “place the photos yourself” at the top of the screen. This will allow you to group photos by themes as well as place more than a few photos on each page (so you save $). Pick a photo from the bottom row and drag it to be your cover, and then your title page. The orange buttons under the pages will tell you what page you are on. Feel free to change the layout with the tools on the left hand side.

5. Walk away and let the pictures completely upload.
Though you can see all your pictures they are NOT uploaded. It is NOT worth taking the time to organize the photos on the other pages until all of them are actually uploaded which takes some time. Shutterfly.com will organize them by date but it will not be sorted accurately until they are all uploaded (even then there may still be a few strays). You can monitor the progress by looking at the bottom of the page, and you will also be prompted to save your project as soon as they are downloaded.

6. Create the rest of your album.
After the pictures are uploaded save your project and create you pages. You can simply drag photos onto pages and edit layouts on this screen or you can click the word “storyboard” on the bottom right of the page. This is the best I think, because it allows you a bigger view of your photos and better organization. In storyboard format simply drag pictures (as few as 1 or as many as 10) onto the pages. When you run out of pages you can add more. Make sure you are adding the pages after the last page rather than in the middle (this is the voice of experience)!

7. Change layouts, edit text and backgrounds, and add embellishments.
Once all your photos are on the correct pages click "apply changes" and you will be able to change your layouts (where the photos and text are), backgrounds, text, and add embellishments (fun pics and sayings). Once you are done editing all the pages save and make sure you click the “preview” button on the top left of the page. This helped me to see a few photos that needed to be moved because heads or body parts were cut off, I would have missed them otherwise!

8. Save you project and purchase.
Save your project one more time. If you have a coupon to use right away go ahead and purchase your project! If you don’t, just leave it saved and wait for an e-mail with a code (don’t worry they have great photo book discounts every few weeks) to save a ton of money!

How do you keep all of your photos organized?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week 2015 February Flashback Elizabeth
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-february-flashback-elizabeth/
		Fri, 06 Feb 2015 13:00:33 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3694
		
		When I first introduced Elizabeth to our readers she was headed to Africa to work with children and develop a curriculum for a school in Gulu, Uganda. I am so pleased to share with you all that she has accomplished in the last year. I also encourage you to take them time to really read her open and honest views about the struggles that many women are dealing with...it truly makes me grateful to live in America and I feel like perhaps there may be a trip to Africa in my future!

elizabeth shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): Last time we spoke to you, you were getting ready to return to Gulu, Uganda and work on developing a school curriculum. Tell us about your work over the last year!

students with teacherElizabeth (E): I have had an amazing journey in Gulu, Uganda over the past year. When I first arrived I began working on writing science curriculum for P1 and P2 (1st and 2nd grade) and finished both of these mid-year. It was so exciting to see the lessons I wrote being used in the classroom. The pupils loved the activities because it got them out of their seats, a place they spend too much time in the schools here! The curriculum also focuses on integrating the Word of God into every lesson. It integrates the truth, which is also something that too often is left out of the teaching here. Now our pupils get to actively participate, to step outside of a box that has had them trapped for so many years, and learn about Jesus and how they are fearfully and wonderfully made!

In the middle of the year I changed positions and became Dean of Teaching Staff. I began to work with the teachers, encourage them, train them, and work alongside them as they taught our children. I had the opportunity to sit in the classroom and assess what strengths they brought to the classroom. It also gave me the chance to see what we as a school needed to work on. We have an amazing teaching staff at Sanctuary of Grace and I am so excited to see what 2015 brings for all of us!

I also continued to work on curriculum and at the end of 2014 I finished writing a phonics curriculum in the pupils' mother tongue, Luo. This will enable our K2 and K3 (Pre-k and Kindergarten) to learn how to read in their native tongue before we begin teaching them to read in English…a skill that will enable them to grow in their society.

We also began a tutoring program for those pupils who had repeated a class or were struggling in literacy. We will continue tutoring this coming year as it enabled pupils who would have otherwise stayed behind, to pass into the next class.

PW: Can you share with us what a typical day or week is like for you?

boys at schoolE: There isn't a day or week that is the same! My role requires me to be in a number of different places throughout a day. Sometimes I am in the classroom teaching, other times I am sitting in on a class observing a teacher. I meet with different departments and headmasters to make sure things are running smoothly and to ensure we are on the same page as far as how the school is operating. This year I am hoping to spend most of my time in the classrooms working with the teachers.

PW: Your Words of Wisdom last time were “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” What do you feel needs to be shared about the current situation in Africa?

E: I think many people question why certain parts of Africa are still in such distress when so much money has been poured into it. The answer is simple; money is not the only solution needed to help solve problems in developing countries.

marketThe society I live in is drowning in corruption and conformity. There are untruths here that need to be dispelled. But one cannot just hop over here for a few days, tell the people what they believe is a lie, and then leave with the expectation that changes will happen. Change takes time and it takes relationships.

Wars are being fought because of untruths that those fighting believe are truth.
There is a lot of war, and a lot of death in these developing countries. Things the US never hears about. Civil wars are happening right now and the only way to stop it is to dispel untruth.

It's easier to just not think about it because it seems so big, but there is something each and every one of us can do…pray!

PW: Can you elaborate on what you mean by “untruths”?

E: There are many untruths that I believe are leading to the problems, here are a few.

children in streetIt is believed that...
Women are solely meant for having babies.
If a woman produces too many girls it is her fault.
If a woman cannot produce a healthy child she is seen as worthless and usually the man will find a second wife.
If you are a girl and you have brother, your brothers will go to school first and you will be married off because girls aren't as important.
No one has a voice. If you think you do and try to use it you could be killed for it. The result is nothing ever changes and there is so much corruption and conformity.
God loves white people more.
God will give you what you want, i.e. School fees, a car, a wife if you do good things.
As far as the wars being fought…Both sides think they are dying/killing for a good reason, for their government, for their god…so resolution is near impossible to find.

Elizabeth and sonPW: You personally have had some exciting things happen for you since being in Africa, tell us about it!

E: Yes! I am in the process of adopting a smart, funny beautiful three year old named Micah! I will begin guardianship soon and then after three years of living in Uganda I can begin the process of adoption. I feel so privileged to get to be his mommy.

PW: Many people are interested in traveling to Africa and helping, but aren’t sure what the first steps to take would be. Can you offer some advice?

E: I would suggest looking into different organizations to see what kind of work is available. There are many organizations that are eager for help, especially if you are raising your own support. If you have never visited Africa, I would suggest doing so first. This is a different way of life and should not be about having an adventure. Coming to Africa to live is a serious life changing decision, and should not be taken lightly.

PW: How about for those that are already set to go to Africa. Any packing advice or things that you wish you knew before you arrived?

villiageE: Sunglasses and sunscreen, it is hot in our part of the continent all of the time. Shampoo, conditioner and lotion because they are worth more than gold here! Bring things from home you love because you are going to miss them, i.e. your favorite book or movie.
Drink lots of water!
You will probably miss home and that is ok.
You are going to go through a roller coaster of emotions and that is ok.
People who live in developing countries aren't superhuman, so don't try to be.
What can we do here to help your work in Africa?
Pray! For wisdom, for strength, for love.
I am out here because of individual supporters so if anyone feels led to support they can visit:
Shepherd’s Staff website at www.ssmfi.org click on Missionaries and enter 6059 in the search engine.
Sponsor one of our pupils or teachers by going to ourcallmissions.org
We are looking for people to sponsor our kids who just finished middle school and are going to high school. If you would like more info they can contact me at evcorless@yahoo.com

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of Wisdom?

E: Proverbs 31:8-9 says, open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute. Open your mouth, judge righteously, defend the rights of the poor and needy.
I don't think being a voice for the voiceless is enough, we have to give a voice to the voiceless.
People can visit my blog at einafrica.wordpress.com
They can visit our organization's website at ourcallmissions.org]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week 2015 February Flashback Grandma Catherine
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-2015-february-flashback-grandma-catherine/
		Fri, 13 Feb 2015 13:00:59 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3729
		
		Prairie Wife: One of our most popular Prairie Wives has been my Maternal Grandmother, Grandma Bea. As I prepared to do this month's posts it occurred to me what an amazing archive this blog will be for the Cowkids. The little stories about their childhood and family members will be wonderful to read when they are older, and almost as fun to look at as a photo album! I approached Pa and asked him if he would write about his mother so that the Cowkids could have a record of her life as well. Thankfully he was more than happy to take time out of his schedule and share with me her history and some stories from his childhood. I am so pleased that he was willing to do this for us, in reading this I learned several things that I didn't know about her...and I understand more how this city girl wound up out here living so happily with The Cowboy. Take a minute to read this amazing tribute to what was perhaps the first true Prairie Wife in our family.

Pa: My Mom was a first generation American, born and raised on the Minnesota prairie. As a young girl she wasn’t particularly domestic, and much preferred helping my grandfather at his blacksmith’s forge to helping with housework. She was an excellent student, and when she finished eighth grade she wanted to go on to high school. Her father (my Grandpa) was old country in many of his views. He wasn’t about to waste money on higher education for a girl! He finally relented, but only if my mom went to a Catholic high school and could manage to pay for it herself. Foolishly he figured that would put an end to her desire to continue school.

Grandpa greatly underestimated my mom! At 13, during the Great Depression, she left home and went twenty miles away to the closest town with a Catholic high school. She found a job as a live-in housekeeper and worked her way through high school. At noon she would run from her school to the house, get lunch made for her employer, and then run to get back to school in time for classes. She went on to put herself through teacher’s college. Her true ambition was to become a nurse but grandpa wouldn’t stand for it.

Mom and Dad Wedding PictureAt nineteen, after teaching in a one room schoolhouse for a year, Mom married Dad (they are on the left in the picture). They had nine children – three of them delivered at home. After my sister was born breech, my Mom decided the hospital was the best place to have the rest! They bought a farm on the Minnesota prairie, and besides us kids they raised dairy cattle, pigs, chickens, ducks, and geese. That farm raised a lot of food, and Mom was a great cook. “Store-bought” anything was rare – I can still smell the way the bread came out of the oven. The garden was huge, and grew all of our vegetables and potatoes. Mom always made room for flowers, too – life had to have beauty in it.

Mom did not have a great singing voice (something I inherited). By her own admission she “couldn’t carry a tune in a bushel basket”. That didn’t stop her, though. She would go around doing housework and cooking, singing or humming constantly. I’ve sung some of those same songs to put the Cowkids to sleep.

Grandpa JenkinsMy Dad passed away from Leukemia when Mom was pregnant with baby number nine. Dad died on Saturday, he was buried on Monday, and my sister was born on Wednesday. That left Mom with eight of us still at home. Three of the nine were out of high school, and the rest ranged from high school senior to infant. Mom raised the rest of us alone, kept the farm out of foreclosure, and put all of us through Catholic grade school and high school. Education was very important to both Mom and Dad, and they had decided that no matter what all of us would finish high school.

After my Dad died Mom worked as a nurse’s aide. With the encouragement of the hospital staff she went back to school in her late 40’s and became a practical nurse. A few years later, in her 50’s, she went back to school again and became a registered nurse. She was top of her class, and was so good that she gave classes to the doctors in reading electrocardiograms. She was also pretty tough – she was the one they called on to control the drunks when they went into the DT’s.

Home PlaceI learned about making do and making the best of things from Mom. One thing that really stays in my mind is watching her repaint the kitchen floor. The floor was linoleum, and the color wore off before the linoleum wore through. Instead of buying new flooring, she’d paint over the entire floor with brown paint. Then, to add a bit of color, she’d use vegetable brushes and put three colored paint splotches over the entire kitchen. She’d get several more years out of the linoleum, repaint it, and get a few more before it finally wore through!

Mom at Our WeddingShortly after becoming a registered nurse Mom pulled up stakes and moved with my youngest sister to the far west – she said she’d always wanted to live where she could see mountains. She ended up living on Puget Sound within sight of Mount Rainier. She worked as a nurse in an intensive care unit into her 70’s. The hospital didn’t want her to quit, but she decided that technology was changing and she wasn’t sure she could keep up the same level of care for her patients. After her retirement she took painting and language classes, volunteered for local charities, and traveled. She drove her own camper into her late eighties, including a trip clear down the west coast and back.

Religion was important to both Mom and Dad. It was rare to miss Sunday Mass, even when crops had to come in from the field. Their daily example truly showed faith in action. Mom maintained her strong faith life through all of her difficulties. She was always active in her parish. She maintained that God answers every prayer – just not always the way we want Him to. I can’t recall her ever complaining about her burdens, and I don’t think she ever doubted God would take her through them.

Her life of service to others continued to the end, when she went to her reward at age 94. Her last act was to donate her remains to the Mayo Clinic so she could help educate others in the medical field.

Mom definitely lived up to the Prairie Wife ideal: Love and loyalty to family and friends, determination to follow your dreams, and grace for sure. And grit – she had it in spades!]]>
		
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		A Future Prairie Wife Has Arrived
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/future-prairie-wife-arrived/
		Sun, 15 Feb 2015 23:01:19 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3748
		
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		Top 5 Parenting Books
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/top-5-parenting-books/
		Mon, 23 Feb 2015 13:00:07 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3525
		
		how to talkHow to Talk So Your Kids Will Listen and Listen So Your Kids Will Talk by Adele Faber and Elaine Mazlish

This is fun read and full of practical advice. You will be likely to see positive changes in behavior if you follow this simple advice. For example, you should not try to reason with a child (or anyone for that matter) when they are emotional. The brain needs empathy in those moments before it is capable of making logical decisions. Very interesting!

bringing up boysBringing Up Boys by Dr. James Dobson

I really recommend this book, even if you do not consider yourself a "conservative." This book made a profound impression on me. Dr. Dobson will help you understand how boys work, the importance of being involved and active in your child's life, and communication skills that will work well with your boys. This book changed my perspective on my role as a parent. Dr. Dobson made the point that if you have children, you get your chance NOW. Do your best NOW because this time will be gone and you will never get it back. You will one day have all of your time to yourself again, so get your priorities straight, NOW. I needed to hear that!

100 promises100 Promises to My Baby By Mallika Chopra

Mallika Chopra, daughter of Dr. Depak Chopra, will melt your heart and make you deeply appreciate motherhood in her book, which is almost like a memoir. Chopra inspires you to be intentional with her endearing and timeless list of promises.

superbabySuper Baby: 12 Ways to Give Your Child a Head Start in the First Three Years by Dr. Jenn Bermann

This is a must read if you are pregnant and/or have children under the age of three. It covers everything you could be concerned about in parenting from creating a schedule to environmental concerns. My personal favorite is the chapter on foreign language. I found Dr. Bermann to be a very engaging writer, and I ended the book inspired to talk more to my baby among many other practical things.

the tough kidThe Tough Kid Book: Practical Classroom Management Strategies

Before I decided to stay home and open a preschool, I taught Spanish for 10 years for levels ranging from elementary through college level. (All of this reading as a mother made me a better teacher, and vise versa) I learned about this book through a required professional development training. It was right at the time NiĂąoZ was diagnosed with ADHD, and it was a God-send. The whole idea is that what works for most kids will never, ever work for the most difficult of children. You have to change your game completely. If you have a child in your life that makes you feel you've reached the end of your rope, even if you are not a teacher, you need this book.

Do you have a great parenting book you'd like to recommend? Please comment below and tell our readers about it!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week March 6th, 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-january-30th-2015/
		Fri, 06 Mar 2015 13:00:56 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3620
		
		

BointaBlueEyes (BBE): Tell us a little about you and your family.

BonitaKindHeart (BKH): ​My family consists of my 8 year old daughter and myself. My daughter is a smart second grader who loves to play outside and do crafts. Her dad, my ex-husband, is also very active in our lives. Plus, we have a cat that completes our little family. I have an amazing job as a third grade teacher at the highest poverty school in town. I absolutely love what I do!

BBE: You spent four years living in Mexico, what lead you there?

​BKH: I first fell in love with the Spanish language in 7th grade Spanish class. I had the same teacher, Señora C., for all three years of junior high. She was amazing!! When I was in college, I was planning on becoming a junior high Spanish teacher, just like the lady who first showed me the magic of the Spanish language. I got my bachelors degree in Spanish and Bilingual Education but I wasn’t a native Spanish speaker, and it was obvious when I spoke. I wanted to live abroad because I saw it as an opportunity to perfect my accent. My college had an internship program where I was offered the chance to live in Mexico, work as an English teacher in a bilingual private school, and earn college credit. I knew I had to take advantage of this amazing opportunity! I chose to go to Guadalajara, Mexico. My plan was to go for one school year then return to the U.S. to complete a one-year master’s of education program in secondary education. Then I would be ready to be a junior high Spanish teacher. But, my plan changed, as they are known to do. After a semester of the internship, I opted to officially graduate and stay on as a hired teacher (in preschool and kindergarten no less) for the school I was interning in. I ended up staying in Mexico for close to four years!!

BBE: When did you first realize that you have a special place in your heart for the Mexican culture, and more specifically it's people?

BKH: ​I think I first knew this back when I was in Señora C.’s Spanish class. I was probably 13 or 14. I started to love all things multicultural (even boys!). I remember finding the newly immigrated students, who spoke little to no English, and trying to make them feel welcome. There was one girl, Maria, who spoke no English at all. If I saw her alone in the halls or at lunch, I would invite her to come with me. Even though my language was limited to colors, numbers, days of the week, and the simple phrases you learn in 7th grade Spanish, I wanted to help her adjust to her new school. By 9th grade, I would practice my Spanish by writing notes to the Spanish-speaking boys and had fun trying to decipher what they wrote back to me. I loved asking them about the similarities and differences between their homelands and mine.

BBE: Tell us about your work as bilingual specialist.

BKH: ​This is the job that led me back to the United States. It will probably always be one of my favorite jobs. The role of a Bilingual Specialist is to help families that speak other languages navigate the school system. It was part welcome wagon, part translator, part paperwork, and part just helping people in need. I spent a lot of my time helping newly arrived families get their kids in school. This included everything from filling out the enrollment paperwork, touring schools to help the parents find the right fit, getting bus schedules set up and helpings kids know how to maneuver 2 bus transfers when they spoke no English, explaining what college ruled loose leaf paper is (and where to get free school supplies if they were running low on cash from their move to the U.S.), testing the kids’ English Language proficiency levels, and even going with them on their first day of school.

family with houseI also helped the parents by printing maps of the local second hand stores, guiding them to the right places for food boxes for their families, and telling them about the Adult ESL classes available in the community. I gave all my new families my cell phone number and was always available to help them. Most families started by calling me several times a week with questions about school or the community. I routinely got phone calls about reduced cost doctor’s offices and Spanish speaking churches. Once I even had a lady call asking if I would order a pizza for her because there wasn’t anyone who spoke Spanish at the pizza delivery place! The contact died down as the families started to learn English, became more independent, and felt comfortable in their new surroundings.

Helping teachers with their new students was also part of the job. I attended parent-teacher conferences and IEP meetings, I made phone calls home, and I translated classroom newsletters. I was also there as a type of cultural liaison. I could explain to teachers and principals the way newly immigrated families functioned and advocate for their unique needs.
​
BBE: What was most surprising to you in this work?

BKH: I was very surprised at the sheer numbers of new immigrant families. Before this job, I wasn’t aware of how many new families were moving to Wyoming from foreign countries. I was also surprised at the diversity of countries and languages. Spanish was the most prevalent language, but I also had to do all of this for families that spoke other languages, or at least find a bilingual go-between to help me out. Some of the languages I remember running in to include Vietnamese, Portuguese, Hebrew, Russian, and Mandarin.

BBE: What did you find was the most rewarding part of your work?

BKH: ​The most rewarding part was being able to be the link between parents and their children’s schools. Schools are always advocating for more parental involvement. It can be a struggle even with their English-speaking parents. Add in a language barrier and cultural differences and getting parents active in schools is much harder. I routinely received thank you calls, notes, and even homemade tamale deliveries for going out of my way helping families feel comfortable in their transition.

BBE: Now you teach in a classroom in which more than half of your students speak English as a second language.
How did your work as bilingual specialist prepare you for this?

BKH: ​I think my whole life was preparing me for this! Everything from struggling to learn a second language in junior high and even college, to living in a foreign country where things don’t work the way you expect them to, to seeing first hand the daily struggles immigrants face in this community has made an impact on me as a teacher. I understand where my students and their families are coming from. I know what their lives are like. I use that to make my teaching more meaningful and relatable to my students. I can’t imagine working in any other school with any other student population! This is where I am meant to be.

BBE: What challenges do you find yourself facing as a teacher in a bilingual classroom?

teacherBKH: ​I face the same challenges any teacher does. Kids need a lot of patience and teaching needs a lot of prep-work.
Having so many students that are still learning English does make it harder to reach state and district level proficiency goals. But it's certainly not impossible! It is hard for kids to be reading at grade level in English on a standardized test when they just started learning English a couple months ago… but I love the challenge! I don’t use my high number of ESL students as an excuse for low test scores and neither does the rest of my school. We push our students to gain proficiency in both their English language acquisition and the grade level content areas. They always make great strides and surprise us with how quickly they can learn!

BBE: Do you find that working in the classroom is as rewarding as your previous job?

BKH: ​The rewards are so many. I think my favorite part of working with such a diverse class of students is seeing them come together as one class. They develop a sense of community and multicultural acceptance that I only dream of for my town. There isn’t an us/them feeling or any biases. The kids are genuinely interested in other cultures and lifestyles even if they are very different than what the kids have at home. It doesn’t matter to them if their parents came here last week or 200 years ago, they are all at school to learn from each other.

BBE: If you could help our readers understand one thing about our immigrant community what would it be?

BKH: I want people to understand how broken our immigration system is. I’m not advocating any political views or even recommending any particular solutions, but I have seen time and time again that what we have now isn’t working. Families are separated for months (9 months to be exact in the case of my family and remember I am an American citizen), they spend thousands of dollars paying fees and travels costs (more than $5,000 even without attorneys in my specific case), and are burdened with complicated rules and regulations while they are trying to get visas approved. Many people go through the visa application process only to be denied and have to start the waiting and paying game again, hoping that this time there is a better result.

BBE:  Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

BKH: I guess my last words of wisdom about working with people from other cultures is to be understanding. It is a huge decision for people to leave their homelands. Whether they leave to escape violence, to give their kids a better future, to find better job opportunities, or to join relatives - it is still a hard transition. We need to be more helpful and less judgmental.

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		5 Tips to Help You Online Shop the Smart Way
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/5-tips-help-online-shop-smart-way/
		Wed, 18 Feb 2015 13:00:45 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3708
		
		I am a huge supporter of our local small business here in Wyoming, and I do encourage my readers to take a look at local boutiques, artists, small businesses, and farmer’s markets before heading online. That being said, I find it often very practical as well as budget friendly to shop online! I admit to be completely addicted to Amazon Prime and 2 day shipping for purchases like school uniforms and supplies for the Cowkids, as well as certain items I haven’t been able to find locally. A few of my other favorite online stores are HauteLook.com and ModCloth.com and I just recently shared a post on how to make amazing photo albums with Shutterfly.com.

This year as one of my New Year’s Resolutions I declared my desire to trim my budget and be more frugal with my purchases. I have already shared how to save thousands on your vacation, hundreds on your monthly grocery bill, and painless ways to trim your budget…now it’s time for the final (I think) money saving post…5 tips to help you online shop the smart way.

1. Delete all those SALE! CLERANCE! E-mails without even opening them
It can be so easy to get sucked into the sale and clearance buying. I don’t know how many times I’ve walked past the clearance rack at Target with no need or intention of buying clothes, and found myself checking out with two or three items. Were they a great deal, sure! Did I need them, no! These e-mails set you up for the same type of impulse buying. Delete them without reading them unless it is for a store and item that you truly need and were on the hunt for anyway!

2. Shop with intention
Online shopping is so easy, just a click and it’s in your cart, another click and it’s on the way. And those website designers know their stuff. Bright colors and patterns, bold font, and recommendations that are just perfectly suited to your taste fill the screen. Not to mention you can quickly peruse hundreds of fabulous items in mere minutes…all while sipping your tea as the kids watch Playhouse Disney! When shopping online shop with intention. If you need an outfit for a friends wedding stay away from the jeans and purses, looking for a new pair of boots? There is no need to check out sweaters as well. If you do need a few new items make a list…and stick with it. Don’t get distracted by all the fuss and muss!

getting package3. Free Shipping
This is something I love about Amazon Prime, the free two day shipping. But, most other sites you need to spend a certain amount of money to “earn” the free shipping. I am the first to admit that I have often purchased another item just to get my free shipping. This is so foolish! To spend $25 dollars more to save $5.99 on shipping costs just isn’t good math. Go back to rule #2, shop with intention, and don’t get sucked into the “free” shipping gimmick!

4. Be aware of the return policy
All of my favorite sites that I listed above are partially my favorite because of their amazing clothes and prices but, a simple return policy is also a must. When buying online, even with a store you are familiar with, getting the right size and fit can be hard. When you get that dress and it doesn’t fit right you need to be able to send it right back with the least amount of trouble! Otherwise it ends up sitting in your closet and never being worn…money wasted! If a return policy involves more than printing out a label, resealing the box it came in, and dropping a box off, I won’t shop there. It’s simply too overwhelming for me right now. Also, make sure you can get your money back on your card, unless it’s a store you frequently shop at, store credit may just sit there unused. I also recommend paying attention to the amount of time you have to return an item. I’ve been known to take weeks to return an item and nothing is worse than realizing you missed your deadline and are stuck with something you don’t want.

5. Google for Coupons
This one of the simplest and quickest ways to save money. Just before you check out open up a new tab and quickly Google the name of the store and coupons. For example “Shutterfly.com Coupons”. A multitude of online coupon sites will come up. I just click on the first one and find a code to use…even if it takes me a few sites to get a code that works, it is totally worth it! I often end up with that free shipping anyway and sometimes even an unexpected 30-50% off. Warning: If you score a % off code don’t go back and buy a few more items (I know it’s so hard not too)! Remember rule #2 Shop with Intention, stay strong and stick to that budget.

What tips do you have for saving money when shopping online?

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week 2015 February Flashback Katy #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-week-february-flashback-katy-2015/
		Fri, 20 Feb 2015 13:00:09 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3714
		
		past Prairie Wife of the Week Eliza pointed out it's the biggest organ in your body. Us gals here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com are a loyal bunch and both Texas Two Steppin' and I have been fans of Rodan and Fields' skincare line for years. Chatting with Katy over a year ago Texas Two Steppin' got some great skincare advice as well as some helpful hints for our readers looking to help add to their family's finances. I am so pleased to have the chance to talk with Katy again, and not only learn more about some of the latest skincare advances but, to hear her advice for trying to sell products in our current economy. Add to that an amazing giveaway with not one but TWO winners and you'll be happy you stopped by for this months February Flashback Prairie Wife!

pww katy shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): It’s been over a year since you were a Prairie Wife, how time flies! Tell us how you and your family are?

Katy (K): We are good. The busyness never seems to stop but we wouldn't have it any other way! Well maybe I would take more sleep!:)

PW: With three busy boys and a landscaping business you must have some great tips on how to balance your time (and stay sane)! Please share?

Katy fam picK: Hmmmm....Define Sane? Haha! For me it is all about my day planner! I always order myself a cute one from Tiny Prints when I get my Christmas cards and I can't live without it! I have tried to use my phone but I guess I am just old fashioned and it seems that if I write it down there is a better chance of remembering it. I also keep a note pad beside my bed so if something comes to me before I go to sleep or even in the middle of the night I can write it down and have a better chance of accomplishing it the next day.

PW: In your last interview you shared with us your love of selling (and using) Rodan and Fields. Can you give our readers an overview of your work with the company and why you enjoy it so much?

K: I am coming up on my 3 year anniversary with the company and I have to admit I have never done anything (work related) that has brought me this much joy! I get to work with some of the most amazing women everyday, we collaborate, share excitement and support each other! My team is amazing and hard working and I am better for having worked with all of them! Our business is simple, we share our amazing products and the business opportunity! The products speak for themselves with the results they provide and the business, well it is full of happy successful men and women with amazing skin...enough said! Our company has grown to $329 million in sales annually and just recently opened business in Canada, our first international launch. So very exciting things are happening for us! I have been fortunate enough to attend corporate events in Dallas, Nashville, Atlanta and earned an all expense paid trip to Napa Valley and San Francisco, which was an amazing time spent with fellow consultants where we received wonderful perks and great training from our corporate office! I love the travel but am excited that our annual convention will be held in Austin, Texas this year and I get to host all my friends who will come from all over the country!

PW: Can you share some of your biggest skin and sales success stories with us?

K: Success stories....well we have so many! I suffered from Melasma or pregnancy mask and had tried just about everything, after using our Reverse Regimen for 60 days my spots and splotches were almost completely gone and since that time I feel like my skin looks more amazing each day! Our Soothe line for sensative skin has helped so many people who struggled to put anything on their face period, and Unblemish which is for acne keeps many of my customers happy by treating their acne and helping fight the signs of aging. But our holy grale, aka Redefine, is what keeps our customers coming back, it helps with fine lines, wrinkles and loss of firmness, which most of us struggle with. Here is the Real Results page from my website or simply take a look at this video!



PW: In the last year Rodan and Fields has come out with a multitude of new products, can you tell me about a few of your favorites?

K: Well we have entered another market with our in- home skin care tools. Our Macro Exfoliator is one of my favorite things. It removes millions of dead skin cells from your face using it once per week for 5 minutes! It is truly amazing!

Our new product is called Acute Care and well the best way to explain it is this...fill a wrinkle while you sleep, NO NEEDLE REQUIRED! These are patches you apply to your problem areas or wrinkles, like for me it was deep crows feet. I apply them at night, go to sleep and let them do the work. These come in a box of 10 packets/2 strips per packet and you use them every third night, so each box lasts around 1 month. I used them back in October and am still thrilled with my results and lack of crows feet!

PW: What three skin care products should every woman always have and use?

K: Well every woman should use a moisturizer with SPF every single day, NO EXCEPTIONS! You have to protect your most seen piece of real estate! And the other two are just personal preference but I can't live with out my eye cream, it fights crows feet, dark circles and puffiness, which I need daily and third I can't live without my redefine hand regimen, we often use products to help fight the signs of aging on our face but forget about our hands and you can usually always tell someones age by looking at their hands!!

R and F acute carePW: Can we expect to see anything new and exciting from Rodan and Fields in 2015?

K: New product launches with our company are always kept very secret but we are always amazed at what these doctors will come up with next! They are so innovative and creative and truly committed to helping people with aging skin and all skin issues so the sky is the limit! I am sure I will have news of the newest amazing product in September 2015 at our annual convention! So stay tuned...

PW: Many people are still on tight budgets due to the struggling economy, how has this impacted you? Any advice for other woman that sell products that may be having trouble?

K: I think this is always a struggle with many people. For me, aligning myself with a company that focuses on results and putting out a great product has made a big difference in my business. People want to take care of their skin and use a product that is proven. Our regimens are 60 days and come with an empty bottle money back guarantee so people can try it risk free. And so many of my team members have gotten involved with this business because they are looking for a Plan B or side income and want to change their families financial future. This business model has attracted a lot of people because it can be done in very part time hours and not take time away from your family and the things that are important to you. If you get involved with a company like this the best tips I can give are believe in your product, be confident and hungry and simply share without being pushy, don't take the "NO's" personally, be open to learning and be coachable!

PW: How can our readers contact you if they are interested in purchasing Rodan and Fields or becoming part of your team?

K: The easiest way is probably through my websites.
https://katyo.myrandf.com (Product Website)
https://katyo.myrandf.biz (Business Website)

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of Wisdom?

K: Be yourself, love others and find happiness in each day because life is short!

Katy will be stopping by to answer any questions!

As part of our We LOVE Our Readers month of giveaways,  we have two chances for you to win! One winner will receive a jar of REDEFINE Multi-Function Eye Cream and another winner will receive the REDEFINE Hand Treatment Regimen! Feel free to enter both giveaways and GOOD LUCK!

All you HAVE to do to enter the giveaway is comment on this post and tell us your main skincare concern. Earn more points by following us on social media. Please be honest, we will be checking!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Get Ready for The Jackalope Jump
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/get-ready-jackalope-jump/
		Mon, 16 Feb 2015 13:00:21 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3739
		
		winter in Wyoming, even though it's been in the 40's and 50's the last two weeks, we all know it won't last! As I take a look at my friend's Facebook feeds every January I have always seen pictures of all those crazy people who do the Polar Bear Challenge. Just in case you don't know what the Polar Bear Challenge is, people strip down to their undies and jump into a freezing frozen river or lake. Usually for a simple T-shirt and bragging rights. It holds no appeal to me, just going out and doing chores is enough cold wet weather "fun" for me. More recently there has also been the ALS ice bucket challenge but today I'm here to talk about The Jackalope Jump… and how I got roped into participating…

Jackalope JumpWhat is The Jackalope jump? Well I like to tell myself it’s not quite as crazy as the Polar Bear business, and it IS to support a great cause. For The Jackalope Jump we all gather in a local arena or stadium and take a plunge into a pool of ice cold water, all to support Special Olympics of Wyoming. The Jackalope Jump is a  Wyoming tradition that currently is active in 17 towns. There are opportunities to jump as a team or an individual (right now there are 36 teams registered at ours), there are costumes and team shirts, and a whole lot of squealing, shivering, laughs for the participants and the crowd that always gathers to cheer us on!

Special Olympics is an organization that is near and dear to our family. Those of you that are frequent readers have all learned I have a fabulous brother, and he competes in "Special O" as Michael calls it! Special Olympics provides year round sports training for children and adults with intellectual delays. My brother has been involved in Special O since he was a child. I can remember going and cheering him on in my younger days and I continued to participate by volunteering when I was old enough to help.More recently I have had the honor of getting my kids involved. They love cheering on their Uncle Michael!

Weight LiftingCurrently Michael competes in Special Olympics in several events. He excels at Weight Lifting and is very strong (he is dead lifting 345lb in this picture) so is always competing in the heavy weights, like 300lb or more...and his top competitor is in his 60’s! Michael also does track and field, skiing, horse back riding, and bowling. If you ask him, his favorite part is going to State (they compete in towns to qualify for Statewide events) and attending the dance…. This is where all the pretty girls can be found, another favorite for Michael lol! Special O is all Michael will talk about for weeks both before and after. Through his many years of participation it has taught him dedication, sportsmanship, and is a great time for him to be social. It's always a big party because he gets to see friends he only see’s once or twice a year at these events.

As a family member standing on the sidelines the pride that I have in Michael and all he has achieved and overcome can't be put into words. The positivity of all the athletes, coaches, and families is contagious. Even if you don't know anyone that is participating I would encourage you to attend a local event. The strength of the human spirit is evident everywhere and you can't help but leave feeling exuberant and hopeful for the future.

The Jackalope Jump is one of the top fundraisers Wyoming Special Olympics does. Michael has been doing the jump for years! This will be my daughter and my 2nd year jumping and my son's first year. It’s a wonderful opportunity to teach kids about helping their community and the power of fundraising! My daughter T even likes to give her own money, which tells me our message has really hit home. Our team is the Grose Jumpers and we always strive to be the top earning team because nothing feels better than raising money for something you believe in! We take the plunge next Friday the 20th so wish us warm thoughts, and be sure to check out PrairieWifeInHeels.com on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook for pictures!

If you are interested in supporting us please click the links below. Even a simple share on Social Media of this post is a wonderful way to help spread the word about Special Olympics of Wyoming and the amazing Special Olympics organization as a whole!
My daughter's donation link
My son's donation link]]>
		
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		Musings From a Fifth Time Mom
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/musings-from-a-fifth-time-mom/
		Wed, 25 Feb 2015 13:00:12 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3752
		
		previously CowBaby5) is snuggled up on The Cowboy’s chest and I can’t help but smile as I look at them. Snow is falling in fat snowflakes that make me want to cuddle in bed with the Cowkids and sing “My Favorite Things” from The Sound of Music. I’ll try not to bore you with tales from the last week of our lives but I wanted to catch you up on life on the Prairie so here are a few musing from a fifth time mom.

NewbornLittleMissH was born on Valentine’s Day (ahem I believe I said all along that would happen) naturally but not gracefully, as I like to say. Two and a half hours after my water was broken at the hospital I requested an epidural. My exact quote to The Cowboy was “I have nothing to prove, I want a calm relaxed Spa birth, get me an epidural…I’m not kidding.” And just like my last three birth experiences before the epidural arrived it was time to push. LittleMissH was born at 6:58pm sunny side up (just like her big sister) 7 pounds 5 ounces and 21.25 inches of perfect.

Upon their first visit to the hospital (an hour after she was born) the Cowkids were all a little shy and quiet. CowGranny brought them back the next morning and they were all fighting over who got to hold her.

LittleMissH nursed like a champ from the minute she was born for the next 48 hours straight and just when both my mental and physical powers reached their breaking point (this means I was barely able to hold back exhausted hysterical tears every time I heard her cry) my milk came in and things became a little more normal.

With this being my fifth baby I kinda have this baby thing down…most days. I tend to get as much done in the morning as I can. It’s amazing how productive I can be when I know I only have an hour and a half or at most two hours! This is my time to do the dishes, laundry, snuggle and read with the little boys, preschool homeschool Cowboy W, and if I’m really on a roll I can get something started in the crock pot for dinner. That way when the rest of the day falls apart (as it always seems to do) I don’t feel as overwhelmed. If I want to sit in front of the TV with the Cowkids and watch a movie after dinner I can do it guilt free.

First BathThe Cowboy hung around the homestead for the first three days after CowGranny (she came up to help for a few days) left. This is the first time EVER that he has done this, and it was so nice. He took the Cowkids into school and then went into the office for the morning. He then came home for lunch and to hold LittleMissH while he made work calls so I was sure to get a nap, he even made dinner (and cleaned it up) a few times! A girl could get used to this kind of special treatment! He hit the road on Thursday but I was more than ready to handle things for two days on my own. This week he is back to his normal schedule and I know that he hates to leave us. He’s spent a lot of extra time snuggling the baby this weekend to make up for it.

Now don’t get me wrong this week hasn’t been all sunshine and roses. I’m feeling more than a little stir crazy hanging around the house so much. I’m trying to keep LittleMissH away from people for at least the first few weeks. We finally broke out of the house to go have dinner at TallGirlJ's place and it was just what the Cowkids and I needed. My neighbor and good friend Prairie Faith took the two little boys for a few hours so they could get out some energy (and get out of the house).

My number one current problem is that the Cowkids are absolutely in love with their new little sister. I know what a problem to have right?! But they fight over and over about who gets to hold her! When one Cowkid is holding the baby the others are crowding around. Cowboy C has no concept of keeping his hands to himself and is constantly whining for his turn to hold the baby. When nursing the baby I have at least one Cowkid attached to my hip while usually another one is touching and trying to kiss the baby (who is obviously attached to my boob).

checking out babyI try to take deep breaths and calmly remind everyone to wait their turn, as well as explain that nursing the baby is mommy’s turn to hold her. Plus when LittleMissH is ready to be held (clean butt, fed and burped) she is mostly likely sleeping soundly. The last thing I want to do is spend 20 minutes playing pass the baby when I could have her safely buckled in the swing while I get caught up on chores! As Cowboy C was holding her the other night the older Cowkids were crowding around per usual when I heard him say “Back off, just back off!” Hmm I guess I haven’t been as calm as I thought…opps! Texas Two Steppin’ can vouch that the situation is a little out of control. As I tried to chat with her about her God Daughter I had to stop at least a dozen times during our 8 minute conversation to play baby referee.

I know that the shine will wear off soon (please pray for me) and of all the problems to have it’s a good one but please tell me at least a few of you can relate?

That being said I’m going to stop typing to get some secret snuggles in while the big kids are at school and the two littlest Cowboys are playing happily in the basement….]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week 2015 February Flashback Kim Gravel #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-2015-february-flashback-kim-gravel-giveaway/
		Fri, 27 Feb 2015 13:00:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3765
		
		the opportunity to chat with some amazing women. Not only do I get to be nosy and ask them all about their lives but, I find that with each interview I do I take away at least one or two tidbits that help me to become more like the woman I want to be. One of our most popular past Prairie Wives has been Kim Gravel of the Lifetime show Kim of Queens. Last time we interviewed her it was just at the end of her second season of Kim of Queens and the future of the show was uncertain. True to the woman that we have all grown to admire and love, Kim shared with me her honest feelings about the show, as well as some exciting news about her plans for the future. Pull up a chair and prepare to laugh and learn as you read this candid and exclusive interview with your favorite Prairie Wife and Pageant coach Kim Gravel!

Don't forget to stop by the end of the interview to enter to win some great goodies! This is our last giveaway for our We LOVE Our Readers Month of Giveaways...and it is a great one! All you have to do to enter is tell us what you like about Kim in the comment section below. You can earn extra points towards the giveaway by following PrairieWifeInHeels.com and Kim Gravel on social media.

Kim Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First, how are you and your family?

Kim (K): We’re great, but I am glad the holidays are over because we are back in our routine. The boys are having some trouble in school right now so we’re busy working through that. They are smart boys but they don’t want to put forth the effort…which doesn’t fly with me! Other than that minor issue we are healthy and blessed. My mom and Alyson are doing great! We just had a little girl come and train with us at Pageant Place from Make a Wish Foundation. Alyson and I had the honor of training her and watching her in her first pageant. It was one of the best things we’ve ever done, and I can’t put into words how meaningful it was for us. It reinforced my confidence that my family and I are doing the right things with Pageant Place.

PW: Last time we chatted the news had just been released that your Lifetime show Kim of Queens had been canceled. Now that some time has passed can you share a little bit more about that with us?

Kim on Steve HarveyK: My honest opinion is that the show never found its feet with the Network. But for all my fans don’t lose heart…I am currently working with other networks and looking into a daytime talk show. You can also find me appearing often on my good friend and mentor, Steve Harvey’s show! I still love to sing with my group Beloved (a CD is part of the giveaway) but as of now we don't have any dates set for 2015. You can always stop by my blog for up to date info on what I'm up to.

PW: Can you give us some updates on how all of our favorite Pageant Place girls are doing?

Kim with GirlsK: Addison got a job at a pizza place, so she is gainfully employed and dating. She’s in High School now and growing up fast!
Mara has won a local title and come so far...I am so proud of that girl!
Hannah just won Grand Supreme Final. She is homeschooling and at an 8th grade level and taking High School courses, she is so brilliant! You just watch…she will be Miss America.
Raven is going to Miss Outstanding Teen and I can’t wait to see how well she does.

I still keep in touch with all of our transformation girls from the show, which is so rewarding for me. They helped me grow just as much as I helped them!

PW: When we chatted last time you shared your story of how being a stay at home mom for five years was one of the hardest, yet most rewarding, things you have done. Currently a big topic in the news is “mommy wars”. Stay at home vs. working mom, breastfed vs. formula. What’s your take on all this?

K: The truth is women should never be at war with each other. The beauty of being a mom is that it is one experience that we have as women that men will never get. This is such an opportunity for women to connect and it’s ridiculous that it’s pulling us apart! Mom’s are the most influential people on the planet. If women (and society as a whole) would get that, and work together to support each other, the ways that we could make the world a better place are endless.

I am not saying this to take away from women that don’t have children, but the power that mothers have to change the face of the world should not be underestimated. It’s something that we as mothers have to be mindful of. We need to come from a place of compassion when we look at each other. Think about what that woman on the playground IS doing not what she isn’t doing. She is shaping another human being and it’s a huge responsibility. We could all use a little positive support from other moms. If you breastfed or not isn’t going to matter in the long run. Creating an adult that in turn helps to create a better world is what matters.

PW: Your “support them but don’t be afraid to let them fail” parenting advice really resonated with our readers. Any other parenting advice you’d like to share?

K: The thing that I’m seeing with my boys is that my one son is very verbal, and boy does it show when he gets mad (wonder who he gets that from lol)! As a child I was allowed to show emotion and be angry, even towards my parents. I was encouraged to be who I was. If I was angry with my parents they would let me rage for a certain amount of time, then they would use it as a teachable moment. I think children need to be allowed to express what they are feeling.

Kim TeachingRight now we are focused on giving my son the appropriate language to talk about his anger and frustration. I hope that he will then use it next time he is upset. In the future these tools will allow him to intelligently and healthily express his emotions. In the end he knows he is most likely still doing it my way but, we explain why. I can see how much more receptive he is to that. As we all know, there are occasions when we don’t have time to do this, and he better just do what I say! When we can we try to explain where we are coming from. It’s a lot of work! We live in a victim society; fewer and fewer people are willing to take responsibility for their choices and the consequences of their actions. I refuse to have a child like that. I want my boys to act and take responsibility for their emotions and choices!

I think that children now have so much information coming at them all the time. This means they need more support on how to process all that information. When they are young we can guide them towards what we consider is the right choice. We need to remember that children’s emotions and sense of empathy are heightened, things are not just happening to them they are happening through them.

PW: I know that in the past few months you’ve been striving towards a healthier you. What have you been doing and how has it been working?

K: I get to brag a little because I’ve lost 10 pounds and am now a size 12…a good twelve! I whole heartedly acknowledge I have a sweet tooth so that’s been my biggest battle. I’ve cut out the sugars and if I want something sweet I eat fruit. I can’t lie to you, it’s not been easy. The other night it was 10 at night and I was rummaging through the drawers and cupboards like a crazy person. Twitching like a crack addict and trying to find just one piece of candy! My husband walked in and said “Kim, just say NO!” My families support has been really important, and we eat healthy and move around more together.

I bought a FitBit and I love it! After using the app for a week or so, I saw that I move way more than I thought I did. It made me realize that my main problem was food. I eat to socialize, and I eat because I love it! The FitBit made things clear to me. I realized that if I would just focus on the food aspect of my diet I could make some big health changes. I still want to lose 20lb because I want to feel more comfortable and 100 % confident about my body. I want to be healthy and have my body work efficiently. I want to wear everything in my closet….pull those tags off those clothes I bought hoping for a future where they would fit, and wear them.

As far as specific changes in my diet…I eat a high protein breakfast, small lunch and don’t eat after 6pm. It’s hard for me but it’s worth the results! I drink 90oz of water every day. The difference in my skin and body and even my energy level is amazing! I make sure I take my quiet time every day and keep focused. My quiet time usually involves some time with God whether it’s reading a devotional or writing in my journal. It’s important for us to remember that mental and spiritual health is just as important as physical health. Once you start that daily routine of taking time to be quiet it makes such a positive difference. I’ve realized that I need to focus more on day to day rather than putting my energy into looking ahead at the next months and years. I’m a visionary but sometimes this makes me miss the little moments. I am goal oriented; it just keeps me motivated to set an end for my goal. So I want to have my weight loss done by the first of April, send good vibes my way!

PW: You mentioned in our interview that you have a new makeup line with QVC coming out this year, when can we expect these to be available?

K: I am SO excited to say that QVC is doing both and a skin care line called AloeMend (out in mid April 2015 or May 2015) and a Kim Gravel clothing line (out in August 2015). Your readers can follow my blog to see updates and receive announcements on these QVC lines.

Kim HeadshotAloeMend is an organic, pharmaceutical grade Aloe based skincare. We have an eye cream that simply cannot be beat. The facial serum is wonderful. Our first ingredient isn’t water like most products, water doesn’t soak into the skin rather it sits on top. The first ingredient in AloeMend’s products is organic pharmaceutical grade Aloe and it pulls all the vitamins and fruit stem cells into the deepest layer of the skin. We also have mascara, and man it works! We actually tried it on everyone that knows me. You can see the difference in the growth, the length and the health of your lashes in weeks. You should see my mom’s lashes…amazing!

The talented people that I have been collaborating with on the Kim Gravel clothing line are the same people who did the Joan Rivers line. I am so excited about our pants and jeans! They are super comfy but chic looking, and offer a great fit for real sized woman. It has shape wear built into it but it is still breathable and moves with your body. Of course it’s my line, so there is a little bit of flash and bling! There are classic pieces and trendy ones. The price point is to be determined but I want it to be affordable for every woman.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

K: Find your purpose and move in it.

We are so excited to offer this amazing Kim Gravel Prize Package as our final We LOVE Our Readers Giveaway! It includes a signed photo of Kim Gravel, a Beloved CD, a makeup package, earrings, and Steve Harvey's latest book! All you HAVE to do is comment below on this post. To earn extra points follow PrairieWifeInHeels.com and Kim Gravel on social media. Please be honest, we do check.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Spring 2015 Fashion Dos and Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-2015-fashion-dos-and-donts/
		Wed, 04 Mar 2015 13:00:34 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3790
		
		Texas Two Steppin': I know most of you won't empathize with me (I know Prairie Wife didn't), but as another winter storm is about to hit Texas, I realize that for the first time in 19 years I am tired of my winter wardrobe. I admit, it is rather limited and focused on a few classic pieces, but I usually only pull out my heavy sweaters for a total of seven days each season, and I usually have to put up my favorite boots way too soon. This season I have been forced to get creative, and I now have a premature case of spring fashion fever. So have a cup of hot cocoa (or hot toddy?) and read about five spring trends. As always, Prairie Wife and I have posted more examples on our Pinterest boards and clicking on the photos will take you to a site where you can get the dos (please, please don't give in to the don'ts!).

Elle Layout

Texas Two Steppin': So, when my new edition of Elle magazine came, I totally flipped out when I saw this layout. I am probably older than most of you, but this took me instantly back to my formative fashion years in the '80s. I had always wanted a pair of Dr. Scholl's sandals in navy ever since my infinitely cooler, sophisticated, older cousin Missy let me borrow hers one afternoon. I knew that if I had a pair, all of my social awkwardness would instantly disappear and I too would be as cool and sophisticated as Missy. But alas, I couldn't sell this concept to Ma and Pa. Granted, I was a clumsy teen and my parents did the responsible thing by acknowledging the inherent safety risks of this design. But when I saw these sandals by Marc Jacobs I had an uncontrollable yearning for a pair. Do I want a pair only to fulfill my teenage dreams? Maybe, but I really do think they are the absolutely coolest take on the classic and as soon as I am done with this post I am going to try to find them online.

Prairie Wife: Blech, blech, blech. These sandals are everything that I hate in a shoe...clunky, stiff, and old looking (not in the cool vintage way)! I was seriously left speechless when Texas Two Steppin' told me she was SO excited about this trend. I'm sorry (not sorry) for me these Frankenstein sandals are a big DON'T! Give me my flip flops or gladiator sandals instead please.

gingham shirt

Texas Two Steppin': For me, gingham shirts are another "Do." I have always liked gingham, and I've found that it is really versatile and doesn't need to look "country." For a preppy look, pair it with cuffed skinny jeans and ballet flats. A look with edge would be the shirt, jeans, high heeled booties and a leather jacket. It also works at the office with a tan pencil skirt and nude heels. I really like this version that I found at Nordstrom.com because it is fitted and the sleeves roll up neatly in case the spring weather changes unexpectedly.

Prairie Wife: Now this is a trend where we both agree! Gingham is so versatile and can easily be dressed up or down. I have a black and whit gingham flannel from Target that I love to wear with my distressed boyfriend jeans, slip on shoes, and my favorite military inspired coat. It's the perfect effortless cool look for running errands. A bright colored gingham tucked into a pencil skirt and worn with booties is the perfect casual yet chic look for the office. As a country girl I also have to add that a gingham top, jeans, cowgirl boots and a baseball hat is the epitome of weekend wear here in Wyoming! PS I love it in a skirt too (pants not so much).

shirtdressTexas Two Steppin': I got my first shirtdress in 1985, and I have always had at least one hanging in my closet ever since. Yes, they are a "Do," but only if you Do a bit of research and promise to try it on before you buy it. Fit is very critical in a shirtdress, and you need to focus on the three Bs. 1) You have to BELT a shirtdress or it looks like you threw on your boyfriend's/husband's/older brother's dress shirt. If the fabric belt doesn't work for you, you can always replace it with a leather one in your closet. But before you buy, check the belt loops sewn into the dress because the dress will be so much better if they can easily be removed to provide you with options. 2) Stand up, sit down, walk around, and then check your BUTT in the mirror. Many shirtdresses will give you a "shelf" right below the belt, and you really don't want to spend the entire day pulling up the fabric so it lays flat. 3) Finally, be sure you can easily BUTTON every button because you don't want gaps in embarrassing places. And be sure the final button isn't too high (you will be flashing passerbys every time you take a step) or too low (you will be hobbled and eventually end up ripping the dress when you try to take a long step).

Prairie Wife: I just saw an amaing pinstripe blue and white shirt dress in a magazine the other day, and my fingers were itching to head online and buy it. Alas with my New Year's resolution to stick to a budget I had to simply take a deep breath and add it to my someday pile. I am in full agreement with Texas Two Steppin' on this one. A shirt dress is something you need to try before you buy...not all styles will be a DO for you. As a flat chested, long waisted, no curves woman I actually look better in most shirt dresses that are not belted. The straight tunic style looks much more flattering on me. As a recent pregnant woman I can attest to the fact that having a belt that you can move around can go a long way to making this look more flattering, and it's a great piece to add to your maternity wardrobe. It's so simple to dress up with jewelry and heels or down with a cardigan and boots. Another side note, as a nursing mom these dresses are a great look because you can simply wear a nursing tank under them and unbutton it when the baby is hungry!

a line midi skirtTexas Two Steppin': A-line midi-skirts are tricky and walk the fine line between "Do" and "Don't." I did a lot of Pinterest research, and I think that this skirt must be worn with heels and hit at the perfect spot on your leg or you will look stumpy and frumpy. You also have to be careful of the version with pleats. They are not practical for busy mothers or people who are iron-phobic because while they look great when you take your first selfie of the day, you have to fold them carefully every time you sit down.

Prairie Wife: I beg to differ on this one! I love this look, and I think it's perfect for busy moms. It's long enough that I can bend over and run after the Cowkids without worrying about my bum showing. I think it's a sophisticated look that can be dressed up with heels and a silk top or made spring time chic with sandals, an airy t shirt and a bright colored scarf. The variety of colors, patterns, and fabrics in this style make it easy for everyone to find the perfect fit for their lifestyle. I would encourage you to check out my Prairie Wife Style Pinterest board to see the varieties out there...floral, tulle, pleated, silk...the fashion possibilities are endless!

burberry checked capeTexas Two Steppin': When PW suggested capes for spring, I thought she was nuts. But then I thought about the photos she posts, and it suddenly made sense. I love traditional capes--not a cape coat or a poncho or something Wonder Woman would wear--but they are very difficult to find. I went shopping with my BFF this winter and found the perfect one in a large herringbone print. I have been rocking it on those rare days that aren't too chilly and wish I could find a solid one. If you find the perfect cape for you, grab it right away because they are a total "Do."

Prairie Wife: For me the cape look is a total DO. I think its elegant and sophisticated not to mention classy and just plain fun! It's a great way to stay warm in the temperamental Wyoming Spring weather (our local mountain just got 20 inches of snow). That being said it's really just not practical for my lifestyle right now. I am carrying around a new baby in a 15 pound car seat, a purse that weighs another 20 pounds and tugging four other Cowkids in a row behind me. Add to that the Wyoming wind and you can see why though I love the idea of a cape it is something I need to file away with white pants for "when the Cowkids are older"

What fashion trends are going to help you break out of the winter blues?

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		Creature Comforts by Trisha Ashley
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/creature-comforts-by-trisha-ashley/
		Mon, 09 Mar 2015 12:00:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3806
		
		my love of all of Trisha Ashley’s books and I couldn’t wait for her latest new release to hit Amazon.com this February! It was the breath of fresh air that this exhausted new mom needed…and I admit that I took full advantage of my sleep deprived nights to read it all in a few days.

Creature Comforts is a wonderful novel that is written in the Trisha Ashley style that her fans have come to love. A romping romantic comedy in book form, Creature Comforts is full of beautiful English countryside, eccentric characters and women with whom you’d love to sit down and have a cup of tea.

creature comfortsIn this book the main character Izzy has a pluck and strength that instantly drew me to her. The book begins with her breaking off her engagement to her fiancé and moving back home. There is none of the dithering and whining that can be found in many chic lit books…but rather Izzy meets not only her future but her past head on. While home she decides to at last find out the details of a tragic accident that not only affected her but, the entire small town of Halfhidden. With the support of her eccentric Aunt and her good friends she plows forward despite several extremely rude and unlikeable villagers who seem bent on stopping her.

There is of course, a new love interest for Izzy; the brooding, handsome, and slightly damaged Rufus. As with all of her books there are more than a few obstacles thrown in their way but in the end, love wins out. I particularly loved the side plots that were brought about by her aunt Debo’s dog rescue and the other villagers working towards expanding their local economy. Frankly as I read this book I was wishing that Ms. Ashley would maybe do another book with the villagers that involved some more of the local ghost stories that were mentioned…perhaps a romantic historical fiction book?! Die hard Trisha Ashley fans will also be pleased to see a few of their favorite villages and places from some of her past books mentioned throughout Creature Comforts.

If you are looking for a light read to help you through these last few gloomy weeks of winter this is the book for you. A clever plot, charming characters, English countryside, and more than a dash of laughter, love and intrigue make this a perfect read!

For more book reviews from PrairieWifeInHeels.com check out this Amazon.com link or simply type in “Book Review” in our search engine at the top of this page!]]>
		
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		Put Some Spring On Your Nails With Jamberry #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/put-some-spring-on-your-nails-with-jamberry/
		Wed, 11 Mar 2015 12:00:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3815
		
		I first introduced our readers to Jamberry nails. Since then they seem to have taken the world by storm. We’ve had a lot of new readers in the last few months and I thought a great way to help beat these last few weeks of winter would be to Put Some Spring on Your Nails with Jamberry...and a great giveaway!

Jamberry NailsWith a new baby my time is limited, if I have an extra 30 minutes I’m going to sleep, take a bath, read a few chapters of a book, or…sleep! The last thing I want to do is spend 30 minutes painting my nails! That being said I love the look of painted nails…it makes me feel put together and feminine even when I’ve been wearing the same sweats for three days and have baby puke on my left shoulder. My problem in the past has always been that my nails seem to only last three hours (or less) before a chip or scratch appears. Add to that the constant hand washing and cleaning that comes with a family of 7 and you can see why a manicure never lasts me long.

That’s what I love about Jamberry nails. Jamberry nails are nail wraps that are applied and removed with heat. You can use your hairdryer or purchase a Jamberry stand up heater. There are no harsh chemicals in the application or removal process, and they don’t chip or scratch. As soon as your Jamberry nails are applied they are ready to go…and mine last 7 to 10 days! It takes me 10 minutes to do all of my fingers (admittedly it took me about three tries to get the hang of the application process). I love that I can instantly get my hands wet or pull up a zipper on a child’s coat with no worries about chipping. Here is a video so you can see how to apply Jamberry nails.



There are two ways to remove your Jamberry nails. You will know it’s time for a new set of nails when the bottoms begin to pull up from the base of your nail. I always notice it when running my fingers through my hair, a piece of hair will snag on my nail and I’ll know it’s time to remove them. Even at this point I’ve been known to stretch it a few more days because my nails still look perfect. As I said above you can remove your Jamberry nails with heat. My preferred method is with Olive Oil it takes me three minutes and I find that it works better for me. Some people have complained of peeling nails after using Jamberry. I have found that the only time this occurs is when I rush the removal process and end up tugging the nail sticker off rather than allowing the heat or Olive Oil to do the work for me. Even then the damage is gone in a week or so, which is much quicker than the recovery from a set of gel or acrylic nails. I also like to keep my nails bare for three or four days before I apply a new set of Jamberry wraps. Watch this video to see how to remove your wraps.



Jamberry JrNow for the best part of Jamberry…all the patterns to pick from! They come in single color, French tip, glitter, matte, polka dots, chevron, flowers, holiday themes, and even your favorite sports team, you name it they have it! And did I mention the Jamberry Juniors? Darling designs made just for little nails. Cowgirl G loves hers, and they last her almost two weeks.

All you need to do is comment on this post and let us know what Jamberry pattern you crave this Spring (just click this link to see all the choices) and you’ll be entered to win a sheet of Vintage Chic Jamberry nails. Earn more points by following us on social media. If you follow this link and make a purchase or sign up for a FaceBook party you’ll be entered to win your choice of a free set up kit, stand up heater OR a full sheet of Jamberry nails!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Prairie Wife of the Week March 13, 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-march-13-2015/
		Fri, 13 Mar 2015 12:00:01 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3825
		
		"New Mom Speech" and we continued to stay in touch. Six years later I now have the honor of calling her one of my close friends. She is now an experienced mother of four, and someone I seek out for help and support about a myriad of things (her skills with hair and nails are amazing).

On average almost a million teenagers give birth each year in the United States of America, and Lizzi was one of those teenage moms. In our society there is a strange double standard about teen pregnancy. Girls (because really most teenagers are still girls rather than women) who become pregnant as teens are often given unfair and traumatic labels, judged and left to fend for themselves or...glorified and turned into celebrities with TV shows like 16 and Pregnant. As with many topics we address here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com we strive to seek out ways that we can support other women and mothers, and I think it's time that we have a real conversation about teen pregnancy. I am honored that Lizzi was willing to share her story with our readers, and I encourage you to take the time to share it with others as well. Not only was Lizzi open and honest about what it felt like to have an unplanned teen pregnancy but, her ability to now look at her story as a wife and mother adds a fresh perspective to her experience. Her grit and grace, as well as how she chose to deal with her unplanned teen pregnancy from a place of love, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week. Add to that her compassion for others and candid honesty, and you can see why I am proud to call her my friend!
lizzi shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us about your family.

Lizzi (L): I grew up in Casper, Wyoming and still live here with my family. My husband (who is also from Wyoming) and I have been married for over 6 years. We love living in Wyoming because of the small town atmosphere, and what a wonderful place it is to raise our children. I have four girls between the ages of 6 years old and 6 months. I am currently able to stay home with my girls and I am homeschooling my oldest.

PW: You were only a teenager when your first child was born, can you share a little bit about that?

L: I was 19 when I found out I was pregnant with my oldest daughter. My boyfriend at the time (who is now my husband) and I had only been together for 7 months. We weren’t using any form of birth control; we didn’t think about the consequences …

PW: Can you walk us through the emotions and thoughts that went through your mind?

ultra soundL: My first emotion was fear. I took five pregnancy tests and I cried when they were all positive. For me an abortion was never a choice and giving the baby up for adoption was nothing that crossed my mind. I felt that I could get it together enough to take care of a baby. So, from the beginning I planned on keeping the baby. I was so nervous to tell Dan. I wasn’t sure if he was going to want to take care of the baby, or even stay together. When I told him he said that he was excited and that if I wasn’t planning on keeping the baby he was, so I needed to make sure I took care of myself. He said he was there for whatever I needed. It took so much pressure off of me to know that I had him by my side.

Honestly the biggest emotion besides fear was loneliness. It was one of the loneliest points in my life. Even though I had more support than many teen moms, I still felt that no one truly knew what I was going through. I wish that I would have been more open with my family and expressed my feelings and fears. I think that it would have helped me…

PW: What were your close friends and families reactions, what was helpful or hurtful?

L: I told my friends first because I knew that they would all be accepting and excited…and that my family was less likely to be so. I think they were excited because we were all so naïve. None of us had any idea how much work a baby was, or the life changes that having a baby would bring for me and our friendships.

We told Dan’s parents before we told mine. We picked a local restaurant and told them during dinner, we thought it would keep things calm to be in a public place. They were surprisingly compassionate and understanding. Their reaction was not what we expected, and is probably not typically what most teens hear when they let their family know they are pregnant. We learned that night that their own story was somewhat similar to ours and this helped us to have confidence in our decision to figure out our next steps together. Though at this point we had no plans to get married, they were so supportive of us.

When it was time to tell my parents we went out to their house, we felt a that the privacy of home was the best for this conversation. I think that their reaction is probably more typical of what happens when a family finds out their teenage daughter is pregnant. I was so petrified to tell my mom that I waited two hours before I finally could tell her. When I did, I just finally blurted it out…and it was horrible! My mom was sad that it hadn’t been a better experience for Dan and I, angry about our indecisiveness to get married and my dad didn’t say a word the whole time. When she asked us what our plan was and we said we were still working it out she asked Dan to do the right thing and marry me, and I was horrified at her forwardness but, knew that she was right. This was actually the first time that Dan had ever met my parents as my boyfriend! Dan was really calm and collected and simply said that we weren’t sure what our plans were but we would let them know our decisions. When we left things were incredibly strained and it took a long time for our relationship to be healed. But I can honestly say that now it is better than ever!

PW: As you prepared to become a mother what resources did you use, or what do you wish had been available to you?

L: I found a local OB I had insurance but, it did not cover maternity so we ended up paying for everything. At the time I wished that we could have had some more financial support because that was a huge strain. I now know that the financial responsibility was a huge growing point in our relationship because we had to work together to pay the bills. I made too much money for government aid and because we weren’t married I was unable to be on Dan’s insurance. My doctor’s first question was “Are you going to keep the fetus, or abort.” That was hard, and because I was young and not confident it didn’t occur to me that I could walk out and pick a doctor that was supportive rather than condescending. So I would really recommend educating yourself on the doctors in your area.

I also read a lot on the internet about pregnancy and babies. There are a lot of really good sites out there, but make sure they are legitimate and based on medical resources, not just someone’s opinions. As we all know…nothing can really prepare you!

PW: What advice do you have for any teens that may find themselves with an unplanned pregnancy?

L: My first piece of advice would be to take a deep breath and take some time before you make any decisions. I would really encourage you to think about what’s best for the baby. You have a responsibility to that life that you created. If keeping the baby isn’t in your plans there are so many resources out there to help support you. If you are not ready or willing to take the responsibility of caring for your baby you need to educate yourself on adoption.

You need to be talk with you partner and be honest about your plans for your future as a parent. If they are unwilling to be involved there are plenty of ways to find support and the resources to be a successful single parent. I know that I was lucky because my boyfriend stepped up to the plate but, even if your partner decides to not be involved they have the right to make that choice. If they choose not to be involved don’t be discouraged, there are people who devote their lives to helping those who find themselves pregnant and alone (you will find you are not truly alone) .

Your family and friends may not support or you but there are so many resources out there that will help you.

PW: How about advice for their parents?

Lizzi kiddos on couchL: As a parent myself I have a whole new understanding of the emotions that they were going through. Firstly don’t blame yourself or see your teen’s pregnancy as a failure on your part. Second please remind them often that even if you are upset, that you love them. Hearing those words spoken out loud will make a big difference. There are a lot of adult choices that your child will now have to make. While I don’t think you should do the work for them, helping them research their choices and asking questions (in a calm way) about how they plan to take care of themselves and the baby, or helping them find an adoption organization, is a great way to be helpful.

PW: And advice for their partners?

L: This baby is also your responsibility and you have a right and responsibility to be a part of the decisions. But, you need to understand that there will be more work for her, simply because she is carrying the baby for 9 months. You have rights and if your opinions are different you do have legal options. Honesty is key and you need to be upfront and open with your emotions, concerns, and how you are going to participate in your child’s life.

PW: Being a first time mom is overwhelming no matter what age you are but, do you think being a teenager made it even harder?

L: I don’t know…I think that I was probably much more emotional as a teenage mom. I was still developing my own emotions and maturity. I was more emotional during my first pregnancy but, mostly due to the uncertainty that was ahead. There is also the complication of being a teenager in a relationship and the ups and downs that come with that.

PW: What are some things we as friends and family members can do to support a new teen mom?

L: Show excitement for them and happiness a baby is always a blessing no matter the circumstances. If they have given the baby up for adoption reminding them of the joy and selflessness of their decision and being open to the ups and downs of their emotions is vital. Listen and let them cry and vent…without interrupting and trying to fix it. Offer encouragement and just be there. Help them in all the ways you would help any other new mom!

PW: Any prejudices or biases you’ve faced that you would like to put an end to?

L: I think that there are many teen moms that have stepped up to the plate and done as good a job as they can. Assuming that the situation is going to be a disaster isn’t helpful or correct. I think that offering a teen mom support emotionally is better than offering them help financially. Too often teen mom’s aren’t fully made to be responsible for their children, parents step in “for the sake of the baby” and the result is that the teen mom doesn’t ever really have to deal with the consequences of their actions. This is a detriment to our society in my opinion.

PW: What positives have you seen emerge in you and your family from this experience?

girls hands and feetL: My children and my marriage are obviously the biggest blessings. A surprising benefit has been the relationship I have with my mother in law. Because of her own experiences she offered me a lot of support and understanding. I have also had the joy of truly being an adult in my early adult years. I am also more compassionate and understanding of other people’s choices having had to make such hard decisions to make in my life.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

L: Don’t have sex until you’re married and abstinence is the only sure form of birth control! Please remember that doing too much for our children at any age will only result and immature adults. Giving children and teens opportunities to make choices and see the consequences throughout their lives will give them the ability to become mature and responsible adults.

I’ll leave you with my two favorite quotes “ If you want your children to keep their feet on the ground, put some responsibility on their shoulders” and “If we could sell our experiences for what they cost us we’d be millionaires” both from Abigail Van Buren.]]>
		
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		Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor and the Snuza Hero Monitor
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/angelcare-movement-and-sound-monitor-and-the-snuza-hero-monitor/
		Mon, 16 Mar 2015 12:00:07 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3835
		
		because of what happened to my older brother, but for years I have kept a secret. All because I didn’t want to seem crazy or like I over react… Which I know isn't working because anyone that knows me isn't going to be surprised by any of this. The good news is that my anxiety sometimes leads me to great things. Two examples of that are the Angelcare Movement and Sound Monitor and the Snuza Hero Monitor.

When I found out I was having my first baby 7+ years ago I was overjoyed with excitement and happiness… Until I found myself awake at night full of anxious thoughts. Having your first baby is nerve wracking for any mom and when you suffer from anxiety…Oh boy! Talk about overwhelming emotions!! One of my concerns was SIDS (like I said I always go to the worst case scenario) and I began to research on the internet and talk to everyone I knew about how to prevent it. This led me to my cousin who had a baby about a year before. He was born early and had to spend some time in a children's hospital. While he was there the staff  recommended the Angelcare system to her.

angelcareThe Angelcare System is high tech baby monitor that is flat. You simply place it under the crib mattress and take the hand set into your room. It picks up movement as delicate as the babies breathing, so in theory if your baby stops breathing an alarm will sound and you can rush in! Of course when I got it I put it to the test. I placed the pad under the mattress then tapped it ever so lightly in a breathing pattern, then when I stopped after a few seconds a warning chirped then the alarm sounded. This system brought me lots of peace of mind, and I rested easy knowing that my baby was OK.

I use this system until my kids are no longer in the crib/toddler bed. Yes I said toddler bed, you know why!? As your kids get older and become old enough to get out of bed it also tattles on them, genius! If they are out of bed and not breathing in it the alarm will sound! AWESOME!! When our babies got a bit bigger and could roll all the way to one end of the crib the alarm sometimes cannot pick up the movement, resulting in a few false alarms. Overall I find it to be very accurate. For the sake of honesty, I  have to say my daughter figured out (when she was just under two years) that if she got the cat to lay in her bed she could then sneak out...lol! She is a smart cookie!

When I found out I was pregnant with baby #2 my anxiety kicked in again and I began to think about how much traveling we do on a regular basis. We have family out of town, and my husband travels for work, so we found ourselves spending a lot of long hours in the car. It's always hard to see if a baby in a car seat is breathing, and I worried about him becoming over heated or a blanket covering his face. The Angelcare system is not really made to travel, so I couldn't know for sure that he was OK (like I said anxiety is no fun). Once again I found myself searching for a solution. Unlike the ancient days of my first child Amazon.com and Amazon Prime (oh the addiction to two day shipping) now existed. I searched through what felt like a million products and read 100's of reviews and came across the Snuza Hero Montior.

snuzaEven after I read all the great reviews I wasn’t sure if I was sold. I mentioned it to a girlfriend who said she would be glad to pay half with me. Then her baby could use it and by the time she didn’t need it I would have my baby, it was perfect! Two babies later I can honestly say this little device has been one of my best purchases to date. Not only can I use it when we travel and sleep other places (I no longer need to drag the Angelcare system for hotel stays or visits to the in-laws), but I use it in the car all the time. You just turn it on, clip it to their diaper and VOILA peace of mind! It works the same way as the Angelcare system and senses their breathing. After a certain time of no breathing movement the Snuza Hero will do a warning vibrate to remind baby to breathe. If that doesn’t work a loud alarm sounds to notify the baby's caregiver.

Both of these products have been a wonderful thing for me and my family. It has helped to ease my stress and anxiety, and allowed me to have piece of mind that my child is safe in their bed and car seat. Yes I know something could still happen...but for me (and my husband) knowing that my babies are monitored allows my blood pressure to stay regular and my attitude to remain more "glass half full". I would recommended these two products to anyone who might be having a baby or who has a baby and has these same anxieties. I even encouraged Prairie Wife to look into the Snuza when she was talking about her car seat concerns (she then asked me to write this post). I feel that both products are worth every cent!

Do you have anxiety about your children? What products have helped you, I 'd love to hear about them!]]>
		
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		8 Minute Banana Bread
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/8-minute-banana-bread/
		Wed, 18 Mar 2015 12:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3843
		
		mornings are pretty rushed, and the poor Cowkids are on a rotation of yogurt, fresh fruit, and toast one day and cold cereal and fruit the next. Every once in a while I mix things up with oatmeal...I know pretty boring right? Frankly I just don't have time to get all of the Cowkids up at 6:30 and out the door by 7:30 and make them a big full breakfast. Over the years I have perfected a few recipes and this 8 Minute Banana Bread is a big hit around here. I like to make a loaf for The Cowboy to take on the road and  have with his coffee, and use the rest of the batter to make muffins for the kids to have for breakfast. When the Cowkids smell the bread baking in the oven they get SO excited because they know that the next morning they will be having an extra special (for them) treat. If I really want to spoil them I throw in 1/2 a cup of chocolate chips into the batter! Next time you have Bananas that are getting a little over ripe put them into the freezer. When you find yourself with an extra 8 minutes you can make this bread and be Queen for the day!

8 Minute Banana Bread
Prep: 8 Minutes Bake: 45-60 min for loaf and 18 min for muffins

banana breadIngredients
1 1/4 cup granulated sugar1/2 cup unsalted butter softened
2 eggs
3 medium to large over ripe Bananas (if using frozen Bananas thaw first)
1/2 cup milk (I use whole milk)
1 tsp vanilla
2 1/2 cups whole wheat flour (white works as well)
1 tsp baking soda
1 tsp salt
Brown Sugar to sprinkle on the top

1. Heat oven to 350 and spray pans with non-stick cooking spray.

2. Mix white sugar and butter in a bowl until well combined and fluffy. Stir in eggs and blend well.

3. Add Bananas, milk, and vanilla and stir until well combined.

4. Stir in all the other ingredients (except for brown sugar) until just combined.

5. Divide batter evenly into two loaf pans, one loaf pan and a muffin pan (12), or two muffin pans. Sprinkle the tops liberally with brown sugar.

6. Place in oven on middle rack and bake until brown on top and toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean.]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week March 20, 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-march-20-2015/
		Fri, 20 Mar 2015 12:00:45 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3849
		
		A word of caution to our readers: This week’s interview is an open and honest conversation with a mother whose son lost his battle with Cancer. Please read at your own discretion and know that the purpose of this interview is to provide support to families who have experienced their own loss. It is also intended to offer education and support to those of us that wish to help friends or family members who have experienced a similar loss.

This week's Prairie Wife is one of the strongest women I know. She has experienced every parent's worst nightmare and come away from it with a stronger marriage, her faith in tact, and a true understanding of what parenting is all about. While Jacque and I did not become close until a few years after her son Dalton passed away from cancer, The Cowboy and I were on the sidelines praying for them and supporting them in any way we could during their battle.. One of my favorite memories of Dalton is when Cowboy J come over to his house to play. He was an energetic toddler and literally ran in circles around a pole in Dalton's basement. Dalton just sat in his mom's lap with his big sweet eyes and looked at her like "What on Earth have you brought into my house?!" I am so honored that Jacque was willing to share Dalton's story with our readers. It is my hope that after you read this interview you will have a new understanding of what a parents love is truly about, and feel prepared to help any friends or family member's that are fighting childhood cancer. I will end my introduction with a quote I saw on Facebook just this week. "I talked about my child all the time when they were here with me, why would I stop now just because they are in heaven."

Jacque

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Jacque (J): My husband and I both were both born and raised in Cheyenne, WY. We attended the same high school, graduated within two years of one another and even knew some of the same people but we didn’t meet until my junior year of college. A fateful blind date. We’ve now been together almost 14 years, married 11 of those, and we are still living in Cheyenne with our 2 girls

PW: You and I first became friends when we both had our first children a few weeks apart. There were so many things that overwhelmed me about becoming a mother…did you feel the same way?

J: Becoming a mother I remember being more excited than overwhelmed at first. Looking back now I see just how naïve I was about so many things. When I was pregnant with Dalton I wasn’t the mom-to-be that read all books and planned out every detail of my baby’s impending birth. I just had fun picking out baby clothes, decorating the nursery and buying all the peraphnalia that you think you’ll need and then end up not even using. I just flat out did not worry about a thing! It never occurred to me once to ever factor in anything to worry about. So my naivety fueled my belief system that you grow up, get married, start a family and live happily ever after.

PW: When Dalton was 10 months old you noticed a lump on the side of his head. What did you do?

cutie daltonJ: When Dalton was 10 months old I noticed a bump on his left temple. We were living with my parents at the time. We had sold our house in town and my husband was in the process of starting construction on a house north of Cheyenne. I was staying at home with Dalton during the day while my parents and my husband went to work. One day I got out of the shower and walked into the bedroom and saw that Dalton had woke up from his nap and was standing up in his crib. He had that sweet little grin on his face looking at me, then he turned his head just so and I saw the bump. At the time the bump wasn’t noticeable by looking at him straight on. He had to turn his head just the right way to really notice it. It wasn’t red or bruised, just a small bump. At the time I saw it I figured that he had just knocked his head on something because he for the past few months he had been crawling all over and had bruises all over his legs. I had no reason think it was anything more than a little warrior wound.

PW: Eventually it was discovered that Dalton had cancer. I can’t even imagine what you and your husband were feeling, can you share a little bit about those first few weeks after diagnosis?

J: Within two weeks of discovering the bump our entire world as we knew it changed forever. Dalton was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML). From there it was a whirlwind of doctor appointments, first to Fort Collins and then to Denver. It was bad news on top of worse news every time we turned around. I still get the same sickening feeling remembering the looks on the doctor’s faces as we went from once specialist to the next. It was one pitiful look after another that we would get as learned of our diagnosis.

PW: What were some things that were the most helpful for your family as you decided on Dalton’s treatment and began it?

J: The thing that was the most helpful to us not only in the beginning but throughout our entire treatment process was undoubtedly the support of our families and friends. I could never have imagined what was in store for us in the coming days, weeks and months. All I know is that I don’t know how we ever would have gotten through it without the support system that we had from day one. The day we went down to Denver Children’s Hospital and were told that we were battling AML we were immediately admitted to the hospital. We didn’t know for how long or even what the treatment plan would be, and we wouldn’t find this out for another week. All we knew was that our new home would be a small, dreary hospital room with a metal crib and a small cot as the central focus of the room.

Immediately our families swarmed to the hospital. Most of them traveling down from Cheyenne. But thankfully we also had family in Denver. I had aunts, uncles and cousins living in Denver at the time. They took care of us like you wouldn’t believe. We were visited everyday by someone which helped to greatly break up the monotony of the long hospital stays. Someone would bring us either lunch or dinner every day and they would stay and eat with us. We looked forward to these visits so much, not only was it nice to not have a change from hospital food, but for a little while every day we had a small sense of normalcy just by sharing in a good meal with family and friends.

PW: I know that you spent most of the time with Dalton in the hospital, as your husband had to continue working. What was a typical week like for you?

J: We had to get use to a “new normal”. That’s what one of Dalton’s main nurses had told us. Our happy little life as we knew it was gone, this is what our life was now and somehow someway we had to find a level of comfort in our “new normal”. That comfort would not come for quite a while, but when it did it came in the form of a routine. After the first round of chemo Dalton’s bump disappeared, he was a “rapid responder” and that is always a good sign when you’re dealing with cancer treatment. The first two or three rounds would be the toughest in our treatment plan, and believe me they were. Once we were over those hurdles we settled into a better and more predictable routine. I was at the hospital with Dalton 24/7 from day one, he was never left alone, and I get comfort from remembering that to this day.

dalton in wagonHe would have his treatment days which would last two or three days then we would wait for his counts (white blood cells) to drop, and that would take a few more days. Once they dropped we then had to wait for them to come back up and that could take anywhere from 15-28 days. After his counts returned to a normal level we were able to come back to Cheyenne for about a week. Then we would return for the next round and start all over again. Our day at the hospital when treatment days were over would begin at around 7am, the nurses would bring in a small tray of daily medication that Dalton would have to take. It could be anywhere from two to five different medications that we had to get down him. But that little man was a trooper and never gave me a fit on taking them, he just did it. At around 8:00 or 8:30 the doctors made their rounds. They would come in and chat with us then move on to the next room. From this point of the day, as long as Dalton didn’t spike a fever, we were free to roam the hospital grounds freely and we would. Anytime during the day when we were back in our room the nurses would do vitals on him, which would be checking his blood pressure and temperature. If Dalton did have a fever we would have to be in isolation which meant he could not leave his room. Our longest isolation stay was after our first round of chemo and it was about 23 days.

During all of this time my husband was still working and still trying to keep up with the demands of being the general contractor on our new house. He had his obligations at his job and then deadlines to meet with the bank that held our construction loan. Now his baby and wife were 100 miles away and this poor guy was trying to be everywhere. During the week Darrell would stay in Cheyenne and go to work from 7-4 then we would come to the house and work on it until about 1 in the morning every single day. On Fridays he would get off work at 4 and drive to Denver to spend the weekend with us, and then leave at 4:30 or 5:00 on Monday morning to be back in Cheyenne at work by 7. My mom was able to come and stay with us during the week at the hospital. She would spend the day with us and slept at my aunt and uncles at night, then she would come home on the weekends while Darrell was down with us at the hospital. And this was our routine for about 7 months. But treatment was working and Dalton was in remission and we were ready to this forever if it would save him.

PW: I remember that Dalton had his own DVD player and loved to play with stickers, anything else that helped the time pass for both you and him?

J: When we were first diagnosed with cancer it was incredible to see just the extent that people would go to help. Dalton was given so much stuff in those first few weeks that it didn’t take long to outgrow the hospital room and we were constantly sending thing home with Darrell, because we were allowed only so many items on the room for safety reasons. One of his most prized possession was a DVD player that came in a backpack full of other toys as well. He decorated it with stickers and made it his own. He loved watching his cartoons, especially his favorite all time movie “Finding Nemo”. He loved coloring and we did a lot of that. Today some of his most fabulous art work is framed in our living room. We would read books and go for wagons rides. Denver Children’s Hospital has the red wagon program that offers a wagons to their patient to use and get around the hospital in. After our first round Dalton’s grandparent got him his very own John Deere wagon. It was beautiful and he loved it. We would make a comfy set up in the wagon with is blankets and stuffed animals. He was king in that little wagon and we pulled him miles all over the hospital. As the days started warming up and as long as he was feeling good I would take him for walks around the little neighborhood surrounding the hospital. Those were good days and memories for me, I remember them well because again it was a small sense of normalcy that peeked in. I remember thinking as I was pulling him in the wagon that I was just a normal mom with her baby out for a walk and enjoying the day. There was no cancer on those walks.

PW: Being a caregiver for a sick child can be both emotionally and physically draining. What did you do for support and to take care of yourself and get those much needed breaks?

J: Yes, it goes without saying that being a caregiver to child is the most emotionally and physically draining experience you can go through. Again I have to credit our supportive family for getting us through it. I would be at the hospital every day and night as I said earlier. But there would be at least one afternoon a week that I would take, because my mom or Darrell would stay with Dalton, and I would leave the hospital. I would usually go and spend a couple hours at the mall or just walking around the Cherry Creek area. A couple of times my aunt took me for a mani/pedi and that was great. So family again played a big part in taking care of us, but we couldn’t have gotten through it without the nurses and doctors that Dalton had as well.

Dalton at childrensI will be honest and say that I liked only two of his doctors. One today is still a very good friend of mine even though she now lives in Connecticut we stay in close contact. Dalton also had amazing nurses. He was assigned two main nurses (Deb and Rachel),and let me tell you that they couldn’t have been better, like two mama bears they protected him and us from a lot of the negative things that can needlessly occur during extended hospital stays. They reminded us that we had to be an advocate for our son and ourselves. We had to learn everything that we could to protect and care for Dalton.

For instance, Dalton’s chemo was administered through a system called a Broviac, which is a catheter or central line that was implanted in Dalton’s chest the first night we were admitted. This is a common way to administer such treatments as chemo in children, so that they don’t have to continually be poked and prodded for medicines or blood draws. We had to learn to clean and care for this, which included learning to flush the lines with saline and heparin twice a day even when he was home. Our nurses explained how importance it was for us to learn this and not be afraid of this line coming out of his chest. And we learned how to do it and it became second nature. We watched and made sure that no one sick came around, I swear after a while we could hear a sneeze or a cough a half a block away. We made sure that hands were washed and often by not only anyone visiting but any unfamiliar hospital staff as well. Dalton had quite a few amazing nurses and the ones we didn’t like we spoke up and let it be known that we didn’t want them near our baby. If they were unpleasant or negative in any way that had no business near our boy. By teaching us this and reinforcing our sense of advocacy this strengthened our emotional well being and we could rest easy knowing we are doing everything in our power to save our son.

PW: What about your marriage, how did you and your husband keep connected during this stressful time?

J: One of the things I am most proud of in my life is the fact that during this entire time my husband and I never fought about Dalton, his treatment, what we should do, or why something this horrible could happen to our family. What is amazing is that fact that it didn’t take any effort on our part to keep from fighting. We were both on the same page from day one. We were here to do what we had to do to save our boy, but we were not here to watch him suffer. As long as we had a fighting chance we would do it. But if came down to having to let him go or continually watch him suffer through excruciating treatments where there is never a guarantee of results, we would let him go before putting him through all of that.

There are no words to describe how difficult it is for parents to get to that realization, and for us to have been able to understand that from day one was remarkable to me. And throughout this whole journey I can say that my husband and I got through it because we were a good balance for one another. There were days when I was so down I could barely breathe with the overwhelming reality of everything, and on those days he was up and in a good place to handle what needed to be done. On the days he was down then I would be ready to take on the fight. We didn’t have to work at this, it just happened and I am thankful every day that it did. It was convincing me there was a higher power that may be preparing us for what lay in store for us. During one of the most difficult experience two people can go through our marriage was tested and we didn’t even realize it. I think what helped us to get through this was that we allowed each other to feel whatever emotions we needed to feel. Whether it was anger, resentment, despair we would allow each other to go through it, and we gave each other space and time they needed to grieve a while.

PW: Most of us are aware that cancer treatment is expensive but unless you’ve been through it the concept is vague. Can you give us a realistic look at the cost of cancer treatment for a child?

J: The price for cancer treatment is astronomical. We couldn’t believe it when the bills started coming in, but at the time we had very good insurance and to be honest we were going to pay whatever needed to be paid to get Dalton better, we didn’t care. When it was all said and done we had exceeded our one million dollar policy and we were well into our supplemental insurance plan. We will be forever thankful to our social worker at the hospital who informed us early on to get supplement insurance. We never would have imagined it could be that expensive. Another saving grace for us was a foundation out of Casper, WY who provided incredible monetary support to us throughout our entire hospitalization. The foundation is Jason’s Friends. Lisa Eades is the president/founder of this incredible foundation that provides support to families whose children have cancer. This foundation is in honor of her son Jason, who lost his battle to cancer as well. Jason’s friends provided us with meal coupons to use at the hospital cafeteria the entire time that we were there. They also helped cover our mortgage payment once my husband took a leave from work to be with Dalton. I cannot begin to express our gratitude and appreciation to this incredible foundation. Their generosity and support allowed us to be where we needed to be, when we needed to be there, and they gave the time with our son during a crucial time.

PW: When Dalton had breaks from treatment and was able to come home what did you like to do as a family?

J: When Dalton was able to come home we just stayed home. We enjoyed the everyday amenities that we take for granted when we are home every day. Taking a shower or just using the bathroom at your leisure. Having a washer and dryer. Sleeping in your own bed. Going to a refrigerator and seeing food you like to eat. But we would also try and take him places, but since we didn’t want to expose him to large crowds we would take him up to the mountains for the day. Or we would go fishing and walk around outside on my family’s ranch. It was never scary for us to have him outside the hospital environment. It may have been because we were so use to being very careful and aware of our surroundings when it came to exposing him. I think most of the time we more worried that he might get something at the hospital.

PW: Despite Dalton and your family’s strength in meeting Cancer head on, it was discovered that the treatment wasn’t working. I know it’s hard but can you tell us how you made the decision for when it was time to stop treatment and bring Dalton home to be with his family?

dalton hatJ: Despite all of the efforts and Dalton’s “rapid response” to the treatments, our son relapsed in the fall of 2007. Undeniably a relapse is so much harder to hear than the initial diagnosis. You’re hit hard with the reality that you are going into this fight once again, but lacking in one very important component that you had the first time around, hope. Hope is an incredible powerful thing when you’re going through all of this. At your lowest point hope will be this first thing you reach for. I had to come to terms again with the fact that the “new normal” we were adjusting to was now gone, and again we would have to find our new comfort zone. On top of this devastating news I had just found out that I was pregnant with our second child. How was I going to do this? That’s all I kept thinking. I was emotionally and physically spent. But we got it together and we started to get a game plan.

This time treatment would involve a more aggressive chemo and radiation. We tried it for a little over two months but it wasn’t working this time. So our remaining hope had to shift from hoping that we could save him to hoping that we could survive living without him. The only way I could even begin to grasp that idea of not having him was to take back some control. This entire time Darrell and I had no control over cancer, no one has control over it. Cancer comes into your life and you are at its mercy. Well the one thing we could control now was where we would take him, and where we would say good-bye to him. That wasn’t going to be in a hospital surrounded by strangers. Dalton was coming home to the house that his dad built and Darrell and I would be the ones that would be with him when the time came. And that is what we did. We said good-bye to Dalton on a peaceful November morning. Just Darrell and I, in his bed, in his room, in his house.

PW: Each person’s journey through grief is different; can you share some of what you did with our readers?

J: Our grieving process began the day that we were diagnosed and it continues to this day. I wish that I could say that after so long you don’t feel the pain or loss. It numbs a bit, but it’s always there. It’s your child that is gone, a part of you. We have continued living though, we haven’t shut down. We have two little girls that keep us hoping and we do all the things families do. But we miss him and think of him every single day, it’s our “new normal”. And a big part of it is that we still allow ourselves to feel those emotions whenever and whatever they may be, and that helps us to cope with the loss. And I think that by allowing ourselves to do that reminds us that we are still alive and we have keep going.

PW: What can family and friends do to support loved ones that have lost a child?

J: My husband and I are by nature very private people. This is the first time I have openly discussed our experience, and I only did it because a very special Prairie Wife asked me to. After Dalton died we were offered many opportunities to join support groups, but that’s not how we chose to deal with his passing. For us we just wanted time to ourselves, and I think anyone who really knew us understood this and they gave us our time that we needed. Grieving is different for everyone, and until it is happening there is no way to know how someone will want to handle it.

PW: You now have two beautiful daughters, what impact did your experience with Dalton have on how you currently parent?

familyJ: Our experience with Dalton has put things in perspective for me as a parent. After you lose your child you remember every time you ever lost your patience with them or got upset over something silly. And that is when the guilt floods in. I worried that I would be over protective and under structured when it came to our girls. I didn’t want to lack in parenting skills because I was afraid of what could happen. I feel that I am a normal mom who deals with typical little kid issues and I handle them okay. I’m not going to write a child rearing book anytime soon, but I feel that I get through the everyday dramas like any other parent. Then there are days when I am ready to pull out my hair if I hear our girls call for mama one more time. But then it hits me that I can pinpoint the exact moment when I realized I wouldn’t hear Dalton say mama again, and it makes me realize just how sweet a sound it can be after all. Cancer hasn’t frightened us from living our life, and that in itself is a small victory. I am not naïve anymore to think that cancer couldn’t happen again to someone close. What is has done is taught us a lesson in appreciation that we may not have learned otherwise. I think the one big impact Dalton’s journey had for us as parents is that we don’t sweat the small stuff. And we try to remember that kids need to be kids, and we should appreciate them for that ability. That carefree appreciation that little kids have for life. Even the kids in the cancer wing would always have a smile on their face. When it comes down to it, we have already gone through one of the most difficult things a parent can go through, everything else is fixable.

PW: One of the things I love about visiting your house is seeing all the pictures of Dalton. What else do you do to keep his memory alive for you and your family?

J: I guess another way you could say this experience has perhaps altered my parenting style is that I am incredibly honest with my kids when it comes to death and any questions they have about it. From the time they are tiny we tell them about their big brother Dalton. And we tell them he is in heaven and that he is now their angel. My youngest, who is 3, talks about him a lot and even dials him on her cell phone and talks to him while looking at his picture. We like that they know who he was, and that they know they had a brother. My oldest, who is 7, asks questions about Dalton and about what happened to him. I feel comfortable telling her about it and I don’t try to protect her from knowing that these things happen. Dalton is still very much a part of our family, we still have a birthday dinner for him with his favorite foods. We find comfort in telling stories of him and funny little things he did. This is part of our life now and this is how we get through it. I believe that people have to do what they need to grieve and cope. I hope that when it’s all said and done Dalton would be as proud of us and we are of him.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

J: Wait and hope for and expect the Lord; be brave and of good courage and let your heart be stout and enduring. Yes, wait for and hope for and expect the Lord. Psalm 27:14

Please feel free to leave any comments below, Jacque will be checking them.

If you wish to offer support to Jason's Friends and help a family battling cancer please click this link.]]>
		
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		Postpartum Outfit Inspiration Spring 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/postpartum-outfits-spring-2015/
		Wed, 25 Mar 2015 12:00:06 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3860
		
		makeup and hair? Also, as a nursing mom hauling around a big bulky car seat I have to make sure I wear clothes that won't be revealing my body to the world. Add to that the fluctuating weight and breast size issues and things can be down right tricky. So, I compiled a list of outfits that I would and do really wear. Each of these outfits can be worn with any kind of body shape and still look flattering! While I couldn't always find the exact clothes that are in my closet to share with you, these all come pretty close. Keep in mind these outfits are great for anyone, not just new mom's! With most of the items at well under $50 I bet you'll find a few pieces you can't wait to add to your Spring wardrobe. Don't forget to use these outfit ideas to help you think of new ways to use items you already have in your closet! As always click on the pictures to get to a link to buy the items :)

Every Day Look

    Everyday Look

    Everyday Look by prairieheels featuring black sneakers

    
Let's start with the outfit that is getting the most millage in my closet right now! Everyone at the Cowkids' school has seen me in a variation of this outfit at least twice a week at pick up time. I love these tapered sweats because while they are SUPER comfy they don't add bulk. The pockets and details on the bottoms make them a little more sophisticated than my old college sweats. Add a fun floral slip on shoe, a vintage looking sweatshirt (very trendy right now), a bright tank to help slim down your tummy area, and a patterned baseball hat and you look cool, age appropriate, and pulled together. Despite Tim Gunn's opinion, I'll even run to the grocery store in this outfit! A little trick...if you don't have time to shower spray on a light and airy perfume like Acqua di Gioia before you leave the house.

Out To Lunch

    Out to lunch

    Out to lunch by prairieheels featuring brown handbags

    
I usually spend the first month or so sticking close to home with a new baby. Eventually both the Cowkids and I get stir crazy and it's time to venture out. This outfit is perfect for coffee or lunch with a friend, or even my weekly morning volunteering at the Cowkids' school. The Palazzo pants are dressy yet comfortable and can be worn in the Spring, Summer and Fall. Just be careful with the pattern you pick, some of them have horizontal patterns which can make you look bulky. A light button down top dresses this look up and makes it easy to nurse. Make sure you pick one that tapers a  bit at the waist and is made of a flowy fabric. This will help you to keep from looking larger than you really are. Strappy wedges are cute but allow you to navigate through a parking lot or restaurant carrying a bulky car seat. Some bright, fun, feminine accessories add the final touch.

Date With Daddy (Modern)

    Date with Daddy (modern)

    Date with Daddy (modern) by prairieheels featuring a red pencil skirt

    
I love this look, it's one that I've worn to church and out with The Cowboy. The pencil skirt while form fitting, has black details on the sides that will give you a slimming effect. The striped top can be tucked in or worn loose depending on your baby belly size. The strappy heels are chunky (another big trend this year) to offer stability without sacrificing sexiness. Silver and black jewelry adds a bit of rocker edge to this look and the Aztec print purse is large enough for diapers and bottles yet still stylish! PS Switch out the skirt for a pair of distressed skinny jeans for another amazing outfit!

Date With Daddy (Romantic)

    Date night with Daddy (romantic)

    Date night with Daddy (romantic) by prairieheels featuring nude platform pumps

    
I adore this femanine and flattering skirt. The length and A-line cut flatter every body type and offers ease of movement. Paired with a slightly fitted cami with 3/4 length sleeves it has just the right amount of coverage without being too matronly. Nude pumps will elongate your leg and the beautiful multi-colored pearl jewelry adds a romantic and classy touch. I also love the pop of green with the purse, so fun and elegant!

Mix and Match
Any of these pieces can be mixed and matched to make a brand new look. Take the Palazzo pants and pair them with the cardigan and nude heels from your Romantic Date for the perfect PTO or church outfit. Throw the striped shirt and chunky strappy heels with the sweats for a movie night out with the girls. The loose blouse and platforms from you lunch outfit paired with the floral skirt is the perfect Spring outfit for Easter brunch!

What outfits and pieces do you like the best?

For more outfit ideas check out our Spring 2015 Fashion Dos and Don'ts and  Dress That Baby Belly!]]>    
		
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		I Don't Like my Body Right Now...and I Refuse to Feel Guilty!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/i-dont-like-my-body-right-now-and-i-refuse-to-feel-guilty/
		Mon, 23 Mar 2015 12:00:21 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3862
		
		after having five kids I would be at peace with all the changes that happen to my body afterwards. For the most part I am. I truly don’t mind my thighs riddled with stretch marks or the saggy empty state of my boobs after I am done breastfeeding. But man I am over this baby belly, thigh rub, and back fat…and yes I know my baby is only a month old…but I’m being honest with you here.

The Cowboy and I had a fancy event to go to last week. TallGirlJ helped me go through a few outfit choices the week before, and we found one that seemed like it would work. I tried it on without any shapewear and figured that with the added suck in factor of my Spanx it would look fine. I know expecting to look like a Victoria’s Secret model three weeks postpartum isn’t rational, but I felt pretty confident I would at least look OK.

baby weightSuddenly it was the night of the event and as I jumped, hopped, groaned, and did all sorts of yoga moves to put on my Spanx I realized I might have a problem. I looked in the mirror and saw that while the Spanx made my baby belly bulge smaller it was pushing my back and side fat out to new levels of puffiness. Because I am nursing (and LittleMissH was attending the event with us) there was no way I could wear a Spanx cami over everything. I held back tears and said a few choice words as I peeled my Spanx off, and just put the outfit on with no Spanx. I decided I would simply suck my stomach in all night; it would be like doing a standing plank for three hours. My unhappiness was so evident that The Cowboy, after telling me how beautiful I looked and receiving nothing but eye rolls and tear filled smiles, said in the nicest way possible, “You know we can skip going, this is supposed to be fun.”

I went to the event and upon seeing pictures of me looking like a huge square tank from the waist up vowed to begin my postpartum workout routine of running twice a week and yoga at least once. This 20 pounds is my new enemy and I’m going to kick it’s ass…The only problem is I’m tired. I have five kids including a four week old, a husband that’s gone all week, and I’m tired. I’m nursing nonstop and need to make sure I eat enough food and protein to fuel my body, I have a house to clean, children to feed, friends I want to see, a blog to manage, and I’m tired. And oh yeah…I’m tired.

I write all the time about being as compassionate to yourself as you are to others but I am the first to admit this is still a work in progress for me. TallGirlJ came over a few days ago and we commiserated about how we feel like crap about our bodies right now…how even though we are trying to eat healthfully the scale hasn’t moved at all. We both know rationally that it took 9 months to gain the weight and it will take at least that long to get it off. I told her how great she looked and how she was already running a 5k, something that took her over a year to work up to after the last baby. She told me to shut up and stop whining, that I looked great and I’d get it all off this time just like all the other times. Then we watched each other’s kids and took turns going for a run.

You know what? After we had both gone for a run and were eating a super healthy lunch of whole grain chips and avocados mixed with a bit of salsa, we looked at each other and smiled. “I feel so much better now.” I said. TallGirlJ laughed “Me too!”

My point with this post is to first of all be honest about the negative self image I have sometimes, and the struggles I continue to have with my body image. I am pretty sure I'm not the only person that feels this way, or has felt this way. Yes (eye roll), I know there are people that would be perfectly happy to look the way I look now, but this is how I feel! I refuse to be made to feel guilty that there are people who are bigger than me that would be happy to look the way I look now. That's the same as saying I can't be happy when I reach my goal weight because there are people who are skinnier than me. Not liking my body right now is about looking in the mirror and not liking what I see. I am not striving to look like anyone else or comparing myself to anyone. I don’t want women to think that it’s wrong to have a bad day, or feel guilty about it. It’s unrealistic to think that you’re the only one that has days where you simply don’t feel happy about how you look. I support all the articles about “self love” and “body acceptance” but I refuse to feel guilty that I’m not feeling that right now.

working outThat being said I know I can't wallow in my negative thoughts. I think the trick is to indulge in that negative talk for only a moment. Then take a deep breath and fake it until you make it, or do something to work towards the change you want to see (like TallgirlJ and I going for a run). I’m tired and even though I got my two runs in this week I have yet to do Yoga. I am writing this on Saturday, so I can bet it probably won’t happen.

I’m not going to beat myself up about not making my goal, and I refuse to feel guilty about eating four pieces of bacon for breakfast and taking a nap this afternoon instead of working out. Next week I’ll try to do better and right now, that’s the best I’ve got to give, and I’m happy with that.

Do you have times when you feel guilty about your body image? What helps you?

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		YOU Pick Prairie Wife of the Week April 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/you-pick-prairie-wife-of-the-week-april-2015/
		Fri, 27 Mar 2015 12:00:31 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3876
		
		Katie, a mother of three who chose to give birth at home and Miz Booshay, a blogger who calls Pioneer Woman her friend! And don't forget our YOU pick Prairie Wife of the YEAR winner Katie. Then get thinking about who you want to nominate for YOU Pick Prairie Wife of the Week…

you pick heelsIt can be a friend or family member or even yourself, after all everyone has a story! Nominate a favorite blogger or even a celebrity. I’m more than happy to give it a try…after all we did have an amazing interview with Kendra Richards a professional makeup artist to the stars (including Cindy Crawford) Kim Gravel of the Lifetime Show Kim of Queens, and Marissa Hermer for BRAVO's Ladies of London!

To nominate your Prairie Wife of the Week pick simply leave a comment here or on our Facebook page, or send us an e-mail (prairiewifeinheels@hotmail.com) or tweet naming your pick and your reasons why you think they should be our Prairie Wife of the Week. Remember a Prairie Wife doesn't have to be married, and we also do Prairie Person interviews as well. Don’t forget to leave your e-mail as well as the e-mail of your nominee! We will also give you the chance to write the introduction yourself and add any questions to the interview that you just have to know the answer too!

We will no longer accept nominations after 6:00 pm MST Tuesday April 7th, 2015.]]>
		
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		How Often Do You Clean?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/how-often-do-you-clean/
		Mon, 30 Mar 2015 12:00:37 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3883
		
		my budget rules, trust me this was a necessary purchase, but because I was SO excited about it.

Last week I was at my friend’s house, and through the course of our conversation she shared with me her favorite cleaning tool. It was a Hoover Linx Cordless vacuum and she had me sold within the first two minutes of talking about it. I rushed home and found it on Amazon.com and it arrived two days later. I was ecstatic and promptly charged the battery and began to refer to it as “My New Best Friend”…sorry CollegeBFF and TallGirlJ! It quickly and efficiently sucked up all the crumbs that had piled up under my table and the Cowkids were fighting over who got to use it. Not to mention it flawlessly goes from carpet to hardwood and tile, and even fits under my couches and in the tight spaces in the bathroom. My broom hasn’t been used since I bought the Linx, and TallGirlJ is now a proud owner as well (buy one right now I’m telling you).

As I used it for the third time this week I pondered that for the first time in years I was cleaning the floor more than once a week. Which then got me thinking about the slow decline of my cleaning routine over the past decade.

I use to sweep, mop and vacuum and bleach the bathrooms twice a week. A deep cleaning of tubs, showers, and dusting occurred every Thursday. When my third child Cowboy W was born I simply couldn’t keep up and I changed to my one day a week deep cleaning of the house top to bottom. Then when Cowboy C was born I went to sweep, mop, vacuum and bathrooms once a week with dusting and cleaning tubs and showers every other week. Then I became pregnant with LittleMissH and while I did fairly well at first, my cleaning deteriorated rapidly the last two months.

angry cleaningI was too tired and uncomfortable to even think about doing all that stuff I talked about before! So, I began to sweep and vacuum every week, and mopping moved to every other week…or when company came over. By company I mean people that will judge me for having a messy house. I don’t clean (or get dressed) for my good friends. I was still wiping down the bathrooms and cleaning the toilet every week…usually. I would at times go three weeks without cleaning the tubs and showers. I’m sure by now some of you are cringing. But I promise you they never even got near the gross point. Perhaps we don’t bathe enough, but that’s another post.

Now that LitleMissH is born I have stayed with the same routine as those last two months before she was born. First of all I don’t really have any more time or energy now that she’s out! Secondly, the new routine really works fine. I keep the kitchen clean by wiping down counters and doing dishes as necessary and toys are still picked up each week before The Cowboy comes home. I never saw him or any of our guests looking critically at the floor (and I WAS watching) when I only mopped every other week, why should I do it more often now?

I decided to ask our readers about their cleaning routine, I assumed that I would fall somewhere in the middle of the cleanliness spectrum. Turns out I’m at the bottom lol! Follow us on Facebook and check out the comments. I found it fascinating to read about everyone’s routine! I do have a sneaking suspicion that my fellow every other week moppers may have been nervous to tell the truth…but why?!

I didn’t feel bad when I read how much other women clean and vacuum (some as much as every day). I was simply in awe and sincerely puzzled at how you find time to do all that?! Those of you that don’t have a routine, well I admire you because I don’t think I could be that relaxed and zen about it. Though it would sure make the Cowkids happy if I was. I also loved the comments where people said it depends on who’s coming over…and who wants to know!

happy cleaningFrankly it was wonderful for me to know I’m in the place of my life where my house keeping skills are no longer something I feel that I will be judged on. After all I’m doing the best I can right now while still keeping my sanity, and we haven’t been sicker than usual since I slowed down on the cleaning. If I look at the floor and it starts to make me twitch, I have no problem cleaning it even if it’s not my cleaning day, but the pressure is off and it’s so freeing! With my “New Best Friend” I have a feeling this won’t even be an issue anymore. I’m happier not stressing about finding the time to get it all done. I can sit and snuggle LittleMissH or walk to the mailbox with the little boys without that nagging feeling that I need to be inside cleaning. My friends come over just as often as before and The Cowboy hasn’t docked my pay, so I think I’m just going to keep this new cleaning schedule up!

How often do you clean, and why?

Do you feel guilty about your routine?

I really want to hear from our readers that clean every day or even every other day…why? Does it come out of necessity like you have animals that shed or allergies? Or does it simply throw your day off to see a one inch pile of crumbs under the table?

Challange: Skip one day of your cleaning routine and let me know what happens!

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		The Twelve Steps of Toddlers Anonymous #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-twelve-steps-of-toddlers-anonymous/
		Wed, 01 Apr 2015 14:20:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3889
		
		Hello my name is Prairie Wife and I have had a toddler in my house for the last 9 years. I acknowledge that my house full of toddlers is because of my choice (and my choice alone…though The Cowboy did have something to do with it) to have a clan of children. Throughout this time countless pieces of furniture have been ruined and my car has been covered in barf and urine repeatedly. I have lost touch with numerous friends, and ruined friendships with most of my friends who don’t have toddlers. I hope to someday repair the damage that has been done to my home, my body, my emotional health, and my friendships and family relationships.

The Twelve Steps of Toddlers Anonymous

1. We admit that we are powerless over toddlers-that our lives have become unmanageable.

2. We believe that a Power greater than ourselves (known as a babysitter) can restore our sanity.

3. We have made a decision to turn our will and our lives over to the care of God because we have given up all hope of making it through a day with no tantrums.

4. We have made a searching and fearless moral inventory of ourselves, and decided that two hours of playhouse Disney a day will not harm our toddler.

5. We admit to God, ourselves, and to our closet mom friends the exact nature of our wrongs. We fully expect to be supported and told that they too have given their child Oreos at 9 in the morning.

6. We are entirely ready to have God remove all these defects of character, as well as the stretch marks, 20 pounds of baby weight, gray hairs, undereye bags and perhaps that twitch in our left eye whenever we hear “Moooommmm” !

7. We humbly ask Him to remove our short comings and keep our toddler from shouting every swear word he has ever heard during quiet prayer at church.

8. We will make a list of all persons our toddler has harmed, and are willing to make amends. Including but not limited to; paying to dry clean their white cashmere sweaters. Who knew regurgitated hot cocoa could travel so far?

9. We have made direct amends to such people we have harmed whenever possible, except when to do so would injure them or others. It would probably be better to stay away from the little boy he bit at the park and his hipster mother.

10. We will continue to take inventory and when our toddler misbehaves we will promptly apologize and remove them from the McDonalds play area before they can hold your child down in the ball pit for a third time.

11. We will seek through prayer, mediation, and the occasional chocolate binge to improve our conscious contact with God. Praying only for knowledge of His will for us and the power to carry it out…and for naptime to be here…NOW!

12. Having had a spiritual awakening as the result of these Steps, we will carry this message to other mothers with toddlers, receive their tears with compassion, encourage them that this too shall pass (and keep it to ourselves that a three year old is actually worse than a toddler), and bring them Starbucks Triple shot Lattes in their time of need.

To help other mother's with toddler make it through this hard time we at PrairieWifeInHeels.com are giving away a $10 gift card to Starbucks! All you have to do is leave a comment on the post below. Earn more point by following us on social media. Please be honest we do check!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Letter to the Grouchy Lady at Church
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/letter-to-the-grouchy-lady-at-church/
		Mon, 06 Apr 2015 12:00:59 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3906
		
		comments that were left on FB and this post...

1. This is sadly a 100% true story!
2. This is my first bad experience in the almost decade I have been attending church with my children, and it occured at a church in another town. I assure you all that it will NOT keep us from attending mass...we don't get discouraged that easily.3. My reaction to her was always a pleasant response and large smile, kill them with kindness I always say! This post was how I vented and I thank you all for your compassion and kind words, as well as your understanding.
4. Hearing from our readers how many of you have had similar experiences (many of you multiple times) makes me so sad. I encourage you to ignore them and focus on all of the kind words from our readers. In the end the majority of people welcome and even encourage young families at their church...don't give up!]]>
		
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		Simplifying for the Environment and Our Savings Account
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/simplify-for-the-environment/
		Wed, 22 Apr 2015 12:00:45 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3386
		
		Environmentalism is something that has tugged at my heart for as long as I can remember. But frankly, lately I've gotten lazy and very impulsive. Besides taking tons of work, patience, and thought, it's emotionally exhausting when your husband and 11-year old son so carelessly waste paper napkins and throw aluminum cans in the REGULAR garbage despite numerous reminders. I have to leave the car running to heat it up in the freezing Wyoming Winter, even though I know it makes my carbon footprint larger. So as a defense mechanism I  eventually decided not to care so much. I think I may have a t-shirt somewhere in my skinny clothes bins in storage with an Earth on it that says, "Unfair to Not Care"...oh the irony.

Anyway, I've decided that it's time to go back to my environmental roots. This year I've made the commitment to make an extreme change....

I'm not going to buy anything new in 2015. This bold statement needs some rules and clarification. After all, I have a home preschool, a husband, three children, and tons of amazing people in my life that I need to take care of.

Here is what I came up with.

1). Besides the obvious food, medicine, and other things that cannot be bought used (although I'm going to work diligently at being conservative with these items) I must look for used items extensively before resorting to new. If an item isn't a necessity, it must be planned for and researched 30 days ahead of time. I will look first local, look for fair trade, and really think and pray if said item is necessary.

2). Gifts can be new, when homemade or repurposed items are not appropriate. But I must first look at the above rules. (I'm also buying cloth diapers, and I can buy them new)

3). Just because it is used does not mean I need it. I'm going to be deliberate and thoughtful about my purchases.

4). I must further simplify my life by getting rid of at least one box of things per month. When I'm organized, I know what I have and what I DON'T need.

5.)Prairie Wife and I have a date for shopping when I get to a health and fitness goal I've made for myself. She's going to dress me. I reserve the right to keep this reward, but I'm giving myself $100 limit and also require a major clothing purge beforehand.

6). One of my hobbies is digital scrapbooking. I'll write a post soon about the company I love to use. I'm not going to stop buying the books I make for my family.

The truth is, my family and I have an abundance of stuff. I come from a family of avid shoppers, and we do not NEED a thing. It feels good to get back on track, and it's rewarding to know that all my hard work will eventually go a long way to help the environment! I expect resistance from my family but now that my baby is 6 months old I have the energy to tackle this life change, and need to do this! Plus, my husband and I resolved to save more money this year (thank goodness for all of Prairie Wife's budget tips).

What do you think? Did I miss anything important in my guidelines?

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Spring 2015 Beauty and Accessory Dos and Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-2015-beauty-and-accessory-dos-and-donts/
		Wed, 08 Apr 2015 12:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3893
		
		Spring 2015 Fashion Dos and Don'ts and while we agreed on some trends (gingham clothes) we disagreed on our fair share as well (clunky sandals). Now it's time for our Spring 2015 Beauty and Accessory Dos and Don'ts, and I can't wait to hear what you guys think of our picks! Don't forget to follow us on Pinterst to get more fashion and beauty tips.

Hot Pink Lips

hot pinkPrairie Wife: Hot pink lips are everywhere this Spring! From the runway to the red carpet this look can be found on women of every age and hair color! To me this is a beauty DO, I think it looks wonderfully fresh and springy and flatters all types of skin tones. The trick to keeping it from looking to Madonna a la 1984 is to use a matte color. If you add to much gloss it will make you look more teeny bopper than sophisticated and bold!

Texas Two Steppin': Wow, we are starting off this post agreeing on a trend. As the older sister who was actually wearing lipstick in '84, I can tell you from past experience that this color is more flattering and easier to wear than red lipstick. There are many shades and variations of hot pink, so make sure you pick the best color for your skin tone. Don't be afraid to mix two or three colors to find your perfect shade--I do it all the time and I know the best makeup artists blend lipsticks during their shoots too. Trust me, there is not really a universally flattering, single shade of hot pink, but bottom line is that it is a DO.

Huge Earrings

huge earringsPrairie Wife: The '80s and '90s are back in a BIG way with this look. While massive earrings have never really left the scene for many women, they made a big appearance on the red carpet and runway this year. I'm caught in the middle with this trend! While I love DVF I think that the earrings in the picture are a bit too much. Massive earrings that are almost the size of your head are a DON'T for me. That being said, I do have some great hanging earrings that I love to add to my outfits for a chic BoHo look (I recommend wearing them with an updo to show them off). My larger earrings don't stretch out my earlobes, are well under four inches long and one inch wide, and are the only accessory I wear with the outfit. I guess for me this look depends on the overall styling, and age does play a factor as well.

Texas Two Steppin': For me, this is a DON'T. Maybe because I'm worried about ripping my ear. Maybe because I like to have earrings, a necklace and an armful of bracelets. Maybe because I've been there, done that. Maybe because I don't want to look like I am copying Step Girl and Future Daughter-in-Law who wear large earrings all the time, even when working out. Sorry, I just can't do it.

Dry Shampoo

dry shampooPrairie Wife: For the last year this has been a staple in my bathroom, and if you haven't tried it make sure you pick up a can (or three) and put it in your cart next time you go to the store. As a busy mom of five I don't have time or energy to shower every day. This product is a lifesaver for busy women the world over. Simply spray some on your roots in the morning, let it sit for a minute or two and run a brush through your hair. It instantly adds volume and freshens up your look. Add it to your hair before you braid it for a thick bulky braid that stays put. Spray some on your roots before you throw you hair into a pony tail or bun for instant texture and volume. Untamed beachy hair is in right now (take a look at our Beauty board on Pinterest for some great inspiration) and this is the best way to achieve this look without looking greasy and grimy. PS If I haven't made it clear...this is a DO for me.

Texas Two Steppin': For nearly 20 years The Texan and I have been RVing with the kids, and I sure wish that I had known about dry shampoo on those days we were having to conserve the water in our tank. I can't handle my hair feeling greasy, even if it is up in a clip, so for me that is the power of dry shampoo. I actually like Suave's version the best out of all the different brands I have tried, so when you go to the store to pick up this DO you can grab multiple cans without feeling guilty.

Metal Chokers

gold chokerPrairie Wife: This accessory is nothing new and has been seen on the runways for years now, but as always it takes a few years for many trends to go mainstream. Frankly I'd be just fine if this trend had stayed there. Big bulky metal chokers are a DON'T for me. While I'm a big fan of chunky jewelry I think that these chokers just look clunky as well as unfeminine...and distract from the outfit rather than add to it. I do reserve the right to change my mind because I used to feel that way about cuff bracelets and now I love them...

Texas Two Steppin': Oh, you will change your mind! The right choker is a total DO, and I got a fab one in my Wantables.com jewelry shipment a few months ago. Sometimes you don't want to wear a scarf with a T-shirt and jacket to work, but you need a bit of bling to make you feel put together. I had some chokers when I was in high school, and I finally told myself I needed to get them out of my jewelry drawer in 2000. I would give anything to have them back 15 years later, but now I know to purchase one high quality one that I can pass along to Step Girl, Future Daughter-in-Law or Granddaughter.

Pastel Almond Shaped Nails

pastel nailsPrairie Wife: This picture actually has two trends for Spring that I want to talk about. Firstly we have the pastel polish. I've shared over and over my love of nail art and I think that there isn't a single color that's off limit. These pastel colors are sweet and feminine yet not too little girly. Pastel nail polish is a total DO for me, and I particularly like the lavender and blue tones. Now...the almond shape is another thing entirely and it's a big DON'T for me. I acknowledge that a major part of this is my lifestyle. Long nails like this would make it impossible to change diapers, type blog posts, and work in the garden. Add to that my short stubby fingers and freakishly small hands. Even if I had a nanny, maid, and a gardener you wouldn't ever catch me wearing this shape, it just wouldn't look good on me at all!

Texas Two Steppin': I am all about a solid color nail in a pastel, so that trend is DO. But because I have a pretty conservative work place and am no Spring chicken, I save the color for my toesies. Last summer I had my pedicurist (a former PW!) find the perfect pastel yellow, and it was one of my all-time favorite looks. Honestly, the pastels make you look tan, even if you haven't started self-tanning (in Texas we are already in full sandal and shorts mode!). I must admit, I tried to wear my nails long when I was in high school because 1) it was "the style" and 2) we didn't use smart phones, computers or even touchtone phones so our nail tips weren't subjected to regular stressors that lead to breakage. But Ma felt it was a DON'T so I never got to keep them for long. And when I look at this picture, I must say I now understand why she didn't want me looking like a Dragon Lady.

So, what Spring beauty trends have you nailed and do you agree or disagree with our views?]]>
		
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		Reunion with Our Foreign Familia
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/reunion-foreign-familia/
		Mon, 18 May 2015 12:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3921
		
		I've found that everywhere I've traveled has it's own unique aroma. Driving through the dangerously narrow, winding mountain roads into my husband's small home town in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico you can smell the fires burning. The dusty roads are full of homes made of cement painted bright lively colors on the inside. Each one relies on wood burning stoves for heat, cooking, and often hot water. The spring air is cool and crisp and in this way it reminds me of Wyoming. I try to imagine how this familiar smell must bring so much joy to N.

All of the cars driving around are blaring songs like this:


My husband is from a small town of about 4,000 people. The main entertainment (besides dances) is driving around and honking, waving, and yelling at one another with loud music blaring, of course! This is what I did in my teen years, but here it is done by everyone of all ages. By the way...no one uses seat belts or car seats, and in this and many other ways it seems to be pretty much lawless to me. I'm sure there are rules, I think I just don't understand them completely.

N's family is waiting at the door for us. I forgot to remind my oldest about the custom of greeting with a kiss here and watch him squirm awkwardly away from everyone. Our reunion is joyful, as N hasn't seen his family (who he speaks to daily) in over two years. Because of the recent explosion of violence in this area, I haven't been there in six years. You can feel the excitement as they hug and kiss our two youngest children for the first time. Even so, I'm in a near-delirious mental state from two long days in the car with my family.

Mexican dessertThey dote on us the entire week. It's an endless flood of authentic Mexican yummyness that is all fantastic until my pants no longer fit. Egg breakfasts with homemade tortillas. I am now ruined and have found myself to be what can only be describe as a tortilla snob! Trips to the store for lunch ingredients that end up with purchases of chile covered chips, sodas, tres leches cakes, beer (sol con clamato with salt and lime was my favorite) the ingredients for chile rellenos and enchiladas, and so many more new culinary delights that I could not even keep track of all the names. (I did take notes and hope to expand my skills to share authentic Mexican recipes with you soon)

hairThe hospitality in this small town is unlike anything I've ever seen. They saw our needs before we did and made sure everyone was fed and clean, hair was always perfect, the house was clean, and laundry was always done. We were bombarded with "Would you like to try this?"  "How about that?" and more. The entire week was filled with their generosity. I'm not saying that people in the U.S. are not as kind...It just feels like their way of life lends itself more to serve and love one another than the busyness of our North American culture. Their love for us is amazing and so evident that it leaves me feeling humbled.

Our children did not want to leave, and N and I vow to find a way to visit more. Our goodbyes are painful, tears all around, and we make our way through that winding road back to Wyoming with heavy hearts. Goodbye for now, Chihuahua. You will be in our hearts until next time.

What are your reunions with your family like? I'd love to hear about them!]]>
		
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		Prairie Posse of the Week April 10, 2015 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-posse-of-the-week-april-10-2015-giveaway/
		Fri, 10 Apr 2015 12:00:19 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3924
		
		Surf Wyoming. I first came across their vintage chic t-shirts at The Floral Rhino (one of my favorite local boutiques) and I've been a fan ever since. Their clothing washes and wears well, and is a great way to show my Wyoming pride. Their inventive shirts and hats are a go to gift for me to give my girlfriends, and I am super excited that they now have a children's line. Just this week BonitaBlueEyes gave me a Surf Wyoming shirt for my birthday, she said she knew exactly what to get me! Take a moment to read their story, I found it fascinating to see how the brand has evolved through the years, and I'm proud to share the variety of ways they give back to their community. Make sure you stop by at the end of the post to enter to win one of TWO prizes from the Prairie Posse of Surf Wyoming.

Prairie Wife (PW): First can you tell us a little bit about your company and how the Surf Wyoming brand began?

Surf Wyoming (SW): First the short story...

This unconventional little brand was founded in the late 90’s by some intensely proud Wyoming-outdoor enthusiasts, who wanted to turn up the volume about our amazing state. With a tip of the hat to all things outdoors (and to celebrate the first river surfing recorded in America in the mid-1970’s on the Snake River near Jackson), Surf Wyoming quickly found a dedicated following and embraced its role to promote our fab state.

surf wyo crewWe don’t design über-technical gear that will help you camp naked in a snow igloo (quite yet) but we do take seriously our role to champion a fun, kick-ass, give-back-through purchases lifestyle. Around these parts, we like to use Surf Wyoming as a outreached hand and a verb to boast about adrenaline highs and participation in whatever makes the heart rate jump, all while breathing fresh air and helping our friends and neighbors.

The catchphrase, “Surf Wyoming, What’s Yours?” is intended to serve as the catalyst and an outreached hand tor Wyomingites and current and potential visitors inspired by Wyoming to “get here, dig in and share with the brand what pumps their adrenaline and makes them happy.”

And now our long one...

The Surf Wyoming story began with a social cause in early 1998. A group of Wyoming friends attending MSU in Bozeman, MT joined a group of passionate river sport enthusiasts to form the “Mountain Surf” chapter of the Surfrider Foundation, covering the waters in and around the Northern Rockies. This would serve as catalyst for the Surfrider Foundation’s first inland chapter. As avid fly fishermen, paddlers, river surfers, and winter sport junkies, this group’s initial projects included gathering for weekend events to clean the banks of the Gallatin and Yellowstone Rivers, usually concluding with BBQs and beers. In an effort to help raise money for this small and atypical Surfrider chapter, the group of Wyoming friends began printing a single t-shirt for sale and sold it to friends at bars in the winter while skiing and snowboarding in Jackson and Big Sky, and in the summer while fishing, paddling and surfing the Snake River near Jackson. That one shirt was a tip of the hat to Wyoming as it featured a bucking horse and rider holding a paddle. The brown and gold shirt included the message, “Paddlers for Clean Water”.

t shirt on beachBy late 1998, the efforts of the Mountain Surf chapter’s young contingent caught the attention of local businesses who began selling their gear to continue raising money for the cause. The chapter joined with other like-minded organizations including the Gallatin River Coalition, the Greater Yellowstone River Coalition, Ducks Unlimited and others to continue efforts to keep regional waters clean. In the summer of 1999, they banded for a fight against a foe that all of them loved – Big Sky Resort. Due to significant growth of their development, the Big Sky ownership group (the Boyne Corp) filed for a permit to begin dumping millions of gallons of treated sewage into the Gallatin River. Despite their activism efforts, the Mountain Surf chapter and their counterparts were unsuccessful as the DEQ approved the dumping permit. It was a major blow to the group’s efforts, but they still remained active, launching the “Snowrider Project” for the Surfrider Foundation to promote water quality and responsible activity at ski resorts. This would be one of the last major projects of the group. Within the next few years, the Mountain Surf chapter of the Surfrider Foundation folded and the small Wyoming contingent moved back into the state.

In 2000, the name Surf Wyoming (and Surf Wyo) were both trademarked by a member of that group. The group continued to make t-shirts on occasion to support different outdoor events and activities. The two shirts in the limited line-up included the original “Paddlers for Clean Water” tee and a new tee featuring the white bison from the Wyoming flag. It included stark red lettering across the bison promoting the brand. According to the original owner, the business remained a two tee company for many years, used to promote outdoor activity and giving back the proceeds to special events when possible.

pint glassFrom its initial roots, the company has changed hands twice. As legend has it, the trademark and company’s assets were sold to a group of college students at the University of Wyoming back in 2007 on ‘a handshake, a few bucks, and a few beers’. In the four years they owned the company, they expanded the line from its original two shirts and grew the collection to help raise spending money for their own outdoor pursuits. After this group parted ways upon graduating, the t-shirt collection and the company became somewhat dormant. Then in a chance encounter at a Sheridan coffee shop and some brief negotiations, the company sold again to its current owners, a group of Wyoming natives who had originally supported the early efforts of Surf Wyoming.

Our current ownership team (2011) brings global business expertise and very disparate but complimentary backgrounds including finance, brand building, technology, business intelligence, operations, entrepreneurship and social entrepreneurship, marketing and more. What originally began as a passionately fun hobby has recently transcended into a full-fledged business in Sheridan, Wyoming – at the base of the Big Horn Mountains. The brand is really not about us, its about our community of supporters so we love to stay a bit behind the scenes and let the brand speak for itself.

In its first three years the team has been resurrecting the brand with a completely redesigned logo, upgraded products and design, the assembly of a robust online presence via a completely redesigned e-commerce site and a surgically managed and comprehensive social media platform. The team has also revamped the brand’s wholesale business and implemented a strategic distribution brick-and-mortar strategy which focuses on relationships with specialty outdoor and e-retailers, select shops and elite boutiques first in-state and then expanding beyond our four corners.

Surf Wyoming’s authentically-rooted background combined with its social enterprise business model were two of the many reasons the current team was attracted to and eventually acquired the company. They are working diligently to build upon that platform and ensure it stays meaningful and relevant. The company is in the final stages of selecting its local annual nonprofit partnerships – focusing on NGO’s who promote the health and wellness of our amazing state.

shirt and stickerAnd to build on the good effort the brand has put forth over the years with a focused collection of tshirts and hats, the new team is looking to surgically build upon that core with strategic product and brand extensions, which will provide consumers a variety of new access points to this eclectic Surf Wyoming lifestyle. In addition, the company is in early discussions with a handful of key Wyoming-based artisans and other creative collaborations, which will result in new Surf Wyoming products that have not been offered to date. The team prides itself on ensuring that our products are premium in both design and craftsmanship. When possible we’ll do our very best to have products made in Wyoming and of course America, sourced fairly – and all with great stories to share.

PW: What are the pros and cons of working for a small business in Wyoming?

SW: We talk a lot about how unique our business is and that Surf Wyoming for our team is a privilege, a reward and a responsibility. The pros are that it is a wild frontier, quite literally. As it relates to our business and outside of the obvious beauty that offers unlimited motivation, there are some really fantastic artisans and makers who have amazing crafts all around the state who we draw inspiration from each and every day. We are actively working with a handful to help us expand our product collection as you read this.

PW: It’s pretty obvious that we Wyomingites are pretty proud to live here, you can’t go anywhere without seeing at least half the people wearing Wyoming gear! Why do you think that is?

SW: There is a wonderful fascination about Wyoming. People ARE proud to live here and those who don’t are proud to share that they have traveled here. In a time where so many people are trying to disconnect from the frenetic and over-technologied world, Wyoming provides an idyllic opportunity for folks to connect to nature, the old-west, a storied American history and a vast and often daunting landscape that the average American doesn’t see or even get to access on a regular basis?

bisonPW: I love the Bison symbol that you use on a lot of your items, why a Bison?

SW: It’s most certainly inspired by our state mammal, the stimulus for our state flag and the freedom symbolized by this very sacred part of American history. It is doubtful that any other animal has played such a significant role in human affairs over the years. As we’ve evolved the company, we are clear that Surf Wyoming is a platform for our fans to help define what makes THEM tick while spending time in our amazing state – that alone serves as empowering freedom.

PW: Starting a lifestyle brand anywhere can be hard but I’m sure doing it in Wyoming offered some extra challenges! Can you tell us some of the challenges and victories you’ve had?

SW: As with any entrepreneurially minded business there are always great peaks and valleys. We’ve had them all. We’ve had very large boxes delivered to our retailers that were empty (but left our warehouse filled with gear). We’ve had website snafu’s as we’ve rebuilt our e-commerce platform…..and the list goes on and on. On the flip side, we’ve had such an outpouring of support from consumers and retailers that we’ve been humbled. We are grateful for their support and we continue to try to provide them with beautifully designed products that help them to share their pride about Wyoming but in a uniquely creative and purposeful manner.

baby surf wyoPW: What inspires your new items?

SW: Inspiration comes from everywhere. We find it while traveling around the state, in working with our ambassadors who are each uniquely creative and super inspiring. We are influenced by our customers, our retailers and the real-life experiences that people share with us that they’ve had. Our kids collection will continue to grow and evolve as will extensions to the brand beyond apparel and accessories. This you will see in the near future.

 

PW: On your site you mention your desire to give back to the community, what are you currently doing?

skiSW: We have quite a few stories to tell here but would love to focus on our most recent collaboration which was with the Casper Mountain Racers Program. This nonprofit organization has been training young athletes between the ages of 7 and 23 since 1976. Many of CMR’s athletes have gone on to race in college and even the World Cup at international events and levels. CMR has 63 athletes for the 2014/2015 season with ages ranging from 7 to 14. This season the racers have already earned numerous awards with podium finishes against renowned teams from Vail, Winter Park and Breckenridge. Surf Wyoming redesigned their logo, and created gear for the team and coaches. We are also selling t shirts and [soon] hats on our website and will donate all profits back from our website sales directly to the team.

bison hatPW: Where do you see the brand going in the next two years?

SW: We are thrilled with the growth of Surf Wyoming and the exposure it brings not only to our precious community but also to the nonprofit partners we collaborate with around the state. We’d like to continue building a robust virtual presence so it can continue to serve as a solid platform for consumers to share their local experiences, for nonprofits to spread their great work, for fellow artisans to showcase their fine work and for each member of the Surf Wyoming collective to share its pride.

PW: Any last Prairie Words of Wisdom?

SW: We love the quote: “your customers don’t care how much you know until they know how much you care” and we take great pride in the fact that we are directly connected with our consumers. We also try to make a significant difference in our customer service as we feel that to be respected you must first give respect and that alone is a significant cornerstone to our company and our business. We treat each inquiry with great care – because we do care, no different than if were coming from our very own mother.

Do you love all the gear at Surf Wyoming? Now is your chance to win some of your very own! Enter to win a t shirt or hat (and some super cool Surf Wyoming Stickers) below. There will be TWO winners and the gear can be for women or men! All you HAVE to do is comment on this post. Earn extra points towards the giveaway by following Surf Wyoming and PrairieWifeInHeels.com on social media. Please be honest, we will be checking!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		In Praise of Jim Gaffigan
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/in-praise-of-jim-gaffigan/
		Mon, 13 Apr 2015 12:00:42 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3962
		
		 is some of the funniest I've ever heard.

As I was on Facebook a few weeks ago I came across this video clip of Jim Gaffigan, take a minute to watch it…



Hilarious right?! It especially struck a chord as we had just taken four of our kids to Disney while I was 7 months pregnant. I had first heard his stand up comedy a few years ago while on a 20 hour road trip with The Cowboy and four of the Cowkids. He quite possibly saved our marriage... Watching this video clip led me to do a little internet stalking and I was excited to see that Jim Gaffigan is still going strong. I was thrilled to see that he is still touring, but while he will be in Colorado this summer (Broomfield, CO July 29), The Cowboy and I will be unable to go. LittleMissH will still be using me as her main food source and I find that taking a baby on a date like that is more trouble than it’s worth. Thankfully I learned that he had written a book recently (almost a year ago actually) called Dad Is Fat. Who wouldn’t love a title like that?!

dad is fatAs I read the book I found myself laughing out loud and mentally making a note to share certain chapters with The Cowboy when he came back into town that weekend. As I read more, I found that I had a ton more in common with the Gaffigan family than I originally thought! Five kids super close together in age…check! Catholic…check! Making it through each day with a certain dark humor about parenting and children…check! I actually think that his wife Jeannie might be my new role model. After all, at the time the book was written she was raising five kids in a two bedroom apartment…in NYC! I have a five bedroom house with a barn on 10 acres and I find it hard to keep my sanity!

 

Dad Is Fat is written as a series of Essays, with great titles like “Drinking the Kool-Aid” “Oh My God, You’re Pregnant” and “No Such thing as a Free Babysitter” what’s not to love? There wasn’t a time while I read this book where I didn’t have a smile on my face. Jim Gaffigan is so honestly blunt at sharing those inner parent thoughts that you can’t help but feel relived…I’m not the only one that feels like a vacation with my small children is exhausting and the opposite of fun! I just have to share a few of my favorite quotes and then I’ll leave you to go and purchase the book…

“Bedtime gives the impression that your children will be in bed, going to sleep at a specific time. Any parent of a five-year-old will tell you this is not a plausible reality.”

“During labor the father-to-be is always attempting to justify his presence in the room: “Hey I’m the dad. I’m on the team. I caused this. Well, I’m in the way so I will just stand here in the corner and take some pictures.””

“Recently my eight-year-old Marie, asked, “What happened to my Valentine’s Day candy?” Like a good parent, I lied: “I don’t know.””

One last plug for Jim Gaffigan (no he is not paying me but if he or Jeannie read this I’d love to interview you) and then I promise I’m done! This summer The Jim Gaffigan Show will be airing on TV Land…finally a show that The Cowboy and I can both enjoy. Make sure you keep your eyes open for it!



PS. Make a mental note now to pick up Dad is Fat for a Father's Day gift for that special Dad in your life!]]>
		
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		Spring 2015 Beauty Must Haves
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/spring-2015-beauty-must-haves/
		Wed, 15 Apr 2015 12:00:38 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3977
		
		garnier eye creamUltra-Lift Miracle Sleeping Cream (eye cream)
I am always on the hunt for a new and better under eye cream. Dark under eyes have been a problem that has plagued me since high school. With the birth of each Cowkid they seem to get worse and worse. To compound the problem, my under eye area is very sensitive and many creams cause my skin to form little bumps and sores. I was nervous to try this new product but it looked so amazing I decided it was worth the risk. I am so thankful I did! I FaceTimed Ma and Pa the other day (after using it for three weeks) and they both commented on how refreshed I looked. It's a light gel like formula that goes on smoothly and soaks in quickly. It has a light pleasant scent that doesn't irritate my eyes...and did I mention it really works...and you will see results instantly?! Go to your local drugstore and get it, I assure you it will be worth it!

jergens BB body creamJergens BB Body Perfecting Cream
This body lotion is an amazing modern invention that will change your skin's life! This Perfecting Cream is a high-bred between, self tanner, lotion, and body makeup. It immediately evens out your skin tone, soothes and nourishes dry skin, and gives you gradual color that builds over time. It has a light smell and dries quickly...no need to wait 20 minutes before you can get dressed. It's the perfect way to give your skin a little glow, so you don't blind people when you pull out your floral skirts!

pixiPixi H2O Skintint
This Winter I told you about my new favorite everyday makeup Physicans Formula CC cream, and I still love it. But it's a little heavy and thick for my Spring Skin needs. Last month this new product from Pixi (a brand I love) caught my eye. Pixi H2O Skintint is a light weight makeup that adds just the right amount of sheer and glowing coverage. It's not heavy but moisturizes and evens out my skin tone and has become part of my five minute face routine (I'll post more about that later). I wouldn't recommend it for a big night out, it doesn't have enough coverage for that, but for everyday wear you need to try it.]]>
		
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		Essential Oils Fab...or Fad? Part 1
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/essential-oils-fab-or-fad-part-1/
		Mon, 20 Apr 2015 12:00:56 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3986
		
		I’ve been tired and unmotivated, despite LittleMissH sleeping better than any baby I’ve ever had, and the thought of leaving the house to perform everyday tasks has seemed more than a little overwhelming. I wore the same pair of sweatpants three days in a row and didn’t even care if the other parents noticed. While I’ve kept up on my workouts, I’ve still been feeling like crap about my postpartum body. Last Sunday as I was going for my usual 3 mile run, I got about ½ mile into it and was overtaken with the overwhelming urge to just lay on the side of our dirt road and cry.

Those of you that are familiar with this blog know that this is NOT my normal attitude! The upbeat and ready to laugh attitude you can find in my writing is true to who I am about 90% of the time. I pushed myself to keep on going but took the quiet time of my run to do a little inner searching. Most of you reading this have probably already guessed what was going on…and despite being very familiar with depression, it had taken me two weeks to realize that I was struggling with it now after giving birth to LittleMissH.

I blame my slow uptake on the fact that I have never struggled with the baby blues after the births of the other four Cowkids, and I’ve just been focusing so much on keeping myself and my family afloat that I haven’t taken much time to think past “you have five kids under the age of nine and are a single mom most of the week” as the reason for my exhaustion. As soon as I returned home from my run I asked The Cowboy what he thought. Since he had been through my previous journey of depression with me I knew that he would be open and honest. He gave me a hug and said that he had been wondering the same thing over the last week. But, since I had been doing such a great job keeping up on everything he didn’t want to bring it up. I approached CollegeBFF , BonitaBlueEyes and TallGirlJ about it as well, and they responded in the same way. They had been concerned the most about my lack of self esteem, something that they all said was unusual for me even postpartum.

essentail oilsI knew that I could opt to go on antidepressants, and while I totally believe in the wonders of modern medicine, I wanted to try my own way first. I have pushed through years of SADD with exercise, extra Vitamin D supplements, and awareness of the situation…and I wanted to try the same with my postpartum depression. The problem is, I was already exercising and now that Spring has finally arrived in Wyoming (for the most part) I know I am getting enough sunlight and fresh air. On Monday I felt a little bit better and forced myself to get moving and be productive, but it was still a major effort. I knew that TallGirlJ had used essential oils in the past, and one of my fellow Wyoming bloggers Jill Winger of The Prairie Homestead is a huge fan of Essential Oils, so I thought I would try using them to lift my mood.

TallGirlJ hooked me up with a family member of hers who is knowledgeable in the ways of Essential Oils. She stopped by on Tuesday with a special blend she had made me, and brought over an Essential Oil Diffuser and a few already mixed Blends (Citrus Bliss, Elevate, and Balance). She instructed me to place her blend on my palms, wrists and the bottoms of my feet a few times a day. She showed me how to put the oil on my palms, cup them around my nose and take a few deep breaths. We placed a few drops of the Citrus Bliss into the diffuser and immediately my house began to smell like a Spa…that alone put me in a better mood! She explained that I would hopefully notice my mood improving in two days or so and to call her with any questions or concerns. Note: She made sure to only use oils that were safe for a nursing mother, and for the baby and kids in case there was some transfer. Please be aware that some oils are NOT safe for infants, nursing/pregnant mothers, and young children.

happy womanOn Wednesday I woke up feeling pretty darn good. I had moved the diffuser into my bedroom for the night and between breathing in the Balance blend and my postpartum oil soaking into my feet and wrists I felt like a new woman. Not 100% but, better than I had been in weeks. We had a busy day of doctors appointments (shots for all three little Cowkids), volunteering at school, and a play date at night. I felt fine through it all! Even a slightly cranky LittleMissH didn’t throw me off. I kept on using the diffuser all day and moved it into my bedroom at night, and I was using my postpartum blend a few times a day. By Thursday afternoon I felt like myself for the first time in two weeks…and I was sold on the Essential Oils. The Cowboy even commented on the phone that he could “hear the smile back in my voice” and I hadn’t even shared with him that I was doing anything different. On Friday and Saturday I wasn’t as diligent with the diffuser (it needs to be refilled every 6 hours) and I noticed by Saturday night I wasn’t feeling that great again.

I’m the first to admit that I have a bit of an all or nothing personality. When I get into something I get into it all the way…and Essential Oils are at the top of my list of things I’m into right now! I’m making a few purchases of Essential Oils to try, and I bought two diffusers so I can have one next to my bed and another out in our main living area. You can also check out our Health and Motivation Board on Pinterest to see some great ways I found to use Essential Oils.

To stay true to our Prairie Wife Guarantee I felt like I needed to make this a two part post so I could follow up with you in a few weeks. Right now I’m feeling like Essential Oils are fab, and they’ve certainly helped me to lift myself out of the fog of postpartum depression. I’ll check back in with you soon to share my opinion but, I’d love to hear what you think!

Essential oils fab…or fad?

Have you ever struggled with low energy and mood postpartum, what helped you?

To read Part 2 click here!

Note: If you are struggling with feelings of harming yourself and/or your baby seek professional help immediately. I notified both my doctor and my family of my plans and they will all be checking on me regularly to make sure I am still doing well. Please let your doctor know if you feel that you are suffering from postpartum depression, even if you don’t plan to take medication.

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week April 24, 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-april-24-2015/
		Fri, 24 Apr 2015 12:00:47 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3994
		
		it took me another decade before I learned to follow her advice. We attended different high schools but managed to keep in touch off and on through the years. With the wonders of Facebook we reconnected and even spent some time together on one of my last visits to The City. It was no surprise to me that she ended up going to a fashion related career, and she was as chic and put together as always when we met!

When I learned that she and her husband were having trouble starting a family my heart went out to her. While The Cowboy and I have had some troubles of our own, I knew that we had faced nothing like DesignDiva and her husband were going through. I prayed for her on her journey and I cried tears of joy when I learned of her pregnancy last year. Talking about infertility and the process of starting a family is personal and with all of the emotional and physical ups and downs it can be a hard thing to share. I am SO happy that DesignDiva felt comfortable enough to share her story with our readers. Her bravery and unwavering faith in God and His plan are inspiring, and her honesty about her journey is sure to help our readers and their families who may be currently struggling. After completing this interview I have even more compassion for families facing fertility issues, and I've made a mental note to think more carefully about how what I say may make others feel.

nici shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us about your family.

DesignDiva (DD): I grew up in Milwaukee, WI with my younger brother. Other than a few years spent in Ohio for college, I’ve lived here all of my life. I think it was a typical mid-western childhood, though living close to the larger city of Milwaukee offered me a few more experiences than if we lived in a rural area. I have a BA in fashion design and a masters in visual arts. I most recently worked as a buyer for a local company.

PW: Several years ago your husband and you began to look into In-Vetro Fertilization (IVF), can you tell us what lead to that decision?

DD: We tried for four years to have a child on our own. We even tried diet and exercise and homeopathic remedies with no results.

PW: For your first round of IVF you went to Colombia, why did you choose to try there rather than the US?

DD: The whole process was FAR less expensive in Colombia, and I had family members that lived there that were able to help support me physically and emotionally during the process.

Having gone through the procedure both there and in the US I can say with confidence that medications and level of care was the same. Our doctor was practicing in Columbia but had attended medical school in California. In Columbia the whole round of IVF, including medications and aftercare was about $6,500 as opposed to well over 25k here!

PW: For those of us that aren’t familiar with IVF can you walk us through the process and the physical and emotional side effects?

DD: The whole process takes about two months from start to finish. First you begin by taking Birth Control to regulate your cycle. Then begins the “fun”…you get many small injections in your stomach a couple times a day for about 2 or 3 weeks. The purpose of the little shots is to make your ovaries produce many eggs but keep them from being released. The next stop is the “trigger shot”. This is a big shot in your lower back, its purpose it to release all the eggs that your ovaries produced as a result of the small shots.

Then you have an egg retrieval. This part is a little more invasive and your doctor will put you under anesthesia while the eggs are harvested and then immediately combined with the previously collected sperm. Five days later you go back into the office and try to stay calm as the embryos (two in our case) are implanted into your uterus. Following this you head home and are on bed rest for around five days.

twins ultrasoundAfter the implantation, you get oil shots in your back two times a day. There is no way for me to sugar coat those…they hurt like hell! They also make lumps under your skin. Some women can have an allergic reaction to them and of course I was one of them. At 8 weeks I had an allergy attack and I couldn’t breathe, to say it was scary is an understatement! You need to continue receiving these shots until your pregnancy is confirmed. If your IVF has been successful you need to continue them until the 12th week.

Physically the process of IVF involves a lot of hormones…and the massive amount of shots can be overwhelming. The shots hurt and because of the hormones I gained a lot of weight, had major sweating issues and occasional headaches. Like I said above there can also be some crazy side effects as well. I would just encourage women going through IVF to keep a positive attitude and try to stay focused on your future plans.

PW: Your first round of IVF was unsuccessful, can you share with us what that was like for you and your husband?

DD: Devastation, that’s all I care to say.

PW: When you decided to try again what did you do to prepare yourself physically and emotionally?

DD: There was nothing specifically that we did, when we were able to afford another round we decided to try it.

PW: What did friends and family do for you during the IVF process that was helpful…or what did they say or do that was hurtful?

DD: We didn’t really share much with anyone, we wanted to prevent having to explain a lot of personal things that we didn’t want to talk about…nor did we think it was their business.

Our immediate family was really supportive and sensitive to us throughout the whole process.

Hurtful comments came from others who didn’t know we had fertility issues. I’m sure you’ve heard them all…”When are you going to have a baby?” “Don’t you want kids?” “What’s taking so long?” Stupid off handed comments like that were just hurtful. Yes I’m aware that they didn’t know about our personal struggles, and meant no harm, but it still hurt me. I hope that anyone reading this will think twice about asking others those kind of questions. Just like the “Are you having another one?” and “Don’t you know how that happens?” people’s choices about how, when and if they start a family is really none of your business, and you could really be causing others a lot of emotional harm.

PW: When you found out your second round was successful I’m sure you were both overjoyed and nervous! What did you need to do to help ensure that all was well?

DD: There is nothing you can do (other than follow the doctors instructions) and this is the hardest part for most people. My husband and I had confidence that God has a plan for everyone. I prayed every night and gave thanks every morning. I was grateful for each day and tried not to think about the next.

PW: With IVF twins are common, were you still shocked to find out that you were having not one but two babies after all your struggles?

DD: Not really shocked…just wildly excited! Throughout the process I prayed for both embryos to be healthy and grow strong, not just for one. Honestly, I didn’t even consider that it would only be one baby. I felt like it was going to be all or nothing, if it was going to work I knew that it would work for both.

PW: You delivered two happy and healthy twin babies on October 28, 2014! What have these last few months been like for you?

twins picsDD: I wish I could give you more details but the last few months are a total blur! There have been so many ups and downs for our family and me personally. To go from a family of two to a family of four has been a huge adjustment that is both exhausting and wonderful all at the same time. Routine is key but trying to get two babies on the same schedule is impossible! I’ve learned to just be prepared for every possible thing they may need or that might happen. I had originally planned on returning to work, and we even tried it for awhile. In the end we decided that daycare was just too expensive, it was almost as much as my total salary. I’ve also learned that the consistency of having mom everyday has made happier babies, and consequently we are all doing better!

PW: What advice would you give to other couples that are considering IVF?

DD: Pray. A lot. DON’T join support groups. Don’t read about other peoples horror stories. Take one day at a time and be grateful for each day. Keep a positive mind set and don’t let IVF consume your life.

I know this advice sounds harsh, but I believe my treatment worked the second time because I didn’t look anything up. I worked hard to stay focused on every part of my life, husband and work, family and friends, not just the IVF. I didn’t listen to other people’s stories, I would actually stop people from saying anything to me.

And I prayed. I prayed so hard! I had constant prayers running through my hands. I put the lives of my babies into our Heavenly Father’s hands and trusted in the Virgin Mary to bring them to us.

PW: Is there anything that you wish you had known or been more prepared for throughout the IVF process?

DD: No. I trusted our group of doctors and what they told us. I knew that they would tell me what I needed to know and keep us healthy and safe to the best of their abilities. I know this isn’t how everyone works but, it worked for me.

PW: Have you and your husband thought about going through IVF again?

DD: Way too soon for me to answer that question!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife Words of Wisdom?

DD: Yes, Pray. Trust in God to provide what you need. Seek out medical help when necessary, but accept the limits of medicine and put your life and your future into God’s hands.

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		For My Daughter
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/for-my-daughter/
		Mon, 27 Apr 2015 15:16:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4004
		
		

I want her to take pride in her body. To always know the joy of its strength, beauty, and health. I want her to have the confidence to wear what she wants to wear, and to dye her hair blue and laugh about it later. I hope that she will always love the sweet smattering of freckles across her nose.

I want her to remain fearless. I am in awe of her complete confidence that if she wants to do something she can…it may take practice and work, but she has no doubt that in the end she will achieve whatever it is that she set out to do. I’m still working on this lesson myself…

I want her to continue to be compassionate and sensitive to others. Listening to her calmly comfort Cowboy C when his feelings have been hurt makes my heart grow every time. Her ability to listen to her friends and they way she tears up every time she watches Brave (even though she knows everything will be all right) will allow her to be a woman that will make the world a better place.

I want her to not be afraid to feel. I want her to know that it’s OK to laugh and shout for joy, to celebrate and giggle, even when it may not be the perfect time for someone else. To feel pride in her accomplishments, and to say “thank you” when someone gives her a compliment and not follow it with a “but…”. I want her to cry and be sad when she needs to. To feel no shame when she tears up at a movie with friends, or cries every time she hears the song Silent Night (that may be me not her). To know it’s OK to answer the question “How are you?” with “Not so great today, but I’ll be better tomorrow.” Instead of hiding behind a smile and a canned answer.

I want her to keep that perfect balance of caring and not caring. I want her to care about how her actions impact others, and know that how others see you does count...to a point. But, I want her to know when it’s time to stand up straight, stick that stubborn little chin out, and leave the rest of them in the dust.

For my daughter….
I want her to know love. The love of family and friends, the love of God…and love for herself.

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		One Pot Mac N Cheese
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/one-pot-mac-n-cheese/
		Wed, 29 Apr 2015 12:00:51 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4008
		
		mac n cheese in dishOne Pot Mac N Cheese
Serves 8 Prep Time 15 minutes Bake Time 25 -30min

Ingredients
16 oz (1 lb) pasta (I usually use whole grain or veggie ziti)
8 oz cream cheese
2 cups shredded cheese plus Âź cup set aside
1 pint heavy whipping cream
4 cloves garlic minced
½ cup bread crumbs (separated into two Ÿ cups)
1 tsp onion powder
salt and pepper to taste

1. Set oven to 375.
2. Cook pasta following directions on package in oven safe pot. If you don’t have an oven safe pot, cook it in a regular pot.
3. Drain pasta and place it into an oven safe dish.
4. Combine all ingredients expect for Âź cup of shredded cheese and Âź cup of bread crumbs. Stir well.
5. Sprinkle the top of the pasta with remaining shredded cheese and bread crumbs. Cover and place in oven for 20 minutes.
6. Bake for 5 or 10 more minutes uncovered, until cheese is melted and bubbling.]]>
		
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		The Irony of Mother's Day
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-irony-of-mothers-day/
		Sat, 02 May 2015 12:00:17 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4013
		
		my first Mother’s Day went, and though there have been a few more flubs over the years most of the time The Cowboy does a pretty good job! Last weekend we sat down and enjoyed a few rare minutes of quiet and The Cowboy asked me what I wanted for Mother’s Day. I gave him my canned answer of “A puppy” and then refused to give him any help. After all part of the fun of getting gifts is seeing what he and the Cowkids pick out! He asked if I wanted to do anything special and I paused for a moment. After a few minutes of thought I came up with a list…

pampering1. No changing diapers.
2. No disciplining kids or having to respond to any of their whining.
3. I want to both sleep in AND take a nap.
4. No cooking or cleaning of any kind.
5. The opportunity to take a bath that lasts more than 15 minutes.
6. Uninterrupted time to lazily read a magazine or book.
7. Lots of hugs and kisses and snuggles and general adoration (physical pampering is great as well) from my entire family.

So…pretty much other than number 7 I would like my Mother’s Day to be the exact opposite of what I do every single day as a mother…see the irony!

It’s funny because usually around dinner time on Mother’s Day I’m feeling a little bored and lonely. More often than not I end up grabbing all the kids after dinner, snuggling up on the couch, and watching a movie. I guess it just proves that I’m in the right profession after all!

What do you like to do for Mother’s Day?

For some great quotes about what a mother is read this post!

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		Some Books You'll Want to Read
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/some-books-youll-want-to-read/
		Mon, 04 May 2015 12:00:21 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4017
		
		Mother's Day is coming up, and as I said before, one of my favorite things to do on this special day is lounge around and catch up on my reading. Just in case you are looking for something to read on Sunday I've got a few books that you should try! Some of you may recall me talking about sticking to a budget earlier this year...and looking at all these books I've been reading you may wonder if I've been true to my word. I assure you I have! In my quest for saving money I came across Kindle Unlimited. For $9.99 a month you can read as many books as you want, and you have over 700,000 books to choose from. It's saved us a ton of money! I usually read around three books a week and even though I always tried to get books that were $4.99 or less, that still added up to almost $100 a month I was spending on books. I would really encourage my fellow book worms to try the 30 day free trial. Most of the books that I reviewed below are available with Kindle Unlimited.

P.S. I'd love to hear what you are reading, make sure you leave a comment telling me what books you think I need to read.

   The Glassblower by Petra Durst-Benningthe glassblower

The Glassblower is the story of the three Steinmann sisters who are living in Germany during the 1800's. When their father (a glassblower) suddenly dies they are left destitute and must find a way to survive. They ignore tradition to ensure their survival and the result is a gripping story full of highs and lows. I found myself rooting for the girls throughout the book. Durst-Benning's  portrayal of the sisters was authentic and made them seem so real that I was actually sad when I finished the book! Thankfully this is the first book of three, so I wasn't sad for long.

The Impossible Lives of Greta Wells by Andrew Sean GreerThe Impossible Lives of Greta Wells

Greta is devastated by the death of her twin brother and in an effort to resume her life again she tries electric shock therapy. When she goes in for her first session she is transported back into time to what can only be described as another one of her past lives. Each time she receives therapy it causes her to go into another time (and life). She then rotates through the lives and finds out that her other selves are traveling as well. Her beloved brother and Aunt are found in each time period, and it's fascinating to see how she handles the changes. The premise of past lives is one of my favorite concepts to read about, and they way that Greer ties it all together in the end is perfect. I was very impressed with this book, and I will be checking out the other books written by Greer!

Enchantress (The Evermen Saga Book 1) by James Maxwellthe enchantress

Enchantress takes place in a Fantasy land where magic exists in the form of "essence". this powerful substance is used to draw runes on objects which then turns them magical. The main character Ella and her brother Milo are poor and struggling to find their way in the world. When a dark force threatens their land both Ella and Milo have the chance to become something great. The themes of perseverance, love, and the ripple effect of our decisions can be seen throughout this story. The book does start a little slow, but I would encourage you to stick with it! The first in a series of four books, this book is wonderful on it's own...but I bet you immediately get the second one when you finish.

The Perfume Collector by Kathleen Tessarothe perfume collector

The Perfume Collector begins with the tale of Grace. A deeply unsatisfied woman living in 1950's England. Just when things are looking too bleak to ever allow her to recover, she receives a large sum of money from a mysterious French woman. She leaves her overbearing husband to travel across the channel. In the course of her journey she discovers not only the story of Eva D'Orsey, but her own story as well. This books takes you back to the glamor of the 1920's and 1950's as the characters travel across Europe in a story that is as uplifting as it is fascinating and heartbreaking.

A few more books I just had to mention...

The Bone Season by Samantha Shannon

The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg

An Unfamiliar Murder by Jane Issac

 

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		Essential Oils Fab...or Fad? Part 2
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/essential-oils-fab-or-fad-part-2/
		Wed, 06 May 2015 12:00:51 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4027
		
		my struggles with  low energy levels and mood folloing the birth of LittleMissH. I decided that rather than go on medication right away I would try a combination of Essential Oils , exercise, and just being aware. Just the first three days of using a mood lifting blend of oils I noticed a significant difference. I also bought two Essential Oil diffusers and put one in the main part of our house and another next to my bed. I use a blend called “Balance” in my bedroom and “Citrus Bliss” in the rest of the house.

essential oils 2Four weeks later I can say that Essential Oils are officially fab in my book. I continue to see a difference in my energy and mood (in a good way) and even felt good enough to go on a five mile run, something that would have been incredibly daunting to me just last month. The Cowkids are fascinated with “the smoking volcano” and love to take a few sniffs of it when they walk in the room. I’m sure it’s benefiting our whole family to have the diffusers going. Just this morning Cowboy J said to me "I can tell LittleMissH is sleeping better, you've been much more happy and fun...way better then those first few weeks when she was here."

Two weeks ago I had a nasty cough. When nursing I am super careful about what medications I take, but my usual tricks weren’t helping this time around. Even though I only bought the oils I needed for my postpartum depression I thought I would look up what oils could be used…just in case I had something that would help.

It turns out Frankincense oil is great for coughs, and I had some! I rubbed a few drops on my throat and chest to see if it helped. I noticed that I wasn’t coughing as often that afternoon, and the coughing spells didn’t leave me as breathless either. I used it for the next two days and noticed a marked difference. I also used it later that week when I went for a run to help ensure I could make it through without gasping for breath!

Now I find myself making a wish list of oils I’d like to add to my supply, and doing research on ways I can use them to help my family (take a look at our Health and Motivation board on Pinterest for some great ideas). When I shared my last post I had tons of friends and family members that shared their stories about Essential Oils, and gave me some great ideas of ways I can use them to help the Cowkids. My next project is to make an all natural bug spray to use on the Cowgirl G, she got bit all over when she was on her horse last weekend. BonitaBlueEyes also mentioned they can be used to keep flies and spiders out of the house…this is definitely worth looking into!

I’d love to hear what Essential Oils you use, and how you use them!

Just in case you want it, here is my blend I use to help boost my mood and energy!

1 drop Bergamot
1 drop Grapefruit
1 drop Clary Sage
1 drop Wild Orange
3 drops Frankincense

Place oils in a roller ball container and fill the rest of the container with grape seed oil. Shake and apply on palms, bottoms of feet, and behind ears as needed. I also like to cup my hands and take a few deep breaths of the oil!

Note: We here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com are not doctors. Please consult your doctor with any questions or concerns.

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		Prairie Wife of the Week May 8th, 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-may-8th-2015/
		Fri, 08 May 2015 17:17:06 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4031
		
		fashion for new moms, parenting advice, easy meals the whole family will love and things to laugh at we cover a ton of mom related topics!

At first I thought about doing a Prairie Wife post about moms throughout history, inspiring stories of women through time...but I realized we already have all the "momspiration" we need here on the blog!

We've got working moms, moms that have started their own business, stay at home moms (or as I like to say "trophy wives") and homeschooling moms. We have mother's with large families, mother's with smaller families, mom's that have adopted, and mom's that have struggled with infertility. We have women that are mother's to furry babies, women that are focused on supporting their mothers rather than having children of their own, and women that are step mothers. We have moms that have given birth exactly as they planned, others with stories that took a different path, and the stories of women that help new mothers those first few difficult days after birth. We have mothers that are soldiers and whose husbands are soldiers. Moms who have children with special needs and moms that aren't afraid to fight for their child's future. Lastly we have mothers who wait for that day in the future when they can once again hold a beloved child in their arms.

mom shoesTake a moment to get your "momspiration" from all these amazing past Prairie Wives that we've had on the blog.

I know that learning their stories has made me strive to be a better woman, wife and mother and I hope you leave a comment telling me what you've loved about their stories.

I'll leave you with one of my favorite quotes from a past post "A Mother Is..."

" A mommy keeps people safe, and loves them" Cowboy W age 3

 

 

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		Dresses for Nursing Moms
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/dresses-for-nursing-moms/
		Mon, 11 May 2015 12:00:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4036
		
		some great two piece outfits that are dressy and practical but, for certain occasions like weddings, baptisms, and formal dinners I feel like a dress is necessary. Over the years I've collected a few styles of dresses that work for me as a nursing mom, and afterwards too! They are cute, chic, and practical, especially if you wear a nursing tank under them. Everything pictured below is under $50 and can be worn any time of year by simply adding a cardigan or blazer, leggings or tights and boots.

I had to add a few cute accessories (isn't that coffee mug hilarious?!) just because it was fun to find ones that matched all the outfits. I stay away from bulky necklaces and dangling earrings when I have a young baby so while they would look great with these dresses, I didn't add them. I have also found that jangly bangles and chunky cuffs look great, but they bother my babies when their head is resting on my arm when I am nursing. As always click the small pictures to purchase the items.

    

    Dresses for Nursing Moms
    

    

    Dresses for Nursing Moms by prairieheels featuring acrylic drinkware
    

    

    

    
What clothes do you like to wear when you are nursing?]]>    
		
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		LittleMissH's Big Weekend
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/littlemissh-big-weekend/
		Wed, 13 May 2015 17:00:37 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4041
		
		 LittleMissH will be getting baptized this weekend, and everything here on the Prairie Homestead is in a bit of a tizzy! Ma flew in on Sunday and Pa and Grandma Bea arrived on Monday. Texas Two Steppin' (her Godmother) flies in on Friday. The end of last week was spent in a flurry of deep cleaning...for some reason when I know Grandma Bea is coming my regular cleaning routine just doesn't seem up to snuff. On a side note I need to plug the Hoover Steam Cleaner , it cleaned my dinning room chairs in minutes and they look like new! Thankfully, I got all of my cleaning done before they all arrived and the house is as sparkly as it gets. We've got lots of fun things planned for our time together this week, and helpfully the weather will cooperate. Cowboy J and Cowgirl G are super excited to play hookey for a few days, that way they have a little more time to spend with family.

LittleMissH will be baptized on Saturday morning and afterwards we have a big open house planned. It's just a way for us to celebrate this beautiful little blessing. All of our close friends and family gather together and eat good food (catered by HQ BBQ our favorite local place and of course cookies by Life Is Sweet) while our children run around. It's a time for the adults to chat and just simply enjoy each others company. We've done this for our last few kids and it's been the perfect way to thank everyone that has been a part of this journey of parenthood that we've been on for the last decade. I can't say enough how thankful I am that we live in Wyoming, where everyone still strongly believes it takes a village to raise a child.

LittleMissHJust a few moments ago I took a break from writing this to nurse LittleMissH and as I sat there for an extra 15 minutes just holding her and listening to her breathe I am brought back full circle to the purpose of this post. I wanted to catch you up on how she is and share a few thoughts I had about her baptism. Firstly LittleMissH can most easily be described as zen. She hardly ever cries and fusses, and even then she gives a few warning singles before she really goes off. She loves her car seat, her daddy, all the other Cowkids, and has no trouble eating. She is the best sleeper I have EVER had (I think we can all agree I earned that) and smiles and coos at everyone. When she's tired she simply closes her eyes and goes to sleep, not a peep or fuss out of her. Honestly, we feel like our family is finally complete, but if I knew for sure I could get another baby like her I might just change my mind. Her chubby smiles and bright blue eyes (it would be SO fun if they stayed that way) melt my heart, and the way she happily kicks her sweet little feet as she eats makes me smile every time. All babies are a blessing and LittleMissH is truly ours.

ballonAs we prepare for her welcoming into the church, her first sacrament, I found myself thinking about what our old priest in Cheyenne said to us as we prepared for Cowboy J's baptism. He referred to baptism not only as a sacrament where we welcomed and celebrated this new member of our church but, as a way that God marks his special children. He described it as God tying an invisible red balloon to our baby. A way to make it clear that this child is special to him, loved by him, protected by him, and one of his chosen people. I know it's silly but I always cry at our children's baptisms...each and every one has pictures of me red faced and blubbering. Perhaps it's the joy of all the people gathered together to show their support of us and our child. Maybe it's the special prayer for mother's that is said that sets me off. Really though, I think it's from relief. Knowing that at this moment God officially shows the world that my child is his as well seems to take so much weight from my shoulders. It's nice to know that he has my back...because we all know that moms can use all the help we can get!

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		Prairie Wife of the Week Friday May 22, 2015 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-friday-may-22-2015/
		Fri, 22 May 2015 12:00:48 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4052
		
		MyLifeSuckers.com when I found her video "Let It Go: A Mom Video Parody" on Facebook. I instantly hit her YouTube page and watched all of her videos. I then realized she had a blog and well...I have to be honest here...I formed a little bit of a mom crush on her. Don't worry though, The Cowboy has nothing to worry about lol! Her witty writing, hilarious and clever videos, and her open honesty about the ups and down of parenting struck a chord. I mean, who can't relate to 10 Ways I Ruined My Tweens Life Today? Here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com our mission is to offer support to other women (and their families) through humorous, honest and heartfelt blog posts about our experiences. We want to encourage others to lead their lives with grit and grace so they can discover the “Prairie Wife” within. Deva is the perfect Prairie Wife of the week because she does all of the above. Her videos have brightened millions of people's days across the world, her parenting posts make you laugh and give you the energy to move forward and parent the best way you can, and her honesty about her personal struggles have surely offered support to many women who felt like they were alone!

Stop by the end of this post to enter a giveaway! We've got a $10 gift certificate to Starbucks (a nod to her Suburban Funk Video) and a signed copy of I Just Want To Be Alone a book of hilarious essays written by moms for moms!

Deva Boots

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Deva (D): I live in the Bay Area with my husband, Gabe, and our two life suckers, as I affectionately call my kids.

PW: Can you share with us your pre-kid life?

D: In my pre-kids life I had abs. And perky boobs. And I slept. It was marvelous! LOL I lived in LA after college to pursue my life-long dream of being an actress. It was hard. I worked up to 7 jobs at once to support my dreams. Then I met Gabe, moved to New York City and started doing sketch comedy, which I LOVED. We got married, I got knocked up and got the perfect mom job as an editor for Nickelodeon’s parenting website. I was there for over 6 years until I left due to medical issues. Then my husband bought me a video camera and the rest is history …

PW: Like many of our readers, before you became a stay-at-home mom you were a working mom, can you talk to us about the pros and cons of both jobs?

suburban funkD: I was never really fully a stay-at-home mom. I started working at Nickelodeon part-time when my daughter was 7 months old, so I was kind of a hybrid. It was the perfect gig for a mom. I worked from home. And as long as I got my assignments in, I could be a faux stay-at-home mom and work during nap and after the kids were in bed but still coop at their preschools and go on play dates and be there for pickup. It was the perfect balance for me, although I’m not gonna lie, it was a little stressful at times. Or all the time.

PW: An auto immune disease called Hashimoto’s forced you to stay home. Will you educate us about this disease and its effects on you and your family?

D: I started to feel incredibly tired a few years ago. My husband kept saying it wasn’t normal and something was wrong with me, but I brushed him off saying that all moms feel like that. We don’t sleep. We don’t rest. We don’t sit down. OF COURSE we’re tired. Finally he convinced me to go to the doctor. (Because of course I never go to the doctor, I’m a mom. But if something is wrong with my kid they’re at the pediatrician in 15 minutes!). They discovered I have Hashimoto’s Thyroiditis. It’s a fairly common autoimmune disorder in which your immune system basically attacks your thyroid. Through a combination of diet, medication, supplements, exercise and knowing my limits, I’ve been able to manage it quite well. My family has been really patient and supportive. When I tell them Mommy is feeling really “Hashis” they know I need to rest.

PW: When you first started your blog MyLifeSuckers.com and decided to do a video parody called “What Does the Kid Say?” did you have any idea how HUGE it would be?

what dos a kid sayD: I had NO IDEA how huge it would be. We made the video for fun as a family and it was a last-minute decision to pop it on YouTube. I created the blog as a landing page for the video. I was stunned when it went viral. It was intense and amazing and honestly a little terrifying. But I feel so blessed and lucky now. I’m really living my childhood dream of getting to act and create. And it’s all on my own terms. No Hollywood casting director is standing between me and my dreams now.

PW: Was it harder to create your second video “Let It Go-A Mom Parody” after the success of the first video?

Let it GoD: It was a little scary to put it out after the success of the first one. But then I told myself, “What’s the worst that can happen? People won’t like it? They won’t watch it?” I’ve been through worse in my life. So I put it out and hoped for the best. When that one went viral, I was equally stunned. The response to that video was so overwhelming and incredible. Moms were calling it their “anthem” and emailing me the most beautiful letters about how I helped them laugh at their crazy, difficult lives. Those comments are the reason I keep going.

Every video is scary to put out. I never know what the response is going to be. So far it’s been positive for the most part, so I feel lucky.

PW: Let’s talk numbers. How many days does it take you to create a video, how much time goes into the editing, writing, and directing, and how many people are knocking on your door trying to be in the next video?

D: Holy moly! They take an enormous amount of time. Probably 100 hours or so? The writing is fast, then comes the song recording which takes me a while because I’m not exactly Celine Dion and it can take me time to get a decent recording. The shoots are usually a day. We just get what we get and then I edit the gems together. The editing takes a long time. Days. I’m a perfectionist so I spend a lot of time making sure the clips are all exactly what I want.
There is a long queue of people who want to be in the videos, but I’m slowly fitting everyone it. I donated parts in the videos to the two local school districts, and I’m happy to say they raised quite a lot of money for the schools. I didn’t realize people wanted to be in them THAT badly, LOL.

PW: Any advice for anyone that wants to create their own video parody?

D: Go for it! Don’t be afraid of making a fool of yourself, that’s half the fun. And don’t let something like a less-than-perfect singing voice hold you back!

And record the song first and lip-sync it. You don’t want to be singing live and trying to dance and act it all out.

PW: Putting yourself out there for the world to see can be scary. Have you had any negativity? How have you dealt with it?

all about that bassD: Ummmm … YES! Tons of it. My What Does the Kid Say video got posted on Reddit Cringe and I was flooded with horrible comments from teenage boys. It was terrifying. I even had to go to the police due to some threats. But it definitely gave me a thick skin, and now I just laugh at the nasty comments. Some lady recently said she hated my facial expressions and wanted to punch me repeatedly in the face. Niiiiiiice. I think sometimes people forget there is an actual person on the other side of that computer. I deal with the negative comments by laughing at them and ignoring the haters. I never feed the trolls. Ever.

PW: How has your family felt about your work going viral?

D: We were recently on vacation and got recognized a bunch of times, and I think that was the first time it hit home for us that people are really watching and that those numbers on YouTube mean real-life eyeballs. My kids enjoyed it and love hearing people say they like the videos. They love making them, so to know they’re appreciated means a lot. Especially to my daughter. My husband is really supportive of me and my work, but he finds the whole “getting recognized” thing a little disconcerting. We’re adjusting, I’d say. And I’m just so grateful that anyone watches my videos, so I feel incredibly lucky. Every comment, every view, every like means the world to me. And honestly, I love when people come up to me in public and say they like the videos. I mean, how incredibly cool is that?

PW: What are your plans for the next year?

D: I’m just going to keep on keeping on. I’m trying to write a book. Which is like giving birth, except harder. And I’ll make more videos, of course!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

D: Follow your dreams, mamas! You’re never too old, too sick, too tired or too busy to do a little something towards making your dreams come true.

We've got a $10 gift certificate to Starbucks (a nod to her Suburban Funk Video) and a signed copy of I Just Want To Be Alone a book of hilarious essays written by moms for moms to giveaway! All you HAVE to do is leave a comment. Earn extra points towards the giveaway by following us on social media. Please be honest, we WILL check!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Five Blogs I Love
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/five-blogs-i-love/
		Wed, 20 May 2015 12:00:49 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4059
		
		As a blogger I spend a lot of time on the computer, and more specifically the internet. Of course a ton of time is dedicated to writing for my blog, social media, and sharing my blog posts on various sites. But, a fair amount of my time is spent looking at other bloggers, reading their work, and forming a supportive blogger community. Supposedly summer will be here soon...though as I type this snow is coming down and the wind is howling...and with summer comes a little more freedom for us moms (at least I hope so)! Just in case you were looking for ways to spend your extra time I thought I would share with you five of my favorite blogs.

ThePioneerWoman.com

Ree Drummond is the best of the best in the blogging world as far as I'm concerned! Ree's blog has it all...humor, wit, intelligence, beautiful pictures, and amazing recipes, not to mention some of the kindest followers I've ever seen. I have yet to see a rude comment on any of her posts, and I've been following her for years. I'm sure you've already heard of her from her show on FoodNetwork and her recipe books. If you haven't ever stopped by her blog I'd encourage you to go there. Her posts are always heart felt and often funny. Her recipes are quick and easy and she uses ingredients you've most likely heard of. I haven't tried one yet that my family hasn't loved.

RedDirtInMySoul.com

I first learned about this blog when we were both featured in an article in the Casper Star Tribune called Wyoming Blogs Worth Reading. I have become a devoted follower ever since. There is just something calming about the way that Carol writes about her ranch life. Her posts often hide a deeper message then originally meets the eye, and her stories of Wyoming ranch life often remind me how city this Prairie Wife still is! Her stunning pictures of life in Wyoming make me wish I was better with a camera, and I love her crafty projects she shares. Make sure you let her know that Prairie Wife sent you when you stop by!

JsEverydayFashion.com

This is one of my favorite fashion blogs...and I could go on and ON about her amazing posts. On this blog J takes pictures she found online or in magazines, and then uses clothing she already has in her wardrobe to recreate the looks. Sometimes the look is almost exactly the same and other times she simply uses it for inspiration. Not only is she cute as can be but, it's a photoshop free zone, and she always gives you links to buy the clothing she is wearing or similar pieces (most of the time it's super affordable too). Stop by to get some inspiration to go shopping in your closet!

MyLifeSuckers.com

This is my go-to blog for a little comic relief. Not only are her mom parody videos a YouTube sensation but, her regular posts are just as funny! She isn't afraid to say it like it is (sound like another blogger you may know lol) and willingly shares the ups and downs of life as a suburban mom. I am also thrilled to announce that she is our Prairie Wife of the Week this week (stop by Friday to read her interview and enter her giveaway)! I can't wait to see what video she comes up with next, and I have to be honest, she's become a bit of an inspiration to us here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com!

Blogelina.com

This last blog is more for those of you that are bloggers, or aspire to have a blog of your own. There is so much more to blogging than sitting down and writing and Blogelina helps me to navigate the ins and outs and ups and down of the blogging world. Her posts are relevant and informative and she is one of the best about responding to your comments and questions! Whether your just dipping your toe into the blogging world, or you've been posting for years, I recommend that you stop by her site.

I'd love to hear about your favorite blogs, let me know so I can check them out!

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		In Memory of our Fallen Soldiers
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/in-memory-of-our-fallen-soldiers/
		Mon, 25 May 2015 12:00:46 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4074
		
		

As I sat down to type this post my first thought was for our two past Prairie Wives who know more than anyone the sacrifices that our military men and women are called to make for our country. General Kathy Wright is a hero not only for her service to our country but, for her contributions towards equality in the military. Our past Prairie Wife Kathryn’s story is the story of many of the wives in our country with husbands who serve overseas.

As I watch my two youngest boys running outside across the Prairie in their mudboots, the wind rushes through their hair and carries their laughter through our open windows. The joy I feel in watching this simple scene is followed by a pain in my heart.

There are many mothers out there that watched their children grow as I am watching mine, and with pride sent them off to fight for their country. Mother’s that will no longer know the sound of their name being called out by their child. Women who bear a sorrow that many of us pray daily to never know.

It is for these mothers that I will take a moment on Monday to draw my children close. To hold them in my arms when they can no longer hold theirs, and tell them the story of the brave men and women who fought for our country, for families and friends, and for millions of people they would never know. I will teach them about pride in our country and respect for the flag. I will tell them we must honor this land of the brave and strive to make it a better place.

We will close our eyes and say a prayer for all the fallen soldiers and the friends and family they have left behind. Afterwards, as my children run away to go enjoy their day off, as they stomp in Spring mud puddles and jump on the trampoline, I will smile and say a prayer of thanks to those mothers for their sacrifice.

God bless America and God bless our Soldiers and their families.

Copyright:  / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Shorty Swaddles #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/shorty-swaddles-giveaway/
		Wed, 27 May 2015 12:00:48 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4079
		
		squeezy pouches" were invented. The piece of mind I have with my Snuza Hero Monitor is invaluable, and how about those awesome zipper car seat covers that keep out the Wyoming snow, wind, and rain?

Here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com we consider it our job to let you know about the products that we think are awesome, and I love to hear that you love them too. Texas Two Steppin' can't live without her Heir Atelier Makeup Primer, and I've had more than five of our readers tell me they have purchased the vacuum I mentioned in this house cleaning post...and they all LOVE it and agree it is life changing! Click on our Gotta Have It tab at the top of the page to see more product reviews and remember to check out our Prairie Wife Guarantee.

When LittleMissH was born I received a special handmade gift from one of our past Prairie Wives. I had never heard of Shorty Swaddles before, and as it's a small company based in Wyoming I'm sure it's new to you as well. Shorty Swaddles are car seat swaddling blankets, and my new favorite baby product invention for 2015! With the Wyoming weather I often worry about my baby being warm enough, and when LittleMissH was born in February this was a big concern for me. Even with the zipper covers on my car seats, I often added another blanket on top of them. With Wyoming's cool and windy Spring and Fall mornings, my zipper cover was too much but, a regular blanket was too light or would blow off. With the other four Cowkids it was a constant battle to go from the car to the store...little did I know that the solution to my problem was being created just a few miles away!

LittleMissH in shortyShorty Swaddles are fabric swaddlers (they have light and heavier fabric choices) that simply lay in your car seat. You place your baby on top, buckle them in, and then swaddle them up...snug as a bug in a rug! I personally loved that I didn't need to remove the straps on my car seat to use the Shorty Swaddles. This makes it easy clean up if there is a diaper blow out or spit up mess while we are in the car. All you need to do is grab the Shorty Swaddle and throw it in the laundry with all all your other clothes! As you can see from the pic LittleMissH adores hers, and is super comfy and cozy in it.

To checkout the fabric choices, see more happy babies using Shorty Swaddles, watch how-to-videos and see Shorty Swaddles in action stop by their Instagram page.

I am thrilled to announce that we have the opportunity to give away a Shorty Swaddles here on the site. All you HAVE to do is leave a comment and tell us why you want a Shorty Swaddles of your own. You can earn more points towards the giveaway by following us on social media. Please be honest we will be checking.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		The Best Yes by Lysa TerKeurst
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/best-yes-review/
		Mon, 22 Jun 2015 12:00:16 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=3182
		
		The Best YesLysa TerKeurst, southern wife, mother of 5 and president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, walks women through a sound and wise biblical approach to making decisions about what to take on in our lives in The Best Yes: Making Wise Decisions in the Midst of Endless Demands. Her approach is practical, relatable, and fun to read. She encourages living with intention by listening to what God is calling us to take on, giving it 100 percent of ourselves to the responsibilities we call our Best Yes, and carefully considering how saying yes to what is asked of us will impact our resources (financial, emotional, physical, spiritual) and relationships.

TerKeurst asks "Who do I want to be? I want to be like the most non-frantic woman my family ever met, a woman who knows the gentle art of a life brush-stroked with her Best Yes, a woman who knows how to be lovingly present." These words made my heart light up. The whole book is food for your soul as it is rich in bringing biblical principles to modern life. Terkeurst encourages us to pause in that moment of wanting to please everyone and ask ourselves to consider first our time, ability, money, passion, and our season.

Even though at this point in my life I am careful to not overextend myself, The Best Yes confirmed that I need to guard my time for my family with extreme diligence. Considering finances are obvious, but it did not occur to me before that giving away my emotional resources took away from my time with God and my family.

If you are a woman trying to please everyone and tend to take on too much, or even if you just need a little extra help in saying no in the gentlest of ways, Lysa Terkeurst's The Best Yes should be next on your list of reads. What could you say no to to give more to what really matters in your life?]]>
		
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		Creamy Tropical Mango Ice-Cream
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/creamy-tropical-mango-ice-cream/
		Mon, 01 Jun 2015 12:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4085
		
		Creamy Tropical Mango Ice-cream Made In A Food Processor/Blender
Mango ice-cream

It’s getting hot these days. And what’s a better treat on a hot summer day than a refreshing ice-cream? But you don’t feel like making ice-cream at home, because you don’t have an ice-cream maker? We hear you, don’t bother getting an ice-cream maker, it will only take up space in your cupboard, and you’ll probably never use it.

However, do you have some over-ripe bananas sitting around? Probably quietly inside you feel a tiny bit bad about throwing them away, right? We’ve got your back, girl!

Stick them in the freezer and we will make some delicious ice-cream without an ice-cream maker! (** Note: The banana skin will turn black in the freezer. Do not panic! It is expected to do this.)

We promise, this ice-cream recipe is made for busy women, who has no time to waste with an ice-cream maker machine and still wants a healthy dessert to serve to her family.

No preservative, no unknown additives, no fancy unpronounceable ingredients!! 

Just healthy, quick & easy. That’s what this family dessert is all about!

The best part: It only requires 3 ingredients! That’s it! You probably already have all ingredients on hand! Ok, let’s get ice-cream-ed!

Serves 1-2    Preparation & Cook time: 3-5 minutes

    The rule is: 2 : 1 ratio, which means for every 1 banana portion, you need ½ mango portion
    
You’ll need:
[ ] 1 frozen riped banana, peeled, cut in small pieces before freezing
[ ] 1/2 cup / 95 gr frozen mango chunks (or frozen strawberries, or frozen raspberries… your choice)
[ ] 1 teaspoon condensed milk (or honey, or maple syrup, or regular syrup, or white sugar)

Tools:
[ ] Food processor or blender
[ ] Mixing spoon
[ ] Plastic container with a lid (used ice-cream container, used butter container, or Ziploc container)

Step 1:
Peel and cut a ripped banana in small pieces and store in a tight container with a lid inside the freezer at least 2 hours or better overnight.

Mango ice-cream

Step 2:
Add bananas, mango and condensed milk in a food processor (or a blender) and close the lid tightly. (You don’t want unexpected splashes). Hit the Start button.

Mango ice-cream

      
	
    • Keep blending: at first it will look crumbly. Something is wrong with this? Nope, it’s perfectly fine.
      • 
	
    • Keep blending: then it will look sandy. I’m pretty sure something is wrong.
      • 
	
    • Keep blending: then it will look slushy. Don’t stop, keep blending.
      • 
	
    • Keep blending: until you get this smooth creamy ice-cream texture. The total time to reach this result is about 4-5 minutes.
      • 

    
Tip: For consistent texture, occasionally scrape the mixture down with a mixing spoon. Unplug before you start sticking the spoon inside.

Variations: Try with berries instead of mango. But my all-time favorite is mango! It’s so good!

Step 3:
Scoop your ice-cream into a plastic container and close it with a lid.
Store in the freezer until your ice-cream is solid for at least 4 hours or until it reaches your desired outcome.

Mango ice-creamBefore enjoying your ice-cream. Leave the container out to sit on the counter for 10 minutes, so it’s a bit less cold to enjoy.
Give it a try tomorrow! This ice-cream will change your life. 

What is your favorite ice-cream flavor?

Nancy imadethisdish

 

Nancy is Editor-in-Chief at IMADETHISDISH.COM , she helps busy working moms looking to save time in the kitchen. Get a copy of your FREE Time saving Cookbook with 5 easy 20-Minute recipes and cooking videos at www.imadethisdish.com]]>    
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week June 5th, 2015 #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-june-5th-2015-giveaway/
		Fri, 05 Jun 2015 12:00:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4089
		
		 enter to win our Tasty Treat Giveaway! It includes an Isagenix shaker bottle, IsaDelight Chocolates, Lemon Passion Crunch Bar, Honey-Almond Fiber Bar, Replenish Vitamin Sports Drink and a $29.00 coupon for a Free Membership when you order a qualifying system pack!

amy shoes

BonitaBlueEyes (B): Tell us about you and your family:

AmyAmy (A): I’m married, and I have 3 children, ages 22, 16 and 8. My husband and I met in Phoenix, Arizona and moved to Casper in the 90’s. My husband is originally from Casper. I am a real estate agent of 18 years, of which I love. However, I also have a successful network marketing business that I do in the pockets of my life. Helping people comes natural to me, I just love it!

B: Your networking involves one of my favorite products, Isagenix. How were you introduced to the business?

A: In 2011, my best friend from Arizona kicked 10 sticky pounds and had amazing results with this wellness product. I was so impressed by her experience that I felt that it was the perfect match for what I was looking for. So, I started on the program and quickly had similar results. I went on to lose 25 lbs and 25 inches in 90 short days. I got my energy back, started sleeping better, feeling better, could focus more and people could not help but notice. So not only was I impressed with the results, I was intrigued with the business opportunity. I became excited and began sharing with others.

B: Isagenix offers a whole array of health products and is the world’s pioneer in nutritional cleansing. How would you explain nutritional cleansing to our readers?

A: Toxins and stress in our environment subject our bodies to continual risk of poor health. Once you begin cleansing you’ll notice you will feel cleaner (kinda like after you take a shower, just on the inside instead), and more energized. You’ll be healthier and a possibly a few pounds lighter too! Nutritional cleansing is a blend of natural botanicals along with vitamins and minerals that support the body, which helps fight against the toxins of our modern world.

Slim cakesB: Tell us about your favorite product:

A: I would have to say our amazing healthy chocolate. I’m a bit of a chocoholic and these milk/or dark chocolate delights satisfy my cravings for sugar. They are low in calories, infused with green tea so you get a boost of natural energy plus, they improve your mood and help burn fat! Sounds crazy, but it’s true! I can barely go a day without at least 3!

B: Your energy was evident to me as I spent a lot of time learning about Isagenix with you. How do you keep up that energy and excitement with all of your other time commitments?

A: When you are filled with such a passion to help others, you find the time. I’m a multi-tasker, so just like many mommies out there I learn how to manage my time wisely. I structure my day in a way that allows to me give where it’s needed. Getting kids ready for school, running to the office, showing homes, introducing someone to our business model, sharing product results, ballet at 4:30, and off to the grocery store. Once dinner is on the table, homework is complete and everyone is settled in , I may jump on a team call, update my facebook pages, set a face to face meeting for the next day then wind down in a warm bath and good book. It’s amazing the results you can achieve when you set your focus on what’s important. To me, it’s freedom.

B: Tell us more about this freedom!

working freedomA: It was my own personal wellness experience that brought me to a place where I realized there was more to life and more to what I wanted to do with it. I spent the past several years beating the pavement in my real estate career, my husband traveling a lot and too much time away from the family. I didn’t want that anymore. I started with a decision, to be home more. Though my career could financially get me there, it was the "time freedom" I so desired. Isagenix is simply a vehicle that allows me to have time and financial freedom. Working from the comfort of my home opened up opportunities that allowed me to participate and be part of the things that are important to me.

B:What do you do with your “time freedom”?

A: I enjoy spending time in my garden, camping with my family in the mountains, reading books on personal development, and traveling. I love the ocean, going to Red Rocks and warmer weather. We are an outdoorsy family. I love supporting, encouraging, lifting up, and creating inspiration in other's lives.

B: This financial freedom you are talking about with Isagenix comes from residual income. Can you explain how residual income works?

A: It’s a continual stream of income even when you’re not on the clock. Owning rental units, collecting royalties, investing in a savings or investment program. In this case, we are talking about the financial freedom I've achieved with the network marketing profession. With Isagenix not only are you showing people how to improve their health, you’re showing them how to improve their wealth. With a lot of passion and determination, you can create a beautiful income in a reasonable amount of time. No more trading time for dollars such as you do in a traditional job.

B: How do you find balance between your real estate career, Isagenix, and your family life?

A: If it is important to you, you find the time. If it is convenient, you’ll find excuses. At first, I wasn’t so balanced. It takes dedication to fit this into the pockets of my life, so in between showing a house, having a meeting, I make a call to a friend. I share with them what I’m doing and invite them to learn more. I structure my day where I can run my real estate business, grow my Isagenix business and spend quality time with God, my family, and for myself. I don’t waiver from that. It may sound rigid, but it’s actually not. It is the structure that creates the balance. All of those areas of my life deserves attention, so I value them all. I do not let one fall below the other.

B: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

A: Let go of the control that keeps you out of control. Stop trying to control everything you do and how you do it. When you let go of that, you’ll begin to open up a sense of freedom that is liberating. You’ll begin to attract the right people and the right situations into your life. Become so clear about what you want that you’re unstoppable! Never forget that words and thoughts are powerful. What you believe in will be. So if you believe that you can’t do something, or you’ll never have what you want, you’ll get just that. But, if you begin to believe that you are worthy of a life that you deserve, then things will start changing for you. I promise, this is true! I’ve learned to let go of things in my past that I can’t change and I’ve learned to live in the moment.

The past is history, tomorrow is a mystery, live for today.

If you have any questions feel free to leave them in the comments or contact  Amy Lund  307-262-7475 or click this link to schedule a 30 Minute Consultation!

All you have to do to enter our giveaway is comment below and tell us why you want to try Isagenix! You can follow us on social media to earn more points towards the giveaway. Please be honest, we WILL be checking!

Our Tasty Treat Giveaway includes an Isagenix shaker bottle, IsaDelight Chocolates, Lemon Passion Crunch Bar, Honey-Almond Fiber Bar, Replenish Vitamin Sports Drink and a $29.00 coupon for a Free Membership when you order a qualifying system pack!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Copyright: antonioguillem / 123RF Stock Photo
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		Keep Calm and Prairie Wife On
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/keep-calm-and-prairie-wife-on/
		Sat, 30 May 2015 12:00:31 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4091
		
		where I blog and I plan to do a post about my blogging process in the near future. Today I had planned to put up a post about starting a vegetable garden in Wyoming. Our arid and changeable climate offers certain challenges and when you add to that 4 Cowkid helpers...I knew it would be a fun post. But, Mother Nature has different plans, and due to excessive rain we continue to be unable to start our garden!

KC navy frontNo biggie though, I've simply stuck to one of our philosophy's here on the blog "Keep Calm and Prairie Wife On" and decided to let you know about a fun (and I think exciting) new part of the blog. As you know one of my obsessions is fashion and how the "real American woman" can afford to look stylish and use inspiration from the fashion runways to create a chic look for herself.

Right now shirts with sayings on them are really popular not to mention fun to wear! I love my Surf Wyoming gear and another brand I adore is LovedbyHannahandEli their "Mama Bear" line is awesome. They dress up my yoga pants, look cute with boyfriend jeans and sandals and are a great conversation piece.

Here on the blog we decided to create a few limited edition PrairieWifeInHeels.com shirts and our first design was released for purchase earlier this month. Just click the ad and picture on the side of this page to get to the PrairieWifeInHeels.com store or click this link. We will be issuing more designs (and even some fun kids shirts) as the summer goes on, and depending on the demand some long sleeve shirts this fall.

reader wearing KC pinkOur T-shirts are soft, wash and dry without bleeding onto other clothes and mine haven't shrunk yet! They are slightly fitted but are made for women (not juniors) so are a longer cut with a little more room in the middle area (because we all need that). It was important to me that these shirts are affordable because no matter how cute a shirt is it's hard to justify paying $35 for one when your on a budget. So with that in mind the cost of our t-shirts is only $20! I'm thrilled to say that we are almost sold out of some sizes and colors (so go get yours now before it's too late).

The feedback from our readers has been great. Follow us Facebook and Instagram to see pictures that they've shared of themselves wearing our Prairie Wife gear (like this super cute one on the left) and stop by the store to get your shirt and show your Prairie Wife Pride today!]]>
		
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		Is it Summer Yet?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/is-it-summer-yet/
		Wed, 03 Jun 2015 16:21:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4101
		
		recent addition of LittleMissH to our family is contributing to this feeling, after all it's one more kid to feed, get dressed, and buckled into the car seat by 7:30.

screaming toddler in car seatThe Cowkid's school front desk staff can vouch that in the last two weeks they have been 5 minutes late more than the whole rest of the year added up together. Cowboy J is a nervous wreck every morning constantly asking me if we will be on time or not (guess how calm my reaction is to being nagged by a 9 year old about being late). But frankly, I really don't give a care! I'm over it. I'm over packing lunches, nagging the Cowkids to eat their breakfast, checking the clock every five minutes, wrestling Cowboy C onto the the potty and then into clothes, making myself look presentable to volunteer at school, driving 30 minutes to school, waking kids up from naps in time for pickup, studying spelling words, and making sure everyone is in bed on time so they are rested for the next day...

Aren't you exhausted just reading that?!

angry boyI have completely stopped pulling out my kids' white uniform shirts from the rest of their laundry. Their gray tinted clothes are a symbol of my mental state, go ahead and judge me! I have less than a week and then we will be ready for a summer of playing at the park, road trips, Cheyenne Frontier Days and endless hours of doing absolutely nothing but hanging out together as a family.

 

Remind me to look at this post in August when I will surely be singing another tune. But for now, as I meet you at pickup time wearing the same dingy baseball hat, sweats and  Prairie Wife shirt I wore yesterday, let's just make eye contact and wink. 'Cause we both know we are one more day closer to freedom!

jumping lady

Copyright: marchibas / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: sifotography / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: andresr / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		What Your Daughters Should Know
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/what-your-daughters-should-know/
		Mon, 08 Jun 2015 12:00:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4120
		
		Cowgirl G wants to be a fashion designer when she grows up. Those of you that follow PrairieWifeInHeels.com on Instagram have seen pictures of her design work. Though I know I am biased, even Nina Garcia (one of my daughters role models) the creative director of Marie Claire Magazine has noticed her! We've spent a lot of time watching Project Runway together and having serious conversations about the clothing and the creative process as a whole. With the creation of Project Runway Threads this year she has her eyes set on the prize, and has asked for sewing lessons this summer. Even if she eventually changes her mind, I don't see any harm in encouraging her to work hard towards her goals of fashion stardom.

 

Recently she has begun to create mood boards of pictures cut out from magazines. It's become a special "girl time" for us and she loves to snuggle up with me and look through my fashion magazines. I can see her inner voice growing stronger as we agree and disagree about various outfits and trends. I constantly talk about how fashion is like everything else in life, if you love it it's beautiful, and everyone has a different opinion.  We talk about what is appropriate for her age, and what is appropriate for adults. It's led to many conversations about modestly in fashion and personal expression.

As we paged through InStyle Magazine today I was struck by how ironic it is that these magazines that are giving her confidence, helping her develop her voice, and fueling her drive...may in the future, end up taking her individuality away and harm her spirit. I decided to have a chat about it as we sat looking at an ad for some makeup.

"Cowgirl G do you see her face, how perfect and smooth and all one color it is?" She nodded.

"Did you know that's not real? They make it look like that with a computer. Look at our faces...I have red on my cheeks and lines on my neck. You have sweet freckles on your nose and your eyes crinkle when you smile." She looked at the picture closely and then asked...

"Why? Why would they do that?" I paused as I thought of an explination (because really...why do they do that).

"You know how we talk about how everyone has a different idea of beautiful? Well I think freckles on noses are beautiful but the people in the magazine think all one color is beautiful." I turned to a swimsuit ad. "And see this? Maybe the models really look like that but, maybe the person doing the ad decided to make her belly button bigger and make this women's arms longer. So, when you look at pictures in magazines you need to remember they are art, they aren't all real."

Cowgirl G thought for a moment and then began to turn the page carefully discussing the clothes as always but occasionally pointing out when a picture was "real" or "art". I felt that I had done something good for my daughter, perhaps even great, pointing out that the pictures in the magazine were to be appreciated as art rather than something to aspire too.

beautiful imagesLater on as the Cowkids took a nap I stumbled upon this article in the Huffington Post about a woman on a body image mission. Beautiful pictures of beautiful REAL women and their bodies. As I continue on my own postpartum journey , I found myself breathing a sigh of relief and smiling through relieved tears. To see these women that looked just like me (wobbley bits, stretch marks and lack of thigh gap) and for my first thought to be "they are perfect the way they are" was powerful. It reminded me that I better start listening to my own words and think of my own body as a work of art...a beautiful, powerful, and ever changing work of art.

I showed Cowgirl G these images and asked what she thought...just to see what she would say.

As I paged through she said "Did they change all these ones?" I simply shook my head no. "But they all look beautiful?!"

"Because that's how they look in real life, beautiful!" I said as I kissed her on the head and sent her on her way.]]>
		
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		The Beginning of Our Garden
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-beginning-of-our-garden/
		Wed, 10 Jun 2015 12:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4130
		
		

I used this opportunity to have Cowboy W practice his writing skills, and he worked SO hard to create our row markers!

Cowboy W labeling

I think they turned out great!

potaotes

I just love watching The Cowboy and the Cowkids together, it warms my heart.

working with dad

Even LittleMissH came out to enjoy some fun. Our cat Mr. Sprinkles made sure she was safe.

LittleMissH and Sprinkles

In the end I think our "little" garden looks pretty great! Follow us on Instagram to see more pictures of it as it grows.

all done planting]]>
		
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		Summer 2015 Beauty and Accessory Dos and Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/summer-2015-beauty-and-accessory-do-and-donts/
		Mon, 15 Jun 2015 12:00:18 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4142
		
		in our Spring post and it's now one of the biggest makeup trends for the summer (just follow our advice and if you're older stick to matte)! Full eyebrows and booties...we were talking about those in 2014! But enough bragging...

We've picked out five beauty and accessories that are cropping up for the summer, and as always Texas Two Steppin' and I are battling over our personal Dos and Dont's! Texas Two Steppin' is a business woman (and a grandmother of 1.5) in her 40s and I'm a 30-something stay-at-home mom of five living in the middle of nowhere Wyoming but with a city girl edge I just can't seem to get rid of...it really is amazing we ever agree on anything LOL!

tall galdiator sandal Tall Gladiator Sandals

Prairie Wife:  This is one of those trends that looks great in theory but in real life I just have to say it's a DON'T for me. I love the punk edge these sandals give flowy dresses and cut-off shorts but, to me they just look like a lot of trouble. The big long zipper is sure to break or snag your skin, and the ones that tie will just end up slipping down over the course of the day. If you aren't blessed with long legs they can also make your legs look shorter (and stumpier) than they really are. I am a huge fan of the ankle high gladiator sandals, I have a silver and gold pair I adore, but these tall gladiator sandals just don't work for me...can I also add one more thing? Tan lines!

Texas Two Steppin': When PW and I plan these posts, we usually don't go into too many details so our response is genuine, but we do decide who gets to put their comments in first. This time PW got to go first, and she took all of my best comments and remarks, especially the word of caution about tan lines! I too have had several pairs of ankle high gladiators over the past few years, but this trend is a DON'T.

pastel eye makeupPastel Eye Makeup

Prairie Wife: We talked about pastel nails in our Spring 2015 post and just like the nails, pastel eye makeup is a DO! Now, that being said there is an appropriate time and place for this makeup. A job interview...no...a night out with the girls or a brunch with your boyfriend and his family? Yes! For younger gals feel free to mix it up and use multiple colors. For us older gals, stick with a pastel eyeliner with a nude eyeshadow or just one color eyeshadow (lavender looks great on all skin tones) with a brown eyeliner.

Texas Two Steppin': Wow, we sure are agreeing on the trends this season! I say it is a DO, but if you are over the age of 25 you really need to stay away from pastel blue and green shades as it will make you look like you are trying way too hard to look younger than your age. But I do wear lavender shadow with plum eyeliner to the office all of the time, and peach and brown are the perfect combo once you have a light tan (via self-tanner, of course). If you are doing pink, just make sure you aren't too heavy handed when you put on your shadow and you are very cautious highlighting your cheekbones. Trust me, you don't want to look like you were being lazy and put blush on your eyes instead of your cheeks.

floppy sun hatBig Floppy Sun Hats

Prairie Wife: I love this look and it's a DO for me! I have my own navy and cream stripped sun hat that I wore on  my "Elk Hunting" trip with the girls last year. Not only does this hat make you instantly feel like a 1950's movie star but it hides a multitude of sins. Messy hair, blotchy skin, or smudged eye makeup...slap on this hat and no one can tell at all. It's also great to take off and cleverly use to hide your postpartum pooch in those pool side pics ;)

Texas Two Steppin': I do admit it is a glamorous look, but for me it is a DON'T. Why? At the beach the wide brim turns the hat into a glider and I spend all of my time holding the hat on my head with one hand. On the boat, I end up taking up an extra seat, and I spend all of my time holding the hat on my head with one hand. When we go out to our favorite seaside restaurant/bar, we can't get a good "couple selfie" when I'm wearing a hat, because for every picture I have to hold the hat on my head with one hand (are you sensing the pattern here) . For me, a cute baseball hat or a straw fedora is the more practical option.

Stone BarretteBold Barrettes

Prairie Wife: I get the point of these. Right now I'm growing my hair out, so I have even found myself contemplating purchasing them but, in the end it's a DON'T for me. I think they are just too grade school for me. I'd rather put my hair in a pony with my hair wrapped around the band, or even a messy mom bun than use a barrette. It just doesn't appeal to me!

Texas Two Steppin': These are a DO for me. I have a layered bob, so I often pull all of my hair back in a barrette or do a half-up/half-down look instead of a basic ponytail because it looks a bit more polished for the office. I also have long, sweeping bangs over one eye, and there are certain days and humidity conditions that just demand my hair is off my face. Rather than a bobby pin, I gravitate toward a unique barrette that goes with my outfit, and I encourage you to give it a try too.

porcelain skinPorcelain Skin

Prairie Wife: With my SADD I am a lover of the sun, nothing makes me feel better than to walk outside and get a warm hug from those Vitamin D filled rays. But, we all know that sun can kill so, I make sure I put on sunscreen daily (I love Rodan and Fields brand). I no longer visit tanning beds like I did in my college years, and I slather sunscreen on my kids now that summer is here. For health reasons I say porcelain skin is a DO. I think this picture is a bit too much, and I encourage you to check out some of the amazing bronzers on the market. They give you just a hint of color and flush and help define your facial features. Don't get me wrong though, I'm a huge fan of all those fake tanning lotions, after all I don't want to scare people when I pull on my shorts and skirts!

Texas Two Steppin': As sisters we share a lot, including SADD, an addiction to sunscreen, avoidance of tanning beds, and love of a good bronzer. I agree it is a DO for health reasons, but as someone with olive skin I will never achieve this look, even after a long winter or years of avoiding the Texas sun. Plus I honestly think that tan cellulite looks better than pale cellulite. For years I have been a fan of using both a high-SPF sunscreen and a Jergens self-tanner, so if you don't do porcelain, try this healthy "tanning" technique.

Want some more beauty tips and tricks? Stop by the blog the first week of July for 2015 Summer Beauty Must Haves!

 

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		Chicken Fried Cauliflower Rice (gluten free)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/chicken-fried-cauliflower-rice-gluten-free/
		Sat, 13 Jun 2015 12:00:06 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4150
		
		working out and watching each others kids. More often than not, another girlfriend and her kiddos come by and it turns into one big party! Not all of my friends have the same freedom as me in meal choices. BonitaBlueEyes is a vegetarian and several friends of mine are gluten free. Rather than be defeated by this I see it as a challenge and over the years I've created some great recipes that meet their needs and taste great! This is one of our new favorites for our family. Not only does it only take a few minutes to create but it's super healthy (and it's easy to double the recipe for a large crowd). To make it vegetarian simply leave out the chicken or cook it on the side so whoever wants it can add it in. I can't wait to hear how much you love this meal, or any ways that you change it to make it your own!

Chicken Fried Cauliflower RiceChicken Fried Cauliflower Rice
Time: 30 min Servings: 6-8

Ingrediants
2 large chicken breasts thawed
1 large head of uncooked Cauliflower
1 12oz bag of frozen mixed vegetables (or fresh veggies are fine too)
1/2 med onion coarsely chopped
2 cloves of garlic minced
1 tbsp olive oil
2 eggs
4 tbsp of soy sauce (if making gluten free use gluten free soy sauce)
Salt and Pepper to taste

1. Place thawed chicken breast into glass dish and put in oven at 375 for 30 minutes or until all the way cooked.
2. While chicken is cooking use a blender or food processor to finely chop the Cauliflower. I recommend chopping the head into smaller pieces to make the blending easier.
3. When you have about 15 minutes left for chicken to cook, place olive oil, veggies, chopped onion, and minced garlic into large pan on medium heat. Stir until the veggies are cooked, about 8 minutes.
4. Push veggies into corner of the pan and crack two eggs on the other half, cook well and scramble.
5. Combine eggs, veggies, cauliflower, soy sauce, and salt and pepper in pan.
6. Take the chicken out of the oven and coarsely chop it. Add it into the mixture and stir well. Serve hot!]]>
		
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		5 Ways to Fall In Love With Running (again)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/5-ways-to-fall-in-love-with-running-again/
		Sat, 27 Jun 2015 12:00:04 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4154
		
		 I began running five years ago before I became pregnant with Cowboy W, and while it took me weeks to run even one mile without stopping I fell in love with it! Now I'm up to being able to run a 10k in under an hour and a new goal of a half marathon is in my sites. I plan to reach that goal next year, it would be too much stress to try and reach it this year, so soon after the birth of LittleMissH. That being said I have found myself feeling bored with running and more often than not my motivation just isn't there. Once I force myself to get started and hit that 1 mile mark, I get the "runners high" and all is well but, I wanted to share some tricks I have been using to find that motivation to get going!

1. Update Your Playlist
This is one of the easiest ways to freshen up your run! I always find that when I add a few new songs to my running playlist my whole run seems more exciting. My current favs are Geronimo, Shut up and Dance, and Fight Song...as soon as they start to play I find myself smiling and kicking it into high gear! Don't forget to add these great songs too.

running new trail2. Run Somewhere New
For the sake of ease (remember I have five kids and a husband that's gone all week) I usually run in two places. Either the dirt road outside our house or the two lane highway located by TallGirlJ's place. While the Prairie views with the mountains and cows in the background are stunning, I'm getting a little bored with my route. The other day I switched it up and ran at a park in town, it felt great, challenged me in new ways, and resulted in one of my best running times of the summer! Just switching your route every few weeks is a great way to get re-energized!

3. Reward Yourself
One of the best ways for me to ensure that I keep on running is to set a goal for myself. Sometimes it's a time goal, more often than not it's a distance one, and currently it's a weight loss goal (10lb of baby weight left). For me the best thing to keep me motivated is a little bribery! When I lost my last 10lb I went in and got a new pair of running shoes and a few new bright colored running tops (maybe get yourself one of our awesome Prairie Wife shirts). Not only did it feel great to buy the new workout gear guilt free but, my new gear makes me more excited to get dressed and go.

freinds at race4. Use the Buddy System
Over a year later and I still love my FitBit, feeling it vibrate and declare I met my step goal and then taking a look at all my extra steps on my running days is a big motivator for me. FitBit recently added challenges to their software and I love to do these! You simply pick a list of friends and challenge them to meet their goal or beat you in steps over the course of a day, weekend, or work week. Seeing everyone racing to beat me ensures I don't skip my run, and I even tend to push it a little farther. I have found that scheduling to run with someone else (read about our mama boot camp here) not only ensures that I won't skip my workout but, we tend to touch base over the course of the week as well and encourage each other.

5. Enter a Race
TallGirlJ and I signed up for an Insane Inflatable 5k last year when we were still pregnant. We knew that paying the money and having a race to prepare for would get us off our postpartum butts and moving! Nothing is more exhilarating than meeting up with a bunch of friends to run/walk a race! The fun of making some great memories (follow PrairieWifeInHeels.com on Instagram to see pics) and having my family at the finish line to cheer for me can't be beat. I also love that so many races take the money and donate it to a great cause, it's a wonderful way to help myself and my community! Get inspired by reading about this Prairie Wife who completed the Boston Marathon.

What keeps you motivated to keep running?
Copyright: stockbroker / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: maridav / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		You Can Be a Runner...Really!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/you-can-be-a-runner-really/
		Wed, 17 Jun 2015 12:00:27 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4156
		
		I am not an athlete. I have never in my life participated in organized sports and with my severe lack of depth perception and peripheral vision, I can barley walk down my own hallway without running into the walls. That being said about five years ago I became a runner. It was a slow and steady process, and one that has been full of ups and downs and sputtering stops and sporadic starts but, now I can run a 10k in under an hour. Not bad for someone that's not an athlete right?! I went from panting and out of breath, unable to go even a block to craving running and loving that "runners high". I've used it to help me drop the weight from the last three Cowkids (still 10lb to go from LittleMissH but almost there) and The Cowboy can vouch that when I get my two runs a week I am a better woman, wife and mother.

Now that the weather is warming up it's the perfect time to start running. If you've ever dreamed of being that person crossing the finish line of a 5k, or if you are simply looking for a way to shed a few pounds and feel better about yourself I encourage you to try running. Below is a list sharing how TallGirlJ and I began running, but please remember that I am not a doctor nor a trained athletic instructor. Please consult a professional before beginning any new training routine.

Step One: Prepare
researching runningI think it's vital to prepare yourself before you start running. If you just dive into it you are more likely to run into road blocks (no pun intended) that will prevent you from meeting your goals. Do some reading (stop by our Health and Motivation Board on Pinterest for some more great articles) and come up with a "training plan" that will work for you. Find a buddy that will help motivate you. Perhaps you can do a mama boot camp, swap watching each other's kids while you run, or simply check in weekly via text. Buy some workout gear. Don't go crazy with it, you can get a decent pair of running shoes on Amazon.com for under $50. Buy two sets of pants and two good sports bras to get yourself started. Trust me when I say it's worth it to get the tight runners leggings! Nothing is worse than going for your first run and ending up with thigh chaffing so badly that you have to take a week off for it to heal (this may have happened to me). Now that I'm running longer distances I like the runners shirts that keep me cool but at first a plain old tank top or t-shirt is fine. Download a kick ass play list on your iPod as well as the NikeRun App, and purchase a good armband and you're all set.

Step Two: Create a Training Plan
making a running planThere is a famous quote that says if you fail to plan, you plan to fail. With running I think this is where most people go wrong. Creating a training plan will make sure that you give yourself a chance to be successful, allows you to really see your progress, which will in turn will motivate you to continue moving forward as a runner. The first thing you need to do is find a place to run. Talk to friends of yours that are runners and find out where they recommend. Often people plan to just run in their neighborhood but, this can be hard if there are lots of intersections or too many hills for a beginner. You also need to be planning to run the same route for the first four weeks so pick something that you can get to easily and conveniently. Measure the distance of your route. A two mile route is a great distance to start. Take your car and drive your planned route or strap on you iPod, turn on the NikeRunning app and walk your route to know your distance. You will need to find a landmark so you know where a mile from your start is. This way you can turn and go back for a total of two miles. Schedule your runs and stick with them. Perhaps a set day and time won't work for you. I find it too hard to plan more than a week ahead when I will be running. Instead set a goal like "I will run twice a week"...and make sure it happens!

Step Three: Start Running
This is the best part! You've done all your prep work, you look hot in all your new running gear, you've got your route mapped out, those kick ass tunes are blaring in your ears, now it's time to go. Start with a quick walk to warm up. Pick a landmark, a distance, or a time. Something that will tell you when it's going to be time to stop walking and start running. I liked to pick a landmark like a driveway. I would walk until I hit that point and then start running. Don't worry about your pace or how far you are going just run until you want to die...and then count ten steps more. Make a note of where you stopped because you will need to run to that point again on your next run. Slow to a fast walk and recover, it may take you five minutes to get your breath back, perhaps 10. Don't worry about how long it takes, it is what it is! When you recover take a deep breath, make a note of where you are and start running again. Just like you did before run until you want to die (don't be hard on yourself if it's not as far as you ran the first time)...and then count 10 steps more. Slow to a fast walk and recover and repeat until your two miles are done.

Step Four: Push It
running You made it through your first run (it dosn't mater if you mostly walked it, you ran for some of it so it counts as a run)! Now it's time to push it. Do the same running pattern for a week (whether you run twice a week or four times stay on the same plan). When you run the next week push it, go 10 more steps past where you stopped the last week, go two driveways further, go to the next intersection...it doesn't mater how much you push it, just make sure that each time you run you run further than the last time. Don't forget to remember your new stop and start spots! Run this running pattern for another week and then the next week...you guessed it...push it again. On your fourth week, if you feel ready, try and skip at least two of your recovery times and simply run through them. You may need to slow your pace, just keep running. If you're feeling really good try and run the whole two miles (I bet you'll be surprised at what you can do)! When you can run the whole two miles keep on pushing yourself to go a little further or a little faster each time (the NikeRunning app is great for helping you keep track) and soon you'll be ready to sign up for you first 5k race!

Let me know how you help yourself to run farther and faster!

Copyright: agencyby / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: maurus / 123RF Stock Photo
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		Summer 2015 Fashion Dos and Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/summer-2015-fashion-dos-and-donts/
		Wed, 24 Jun 2015 12:00:05 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4175
		
		Summer 2015 Beauty and Accessory Dos and Don'ts post we are more than a little psychic when it comes to fashion. Large floral prints are everywhere right now, and we were talking about them as a fashion DO last year! So I guess what I'm saying is...pay attention ladies cause if we say it's a DO chances are it's worth making a purchase...assuming you like it too. As always click the pic to buy the item!

Don't forget to tell us what you think about these trends, agree or disagree? We'd love to hear from you!

pastel leatherPastel Leather Jackets

Prairie Wife: I don't think many of you will be surprised when you hear me say that this is a DO in my fashion book. I love my oxblood leather jacket, but the color is a little to dark for me to wear in the Spring and Summer. A pastel leather coat is perfect for this time of year in Wyoming when it still gets cool enough at night that we need a little bit of cover. I love that this one from Forever21 is only $25 (it's not real leather but is that really a big deal?) so you can indulge in the trend without shelling out big bucks. Also, wearing pastels was huge this winter, and I don't see that trend going away anytime soon...My favorite colors are the cream and baby blue because they go with almost every color pallet. Take a look at my Prairie Wife Style Board on Pinterest to get some inspiration for how you can wear this look year round!

Texas Two Steppin': I had to LOL when PW talks about wearing a leather jacket outside this time of year--it has been 80 degrees for months here in Texas! I do say that this trend is a DO, but for me I wear my pastel leather jackets at the office instead of a sweater to avoid AC frostbite. I have a light gray jacket reminiscent of a swing cardigan from Trouve and a beautiful, weathered coral motorcycle jacket with ruffles. I, like PW, am a bit addicted to this look, and I often just drape the jacket over my shoulders for a more casual/cool look. I have a few pinned to the Two Steppin' Style Board on Pinterest, but I am totally lusting after the ones in blush or pure white.

culottesCulottes

Prairie Wife: This is a trend that has me torn. I love the idea of a culotte, and TallGirlJ has a pair that I am SO jealous of (they look ahhhmazinnng on her). It's a breezy yet chic look in summer and they can be worn in the Fall and Winter with slim knee high boots or even booties. That being said you have to try these on before you buy them! An appropriate cut and length is vital if you are going to pull off this look. Also, you need to wear a close fitting top with these, too flowy and you end up looking way heavier than you are. I guess I am going to say that these are a cautious DO from me.

Texas Two Steppin': Yes, proceed with caution ladies and do not put down your debit card unless you try the culottes on. When Step Girl was in high school she had a denim pair that was so incredibly flattering on her that I started looking for a pair for me. More than a decade later, I still haven't found the perfect ones. I wish you better luck than I have had, and I'll leave you with one last tip--I think these are a DO in black or navy, but other colors make a tricky style even trickier to pull off.

off shoulder topOff-the-Shoulder Tops

Prairie Wife:  This look is a DON'T for me. It's just too hippie for me. I'm all about Boho Chic but to me this looks a little too Thrift Store, and not in the good vintage way. Also, with my massive man shoulders this cut is just not flattering on me at all! I have friends that wear these, and on them somehow it works but, for me its just a no....sorry. I do have to sneak in that I do like the "cold shoulder" cut, I think it's a little more modern and flattering on more body types.

Texas Two Steppin': Ever since I saw that famous scene in Flashdance, I have been a fan of the off the shoulder look. I had a few off the shoulder tops in the '80s, but I like mine with a bit more structure than the one pictured here because I can't pull off Boho. I say they are a total DO because for me, baring the collar bone but not cleavage is appropriately sexy. In fact, my wedding dress featured a cream off-the-shoulder top that was inspired by Cinderella's ball gown (cheesy but true). Give it a try, but be aware that most designers use elastic to keep the top in place and after a few hours the top of the blouse can be annoying and/or binding.

Coordinated Separates

coordinated seperatesPrairie Wife: I love Taylor Swift, and it's partly because of her that this trend is so big right now. Coordinated separates are everywhere and are even creeping up on the red carpet instead of gowns. I think this look is great, and a wonderful way to buy one outfit that you can then break up and use many times over. I think this is a DO but, as with all things you need to pay attention to your lifestyle and body type. A crop top won't work for everyone and if the pattern is too bold and obvious you might not get as many chances to wear it (everyone will recognize it). My concern personally is that I really don't have anyplace to wear the whole ensemble...it's an awfully dressy look. But, if I found a cute one I would probably get it and make it work lol!

Texas Two Steppin': PW, it's no fair that you wrote your comment first because you took all of my comments. I think the separates in a bold pattern shown here are awesome and would work for a day at the office or a daytime wedding. On weekends I can see myself wearing it with heels for drinks on date night or with flat sandals for a weekend BBQ. I'd also pair the skirt with a white T-shirt or the top with a pair of shorts or jeans for a more casual look. This is totally versatile and a great buy; yup it's a DO.

kimono cardiganKimono Cardigans

Prairie Wife: I'm all about big flowers and the boho chic look has definitely crept up in my wardrobe. But this look I just can't support, it's a DON'T for me. I think it looks a little too much like a walk of shame outfit. I'm all for wearing comfy clothes in public (I totally fess up to wearing yoga pants often to run errands) but I don't like the "I just grabbed this from off the floor and threw it on" look. That's what I think of when I see women walking around with knee length Kimono Cardigans on over their t-shirts and jeans, especially if they have the belt still on. Shorter ones like the one in the picture are better but...still a little too hippie for me.

Texas Two Steppin': OK, I will be the first to admit that at my age I can't pull this off (I ordered one last year and had to return it). But if I was in my 20s I would so be rocking this. I think the perfect kimono is a floral on a dark background and stay away from anything with fringe, pom poms or a literal Eastern print. Maybe it's the gypsy in me, but there is something so summery and carefree about the kimono--DO!

What trends make you feel summery and carefree this season?

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		Prairie Wife Of the Week June 19, 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-june-19-2015/
		Fri, 19 Jun 2015 12:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4183
		
		we attended the University of Wyoming at the same time but, my husband had worked with her brother and I had taught in the same school district (and knew) her mother. In Wyoming we always say "You know one person, you know them all!" and the saying is SO true. Jen and I saw each other sporadically over the years but rekindled our friendship when Cowgirl G and her daughter attended preschool together. I had just begun running and found myself often chatting with her and asking her for advice. Her upbeat "you can do it" attitude encouraged me to continue on my runners journey.

When I found out that Jen was participating in the Boston Marathon this year I wasn't surprised in the least. She is one of the strongest most dedicated women I know. Even though she asked our Mom's Bible Group to pray for her on her qualifying race, I knew she already had it in the bag! I am so proud to say I know her. I can't wait for you to read her interview and become inspired by her to dream big, work hard, and achieve your goals!

jen shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about you and your family.

Jen (J): I am proud to be a native Wyoming girl! I was born and raised in the "big city" of Cheyenne. Upon graduation from High School, I ventured 45 minutes away to Laramie to attend the University of Wyoming (UW).
I LOVED my time there as a member of the UW Cross Country and Track & Field teams. I majored in Communication with an em1phasis in Sports Journalism. My plan was to become an ESPN anchor. Long story short...that was not God's plan.

Instead, I interned for a minor league baseball team in Casper where I met my husband. As a young married couple, we enjoyed a four year stint in Salt Lake City while Todd had an awesome job with a Major League Soccer team. While there, I went back to school and achieved a Masters in Elementary Education.I taught one year before the arrival of our first daughter {Ava now 6).

With a new baby we wanted to be closer to family so we headed back to Casper to put down roots. For the next four years, I had the privilege of teaching part time at St. Anthony Tri - Parish Catholic School. Meanwhile, God blessed us with two more babies (Maya, age 4 & Lucas, age 2)! He also put the idea of becoming a stay at home mom on my heart and I'm soo incredibly grateful for the opportunity.

PW: You are an avid runner; can you tell us how your love of running began?

J: Growing up I played a lot of soccer, but by high school level, I wasn't getting much playing time. The cross country coach invited me to try running and the rest is history! I was fortunate to find something I really enjoyed and was good at. Early on, long distances were not easy for me, and I only ran cross country to get in shape for faster events in track (400 & 800 meters). At UW, I evolved into more of a distance runner and competed in cross country and
mainly the 1,500 meters on the track.

My teammates became my best friends and family. When 8 of my "brothers" on the men's cross country team were killed by a drunk driver my sophomore year, my life was changed forever. Running became much more meaningful to me after that and something I would never take for granted. I continued to run as my personal way to honor, remember, and feel close to the guys.

PW:With three children I know your running routine has changed repeatedly through the last few years. Can you share how you altered your routine during pregnancy and postpartum?

jen runningJ: Since I've been growing, birthing, and nursing babies for the last seven years my running has been very sporadic!! I hardly ran at all when I was pregnant because I was too sick all three times...ugh! However, I think being in good shape before helped a lot. Distance running requires a high pain tolerance and I believe that is one reason why I was able to have three natural births.

I don't start running again until about three months postpartum. It's important to let your body fully recover. Then I start out very slow and build up. The hardest part for me is being patient with myself as I get back into shape. It isn't easy but the good news is, I promise if there's a will then there's a way to get back to your pre-baby fitness level and beyond.

As a busy mom, running has become my sanity. I appreciate the alone time, the quiet, the peaceful beauty of my surroundings. It rejuvenates my mind, body and soul! I have more energy and am much more pleasant on the days I get my run in.

PW: You just completed the 2015 Boston Marathon, talk to us about why you set your sites on this particular goal.

J: The Boston Marathon has such a rich history....this was the 119th year! I think Boston is a bucket list item for most distance runners. My road to Boston started a year ago last June (after weaning my fourteen month old son). I competed in an 18 mile trail run in the Big Horn mountains and felt pretty good (despite losing three toenails)! I saw a window of opportunity to keep training, add more miles and run my second marathon in September. On a whim, I looked up the Boston qualifying time for my age...3 hours and 35 minutes. I remember thinking that sounded fast but not completely out of reach. Then I saw the date of this year's race, April 20, my 33rd birthday! I took this as a sign from God that I was supposed to be there. Running down a mountain canyon in Utah, I was able to clock 3:18 for 26.2 miles. We immediately called Todd's parents to ask if they would babysit in April. Thankfully they said yes! I'm incredibly blessed to have such a loving family ,especially my husband, who supports my big dreams.

PW: How did you train for such a big event?

J: After qualifying, I took a little time off to rest my body. I started my Boston training in December and immediately had a "what was I thinking moment" as I realized I would be doing the bulk of my running in winter...in Wyoming. I bundled up and got outside whenever possible, but also had to utilize my treadmill a lot which I'm not fond of.

Finding time to train is a big challenge. I squeeze in a run whenever I can...after I drop kids at school before my husband has to be at work, on his lunch break, at night. I have the best in-laws ever and they live two blocks away. They help me so much and I am extremely grateful. Many times they'll take all 3 kids for an hour after school so I can get my run in. I would do my long miles in the early hours on the weekend so I wouldn't miss too much family time. Having some awesome training partners and being part of the great local running club, The Windy City Striders, has really helped my training.

PW: When you feel like you can’t go further, how do you push yourself to continue?

J: It doesn't matter how experienced you are,running is hard and it hurts. There are many times that I want to stop. I joke that I'm motivated to push on by my love of baco1n,cheese and sweets! Running sure boosts my metabolism. A few other things that help me to keep going is being committed to someone or something. Train with a partner and you'll be less likely to give up. Also, look ahead and find a specific event to prepare for. I register and pay which helps keep me motivated and accountable. Setting small and big goals gives me reasons to train. I often distract myself when I'm running by praying. I try to offer up my small amount of pain for others who are suffering. Running is also very mentally challenging. When I'm competing, I am very co1nscious about positive thoughts and self talk. If any negativity creeps into my mind, I try to immediately let it go. It's important to stay confident in your preparation and ability.

PW: Tell us all about your experience at the 2015 Boston Marathon!

jen bostonJ: With our three kids in great hands back home,Todd and I were able to have an amazing time in Boston. We went out two days before the race and took in as much of the city as we could. We were blown away by how incredibly embracing and kind all of the locals were towards runners and visitors. Race day weather wasn't
ideal...rainy,breezy,and cold. Being a hardy Wyoming athlete (and all that winter running) helped!

Despite the conditions,there were still thousands of people cheering along the entire course. The whole race atmosphere is like nothing I've ever experienced. The Boston Marathon truly lives up to its' hype. I'm proud of my 13,510th place out of over 27,000 finishers!

PW: What do you think this experience will mean to your children as they get older and realize what a huge accomplishment it was?

J: My kids see how much I enjoy running. They're my biggest fans which is so sweet. I strive to make them proud and to set a good example of being healthy and active because that's what I want for them. They don't have to be runners, but I'll encourage them to find a physical activity that they enjoy because I know the lifetime of benefits it will provide. As they get older, we'll talk about goal setting and hopefully my Boston story can show them how co1mmitment and hard work along with a lot prayer and grace from God help people to succeed. The teacher in me is always trying to instill a lesson into everything! When I'm an old lady ,hopefully they'll look back and think their mom did something cool!

PW: Any advice for novice runners, or people that dream of becoming runners but don’t feel like they can?

J: I truly believe anyone that wants to become a runner can, unless of course they have medical reasons not to. I have several friends that decided to start running to lose weight. They have been very successful (hundreds of pounds) and now continue to run simply because they enjoy it. You can easily find a training plan online to fit your ability and goals. Take baby steps, be consistent and patient. In time, it will become easier and you'll love how you feel..."runners high"! You'll get out of running what you put into it so don't short change yourself.


PW: Do you have any more races coming up or new goals you’ve set for yourself?

J: I have been pretty lazy since Boston! I usually keep my training light for a few months after a marathon just to give myself a break. Plus my husband is a bit over all of the time I've spent running lately! So for now I'm happy just to be doing shorts jaunts around Casper in the beautiful weather. I'm hoping to take part in an 8 mile trail run on Casper mountain next month (Skunk Hollow Sneaker Chase). Then I will probably find a half marathon in the fall (that's my favorite distance). Can you tell I'm a planner lol?! I would love to keep running destination races in fun places.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife Words of Wisdom?

J: Find something you're passionate about that makes you happy and make time for yourself to do it. No guilt and no excuses. This is especially important for moms who are busy doing so much for others. In the end, it will make you a better wife, mommy, etc.]]>
		
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		LittleMissH vs The Bottle
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/littlemissh-vs-the-bottle/
		Mon, 29 Jun 2015 14:41:57 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4199
		
		Summer soon drew to a close and August rolled around, I was preparing to return to work in a few weeks and decided we should start giving the baby a bottle every day to prepare him for the transition ahead. I handed The Cowboy a hungry Cowboy J and a bottle, gave him a kiss and started to enjoy a few moment to myself. It soon became apartment that Cowboy J was not interested in taking a bottle. He not only clamped his mouth shut but arched his back and screamed in utter fury. I began to panic, there was no way I could go to work without him taking a bottle. We spent two weeks trying to get him to take a bottle and eventually had to admit defeat. He wasn't eating solid food yet and I was panicking. It all worked out eventually because it turned out that Cowboy J was more than willing to nurse every morning until he was gorged, and then wait until my lunch hour to eat again. The problem was solved and other then tears shed over all the liquid gold I had to throw away (I was unable to donate the milk) I chalked it up to a learning experience.

When Cowgirl G was born I had no need to have her take a bottle. I wasn't returning to work and we were to poor to go on many dates, I never even tried to pump or give her a bottle. Cowboy W and Cowboy C were the same way. By that point it was a luxury to only have one child with me so taking my nursing babies everywhere (even on our dates) wasn't an inconvenience at all. Frankly, by the time we had Cowboy C, I had a bit of separation anxiety about being away from my babies for more than an hour and a half. The Cowboy literally pried him out of my hands when he was 6 months old and left me with tears streaming down my face insisting "A break will be good for everyone...trust me..."

When LittleMissH was born I figured I would stick to the same thing I did with all the other kids. Nurse on demand and take her everywhere with me. But then The Cowboy threw a little hitch in my plans. For my birthday this year he got me a super sweet and romantic gift. Tickets to the Aerosmith concert at Cheyenne Frontier Days. It was not only reminiscent of where we met but also our first date. I mentioned that we would have a 5 month old baby and he shrugged and said we'd work it out...I immediately began to stress. LittleMissH is a cluster feeder which means that she often eats every half hour for a few hours straight. While this may sound terrible it actually works great as it allows her to go more than two hours without eating, and she sleeps longer (major win). Of course her main cluster feeding time is in the evening, the same time as the concert. CowGranny graciously offered not only to babysit but, to hang out at the grounds with the baby so I could run out and nurse her whenever she needed it.

While this was a wonderful offer, it seemed like it would make our date pretty complicated and not very much fun. So as a surprise for The Cowboy I started to pump on the sly and declared that I was going to get LittleMissH to take a bottle. I bought a bottle and a variety of nipples and TallGirlJ had the honor of giving her the first bottle. She took about 2 oz and while she didn't exactly take to it like a duck to water, she didn't cry at all. I sighed with relief and deiced that LittleMissH's zen personality was going to make this a piece of cake.

Cue the next week of her refusing to take the bottle. She would start out smiling and cooing while chewing on the nipple. Next would come pushing the bottle out with her tongue while looking at me with a combination of confusion and amusement. Finally there were looks of anguish, crying, tears, and anger, all culminating in an exhausted sleep. The whole time I would talk to her and encourage her to take the bottle, sing a variety of sweet songs, and rock her while squirting the milk in her mouth. The Cowboy tried to give her a bottle twice, and was so upset with her crying that he refused to help again...

By the end of week two she still refused the bottle but was resigned to the process and at least wasn't crying anymore. We had it down to it "only" taking 45min to get 3oz in her...but I was determined to do this. Not only was the idea of a grown-up-only date night with The Cowboy looking better and better but, so was the idea of being able to go for longer runs...and a girls night out sounded pretty nice too! By week three she was starting to latch on for a few sucks and I felt that victory would be near.

LittleMissH bottleThis last week (week 4) we went to visit Ma and Pa in the land of Dairy Cows and Beer. We decided to leave a bottle and some milk with Ma so we could go on a kid free date for our 11 year Anniversary. I knew if anyone could get LittleMissH to take a bottle it would be her, and also perhaps with me being gone she would do better. Ma used the tried and true trick of putting a little sugar on the nipple and LittleMissH took 2 oz like a champ, latched on and everything. The next day Ma took the time to give her another bottle and she again took 2 oz! Yesterday true victory was achieved when she sat with me and took an entire bottle like a "normal" baby. Make sure you follow us on Instagram so you can see what are sure to be some epic pictures of our big night out!

Have you ever struggled with getting a nursing baby to take a bottle? What worked for you?

Copyright: goodluz / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Fawn Hollow Designs #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fawn-hollow-designs-giveaway/
		Wed, 01 Jul 2015 12:00:16 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4205
		
		baby monitors, baby food makers, car seat swaddlers and I've even shared my must have lists for the nursery, diaper bag, and the rest of your house. Well I'm heer to share another baby product with you, and let me tell you, when I learned about this product I knew I was going to be breaking my budget rules for 2015!

gold deer shoesFawn Hollow Designs is an amazing business that began all because of a shoe addiction (I think you know I can relate to that). When Shannon's daughter was born she realized that she loved to have her daughter's shoes coordinate with all her outfits. When it became clear that this "obsession" was causing her to spend more than her stay at home mommy budget allowed, she began to make her daughter's shoes on her own. After her son was born she decided to turn her hobby into a business and she hasn't looked back since!

LittleMissH shoesI learned about Fawn Hollow Designs from a friend of mine, who actually then gave her our website info and Shannon contacted me. She offered to send me a pair for LittleMissH to try and after I spent way to much time perusing her Fawn Hollow Designs Etsy site I of course agreed. If you follow us on Instagram you may have seen this picture of the oh-so-cute shoes. I immediately had LittleMissH put on her new kicks and I was pleasantly surprised! Not only did they fit her well (with a little room to grow) but they slid on easily and didn't pinch or leave marks on her skin when I took them off. There was no fabric left sticking to her toes, and her feet weren't a bit sweaty. Miracle of miracles, they didn't slide off with all her kicking and with the constant touching of The Cowkids! They even made it through a car ride to town and church with no problem. Plus, I got more than a few compliments, always a plus.

mustache shoesAs a mother of three boys I love that Shannon has absolutely darling prints for boys as well. Let's be honest, cute shoes for girls can be found anywhere but for boys...well that's another story. TallGirlJ has a pair of Fox ones for her son that make me ache a little for another baby boy! The no slip bottoms on the shoes make them practical, and they offer just right the amount protection for little feet starting to crawl and walk.

moc pinkDid I mention how affordable they are? Prices range from $10-$22 depending on the style. I already have my eye on a pair of moccasins and boots for LittleMissH this fall! Fawn Hollow Designs has a variety of styles and they currently include shoes, boots, Mary Janes, and moccasins. The ever changing array of fabric colors and patterns have me biting my fingernails. Just when I think I have my favorite color (the teal moccasins) or pattern (floral stripe Mary Janes) picked out, she has a new one I just can't resist!

As a gift to you our readers Shannon has offered to do a giveaway of one of her fabulous pairs of shoes (pattern and size to be determined upon giveaway completion)! All you need to do is visit her Etsy site and tell us in the comment section what shoe style and pattern you love the most! To earn more points toward the giveaway you can follow PrairieWifeInHeels.com and Fawn Hollow Designs on social media. Please be honest, we will check.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		An Ode to the Wyoming Summer #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/an-ode-to-the-wyoming-summer-giveaway/
		Sat, 04 Jul 2015 17:30:39 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4214
		
		at our favorite summer hangout, and it occurred to me how much my definition of summer fun has changed...

concertWhen I first moved to Wyoming, Summer was all about late nights partying under the stars, street dances, and of course "The Daddy of Them All" Cheyenne Frontier Days. Long rides on a motorcycle with the hot wind on my face, mornings that came too early, hoots and hollers of joy, and loud music blaring from the pickup truck speakers. Red Solo cups, flip flops sticking to the bar floor, concerts, and slow dancing. Jet skiing at the lake, tan lines, kisses under the fireworks, long hikes in the mountains, and naps in the shade.

summer funWith marriage and the arrival of the Cowkids Summer is filled with the smells of sunscreen and bug spray, sidewalk chalk and sticky, drippy Popsicle chins. Splashes in the lake, screams of joy, sandy kisses, and picnic lunches. Tattling whiny voices, BBQ's and card games with the neighbors, skinned knees and band-aids by the dozens. More sunscreen and bug spray, heat rash, carnival rides and flip flops sticking to outhouse floors. Mud covered toes, Pop-It fireworks and sparklers, mornings that come to early, the squeaking of trampoline springs and the sound of giggles and laughter.

I can't decided which summer memories are my favorite, and I guess that's a good thing. I think it means that I'm happy where I am. At times I miss that feeling of utter carefree joy I had those first Wyoming summers...but it can't compare to a sticky s'mores kiss and the feel of a sleeping toddler in your arms as you stare at a campfire.

tickets giveawayTo celebrate Wyoming Summer we at PraireWifeInHeels.com have an amazing giveaway. While this is probably only a prize that our local readers can enjoy, I am thrilled to announce that we are giving away four tickets to the Big and Rich Concert July 19 at Cheyenne Frontier Days! All you HAVE to do is comment below and tell us what you love about Wyoming Summers. Follow us on Social Media to earn more points towards the giveaway. Also, if our local readers could PLEASE share this with friends so more of our Wyoming readers have a chance to win, we would really appreciate it!

Copyright: fotokostic / 123RF Stock Photo

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		5 Painless Ways to Breakup with Your iPhone
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/5-ways-to-breakup-with-your-iphone/
		Mon, 06 Jul 2015 12:00:29 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4220
		
		rushing around like a madwoman trying to get the kids ready for school!

Your looking great and ready for a girls night out so you take a minute to show how fab you look and take a selfie. As the night goes on you can't help but sneak an occasional peak to see what everyone else thinks about your look. You miss the end of your friend's story as you get caught up in responding to all the "you look beautiful" comments.

If it was a real boyfriend doing all the things listed above you'd break up with him in a second. Taking time from your kids, making you late, interrupting time with your girlfriends...all of that would be unacceptable from a person. For some reason though we've all allowed it from technology.

breaking up with phoneThis week I decided to breakup with my iPhone and limit its ability to interrupt my life. Please don't think I'm being preachy. I love my iPhone and they way it allows me to connect to others, and the ease of using it for a multitude of tasks. I just noticed that I was spending way to much time looking down at my iPhone, and not up at what was going on in front of me. For a week I kept track of what I was doing every time I picked up my phone, how much time I spent on it (good and bad), and the negative impacts it had on my schedule and quality time with my kids.

Now let me clarify that I'm not getting ride of my phone (nor do I think technology is evil), I don't think that's necessary...but a little breathing room will be good for me. I'm breaking up with my iPhone but we're still going to stay friends!

1. Turn off your push notifications. I quickly found out that most of my problem was a result of phone ADHD. I would pick up the phone to make a call or answer a text and see that I had 3 notifications on Facebook, or 9 new notifications on Pinterest. Or I would see my phone screen light up out of the corner of my eye, and I'd click the apps to "quickly check" and end up spending 10 minutes on my phone. Half the time I even forgot what my original intention was, which brings me to the next one...

2. Use your phone with intention. If you are going to check Facebook, check Facebook. Don't start bouncing back and forth between all your social media apps. If you need to text someone, text them and then set your phone aside. Don't text them and then check your FitBit steps, and then your Twitter account etc.

mom with kid on phone3. Set a timer, or at least be aware of the time you spend on your phone. Most of us use our phones rather than a computer. This means we use it to answer emails, shop online, stay in touch with family and friends and check social media. I even use it to pay bills! To sit and spend more than 20 minutes on my phone happens more often then I'd care to admit. If I'm spending it being productive it's no big deal but, too often I find that I get sucked into watching a hilarious Jim Gaffigan video or browsing for a new jacket. I've started to set a timer on my phone, or just glance at the clock occasionally, to make sure I'm not suddenly sitting in the same spot for 30 minutes!

4. Make phone rules and stick with them. In our house (and family) we have certain times when phones are just not allowed. During meal times we keep our phones on silence and on the counter face down, we have the same rules for dates, when company is over, and we set our phones to do-not-disturb mode  every night at 9:30. I've added a few more "no phone" times now that I've paid more attention to my use. When I am outside with the kids, watching TV as a family, and during our summer reading and home school time I keep my phone on me so I can take pictures but I keep it on silent. I also realized that I am often using my phone when I nurse LittleMissH, which should be a great bonding time for us. So for both her nap times during the day (morning and afternoon) and her final bedtime nursing I've declared it a "no phone" time.

5. Try hard to only use one kind of technology at a time. Some readers may be rolling their eyes but seriously how many of us are on the phone while the TV is on as well? When I'm working on the computer and waiting for a page to download I'll often grab my phone to check it...and I know I'm not the only one! Now I'm making a conscious effort to keep focused on one type of technology at a time. If the show I'm watching is so uninteresting that I find myself reaching for my phone more than once (and not to tweet or text a friend about how great the show is) I've started to delete it!

Do you feel like you need to breakup with your iPhone? How do you keep technology from taking over your life?

Copyright: giuliofornasar / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: vagengeym / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Underwear Peek a Do...or Don't
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/underwear-peek-a-do-or-dont/
		Mon, 13 Jul 2015 12:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4227
		
		Last month when Texas Two Steppin' and I were chatting about what Summer Fashion Trends we should include in our Summer 2015 Fashion Do and Don'ts post we stumbled across a topic that resulted in some strong disagreement. After a few minutes of heavy debate we decided that the best thing to do to solve this argument was to take it to our readers for a vote. Before we get into the nitty gritty debate I wanted to give some background to our newer readers.

Prairie Wife:  I am Prairie Wife...a city girl gone country, all for the love of a cowboy. I'm a 30 something mother of 5 living in rural Wyoming. I still have a city girl rocker edge which shows with my tattoos, edgier style, love of leather, and willingness to try any hairstyle and color known to man. That being said I also have a 80-year-old British woman trapped inside of me. She tends to gravitate toward anything floral, hot tea, and an obsession with all things British.

Texas Two Steppin': I left the Dairy State for the Lone Star State, quickly met the man of my dreams and gained two amazing stepchildren who are now grown and having kids of their own. I have always been a bit conservative, probably because I spend my days in a traditional, corporate setting, but my style is not fussy and I definitely refuse to dress like the grandma I am. Oh yeah, and I am the older sister by 10 years, and after reading this post, I hope you'll agree that I am also the wiser sister ;)

Bra Straps

This whole debate started with the discussion of off the shoulder tops that we featured in our Summer 2015 Fashion Post...

Prairie Wife: As previously stated I have a bit of a rocker edge. With that comes some clothing that is more ripped or sheer than the average person would wear. I acknowledge first and foremost that what I would wear in Vegas on a weekend away with The Cowboy is completely different from what I would wear to volunteer at my kids school or to run errands around town. With all fashion choices you do need to be conscious of the level of appropriateness. That being said I have absolutely no issue with bra straps showing, and frankly I think that it can actually look chic and edgey if it's done right! I think there is nothing cooler than a black bra under a white shirt with ripped jeans and sexy heels for a fun night out (actually I think I'm going to wear that to our concert date coming up)! Plus, lets face it, the vast majority of us need to wear a bra, and in the summer those straps are going to slip and show. I can barely keep my body covered between nursing and the older Cowkids constantly climbing on me or pulling at my clothes for attention. I don't even blink an eye when I see my bra strap showing when I look in the mirror, its just normal for me in the summer. Yes I know you could wear a strapless bra but really?! Who wants to wear one of those...ever? For me Bra straps showing is not only totally OK but in some cases a total fashion Peek a Do!

Texas Two Steppin': Really, Sis, really? I thought I raised you better than that. I grew up in the '80s with Madonna (loooong before she had a British accent), so it's not like I'm a prude or against outrageous looks or totally sheltered. But I hate, hate (did I say hate?) seeing a bra strap peeking, even when it is clear that it was done on purpose. To me it screams Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman before she had that amazing shopping spree. If I psychoanalyze myself, I think this probably comes from the fact that I work in an office and it is never, ever appropriate to show lingerie in the workplace, no matter how hot you are (or think you are). You won't ever see me in a spaghetti strap top because I might have a need to take off my blazer and would feel incredibly exposed. I think a sheer top with a cami--not a contrasting bra--is the only way to go, even after 5 p.m. I will admit that because I, like Prairie Wife, don't like wearing a strapless bra I am limiting my fashion options, especially when it comes to some of the more popular and exciting summer trends. But for me, flashing my bra makes me totally self conscious and uncomfortable, so it is a total Peek a Don't.

Visible Panty Line (VPL)

Texas Two Steppin': Discussing bra straps then led to a heated discussion about VPL and I again must insist that it is a Peek a Don't. Even in middle school I was conscious of VPL and did my best to make sure the boys wouldn't tease me about that ridge along my derriere. I also hated the fact that my panties would always ride up and lodge in a most uncomfortable way in an unmentionable area...you know what I mean! So since the moment they appeared on the fashion scene, I have gravitated toward thongs, especially these from Hanky Panky. No VPL, and because they don't support you like a pair of Spanx, it forces me to workout to keep my booty from succumbing to the effects of gravity and age (this could be seen as a bad thing, but I look at it as good motivation). It is a bit counterintuitive, but since a thong is supposed to...how shall I put it delicately...reside in a certain area, I am perfectly comfortable with where it rests. Just one quick word of caution--don't ever flaunt a whale tale!

Prairie Wife: Let's just be blunt here (male readers may need to just stop now)...I've pushed five kids out of my body and one of the lovely postpartum side effects of giving birth that no one tells you about is hemorrhoids that never quite go away. I will never again be wearing thongs or G-strings every day like I used to (sorry to The Cowboy). I haven't moved to granny panties either so it's not a total loss. I prefer bikini or hipster underwear in cute designs with fun colors and lace. They are comfortable and cute but they do show when wearing yoga pants, workout gear, and some dresses. If they are showing when I wear jeans or sweatpants...the pants are too tight! If it's a special occasion I will of course wear a slip or resign myself to the afore mentioned thong to make sure I look classy and put together. But heck no am I wearing uncomfortable underwear to workout, run errands or pick my kids up from school! Yup I know Tim Gunn is cringing right now but I do wear my yoga pants in public when I haven't been doing yoga, and yup I have VPL when I wear them...and I could care less. If you're looking at my butt and the worst thing you think is "I can see her VPL" I call that a victory! VPL is a Peek a DO for me (unless you are at a fancy event, then you need to take one for the team and wear a thong)!

OK, ladies, it's your turn to pick a side!]]>
		
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		Dietland by Sarai Walker
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/dietland-by-sarai-walker/
		Thu, 09 Jul 2015 22:15:30 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4230
		
		Dietland by Sarai Walker dietlandis a book that changed my perspective on the world as a whole. Upon finishing it I felt overwhelmed yet motivated to change the world for my daughters. Like Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn, this book takes some time to process afterwards. While the title may lead you to think it's yet another self help book, don't be deceived...it is a novel that is full of so many fascinating characters and  twists and turns that you better plan to loose a few days to it! I really hope that those of you that read it will come back and comment, and those that have read it will share your opinion. If you're looking for a good book for your book club, this one is perfect!

Lately I've been sticking to reading books that are available with my Kindle Unlimited membership or books that are under $2. I'm trying hard to stick to my budget and since I can read anywhere between 3 and 5 books a week I usually don't splurge on newer books. I read a review for Dietland and added it to my wish list as a promising read for the future. On a whim I decided to treat myself to a new book this month and chose this one. I started to read it after I put the Cowkids to bed and stayed up until midnight...I simply couldn't put it down. The next few days I completely ignored all my responsibilities so that I could finish it. Thank goodness it's summer and the Cowkids are spending most of their time outside!

I started this book thinking that it would be along the same lines of Jennifer Wiener's books. Larger woman struggles, larger woman meets love interest and struggles more, larger woman realizes her self worth and A. Moves on to better things or B. Marries love interest and lives happily ever after. For all intents and purposes that's how it begins; with he story of "Plum", just going through the motions of life, everything on pause until the date of her bypass surgery. After her weight loss everything will be wonderful and her life will be full of hearts and rainbows.

Then suddenly, the plot changes, and it becomes a gripping mystery paralleled by gritty commentary on society's use and abuse of women. I can't give you more information than that, I really want you to read it for yourself for the details! As I read I found myself blinking back tears at some parts, filled with rage at the things that I had simply become desensitized to over the years, and longing to call up Walker and have a chat with her about how she created this amazing book. Walker takes topics like women in the media, rape, porn, and sexual harassment and shoves them in your face with crisp, graphic and scarily true images. Images that I think every woman can relate too on some level (and how sad is that). As a feminist mother with two daughters that I want to grow up feeling empowered , I realized that though I think I'm off to a great start, I have so much more work to do!

Go get this book now and read it for the fabulous plot, vivid characters, and flowing writing.

And for the way that it will change how you see women...

Have you read Dietland? What do you think?]]>
		
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		Garden Update: Mother Nature -1 Prairie Wife-0
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/garden-update-mother-nature-1-prairie-wife-0/
		Wed, 15 Jul 2015 12:00:35 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4246
		
		Some of you may recall a post a month ago about us planting our very own vegetable garden for the first time. The weather here in Wyoming was cooperating and the plants were flourishing. Even after a week vacation with the kids in Wisconsin to visit Ma and Pa, everything was looking wonderful. The corn was over two feet tall and lettuce was just about to picked for the first time. Our tomatoes and peppers were filled with flowers and carrots, potatoes, peas and onions were all poking up and growing daily. Even our landscaping plants were doing better than ever before! My bushes were almost waist high and I had so much new growth that I was able to plant in four new spots using the "baby plants" from bushes we've been growing for years. Here is a picture of our landscaping from about three weeks ago.

Has anyone noticed that the above paragraph is written in the past tense. Our plants were flourishing, the corn was over two feet tall...

I've talked about the grit and grace it takes to be a Prairie Wife and on July 1st my grit was put to the test. The Cowboy and I headed out with all of the Cowkids for a family walk down our dirt road. As we were gathering up the kids and I was placing LittleMissH in her sling, I noticed that one of  the clouds above looked very ominous. As we continued to walk it began to build and turn darker with a speed that was awe inspiring. We stopped to chat with some neighbors down the road and a few drops of rain hit our heads. We decided to head in and hang out with them and wait out the storm that was continuing to build at an alarming rate. It says a lot about the Wyoming hospitality that they didn't bat an eye at our family of 7 crashing their home, though this could be because this past Prairie Wife has a family of 7 as well!

Just when we called the last kid inside this happened...



Hail damageThe noise was so loud that we could barely talk and thankfully we kept all the kids away from the windows, because several were broken with the force of the ping pong size hail. We all stood with our mouths open, watching as Mother Nature released her fury on the Prairie. The storm perhaps lasted 15 minutes. When the clouds blew away and the sun came out we grabbed the Cowkids and headed home. We were anxious for all of our animals and after the broken windows at the neighbors we wanted to know the state of our house. As we ran down our dirt road I was appalled at the rivers of water and hail running everywhere. I was soaking wet halfway up my calves, and my legs and feet (I was wearing sandals) were numb with cold. Just as we rounded the corner to our driveway I misjudged my step and slipped into the ditch. I was up to my hips in frigid water filled with mud and hail. You can imagine a few choice words escaped my mouth as I clutched LittleMissH to my chest and bounded the rest of the way into the house. Our sweet Cowkids had beat us and had a pile of blankets and towels by the door.

Cowkids HailAfter drying off they put on their snow clothes and headed out to play in the hail. The Cowboy checked on the horses and the house. Our roof was totaled and0we had no broken windows. We did have a window well that was filled with water and hail. The Cowboy bailed out water with a 5 gallon bucket and shoveled out the hail and no lasting damage occurred. Once the house was checked we went outside to see the damage. Cowboy J was standing by our garden fence sobbing uncontrollably.

"We worked so hard, and now it's all gooooone" He moaned. "I wanted to eat carrots from the garden...why mom why?!"

Hail damaged gardenAs I held back my own tears from the damage done to my beloved bushes I held him close and gave him a kiss on his head. All I could do was rock him and explain what I knew was true. There simply some things in life that we have no control over. It doesn't matter how hard we work, how much we love something, how excited and happy we are...sometimes things fall apart. I tried to encourage him to think of how lucky we were that we could simply drive to town and get more vegetables to eat. My heart went out to all those Prairie Wives of the past. How on Earth would they have managed 150 years ago when they were counting on their garden to provided food for their family for the year?

next day plants

We went through a period of mourning for our plants, our newly stained deck, and our vegetable garden. Just yesterday we went out to look at our garden and take a look at what we saw...

new life

Hope, in the shape of these sweet green plants...through it all the strong will find a way to survive.]]>
		
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		Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/beer-cheese-pretzel-dip/
		Sat, 18 Jul 2015 12:00:13 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=1175
		
		Beer Chese Pretzal DipThis recipe was originally posted in October of 2013. The web site credited for the recipe has since been disconnected. So while I am still giving them credit, I have re-posted this with the actual recipe so that you can make it...and trust me...you need to make it!

This weekend we had a Pumpkin Patch Party to go to. My girlfriend, who is throwing the party, makes the most amazing sweet treats. She doesn’t know it but, I am going to talk her into making a video for our recipe blog! Since I knew she had all the sweet treats covered, I offered to bring some other kind of munchies. I immediately got online and went to Pinterest. I lucked out and found this amazing Beer Cheese Pretzel Dip. “It only takes 2 seconds” and it was so delicious The Cowboy asked me to make more that night when we got home! I followed some of the comments’ advice and added some garlic to mine. A few of my friends that have since made it, use a whole package of Ranch powder, so taste it and see what you prefer...and let me know!  I put all the ingredients into my food processor and blended away. Trust me, bring this dip and a bag of pretzels to the next party, and you’ll be the most popular girl there!

Ingredients

2 packages of cream cheese (16oz)

1/2  package of Ranch dressing (approx 3 tbsp)

1 cup of shredded Cheddar or Colby Jack cheese

1/4 cup of beer

a dash of pepper

Combine all the ingredients and blend, serve with pretzels.

If you are making this ahead of time, store it in the fridge but set it out about 20 minutes before guests arrive so it can soften. Store any leftovers in the fridge.

Add on ideas-chives, bacon crumbles, more shredded cheese on top, or minced raw onion]]>
		
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		Summer Vacation for Our Prairie Wives
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/summer-vacation-for-our-prairie-wives/
		Fri, 14 Aug 2015 12:00:18 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4238
		
		Some of you may have noticed that our Prairie Wife of the Week feature went to every other week after LittleMissH was born.

I've had some readers asking what's going on and wondering if we've run out of Prairie Wives to interview...I assure you that is not the case at all. If anything we have more than ever, as we have more and more fans of our blog telling us about wonderful Prairie Wives in their lives.

Just to give a quick idea about how our blog works, the majority of the posts are written by me, Prairie Wife. We have two frequent contributors TallGirlJ and BonitaBlueEyes and of course my big sis Texas Two Steppin' contributes when she can. I sneak in my writing time between taking care of the 5 Cowkids, doing chores in the house and outside with animals, spending time with The Cowboy and taking a few minutes of time to hang out with my friends and family...somewhere in there is also sleeping and working out. I also need to spend time online doing posts on Social Media, responding to e-mails and trying to keep an eye on all the amazing blogs out there I love to read. All in all I currently spend anywhere from 3-6 hours a week doing work for the blog. Luckily my busy brain is full of ideas and life keeps on throwing new things at me to write about, so to sit down and write a post takes me usually only 30 minutes to an hour depending on the length, topic, and editing (adding pictures and links) that it requires.

On the other hand, our Prairie Wife Interviews tend take between 3 and 5 hours for each one. I first need to contact the future Prairie Wives and share our Prairie Wife Guarantee with them and make sure they feel comfortable with my vision for the interview. Then I need to write and send interview questions to them. After that I have to either meet them in person or do a phone interview. Then comes the editing. There is always extra pressure to do a great job with this part, after all I want them to be proud of the final product. We don't put anything up without there final approval. Like me, most Prairie Wives are pretty busy gals, so there can be some delays with all this communicating!

With Summer here I've found that many of our Prairie Wives are traveling or simply up to their neck in activities and family fun...and frankly I'm finding I'd much rather get outside with the Cowkids than sit in front of my computer typing away.

So...I've decided that we're going to take a bit of a break from our Prairie Wife of the Week posts. Have no fear they will be back in the Fall! But, I'd rather take some time off, then put out interviews that are not our best work. I'm sure you agree!

Just as a teaser I'll let you know that in our Fall lineup we have a follow up interview with Sarah where we learn how her adoption of Vitaliy from the Ukraine is going, a female tattoo artist that has opened up her own shop, a children's book illustrator, and I've got a few big name interviews that I'm waiting to hear about (fingers crossed for me)!

If you know of anyone you'd like us to add to our Prairie Wife schedule leave their name in the comments section. We've had some big names on the site and I'm more than willing to ask anyone, so let me know whose story you want to hear!

Copyright: pipehorse / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Wyoming Proud #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wyoming-proud-giveaway/
		Mon, 20 Jul 2015 12:00:25 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4261
		
		 shirt, hat, backpack or even a tattoo, you'll see this symbol.

wyo bucking horse

The Wyoming bucking horse and rider is a symbol that was first used by the Wyoming Air National Guard in WWI. It was sewn on their uniforms while they fought over seas in France and Germany used to identify the Wyoming soldiers. It was then officially adopted by the United States Army and used as a means of identification on gun trails, trucks, helmets and other equipment. The easily recognizable symbol became a rallying point, a symbol of pride and a reminder of home, the Great State of Wyoming, to our troops. (source)

In 1936 the symbol first appeared on our license plates and has since become a symbol of the strength, courage, history, and pride in the great state of Wyoming.

While I'm not a Wyoming native like The Cowboy (who is a fifth generation Wyomingite) I AM Wyoming proud! You can see it all over this blog. I'm not quiet about the struggles of changing from a city girl to a Prairie Wife, but hopefully my love for The Cowboy state shines through. I can't think of a better place to raise the Cowkids! The stunning scenery never ceases to take my breath away, "old fashioned" family values are alive and well, the western work ethic is evident everywhere, and the small town rural atmosphere has worked its way into my heart.

our front door viewI didn't realize how used to the Wyoming state of mind I had become, until I traveled back East to visit Ma and Pa. I took advantage of our free babysitters to go for a run and as I ran through our neighborhood and to a nearby park I smiled and did a hand wave to everyone I passed. It's my usual routine as I run here in Wyoming. The first person looked at me and then looked away. The next person went out of their way to step off the sidewalk and into the grass and shoot me a dirty look. I slowed down my run and looked down to make sure nothing embarrassing was going on sweat or clothing wise...nope everything was normal! It turns out I had simply forgotten that I was back in The City, and things weren't quite as friendly. I can't tell you how nice it felt when I came back home and went for a run at our local state park. I was greeted with smiles, hand waves, and cheerful "good mornings" from every person I passed...though I'm sure my smile was the biggest!

I went to Facebook to see what my fellow Wyoming Cowboys loved about our state. While I can't post all of the dozens of answers I picked a few of my favorites to share...

Lex: Fewer idiots, more common sense.

Jessica:  I'm a huge fan of the wide open spaces and rich history found here. Wyoming is filled with my kind of people and when I think of the traits of a typical Wyoming resident, I would describe them as good, hard working, and down-to-earth individuals who value the Wyoming way of life. We are the cowboy state with cowboy ethics.

Alley: A bumper sticker I frequently see sums it up: "Wyoming is what America was."

The Cowboy: I love everything about Wyoming. Hunting, mountains, the people, the remoteness, wind, it's fascinating history, the strength of spirit...it's my home. I'd rather be poor and live in Wyoming than rich living anywhere else.

Brook:  I love the fact that if your pulled over on the side of the road that twenty cars will stop and ask you if your ok. I love the fact that people will take you to their house and feed your family if you have a flat tire out in the middle of nowhere. I love the fact that when you ask a person how they are doing you will get a 20 minute conversation instead of fine. I love the fact that most of us here would give you the shirt off of our backs if you need to stay warm. I love the fact that everybody knows everybody and I'm related to half of them. Really I'm my own 5th cousin ;)

box elder canyonConnie: When the wind blows you have a chance to hear the voices of the world blow by.

Brian: Wyoming is a place were people still believe in God, friends, beauty in all things, places, people and the Constitution and Bill of Rights the way it was first written.

Juli: The strength, confidence and independence of the population who live here! We venture out into places where no one lives and very few go...and the one thing we all can count on is that someone will stop and do what they can to help! It's a must when so few live here... we love our independence, yet we pitch in and help each other when and where its needed!

Carolyn: I love the wide open spaces and sense of freedom!

Jan: You just gotta love the sunrises, sunsets, wildlife (elk,moose, deer antelope, rattlesnakes, eagles, osprey, bear) so much variety. The beautiful mountain ranges and wide open spaces. Love it all. Love boosting about how cold we get, cause we are WY!

Diane: Less laws and less law makers!

bucking horsesThrough the almost 100 comments I received (we just love to brag about our state) certain themes appeared again and again. Beautiful landscapes, friendly people, freedom, the strength of our people, and of course the never ending Wyoming wind. As if my Wyoming pride weren't evident enough through this blog and my super cool Keep Calm and Prairie Wife On shirts (click here to order yours), I recently found a fun way to show my love of all things Wyoming on my car. Rather then have a family of stick figures on the back of my car I ordered some custom bucking horse stickers from 307 Graphics. As you can see here it looks awesome...and I'm not the only one who thinks so. I have been stopped so many times and asked where I bought my family of bucking horses that I approached 307 Graphics and asked if they wanted to do a giveaway! Being the friendly Wyoming people they are, they promptly agreed to give away of a family set of bucking horses limited to any of the stock solid colors. They will supply two 6 inch tall bucking horses and up to ten 2 inch bucking horses so you can create a family of bucking horses of your own!

All you have to do to enter our giveaway is comment below with what you love about Wyoming! To earn more points toward the giveaway you can follow 307 Graphics (sledTHREADS is their social media tag) and PrairieWifeInHeels.com on social media! Please be honest, we will be checking!

I can't wait to read all of your comments!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Note: Some of the quotes have been edited for spelling errors and length.

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		Summer Beauty Must Haves 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/summer-beauty-must-haves-2015/
		Wed, 22 Jul 2015 12:00:34 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4271
		
		

    Summer Beauty Must-Haves 2015
    

 

    Summer Beauty Must-Haves 2015 by prairieheels featuring It Cosmetics
    

    

    

    
itCosmetics CC+ Illumination Cream
I have to give TallGirlJ all the credit for this product. I kept on complimenting her on her glowing smooth skin. After the fifth time I did this she told me yet again to go buy this amazing product. I finally stopped by Ulta and picked up a tube...and I am SO happy I did! It might just turn into my all the time foundation rather than my every day quick fix. Simply spread a dollop on your face and watch your skin tone become more even and just the right amount of dewy. It looks natural and stays put all day long. Did I mention it's also SPF 50?

Essie Polish in Exotic Liras
This color looks amazing on every skin tone, and it goes with every color shoe. Black, brown, and even neon yellow all look fab next to this fun and flirty deep fuchsia color!

Neutrogena Healthy Volume Mascara
I've been searching for years for a mascara that keeps my lashes looking full but doesn't clump or end up smudged under my eyes. At last I've found it! I've even gone on a 3.5 mile run while wearing this (the regular kind not waterproof) and when I looked in the mirror not a bit of my mascara was out of place! This is the perfect mascara for those hot and steamy Summer date nights.

Urban Decay Naked Flushed
I love this blush/bronzer/highlighter combo. It's easy to use with an angled brush to contour your face and the colors are flattering on everyone. In the Summer I like to run a fluffy blush brush across all three colors and start at the apples of my cheeks and go up towards my hairline. It gives me just the right look of natural sun kissed skin.

Bliss Thats Incredi-Peel Daily Peel Pads
I have to admit that paying the $50 for this product was a little hard for me to swallow at first, even though there are 30 one time use pads in the package. After the first week of using these I was no longer regretting my purchase! I only used these pads every few days (my skin tends to be sensitive). I noticed after a week that a few lingering bumps and discolored areas that I've had all Summer long were gone! I'm looking forward to seeing how adding this to my regular skincare routine helps improve the tone and texture of my skin.

Neutrogena Clear Face Sunscreen
TexasTwoSteppin' and I have shared multiple times how important it is to wear sunscreen. But, lets face it, it can wreak havoc on your skin...especially your face. I've been a fan of this product for years and even with multiple applications a day it never causes my skin to break out. It can even handle a 6 mile run without dripping and getting into my eyes!

Herbal Essence Naked Cleansing Conditioner
In the Summer your hair takes a beating. Dry air, hot sun, pool water...you name it your hair has to deal with it. Add to that your normal hairstyling damage from hairdryers and flatirons and by July your hair can be dry and frizzy. Trust me, this product is sure to fix your Summer hair woes (and at a super low cost)! It gently cleans your hair while reviving it with moisture, volume and shine. Did I mention it also smells divine?

What products are you loving this summer?]]>    
		
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		Essential Oil Bug Spray
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/essential-oil-bug-spray/
		Thu, 06 Aug 2015 01:30:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4276
		
		to help ease the symptoms of my postpartum depression, and it kind of took off from there. I soon made a few mood boosting blends for some friends of mine, started using it to help treat minor bumps and bruises on the Cowkids, to ease a cough and sore throat for me, a sleepy time spray for the Cowkids ...and...well...I guess I kind of went Essential Oil crazy and started to use them for everything!

essential oil bug sprayMy most requested Essential Oil "recipe" is my Bug Spray. I used it on a bunch of the Cowkids' friends when they came over and it worked like a charm. I love that not only does it smell great but, it doesn't stain clothes, I don't have to worry about potentially dangerous chemicals or the baby being harmed and...IT WORKS!

I use a pretty big bottle for my spray, after all I do have a family of seven! I double the recipe below when I use the large bottle. If you want to create an oil blend (rather than a spray) and use a roller ball to distribute a small amount on your arms, legs, neck and face just use the recipe below but rather than water add grape seed oil (or coconut) to fill up the container.

Prairie Wife Essential Oil Bug Spray

5 drops each of

Peppermint
Eucalyptus
Lavander
Melaleuca or Tea Tree Oil (thanks Lizzi for letting me know it's the same thing)
Lemon Grass (this may attract bees so if you are allergic leave this one out)

Fill the rest of your container with distilled water. Shake before each use and apply to skin and clothes every two hours to help deter bugs! As with all oils keep away from the eyes and mouth.

Do you have any oil blends that you use in the Summer?

Note: We here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com are not medical professionals. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Copyright: belchonock / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Honey I'm Good (mom parody video)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/honey-im-good-mom-parody-video/
		Tue, 28 Jul 2015 01:30:27 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4285
		
		
Note: I'm sure you can tell that we did all the singing and acting ourselves. If you had as much fun watching this as we had making it, PLEASE share it with your friends! We also reserve the right to change our minds about the "no more babies for me" statement...after all...you never know ;)

 

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		Honey I'm Good (mom parody video) Lyrics
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/honey-im-good-mom-parody-video-lyrics/
		Thu, 30 Jul 2015 01:30:23 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4293
		
		Wow! I am so thrilled with all the positive response we've had to our Honey I'm Good (no more babies for me) video! We had a blast making it but, were more than a little nervous to put it out there for all the world to see. We shouldn't have worried...our readers are the best and you've all been laughing right along with us (and at us too lol). We've had a few requests for the lyrics so we've got them for you right here.

Lyrics for Honey I'm Good (no more babies for me)

all singingNah Nah Honey I’m good we could have another but we probably should not, no more babies for us.

It’s been a long night here, up with this baby.
Eating, crying, and no time to pee
(Hold it now)
Yes they are sweet, I will not lie..
But if you ask how much I’m sleeping at night
I gotta be like oh lady, no lady, you got it all wrong lady,
My baby doesn’t sleep at all!

So Nah Nah Honey I’m good I could have another but I probably should not, no more babies for me no room for a car seat. No, honey, I’m good I could have another but I probably should not. We’ve got to get to school, you’re tardy again and it’s not cool…
(oo oo tardy again) (oo oo it’s not cool)

potato chipsNow better mom’s than me have failed, eating potato chips instead of Kale.
(Tastes so good)
I have five and she has three, and you’ve got those, and what about me?
We gotta be like oh babies, no babies, we’ve got enough of those babies!
Our babies already got all of our love!

So Nah Nah Honey I’m good I could have another but I probably should not, no more babies for me I just need a moment to breathe. No, honey, I’m good I could have another but I probably should not. I haven’t showered in days, I need to shave these legs…
(oo oo just breathe) (oo oo shave your legs)

Oh, We’re sure We’ll, sure We’ll sleep some day. But oh we assure ya assure ya, it sure as heck's not now.

So Nah Nah Honey I’m good I could have another but I probably should not, no more babies for me we’ve got no more money. No, honey, I’m good I could have another but I probably should not. Target is my fav, no more spending got to save.

Gray eating purseSo Nah Nah Honey I’m good I could have another but I probably should not, no more babies for me and if we kiss I might get pregnant. No, honey, I’m good I could have another but I probably should not. I’ve got to cross my legs, don’t want heavier diaper bags.
(oo oo cross your legs) (oo oo diaper bags)
(oo oo tardy again) (oo oo shave your legs)

Also here are the links for some of the clothes we wore in the video that some of you were asking about!

Click here to buy your own "Keep Calm and Prairie Wife On" shirt.

Here is the link for the cool Surf Wyoming gear you see the Cowkids wearing.

Last but not least the Mama Bear and Baby Bear clothes come from here!

Thanks for all the love and please keep on sharing!

PS We also need to add a huge THANK YOU to David Watson who did all of our sound recording and video editing (I think we can all agree he had the hardest job of all). Those of you that live in Casper need to make sure you stop by his Health and Wellness club Gravity for an amazing shake and free community workouts!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Jill Kargman
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-jill-kargman/
		Fri, 31 Jul 2015 23:30:49 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4303
		
		Jill Kargman is the quirky yet edgey cool girl we all secretly (or in my case not so secretly) want to be! I first discovered her on Bravo's scripted show Odd Mom Out. She is not only the star but the writer and producer as well. If you haven't watched the show yet, you have plenty of time to get caught up before the Season Finale Airs on Monday August 3rd at 10/9c on Bravo! If you follow us on Twitter you've seen me gushing about how hilarious the show is! Who wouldn't laugh at a line like "A doughnut is just a gay bagel"?
    


    

    A few weeks into the show I did a little internet stalking (in a purely platonic way of course) and came upon Jill Kargman's website. I was ecstatic to see that Jill Kargman has written several books. I promptly purchased and read three of them. And while Momzillas was hilarious, my favorite was Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut. It's a collection of essays about Jill's life in NYC that spans from her childhood to her life now with three children. I found myself laughing out loud repeatedly! Just the chapter titles alone are hilarious "Babysitters from Hizznell" and"My Vagina Is the Holland Tunnel" are my two favorites!
    


    

    

    I was feeling brave with the recent success of our mom parody video so, I sent Jill Kargman an email asking her for an interview. I was thrilled when she said yes (I may have said a few bad words and jumped up and down). I think you'll agree that the resulting interview is not only funny but honest as well. Jill Kargman has been in the trenches and doesn't mind sharing the truths she's learned with us. Her grit and grace as she navigates through her NYC life makes her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week.
    


    

    Jill Kargman shoe
    

    

    Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little about your family.
    


    

    Jill Kargman (JK): We live in New York city! I was born and raised here and will totally croak here. Unless I'm on vacation when I die. I have three kids, two girls, and a boy: Sadie, Ivy and Fletch.
    


    
PW: How would you describe NYC to someone that has never been there?

    

    JK: It's a kaleidoscope of color, energy, music, food, and fun that appeals to all the senses and is an adventure at every turn.
    


    

    sometimes I feel like a nut by Jill KargmanPW: In your book Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut   you talk about some of the harrowing experiences your parents had trying to find you and your brother a nanny (I believe one was a nymphomaniac). As a working mom do you now have a nanny for your children?
    


    

    JK: My kids are older now so I have a sitter who helps after school juggling activities. The irony is when I really needed a nanny I couldn't afford full-time help and now I could but...I don't need it. The early years were so so hard for me and everyone keeps asking how the adjustment was to go from full-time mom to working 16 hour days, assuming it was a shock to the system. I can honestly say for me, it was WAY harder staying home with the kids. I was so exhausted I would look at the clock and think I would collapse...and it was only 6pm! When I went back to work I felt so exhilarated. I was stimulated by the adult conversations and fun challenges which fed my energy rather than sapping it. I'll never regret those years at home but, they were so much harder than working...for me at least!
    


    

    PW: So…I have to ask…is all the ridiculousness about getting into the “right school” that you share in your books (and your show Odd Mom Out) true? Do you think where your child attends preschool will have that big of an impact on them?
    


    

    JK: It's hard, but honestly yes. It should not matter but somehow it does. In a huge city there are tons and tons of options. Sadly there are some that just aren't as much educational as they are a day-care and it's competitive to get spots in the good ones. I know it's bonkers and no, it won't make an impact on their entire lives or anything, but you get caught up in wanting the right fit for your family.
    


    

    PW: You graduated from Yale with a major in Art History…what led you to writing and now acting on and producing your own show Odd Mom Out?
    


    

    JK: I actually think it all relates because art history was such a writing intensive major. It was also very visually descriptive which seeded the voice of my novels, setting scenes and places, which was key because New York is both my muse and the character that ribbons through all of my books and my show. I also acted all through college and was never not in a play, so it all felt organic to me, even though it must seem weird to people who don't know me!
    


    

    momzillasPW: On your show Odd Mom Out (where you are the executive producer, writer, and star) your character is trying to keep level headed amongst the world of the elite NYC “momzillas”. In reality no matter where you live it seems like moms are competing against each other. What’s your advice for moms that are getting caught up in the “mommy wars”.
    


    

    JK: I truly say ignore the noise and do you own thing. Fuck the rules or the pack mentality-- I think it's so creepy when people judge you or get up in y'bidniss. Go to your own beat and don't get swayed by pronouncements of people who shat out a kid before you so think they're experts.
    


    

    PW: So far my favorite episode of Odd Mom Out is when Brooke gives birth, what has been your favorite episode so far?
    


    

    JK: "Brooklandia" for sure! I loved taking the air out of any community that creates ways that people "must" do things.
    


     PW: Have you noticed people (specifically your NYC mom friends) censoring what they say around you now that you are doing the show Odd Mom Out?
    

    

    JK: Not at all. They're all such cheerleaders and love it and actually dish funny anecdotes right and left!
    


    

    PW: It seems to me that there is a common theme throughout all of your work about accepting who you are, and not getting caught up in other peoples’ ideas of what is correct. Have you gotten to that place yet?
    


    

    JK: Totally. My character on the show is more insecure than I am. It's based on me at 28 when i was entering the world and was terrified but now I don't give a shit. The freedom of 40 is heaven!
    


    

    brooklyn JillPW: You’re a mother of three who has written multiple books and produced, written, and starred in her own show. You also have a tattoo and can often be found at the shooting range letting off some steam. What bad ass move do you have planned next?
    


    

    JK: Hoping for many seasons of Odd Mom Out to come (a season 2 has been confirmed for summer 2016) and I'm currently writing a follow up to Sometimes I Feel Like A Nut-- another humorous essay collection coming out next year.
    


    

    PW: Any interest in doing a mom swap…I head to NYC and spend a few days living your life…you come on out the Prairie (we would provide the wagon train) and try it out for a weekend? ;)
    


    

    JK: Unfortunately no - because I can't drive. But you can still come here!
    


    

    PW: Any last Prairie Wife Words of wisdom?
    

    JK: We're all gonna be dead in 60 years so don't sweat the small stuff and seize the fucking diem!
    


    

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		A Letter to the Person I Flipped Off
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/a-letter-to-the-person-i-flipped-off/
		Mon, 03 Aug 2015 12:30:15 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4321
		
		

But, let me give you a little picture of what led to my loss of control...

On Valentine's day of this year I had my fifth baby. She is a doll and I love her to bits. In the last month she went from being a baby that sleeps all night (I've never had one of those before so it was pretty nice) to being a regular Cowbaby and waking up between one and four times a night. She also has a strong disregard for a regular nap time. Basically what I'm trying to say is, this mama is running on empty!

Add to that the fact that my family of 7 just spent five days in Cheyenne attending the "Daddy of them All" Cheyenne Frontier Days. While this is always a great time, it meant that The Cowboy and I were out until 1:30 in the morning four times (we were taking his customers out and about). While LittleMissH did take a bottle while we were out, I still was the one to get up with her at 3:30 and 5:30 every morning to nurse her. Did I mention that all 7 of us were sleeping in a room with one king bed and a pullout couch? Also...have you ever taken five kids under the age of 9 to a carnival...for 4 hours?!

While on "vacation" I had a severe case of baby brain and the following tragedies occurred...

1. I forgot to pack a pair of jeans and a sweatshirt in case it got cold (which it did).

2. I forgot one of the pairs of wireless headphones for the Cowkids so, we all had to listen to the kids' movie on the radio.

2. I left my sunglasses in the room twice.

3. I lost my room key three times. This resulted in a need to walk all the way to the front desk and get new ones three times.

4. I got lost twice driving to CowGranny's house.

5. I accidentally threw away all of the concert and rodeo tickets for the week.

6. I didn't notice for 12 hours that I had thrown all of the concert and rodeo tickets out.

7. We stayed at a hotel where the staff actually emptied the trash on a regular basis.

8. I didn't find that out until I had dug through the trash can.

9. The Cowboy was grouchy (understandably so) and I cried.

After a full five days of "fun" I decided it would be best if I drove myself and the Cowkids home Sunday morning. The Cowboy stayed and watched the rodeo with customers and rode home with his sister. As I hit the road I was exhausted and stuck listening to the Lion King (there are worse things I know) instead of fun upbeat radio songs.

I drove 80mph (the speed limit) headed home with visions of being there by lunch in my head. Just as I pulled over to pass a semi truck my check tire light went on...and I looked up and saw you.

You were so close that I could see that perhaps an eyebrow waxing would be a great idea for you...and you continued to stay that close as I sped up and tried to get past the semi truck without a tire blowing.

As I pulled over into the "slow lane", I couldn't contain my fury, and I flipped you off as you passed. I guess it was the lady with the bowl cut sitting next to you that got the brunt of my finger, but she probably relayed it to you for me.

I know we live in a small town, and I have an easily recognizable car. Chances are I know you or, as my luck would have it, I attend the same church as you. It has been on my mind for days that I should really apologize to you and since I don't know who you are this letter will have to do.

I am sorry I flipped you off and I know that I should have controlled my temper.

That being said, next time you're driving behind me I'd appreciate it if you give me at least one car length between us. I know I have a nice bum for someone that has five kids but, I'd appreciate if you stay out of it...after all I am a happily married woman!

Have a great day,

Prairie Wife

Copyright: sifotography / 123RF Stock Photo

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		Honey I'm Good (mom parody video) Q and A #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/honey-im-good-mom-parody-video-q-and-a-giveaway/
		Sat, 08 Aug 2015 01:38:10 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4327
		
		Honey I'm Good (no more babies for me) parody video. We shared our lyrics with you last week and this week I thought I would take a minute to answer some of the most often asked questions from our readers and people that have been stopping us on the street and recognizing us (which is pretty crazy cool)!

First I'm going to share an interview we did with our local KissFM station and DJ Nyke  because it will answer a few of the questions we were asked!


Now that you've had a chance to learn a bit more about the four of us that were singing in the video I'll answer a few of the most frequently asked questions...

honey I'm good cookiesQ: Who is the stunning blond that has a cameo in the video?

A: The blond who plays the "snobby lady" asking if TallGirlJ if her baby sleeps all night,  is our very own Past Prairie Wife of the Week Cheeleo from Life Is Sweet Cookies. She and her son also appear at the end of the video. And take a look at these amazing cookies she made to celebrate us getting over 10,000 hits on our video on YouTube. She delivers her amazing cookies all across the country, and if you see it on Pinterest she can create it (and often times it's even better than you dreamed)!

Q: Have you had any haters yet?

A: We've had a few people that have commented on our singing skills...or lack there of lol! But as I clearly stated when we posted the video, we did all the singing ourselves...and Beyonce and Destiny's Child have nothing to worry about from us. It doesn't hurt our feelings when people mention how off key we are, after all they are simply stating the truth. We were nervous about people making derogatory comments about our bodies, hair, makeup etc. In the end I think the fact that we are obviously real women with real bodies has drawn more lovers of the video rather than haters.

honey screen shotQ: Are all those kids really yours?

A: Yup! As I say in the video I have 5, TallGirlJ has 3, BonitaBlueEyes has 3, and past Prairie Wife of the Week Lizzi has 4.

Q: Did you do all the editing yourself?

A: Nope. Luckily Lizzi is not only the best singer of the group but, she hooked us up with her brother David who was our sound and video recorder/editor. Those of you that live in Casper Wyoming need to make sure you stop by his Health and Wellness club Gravity for an amazing shake and free community workouts!

Q: Are you going to do another video?

A: This is a tricky one to answer. I will tell you that yes, we have another parody in the works...but that's all I'll tell you! Creating this video was a blast and a great way to draw new readers to our site, but it was a lot of work and a scheduling nightmare. Unlike our past Prairie Wife of the Week Deva of MyLifeSuckers.com who creates videos weekly, our videos will only be a small part of what we do here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com rather than our focus.

As a way to show our appreciation to you our readers we at PrairieWifeInHeels.com would like to give one lucky winner their very own "Keep Calm and Prairie Wife On" t-shirt (the winner will be able to pick the size and color). All you have to do is comment below and tell us your favorite part of our Honey I'm Good (no more babies for me) Mom Parody Video. You can earn more points toward the giveaway by following us on social media. Please be honest, we will check!

a Rafflecopter giveaway


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		Ode to the Gray T-Shirt
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/ode-to-the-gray-t-shirt/
		Wed, 12 Aug 2015 12:30:07 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4332
		
		closet purge. For me that item is a simple gray V-neck T-shirt. I've had dozens over the years, and I am sure I will continue to own a dozen more. My gray shirts always seem to fit just right (not too tight and not too loose) and go with everything...I dare you to find a color that doesn't work with gray! They are easy to dress up or down and never leave me feeling out of place or uncomfortable.

As I stood in my closet two weeks ago, trying to decide what to wear for our radio interview about our mom parody video, I found myself reaching for my old reliable gray T-shirt. I tried to fight my inner demons and wear a floral shirt, but in the end I just didn't feel confident. My somewhat unhealthy attachment to my gray T-shirt led me to create this post. Below are a variety of ways you can wear a gray T-shirt, and I'm sure you'll agree (or I hope you agree) they are all fabulous! As always all the clothing items are under $50. Just click the thumbnail pics to see where you can purchase the pieces.

Lazy Day at the Park
This outfit is perfect for taking the kids to the park. Casual and comfy but certainly not slouchy, you won't mind being seen by all the other moms in this cute look. Make sure you tuck just the front of your T-shirt into your shorts to show off your waist!

 

    

    Lazy Day at the Park
    

    
 

    Lazy Day at the Park by prairieheels featuring Lipsy
    

    

    

    
Night Out
This look works for all body shapes and any age. It's appropriate for a fancy dinner or cocktails with friends. The long skirt and heels are trendy yet practical. The bag and matching polish add a pop of sophisticated color and the jewelry adds a touch of edge to this nighttime look.

 

    

    Night Out
    

    
 

    Night Out by prairieheels featuring gold rings
    

    

    

    
Just Chillin'
This look is my current go-to for play-dates, errands, and even meeting up with The Cowboy for a casual lunch. Adding bright color with the bag, shoes, and watch makes this outfit fun and youthful...without making you look like you're trying to be a teenager. I threw in this awesome coat (hint hint for Christmas gifts) because it's starting to be in the 40's here in Wyoming in the mornings.

 

    

    Just Chillin'
    

    
 

    Just Chillin' by prairieheels featuring oxford lace up shoes
    

    

    

    
Off to a Meeting
Sometimes you need to look pulled together (no jeans with holes) but still want a casual vibe. This look is perfect for that PTO meeting at school or even an interview with a Prairie Wife of the Week. Notice how lovely the brown, gold and gray go together? I'm telling you gray goes with every color! PS Throw a loose cream or mustard colored cardigan over the look and you're ready for Fall.

 

    

    Off to a Meeting
    

    
 

    Off to a Meeting by prairieheels featuring t shirts
    

    

    

    
Ready to Work
I love everything about this look. It's all I can do to keep myself from buying that amazing striped blazer! The tailored black cigarette pants and bright red (yet tasteful) accessories all work together to make your simple gray T-shirt work appropriate.

 

    

    Ready to Work
    

    
 

    Ready to Work by prairieheels featuring a gray v neck t shirt
    

    

    

    
What item in your closet do you always reach for?]]>    
		
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		#ThisMomCan
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/thismomcan/
		Mon, 10 Aug 2015 12:00:45 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4335
		
		goal setter, and a list maker. I could claim that it's the number of kids I have but, in truth, I have always been this way. I get great satisfaction when I cross something off my list, and I would be lost without my calender corner!

That being said, this week I just came to terms with the fact that a big goal I had set for myself last year is not going to be achievable. I had my heart set on losing all the baby weight from LittleMissH by the time she was 6 months old. At the time I felt like this was a realistic goal. When pregnant with my last two boys I had all the weight off in 4 months. Knowing that I had gained 10 pounds more with LittleMissH I gave myself a little more time.

Well, LittleMissH will be 6 months old on Friday and I still have 5 pounds to go. Not a lot of weight left to loose, I know. Certainly nothing to freak out about. Still I've felt this "failure" creeping up on me for the last few weeks, and I was prepared to feel pretty crappy about myself this week.

#ThisMomCanBut you know what, I don't.

I don't feel defeated, I don't feel depressed, and I don't feel disappointed in myself.

In the last six months I have given birth and nursed on demand (she eats 10-16 times a day) the sweetest most zen baby in the world. I have battled postpartum depression off and on for about a week out of every month. I have taken care of my family of seven which includes (but is not limited too) cleaning the house, feeding animals, going on vacation, being the fun mom, potty training the most stubborn little boy ever, cooking multiple meals a day, and snuggling. I have fallen back in love with running. I put myself out there for the world to see and made a video with some of my closest friends. I have learned to be more compassionate and I have had the opportunity to meet and learn from some pretty amazing women through this blog.

And I have lost 35 of the 40 pounds I gained with LittleMissH.

Those of you that follow us on Facebook may have seen this video. I think it's pretty amazing....



I was so inspired by it, that I set a goal to run further this weekend than I ever have before. Our readers that follow us on Instagram know that I met my goal of running 7 miles and then went 1/4 mile over it. It felt good...it felt life affirming...and as I was running what went through my head was not #ThisGirlCan but #ThisMomCan.

#ThisMomCan loose the rest of the baby weight.
#ThisMomCan make it through the rest of summer without murdering her kids.
#ThisMomCan lock herself in the bathroom, take a bath, and read a book guilt free.
#ThisMomCan be a better friend.
#ThisMomCan finish making the rest of 2014's photo books before it's 2016.
#ThisMomCan be a better listener.
#ThisMomCan do whatever the hell she sets her mind to do!

Ladies take a breath and then take a moment to focus on yourself. Not your kids, not your friends or family, not your house or work...just you. Search inside yourself and come up with a goal. Don't set a time limit, just think of something that you want to do.

In the comments share your goal with us #ThisMomCan.....

I can't wait to read them!]]>
		
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		Snip...Snip...
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/snip-snip/
		Mon, 17 Aug 2015 12:30:12 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4348
		
		recently released parody video clearly states "Honey I'm good I could have another but probably should not!" After many  months of discussion my husband and I have decided that our family of 5 is complete. We have been blessed with 3 beautiful children (one girl and two boys) and for us that's the perfect number!

All together I have birthed 27 pounds of baby...and by birthed I mean I pushed them out my girl parts...and one of them was over 10 pounds. In the course of our discussion of being done having babies, TallGuyT (my husband) and I decided it would be fair for my husband to get the "fix". We are sure we are done, and both of us don't want to worry about having a surprise baby in 5 years.

Before our doctor would proceed with the vasectomy, they had us schedule a consultation. It's a way for them to make sure you are not jumping into anything. A way to help you feel confident that you are making the right choice for your family.

A few weeks ago TallGuyT and I went in for our consultation. The doctor who was doing it was very kind, and even stated that this is the only surgery he does (I guess that means he's a pro), that he himself has had the surgery (with no ill effects) and so on...It obviously wasn't his first time chatting with a nervous male crossing his legs and glancing at the door every few minutes.

sick husbandThen it was time to talk about the nitty gritty, the actual surgery and recovery. The doctor recommended that TallGuyT have the surgery on a Friday, and then keep his weekend relaxed. After the "snip" was done there would be 2 (very tiny almost invisible) stitches and he explained that TallGuyT could be a little soar. He clearly stated that my husband would need to go home and sit on a bag of peas for the first day, and then do absolutely nothing the rest of the weekend. The doctor then looked at me, smiled and said "I bet like most wives, you'll get a bit of satisfaction out of this!"

This is when my mind went crazy... but I kept it together and said "No not really, I don't want to have him get this as revenge." After the appointment my TallguyT, being the smart-ass he is (and usually I love him because of it) kept asking if I heard the part of how he had to sit around. He was absolutely not allowed to move too much or lift anything. If he was put to work it could be disastrous (swollen male parts some more pain) and of course, there was no way we could have that!

We have a few more weeks before my husbands surgery... and I have had lots of time to think.

When I was alone with Prairie Wife a few days ago she asked me what my feelings were. She was wondering if I was sad since this surgery means an amazingly wonderful (yet super hard) chapter of our life was ending. Yes I am a little sad but, my husband and I are both confident our family is complete.

But here's the real thing...I am annoyed!! Like I said before, I have birthed 27 pounds of baby! One of them was 10lb 8oz of sweet baby boy, do you think I only had "two tiny, almost invisible stitches" after that?

Do you think I got to just go home and sit on a bag of peas for a weekend? HA! I wish! The second after you have a baby and the epidural wears off, the nurses make sure you are up and moving! Within moments after you have a baby you are feeding it, within hours you take a shower (which does feel a little nice), then you pack up all your stuff and walk to your new room...and all this is within the first 12 hours...while still at the hospital!

screaming womanThen you get to go home, get up 50 times a night to feed the baby, change an infinite number of poopy diapers throughout the day, plus take care of other kids and the family and the house. And lets talk about the general anger and soreness of the girl parts, for weeks after!

A whole weekend of rest for my husband for "TWO TINY, ALMOST INVISIBLE STITCHES!!" When I haven't even gotten an hour...heck even half an hour of rest after any of my kids were born....

Yes, I am so grateful TallManT is stepping up and doing this for our family. I assure you I will take care of him the best that I can. With a bright and cheerful smile firmly plastered on my face, I will hand him a freshly frozen bag of peas and a cool drink whenever he needs it.

But, between you and me, you bet I will be walking around the corner and rolling my eyes...and perhaps doing a few silent screams as well.

What do you think gals, am I overreacting?!
Copyright: feelphotoart / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: djoronimo / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		The Best School Lunch Ever
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-best-school-lunch-ever/
		Fri, 21 Aug 2015 15:27:09 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4356
		
		It's time to come to terms with it moms....summer is almost over. Like you I'm hanging on...kicking and screaming to these last few days of sleeping in, lazing around in jammies, and being able to spend days at a time without driving in to town. The Facebook posts from East of the Mississippi have been popping up with a sad regularity. They are all similar...chipper children dressed in there best, smiling brightly for their mom (we all know it's mom that takes the pictures), a backpack over half the size of their body slung over their shoulders, and a bright lunch box in their hand. My time to post our back to school pics is looming closer. This year I have three Cowkids that will be leaving me without a glance as they run into their classroom.

I admit to being a Pinterest junkie, and earlier this Spring it came to my attention that I was severely lacking in the school lunch department. I felt guilty, and like I was a bit of a crap mom for my steady rotation of Nutella (no Peanut Butter allowed) and Jelly sandwiches, homemade lunchables (crackers, cheese, and pepperoni in a zip lock bag), and horror of horrors...school lunch! I blamed it on the birth of LittleMissH and vowed that the following school year (the one that starts in two weeks) I too would join the ranks of "that mom".

You know...the one who makes lunches with the organic fruit skewers, cutely cut sandwiches made with hummus and meat from the local butcher.

Lunches with homemade from scratch vegan cheese ravioli and every food group colorfully and prominently featured.

I thought that this summer would be the perfect place to start. I could easily create fabulous lunch concoctions for the Cowkids and then have them tell me what ones were their favorites. I figured I would be a well oiled, fancy lunch making mom machine by the time fall rolled around.

Cue the first week of summer.

Me: Alright guys what do you want for lunch today? How about a hummus and ham wrap with sweet peppers thinly cut and carefully laid inside?!

Cowkids: Peanut butter and jelly! (this was shouted by all 4 Cowkids)

Me: OK but how about I make you a fruit salad with berries and oranges to go with it?

Cowkids: Can we just have an apple?

Me: Fine...lets make some granola bars to have for a treat. I have dried cherries and hmmm I think some dark chocolate chips...

Cowkids: Can we just have fruit snacks?

This is how the conversation went every day for two weeks...and finally do you know what I realized? I was feeling like a bad mom and trying to bust my butt making Pinterest worthy lunches for absolutely no reason. My kids had just proven over and over that all they really wanted was Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwiches, apples, and fruit snacks. Throw in some snap peas and carrots with hummus and they were in heaven!

Frankly, the meal in itself isn't really that bad nutritionally. I use whole wheat bread for the sandwiches and they drink water or milk not juice. I know that using Nutella instead of Peanut Butter (or Almond Butter) takes away from some of the healthiness but, rules are rules and no peanuts are allowed at our school.

peanut butter and jelly sandwichSo here is my recipe for the creating The Best School Lunch Ever
Servings: 1 child Time: 2 seconds if done the night before 10 minutes if done in the morning

1 or 2 Nutella and Raspberry Jelly sandwiches made with whole wheat bread (you may only need half a sandwich depending on your child's age)

An apple or banana

Bag of baby carrots and snap peas

Hummus or Ranch dressing in a small container

Fruit Snacks

I personally guarantee that not only will you have the happiest kid in school but, you won't even care when you open up their lunch box at the end of the day and see that they didn't even eat half of it. See, it's a win win!

Note: Please don't be offended if you do make fabulous lunches for your child...some of us got it and some of us don't (I clearly don't). I hear some people out there fold clothes too...I don't judge...

What does your kid think is the best lunch ever?

Copyright: auremar / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: mickeymousehouse64 / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		The Mermaid's Sister By Carrie Anne Noble
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-mermaids-sister-by-carrie-anne-noble/
		Mon, 24 Aug 2015 12:00:44 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4364
		
		The Mermaid's SisterI love novels, and I often find it hard to immerse myself in biographies or essays. I just can't seem to get lost in them the same way I do a fantasy or historical fiction novel. The Mermaid's Sister by Carrie Anne Noble is one of those novels that I dove into and hardly remembered to come up for air. I admit that my house and children were ignored for a few days longer than usual, as I sunk into the depths of this lovely fantasy novel (OK I'm done with the not so subtle sea references).

Technically billed as a novel for young adults, Noble's sweeping novel about two sisters, their sacrifices for love, and journey to self acceptance will please readers of all ages. I do need to say that I think it is more for the older teens rather than tweens, due to some of the sexual undertones and violence. The story begins high on a mountain where we meet the wise Auntie and her two adopted daughters Clara and Maren. Their lives are tinted with magic and the arrival of Aunties friend and his adopted son O'Neill brings more questions than answers to their past and future.

It won't ruin the story to tell you that Maren slowly at first, and then with alarming speed, turns into a mermaid. Her life is in peril on the mountain and it is up to O'Neill and Clara to take her to the sea before it is too late. Their journey is fraught with peril and full of wonders and unsavory characters alike. Clara battles the all to real human emotions of jealousy, fear, and despair. While O'Neill offers strength, hope, and unwavering love for his adopted "sisters".

I found myself drawn to the fascinating story as well as Noble's ability to create characters with vividly real emotions and reactions. The Mermaid's Sister is well worth picking up. I promise, you won't regret immersing yourself into it's beautiful crafted story (I had to do one last sea reference).

What books have you read this summer? Any that you would recommend?]]>
		
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		So Long Summer
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/so-long-summer/
		Wed, 26 Aug 2015 15:00:13 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4369
		
		I wrote about how excited I was for Summer to be here at last. And I can't help but repeat that often said phrase "Time flies when you're having fun!"

summer 15We had a road trip to visit Ma and Pa in The City, spent a week in Cheyenne enjoying the fun of Cheyenne Frontier Days, and spent a ton of time at our favorite local state park splashing in the water and digging in the sand. Our garden was decimated by hail, only to bounce back (somewhat) and give us more lettuce than we can eat. Only time will tell how the potatoes and onions fared. If you follow us on Instagram you know that our beloved Cowdog was bitten by a rattlesnake when walking the Cowkids the neighbors. Due to the hard work of our amazing vet she survived and is doing fine! Some wonderful work has been done behind the scenes to prepare for the next few months of blogging, and of course the success of our Honey I'm Good Mom Parody Video was above and beyond anything we dreamed (12,000 YouTube hits and counting). We've spent hours playing with friends, jumping on the trampoline, riding bikes, and BBQing. I may not have lost all the baby weight as planned but I did run over 7 miles, a personal record! LittleMissH continues to be the most zen baby ever, and is now sitting up and playing with toys (sniff).

I admit there are still a few things on our Summer to-do-list that remain undone...and they will probably stay that way. A camping trip had to be canceled because I got sick and I just don't think we will have time to squeeze in a night of bowling before school starts. Until I wrote this post I was actually feeling a little (OK a lot) guilty. But, after reading all the things we have done and thinking about the memories we have made, I'm not feeling so bad!

I'm not ready for school to start. The Cowkids have gotten along surprisingly well this Summer and I don't think I heard "I'm bored" more than once or twice from each kid. It really was a good Summer but to use another well worn phrase "All good things must come to an end!"

Share your Summer memories with me in the comments, I can't wait to read them!]]>
		
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		Get Your Schedule Organized for Under $50
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/get-your-schedule-organized-for-under-50/
		Sat, 29 Aug 2015 12:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4373
		
		School is about to start and for many of us moms it's time to pull yourself together and get back on the organization train. There is something about this time of year that makes me want to sharpen my pencils and straighten up my own desk. Maybe it's the Cowkids and their fresh school supplies, or perhaps it's the fact that we suddenly need to stick to a schedule, and it's up to me to make sure that everyone gets where they belong on time (and on the right day).

When Fall rolled around two years ago I decided to put together an organization corner in our kitchen (the hub of our house). Like every other sane person I first went to Pinterest and pinned the heck out of all the ideas I loved. Then I showed The Cowboy all my great ideas...and after he got done laughing he said no way was he building shelves or putting 50 holes in our wall. He seemed to think that my organization kick would be short lived. I went ahead and ignored him and with a lot of nagging and threatening to just do it myself, he finally relented and agreed to help me do a scaled down (more realistic) organization corner. Everything I did cost under $50 and only took me 30 minutes to create, keep in mind this doesn't include drying time.

full organization cornerTwo years later I have to say that I love what we've done. Not only is it 100% effective but, what I created has truly made our lives easier. For the sake of honesty and sticking to our PrairieWifeInHeels.com guarantee I decided to leave our corner looking how it truly is. I resisted the urge to purge and make it look like I remembered to file away all the kids papers from the last school year (I'll get to it next week I swear)!

As you can see, my organization corner takes up a minimal amount of space and is easily accessible both physically and visually. This is really important. Take some time to think about the best spot to put your corner. If you have younger Cowkids like me, make sure you put it up high where their sweat little fingers can't smudge your calendar.

calendarSupplies
1 large frame (with glass)
1 large self adhesive calendar (month view)
1 8x10 picture frame (with glass)
1 8x10 piece of paper (pattern or white)
3 wooden clothes pins
Super Glue
Spray Paint (if desired)
White board markers
2 sets of hanging magazine racks

1. Make sure that you know the measurement of your self adhesive calendar and make sure it will fit inside the large frame that you picked.
2. Paint your two frames to match your decor. You may not need to do this step if you found frames that match.
3. Once paint on frame is dry (and on the clothes pins if you painted them) put super glue on the bottom of the clothes pins and glue them evenly around the frame. If you need more than three you can glue them on the sides as well. I use these for all the things I need to see...to do lists, and permission slips are right in my face, it keeps me from forgetting to take care of them!
4. Place the self adhesive calendar in the frame and hang it up in an easily accessible area. Using white board markers on the glass fill in your calendar and enjoy being the most organized mom ever!
5. Place your paper in the 8x10 frame. I used white because it went best with my decor but a patterned paper is a great way to bring color and texture into your decor! Hang up your frame and use it for adding dates to remember for the next few months. I also use this to put up important phone numbers for our babysitter.
6. Hang up your magazine racks and assign each kid a spot. It's a great way to keep their keepsake papers and pictures "organized". As soon as the Cowkids walk in the door they empty backpacks and we immediately throw away what isn't necessary or worthy of saving, and put the other papers where they belong. I also have a shelf for The Cowboy where he keeps all of his mail and important papers.

How do you stay organized?]]>
		
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		Fall 2015 Fashion Do and Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fall-2015-fashion-do-and-donts/
		Sat, 05 Sep 2015 22:00:21 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4380
		
		school officially began on Wednesday. These two things mean that without a doubt Fall has arrived! Luckily this is good news for our readers because it means our long-awaited Fall 2015 Fashion Do and Don'ts post is here at last. Texas Two Steppin' and I spent weeks perusing our fav fashion mags and picking our favorite trends. There was some ferocious texting back and forth but we finally nailed down five fashion trends for the Fall that we wanted to talk about. Keep in mind that we make sure we pick trends that "real" woman can wear. We also make sure you can buy either the exact pieces we chose, or similar styles, easily and for an affordable price!  Another fun fact about our Do and Don't posts is that we never see each others' comments on the trends until after they are written...it makes for some fun reading for us (and hopefully you as well) and results in debates that can continue for weeks later-LOL! As always click the pic to see where you can purchase the items.

 prairie skirtPrairie Skirts


Prairie Wife: I know, you'd think with my name that this is a total do item for me...but remember at heart I'm a city girl that's just trying to make it our here on the Wyoming Prairie. While I am all for the western items that have crept onto the runway this year (fringe and leather are big Dos for me), this is just a bit too much for me. I've seen several of my friends rock this look with cowgirl boots and a big belt, or turned it more towards the hippie vibe with gladiator sandals, and for them it works. For me personally, this trend is a DON'T. I'm all for a midi or even floor length skirt, but the ruffled, tiered and calico all together is just too old-fashioned for me!

Texas Two Steppin': I actually picked this trend just to see what PW would say. As she mentioned in the intro we usually don't compare our thoughts, and I thought she might be a bit offended when I said that this was a DON'T because the flounces and small print have a tendency to look a bit juvenile. To me, even if you are going for the full-on country look or the hippie vibe, it reads a bit too costumey (Is that a real word? Oh well, you know what I mean). I definitely can't find a use for it in my weekend or even events like the county rodeo (I'm more jeans and a tank top), but if you find the perfect way to incorporate it into your closet leave us a comment below or share a picture on one of our social media feeds!

military inspired pantsMilitary Inspired Pieces


Prairie Wife: In our Summer Beauty and Accessory post Texas Two Steppin' and I are a little psychic when it comes to trends. If you don't believe me click on this post from Fall 2013 and check out my Army Green Military jacket. Yup, that is a total fashion DO right now! I'll wait a minute for you to be impressed with me....Military inspired pieces are all over the runway this fall and for good reason. Not only are they super practical but they add a chic edginess to any outfit. I particularly love the skinny Army Green Cargo pants that we have here (I have the exact pair) because they are a cinch to dress down (as seen here) or up with a chunky brown heel and fitted button down top. Just be careful when you pick out your military inspired item, sometimes the cargo style pockets can add bulk in unflattering areas!

Texas Two Steppin': If you are impressed with PW you should be really impressed with me because I have kept some of my favorite army green items in my closet for more than 20 years because I knew the trend would come back! Not only is this a DO on the runway it is a DO in real life. I agree that these pieces are easy to dress up or down, but I really like military items because the color is neutral yet a bit more special than black, gray or tan. If you don't believe me, just pair the cute pants in the pic with a fuschia T-shirt, a black blazer, killer black heels and chunky gold jewelry. Yup, fuschia and army green are the perfect combo for a night out with the girls or hubby or even a day at the office. And don't forget to try the look in an anorak!

long vestLong Vests or Sleeveless Jackets


Prairie Wife: I just think these are ugly. I get the appeal, really I do. They add visual interest, it's a nod to the boxy 80's looks that are back in style, it's a way to layer your look without being too hot...I get all the arguments for the Long Vest/Sleeveless Jacket trend but, for me this is still a DON'T!

Texas Two Steppin': OK, here come the arguments for making it a DO. I think "sleeveless jackets" are incredibly sophisticated and versatile, especially in Texas where it doesn't get too chilly and the weather is very fickle. On casual Fridays I have put a long vest over a T-shirt and pair of jeans to hit the right level of "boss" and "bold." When you are my age (40 something) and wearing leggings with a pair of tall boots, covering your booty is mandatory, and most long vests hits at just the right spot without making you look like you are trying to hide all that junk in your trunk. And I love the look of a long vest in a fall berry or hunter green hue with a cream top, army green pencil skirt and rich brown leather booties.

dark washDark Wash Denim

Prairie Wife: In Wyoming denim is always a DO and dark wash denim is no different. I especially love dark wash jeans with a lighter wash denim top. The appeal for me with dark wash denim is two-fold. First of all they look dressier than a lighter wash, so therefore they can be worn more places, which is always a good thing. Secondly, the darker wash helps offer a more slim look, which lets face it, who doesn't want that?! Sometimes I find that my faded jeans draw attention to areas I'd rather hide. Dark Wash jeans keep your eye (or the eye of an admirer) traveling from top to bottom and result in a longer leaner look!

Texas Two Steppin': I first developed my obsession with dark wash after watching one of my first episodes of What Not To Wear and seeing the transforming effects of dark indigo on one of the participants. I love the look of flared jeans, and mine are dark wash because the lighter ones feel too '70s. Dang it, PW, you took most of my talking points on this DO! So let me leave you with an important tip: Americans have a habit of washing their jeans after every wearing, and this is a dark wash jean No-No. Only wash them inside out, by hand, in cold water with the proper laundry detergent when they are dirty, and if you want to refresh the jeans between washings, put them in the freezer.

fringe skirtFringe

Texas Two Steppin': I am going first on this one, and knowing my baby sis like I do, I am sure we are going to have differing opinions. I admire fringe on the runway, on Pinterest, on last season's Project Runway, on the pages of Vogue and on other people. I have dreams of wearing a leather jacket with subtle movement on the arms or having pretty pieces of fabric swirl around my knees. But when I wake up, it is still a DON'T for me.

Prairie Wife: If you follow us on Twitter or Facebook you will know my answer to this one because you've probably seen my fringe booties in my profile picture. But, this is our Fall Fashion post (not accessories) so while fringe on shoes and purses are a total DO we can't officially talk about them. Fringe on clothing is also a DO for me but with a few restrictions. Subtle fringe on a leather jacket (arms, back or front) DO, mountain man fringe (arms, back, side, front AND bottom) DON'T. Fringe on pants, DON'T. Midi length fringe skirts with one or two long layers of fringe, DO. Super short fringe skirt or a skirt with 4 layers of 1920's flapper like fringe, DON'T. Speaking of fringe skirts, they can be kind of tricky to style and keep classy rather then looking like you are headed for a night out in Vegas, stop by our Pinterest boards to get some tips and tricks!

Which fall fashion item is your favorite?!]]>
		
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		My New Reality
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/my-new-reality-2/
		Mon, 31 Aug 2015 14:18:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4411
		
		The fresh, early summer air with beautiful flowers in bloom around me was a stark contrast to the hovering gloom in my head and heart. I listened to advice from people who loved me, immersed myself in prayer, family and friends, music, books, exercise, sun and creativity. (All of my favorite things.) I also came to the conclusion that resisting any of my negative feelings only prolonged them. So, I let go. Shortly after, I came out feeling stronger than I ever have.

When it became time to share my new reality with others, fear overtook me. It wasn't that I couldn't handle the opposing opinions of others...I could and have. Yet, I stood frozen because I was afraid it would be revealed to me that some of the people I loved and admired, people that I counted among my friends, may not have been as loving as I thought they were. I was filled with apprehension. I simply couldn't take anymore disillusionment.

Despite my hesitation, I forged ahead and began to share my news with those around me. I am happy to share that "coming out" with this shadow in my life, I have only experienced love and support. Not just from friends, but from absolutely everyone I've opened up to. What a blessing that I am surrounded by such a strong circle of support.

The irony is, I wouldn't have known how truly loved I am if I hadn't been willing to share my struggle. It made me vulnerable, bearing my soul to others, and it was terrifying. But now, I feel like I could really live through anything.

Thank you so much if you are reading this and leave a positive comment. Thank you if you had a conversation with me and provided the support I needed.

My dad wanted to know for his birthday that I was okay. Dad and Vicki, I'm more than okay, and I love and thank you for all that you have done.

If you want to hear any more of this story or if you feel that I can help you in your lives by sharing more details, please ask me questions in the comments below.

Have you been pleasantly surprised by the reactions of others to something difficult you've shared?

Copyright: amoklv / 123RF Stock Photo

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		A Few Words About the Duggar Family
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/a-few-words-about-the-duggar-family/
		Fri, 04 Sep 2015 01:37:03 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4415
		
		Prairie Wife Guarantee if you're looking for a place to discuss news and hot topics this isn't it...but I can no longer stay silent about the Duggar family and the terrible things that just keep on coming to light.

For those of you that are unaware, the Duggars are a family that until recently, had a reality show on TLC called 19 Kids and Counting. They are a large family whose  "desire is to make Christ known and [to help] others to see that the Bible is the owner’s manual for life." Through their reality show they shared their way of life which includes homeschooling, chores, and responsibility of the older children to care for younger children. They have strict (by today's standards) rules in regards to dress code, dating, and physical contact. The world became fascinated with their family and charmed by their seemingly simple way of life. Their eldest son and two of their daughters have been married and had children while on the show.

Topic 1 Josh Duggar's past


Suddenly a few months ago their world fell apart. Though the incidents happened many years ago, it was released that Josh Duggar (the oldest of the Duggar children) sexually molested five young girls when he was 14-15 years old. It was revealed that two of the girls were Josh's sisters. While this was not news to the family (they were well aware of the incident when it happened and went out of their way to keep it quiet) their fans and society as a whole was horrified. For me personally I was outraged. This information should not have been released, and nothing good came from it. I wonder why so many people were surprised?  Unlike many others, I didn't think that their super strict religious beliefs would naturally result in sexually deviant behavior. But, I wasn't surprised because we should know by now that no one is perfect! Why shouldn't one of their 19 kids turn out to have problems?!

I think that the situation was handled badly. I respect that they kept quiet when this all happened, and I don't think they should be criticized for not making it public. For the safety of the victims I would probably have done the same thing. I think they were wrong when they chose not to give him access to professional help immediately. I support TLC's decision to pull the show and no longer back their family, and understand me clearly when I say that I think what he did is unacceptable and wrong.

Topic 2 Josh Duggar and Ashley  Madison

As if this weren't damaging enough, it then came to light that Josh Duggar was a member of a cheating web site called Ashely Madison. Ashley Madison is a Canada-based online dating service and social networking service marketed to people who are married or in a committed relationship. Its slogan is "Life is short. Have an affair." Imagine that, a man who as a teenager was a sexual deviant and never received treatment is now cheating on his wife (who has given birth to 4 children). As a vocal lobbyist that talked often about the bible and strong family values he is now the worst of hypocrites...again why the surprise? We know Josh is a sick man and honestly a politician that turns out to be a hypocrite...why are people so indignant? Just because you have been brought up to read the bible and had parents with the best of intentions that dosn't mean you are a good person. On the flip side, just because you have never been exposed to religion doesn't mean you are going to be a bad person!

Topic 3 Josh Duggar's wife

In the last week a Facebook post has gone viral about Josh's wife Anna and this is what prompted me to write this post. At the time of this post Josh's parents have readily admitted that what Josh did as a youth and now is wrong. "As parents we are so deeply grieved by our son’s decisions and actions. His wrong choices have deeply hurt his precious wife and children and have negatively affected so many others." But they still love him and are offering him support as he receives treatment. As a parent don't we still love our children when they do wrong? To say you love them and continue to allow them in your life doesn't mean you condone their behavior.

Josh's wife has also chosen to stand by her husband...

In the previously mentioned Facebook letter this woman states "[Anna's] beliefs, the very thing she would turn to for comfort in this kind of crisis, are the VERY REASON she is in this predicament in the first place. How can she reconcile this? Her parents have utterly, utterly failed her." She continues on to say "We HAVE to teach our daughters that they are not beholden to men like this. That they don't have to marry a man their father deems 'acceptable' and then stay married to that man long, long after he proved himself UNACCEPTABLE."

handsI get it, she thinks that Anna went from being a demure meek daughter to becoming a weak brainwashed wife. But I call bullshit. Who is this woman to say that the weaker choice is for Anna stay with her husband? Who is she to say that Josh is an unacceptable husband? The woman who wrote the letter may not choose to stay married to someone who has made those choices, but it is not our decision to make. Only Anna can make that choice. I also have to throw in this comment...was Hilary Clinton weak and brainwashed for staying with Bill?

To assume that because Anna was homeschooled and raised in a deeply religious family, that she will be unable to support herself and her children is ludicrous. Women with much less education have gone on to create wonderful lives for their families...where there is a will there is a way. She also wrote in her letter "Josh Duggar should be cowering in fear of Anna Duggar right now. Cowering. He isn't, but he should be." How on earth does she know if this is true? Has she been sitting in their house counseling them through this? Just because Anna isn't splashing her fury all over on social media doesn't mean that it is absent. Just because Josh isn't writing "please forgive me" all over Twitter doesn't mean it hasn't been said. I have never put on social media such private details about my life, and hopefully most of us wouldn't write terrible things about our loved ones for the world to see...especially in the heat of the moment.

For thousands of years women have found the strength to go against what society says is OK. Anna is choosing to stay with her husband, and her reasons are her own. We have no right to force her into our idea of what an acceptable marriage is. Any more than she can tell us to stay in a marriage that isn't emotionally fulfilling.

I for one have no idea how I would react to such a situation, and I hope to never find out. But, I assure you that whatever choice I make would be based on what I think is best for me and my family. Whether Anna chooses to stay or go I truly believe that the choice is hers, and hers alone, and I know it will be made after much thought and prayer about what is best for both her and her family.

Alright...sound off and let me know what you think about all this...I can't wait to get a conversation going!]]>
		
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		Summertime Essential Oil Blend
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/bumps-and-bruises-essential-oil-blend/
		Wed, 09 Sep 2015 12:00:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4429
		
		This Summer was full of fun for the Cowkids! We went swimming at a local state park almost every week, spent hours on our bikes, and the Cowkids went back and forth to the neighbor's house more times than I can count. I'm a firm believer in the no blood no band-aid rule but, I know that sometimes a little TLC is necessary. I did some research and developed my own blend of essential oils to help ease the sting and tenderness that comes from minor skin irritations. I've even used the oil on myself! There is no sting factor and the kids and I can attest that it helps soothe and calm...and smells great! As a side note I use the larger sized Roller Ball Bottles (10ml) so feel free to halve this "recipe" if you need to.

essential oils 3Summertime Essential Oil Blend

10 drops each of Peppermint and Frankincense oil
20 drops each of Melaleuca (tea tree) and Lavender oil

Grapeseed oil or Fractured Coconut oil

      
	
    1. Combine the Essential Oils in the bottle.
      2. 
	
    2. Fill the rest of the bottle with Grapeseed or Fractured Coconut oil and shake.
      3. 
	
    3. Roll onto bumps and scrapes as needed.
      4. 

    
Note: We here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com are not medical professionals. Consult your doctor if you have any questions or concerns.
Copyright: shikibu / 123RF Stock Photo]]>    
		
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		School Night Checklist
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/school-night-checklist/
		Mon, 14 Sep 2015 17:44:23 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4434
		
		School is now beginning its third week and I'm proud to say that we haven't been late yet. There was that one morning where the kids went sliding into the doors as the bell rang but, when your finally potty trained two year old says he has to poop...what's a mom to do?!

I'm finding that with three kids now in school (4th, 2nd, and Kindergarten) our after school time has gotten more chaotic. While our evenings aren't packed with after school activities (another post for another day) things are still busy. As an ex-teacher I think it's extremely important for my kids to have downtime when they come home, a little time to play and unwind. After all, when you get home from work do you really want to jump right into paying bills or making dinner? In this house school is my kids' job so, I think  it's fair to give them a break.

When I start to make dinner it's time for the older kids to round up and begin their homework. I'm right there in the kitchen to help them with any questions and it just seems to work for us. At this point in their education they can get all of their homework done before dinner. This leaves us the hour or so after our family eats dinner to do chores, take a walk, or hang out on the couch watching TV.

Last week when the full homework load began I found myself getting more than a little frazzled. Having to say 6 billion times "Did you empty your papers out of your backpack? Where is your lunchbox? Do you have homework? Did you do your reading? I need to sign your assignment notebook! Is everything back in your backpack? Did you zip your backpack?" to each kid, was making me sound less like a caring mother and more like a crazy talking doll whose batteries were running low while the button was stuck! Finally after the second night in a row where I found myself blankly staring at the stove trying to figure out exactly what I had just been doing to make dinner, I knew something had to change.

When Cowboy J started preschool I made him a checklist with words and pictures showing what he needed to do every day to get ready. I was tired of telling him to get shoes AND socks, get his backpack, put on a coat etc. When I saw he had missed a step I simply told him to look at his checklist! It made those first few months so much easier, and eventually I was only prompting him once or twice a week.

school night checklistI sat down with the Cowkids and chatted with them about what we needed to do every school night so we were ready for the next day. We came up with a list and I typed it out on my computer and hung it up in a place they could all easily see it. Cowboy W is only in Kindergarten so he needs a little help reading it. I chose not to do pictures because I'm lazy lol...and I might be adding some if he's still having trouble next week. When it's time to begin homework I just ask the kids to look at the checklist. SO much easier than listing over and over to each kid what needs done, and we are all happier!

What do you do to make things run smother on school nights?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Jansen from TheTallMom.com #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-jansen-from-thetallmom-com/
		Fri, 18 Sep 2015 12:00:35 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4439
		
		very supportive and more than willing to share the posts they enjoy on their various social media pages, it's hard for them to truly understand the hours of work and the emotional ups and downs of the blogging world. When I came across some posts by TheTallMom.com on a friends Facebook page I was pleasantly surprised. Her open and honest posts about life as a woman, wife, and mother struck a chord with me. While there is most definitely a message in most of her posts there is just enough sass and humor to make them relateable rather than preachy. I began to follow the blog and learned that she too was a Wyoming blogger...and lived in the same town as me! I eventually connected with the Tall Mom herself on social media. After some confusion on my part (I blame it on baby brain) on whether or not our kids attend the same school (they do), I was finally able to put a face to the name and I was so excited when Jansen agreed to be a Prairie Wife of the Week! Not only was I thrilled to spread the word about her blog to all our readers (trust me you'll love it) but for purely selfish reasons I couldn't wait to talk to another Wyoming blogger. I can happily say that Jansen didn't disappoint. She was as refreshingly relaxed and candid in our interview as she is on her blog. I left our interview feeling inspired and invigorated to not only keep on kicking blogging butt, but to strive to be a better woman, wife, and mother each and every day!

Make sure you stop by the end of the post to enter to win one of TheTallMom.com's super cool shirts!

jansen shoes

 

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Jansen (J): I'm married to my high school sweetheart. We have three kiddos—two daughters ages 10 & 8, and a three-year-old son. Both my husband and I grew up in Wyoming and we knew as soon as we were ready to start a family that we wanted to raise our children here. Every February I question that decision, but otherwise I can't think of a better place to call home.

PW: You are Tall Mom of the Wyoming based blog TheTallMom.com. Can you share with us what prompted you to start a blog?

J: Honestly, I started because I'm an obsessive thinker. I have a hard time moving on from ideas or big emotions until I've totally processed them. My rants on Facebook addressing these ideas and feelings were inappropriately long. A friend suggested I start a blog, so I did.

dont be a dickPW: A message that can be read over and over in your blog is having love and compassion for yourself. Where are you personally on your journey of self acceptance?

J: I have good days and bad days like everyone, I think. The thing is, I don't believe I have the luxury of failing at self acceptance. Since becoming a mom, I've developed an acute awareness of what I'm teaching my children through example. I want my kids to have love and compassion for others, but also and maybe more so, for themselves. How could I ever expect them to know what that looks like if I've never shown them? I'm a work in progress, but that's okay. Working and progressing toward love and compassion are more than worthwhile in my opinion.

PW: One of the most touching posts (it struck close to home for me) that you’ve written was about a young man named Chase who is currently battling Leukemia. What have you learned through your experiences supporting Chase and his family?

J: Wow. This question is tough for me. To pinpoint what I've learned in a few sentences feels like a big undertaking. What immediately comes to mind is the uncomprehendable strength faith can lend to those who truly lean into it. Fear is a really powerful force—the strongest, I would argue. And it's the main contender to faith...to love...to believing that no matter the outcome of a situation, things will be "okay"—not easy, not perhaps as we would choose, but somehow "okay." Chase, his parents, his aunts, uncles, grandparents, and numerous friends—my family and I, everyone was scared by his diagnosis and the horrific treatments that followed. It would've been much easier to allow fear to take over, but Chase and his family didn't allow that to happen. I think I can speak for them when I say it was their faith—it was love, a knowledge that they were loved and in God's care, not anything they alone were capable of, that allowed them to walk through fear and tragedy. Chase and his parents leaned into their faith and led us all through the darkness that cancer created. Chase is home now. He is cancer free. After six months of brutal physical and psychological warfare, he is home. I have to take a deep breath and really soak that up everytime I think about it. He still has some recovery to do, and there are dark shadows of fear that lurk in the far-off corners. Statistically speaking, he still has some fighting to do to remain in remission long-term. But I believe it will be okay. Chase has faith and so do I.

PW: Here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com we are huge advocates of orphans and families that are trying to (or have) grow their families through adoption. Can you share your personal experience with adoption with our readers?

jansen familyJ: Growing up, our house was a revolving door of sorts. I learned through the example my parents lived. Sometimes people need help, and sharing your home is one way of helping. We didn't have an overabundance of resources when I was a young child, but we had a home and plenty of food to eat. We shared both with whomever needed it. Some stayed for a couple of nights, some stayed for a couple of years. I don't mean to make my parents sound irresponsible. Our guests were friends and extended family, but the lesson was the same—there is almost always enough room in our home and our hearts for one more. That was where my desire to adopt was first born. Several of our friends have adopted through an agency in Utah called Heart and Soul Adoptions. Their experiences, while emotional, were beautiful. My husband and I shared some long discussions, did a lot of praying, and decided we wanted to adopt. Less than a year later I sat in an operating room and watched my son come into the world. I have loved almost every aspect of adoption. There were parts that were frustrating, stressful, emotional, and I'm sure there are more challenges yet to face. But, would I do it all over again? I wouldn't even have to think about it—yes, yes, yes! I don't say that because it's what's expected. I realize it would be taboo after going through the process to say I wouldn't do it again. I understand what that would implicate with regards to my son. I'm a big advocate for honesty, and...that is honestly how I feel.

PW: As a busy mom of three young kiddos how do you keep your sanity?!

J: Uhm...could you define sanity? Lol! I'm not sure I do, keep myself sane, I mean. I sort of believe anyone who takes on the parenting gig is kind of batshit crazy. You have to be a bit of a masochist, and you need a sense of humor that teeters on insanity. I have amazing mom friends that I can commiserate with and they offer a judge-free zone of love and support that keeps me from thinking I'm "ruining" my children. I also have a partner that is my best friend, and extended family and what I call framily (friends that are family). Take out any one of these support structures and you can just order the straight jacket...I'm a large tall.

PW: When do you find time to blog, and how does it help you as a woman, wife and mother?

J: I blog at night after the kids are in bed. My husband tries to adjust his work schedule when possible to give me a couple hours a week to write. The beauty of my blog is that it has no expectation. I can come and go as it works into my life. I really appreciate that about blogging. Writing, or rather thoroughly thinking out something into organized sentences, helps me to remember who I am. I forget sometimes. Too often I identify who I am exclusively with what I do on a daily basis—cook, clean, parent, grocery shop, exercise, love, support. Anyone can 'do' these things. But only I can be me doing them. Blogging brings me back into myself. It helps me to remember who I am, what I think, feel, and where my passions truly lie.

PW: Where do you hope to see your blog as well as you and your family in the next few years?

J: I hope to see my family healthy and relatively happy. I'll have two teenage girls in the next five years, so I'm not going to set the happiness bar too high. I might be borderline insane, but I'm not delusional. I hope to have published either with an agent/publishing house or self-published a book or two. I've discovered a love of writing fiction and I'd really like to see some projects completed. As for the blog, I hope I'm still organizing thoughts into sentences (grammatically correct or not) that resonate with others and encourage us all to stand TALL, love ourselves, each other, and this crazy life.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

J: I'm not sure I'm qualified to dish out wisdom. I can share some of my mantras, though. I rely heavily on Love Wins. Those two words sum up a lot for me. I believe that God is love. In my opinion, anywhere there is love—love in action, love triumphing, someone feeling love, someone giving love—that is the divine working in our lives. And if I'm ever in a place where I can't find it, feel it, see it...I just have to dig deep and dust off the love I brought with me. If I put it out where I can easily see it, that means everyone else can too. That way, we all win.

Jansen from TheTallmom.com has given one lucky reader the chance to win one of her shirts! The winner will be able to choose a Ninjmama OR Be(YOU)tiful shirt! All you HAVE to do is comment on this post. Earn more points by following us on social media! Please be honest we will check.
ninjmama shirt

Be(you)tiful shirt

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Cowkid Gear Is Here #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/cowkid-gear-is-here-giveaway/
		Thu, 17 Sep 2015 20:20:53 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4451
		
		Cowkid Gear!

Cowkid Cowboy c

These super fun shirts are made of the same high quality materials as our Prairie Wife Gear...and wash and wear just as well (we tested them just to make sure)! We kept the colors and style gender neutral so that these durable shirts could be handed down to all of your Cowkids, boy or girl. The cost of these shirts is only $15.00. Stop on by our PrairieWifeInHeels.com Store and order yours! If you've been thinking about getting yourself a "Keep Calm and Prairie Wife on" shirt I recommend grabbing it now. We are starting to sell out of certain sizes and colors and they are a limited edition print!

cowkid toddlerOur Toddler shirt is in a light heather grey with black writing. These sizes run a little small so you might want to size up! For example, Cowboy C wears a 3T and the size 4 fits him just right (see the picture).

cowkid youthOur Youth shirt is in a deep red with white writing. These sizes run a little large so you might want to size down. For example, the XS is the perfect fit for a 5-6 year old.

 

 

To celebrate the release of our Cowkid Gear we are giving away one Cowkid shirt (color and size will be picked by winner) to one lucky reader! All you HAVE to do is leave a comment below telling us what you love or hate about PrairieWifeInHeels.com. We want to hear from you, what do  you want to see more of? You can earn more points towards the giveaway by following us on social media. Please be honest we will be checking.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Diary of a Hunting Widow: Year 11
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/diary-of-a-hunting-widow-year-11/
		Mon, 21 Sep 2015 17:15:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4464
		
		his yearly 10 day Elk Hunt and I am once again a Hunting Widow. You would think that with The Cowboy gone 4-5 days a week normally, him being gone a few more days than usual would be no big deal. But for some reason the whole Hunting Widow gig is always harder than my normal weekday single mom job.

Perhaps it's the fact that while he remains here physically, as soon as there is the first hint of frost he is mentally already in the mountains. Then of course you have all the nights spent getting ready for the trip, the five day pack trip a few weeks ahead of time, and a weekend spent driving around gathering up horses...

By the time he leaves I'm usually already close to the end of my rope!

mom watching TVNow don't get me wrong, there are some perks! It's lovely not having to make a big meal for a week and half. Grilled cheese sandwiches, crock pot soups, breakfast for dinner and fish sticks are easy to make and always quickly devoured by happy Cowkids. This weekend I got to sit down and watch some chic flicks that have been sitting on my DVR for months, and I'm finally almost all caught up on my TV from the last month. TallGirlJ came over to hang out on Sat while her husband recovered from the big snip snip, and I took all the kids to see Inside Out (so cute).

Also, I need to mention that while The Cowboy comes back physically exhausted from the trip, it's always good for his soul. He works so hard for his family, I know he deserves this time away doing something for himself...but come on, I am human, and there are moments when I am more than a touch grouchy about it.

Usually things go smoothly until about the 5th or 6th day but for some reason this time I only made it until day 3. Sunday morning I had to gather up all the kids and take them to church while I taught Sunday school, went to mass, and then had a lunch afterwards as a thank you to all of us teachers. LittleMissH has not been sleeping at night for months now and in preparation for the busy morning I had the three big kids shower Sat night. I thought I had it all together.

I woke up on time, got in the shower, got the two little ones into the tub, and breakfast in all The Cowkids. I was feeling good and even thought to myself "I got this!" which we all know is a rookie mistake. The second you get cocky everything goes to hell.

Cowgirl G decided she didn't like the way her dress fit (it's a touch too big) and rather than let her change, which would result in this dress never being worn again, I made her wear it. This resulted in an epic meltdown that has me dreading her tween and teen years, not to mention I had to send her back to her room no less than four times for various things that she forgot to do. Things that she has done every day since she was two. Little things like socks, shoes, brushing her hair...Then of course Cowboy W dinks around and came up with no shoes or socks. Then he decides that he needs his belt, can't find it, finds it, realizes that he took off the buckle part and starts to cry because he can't find that. Add to that, Cowboy C is somehow underfoot the whole entire time, driving his red tractor into my path every three seconds.

screaming momI lost my Sh*& not going to lie. It was a screaming yelling, all I could do not to bash my head repeatedly into the wall and cry big ugly tears, rage filled lecture. Cowboy J just kept his head down, I had made it clear that he was the only one that had been helpful in any way. Cowboy C had been simply being a toddler, and I let him know that he was not in trouble (which he kept on saying over and over "I'm not in trouble"). The fact that the two reaming Cowkids had been misbehaving for weeks now added to all this, and I was exhausted and stressed out thinking about the long morning ahead, being a hunting widow just added fuel to the fire.

I may have let loose a few words of wisdom like "I'm not asking a lot from you!" "What do I need to do to get you to listen to me?" "Do I need to start beating the sh*& out of you, cause that's all I haven't done?" "Does anyone think about mommy?" "Could you just for one day work with me instead of against me?" and "I'm sick of being the mean mom, can you just behave for one day so I can be nice for a full 24 hours?"

Yeah...it wasn't great. I hate being like that, I hate starting the day like this, I feel like crap the whole time during and after when I loose it. My mom guilt as I was teaching Sunday school and in mass was so heavy, the weariness of my soul so weighty, that it was all I could do to stay. I wanted to stand up, take my kids and leave...I just wanted to give up.

But people were counting on me, so I plastered a smile on my face and plowed through the morning. I had scheduled my neighbor to watch the kids that afternoon so I could go for a long run, in preparation for a race in two weeks. I picked up the phone several times to text her and cancel. I knew if I skipped the run I wouldn't feel confident on race day, and I needed that time to myself, so I dropped the kids off as planned. Sometimes when I'm feeling bruised and battered emotionally, the best thing for me to do is go for a run and beat the crap out of my body.

As I ran, I came to several conclusions. I had a bad morning. One bad morning does not make me a bad mom. My kids were behaving badly, they have been behaving badly, and I need to let them know it's not OK. Was my yelling fit the best way? Nope. So I came up with a few other plans to help change their behavior, and renewed my pledge to be yell free. I took a look at my behavior over the last few weeks, why was I feeling so stressed out and out of control? The Cowboy has been gone a bit more on the weekends, resulting in a lack of recoup time for me. I haven't been able to catch up on sleep or take time to myself. I vowed to get back on track, take a little more time for me, and not feel badly about it. Also, I had been doing great with focusing more on the kids and less on my phone for the last month or so of summer...when school started I began to pick up the phone more and more. This means I wasn't on top of all the blog work and chores, and I was ignoring the Cowkids more than I should be. I'm going to get back to turning it off and putting it aside more. More quality time with the Cowkids means that when I do need to work on the blog, they are all happy to leave me alone for a longer amount of time.

We got to talk to The Cowboy last night (thank God for Satellite phones) and hear that he was OK. I forget how much I miss being able to pick up the phone and talk to him. Most days we chat 4-5 times a day. The Cowkids were so happy to hear his voice that we had no tears and "I miss Daddy" at bedtime. Despite less than four hours of sleep, this morning started off great. We got to school on time with no yelling or tears (I even made the kids cold lunch), laundry is in the washer, the dishes are put away, I snuggled and read to Cowboy C and LittleMissH is snoozing away so I can get this post done. Granted, now that I said that, the rest of the day could fall apart but, I'm going to say with utmost certainty, that we are at least taking a step in the right direction.

We've got 6 days of Elk Hunting left and I know that we will make it through! I'm not going to beat myself up anymore for being human. I'm looking forward to grilled cheese sandwiches and TV time tonight. Plus, when I find myself feeling put out, thinking about The Cowboy up in the mountains relaxing as I change yet another poopy diaper, I'm just going to focus on my plans for MY elk hunt next year!

What causes you to break down? How do you get past it?

Copyright: rocketclips / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: sifotography / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		TallGirlJ and Prairie Wife Dish: Fav Fall TV Shows 2015
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/tallgirlj-prairie-wife-fall-tv-2015/
		Wed, 23 Sep 2015 17:12:01 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4470
		
		Everyone has different things they do to relax and unwind. Some people like to curl up with a good book and a bottle of wine. Others prefer to board their private jet and enjoy a long weekend in the Bahamas. When I’ve had a day that pushes me over the edge, a day full of whining Cowkids and too many chores, my favorite thing to do is sit down on the couch and watch TV. Back in the day before we had a billion children TallGirlJ and I used to meet up every week and watch a few of our favorite shows together. Between the noise level and general chaos that occurs when we gather our crews together, this is no longer possible. Instead we text each other at night as we watch our shows. We thought it would be fun to get together and share with our readers our fav Fall TV shows. If you follow us on Twitter (@prairieheels) you can even live tweet with us as you watch the shows too!

ladies of londonLadies of London BravoTV Monday 10/9c

Prairie Wife: This is my current favorite show (and has been since last year)! I even made The Cowboy watch it with me last week because there was no way I was going to wait until Tuesday to catch up with my girls. Marissa of course is my girl, after all she is a past Prairie Wife of the Week! I feel like she has found her voice this season and I’m looking forward to hearing more of it! Annabelle is as always chic and charming and seems to be level headed as always. Julie is fast becoming one of my favs, I adored her last season but felt that I didn’t get to see enough of her. This season they are showing more of her and I just love it. She’s so enthusiastic and sweet. The two Carolines…well I think I need to just sit back and watch a bit more before I give my opinion. I think that Caroline Stanbury seems a little stressed…and I think it’s coming through in her less than thoughtful behavior. Juliet just seems lost and lonely…I find myself feeling a bit sad for her.

TallGirlJ: I must say my feelings on this show are just about the exact same as Prairie Wife. I love LOVE Annabelle and the way her kind soul shines through, I also like that she is starting to share some of her past which I think will only make me love her more. Julie is coming out more this season and I love learning more about what it’s really be like to be a girl from the US thrown into the life of upper-class British royalty, doing what you can to fit in. Marissa is standing out more, I really like her honesty with Juliet, I just hope that she doesn’t lose her American roots. As for the Carolines… I too am going to have to just watch for a bit to see how I really feel. At this moment I am not too impressed. Juliet… I do feel kind of bad for her; she is trying so hard to fit in. I think the problem is she is trying just a bit too much instead of just being herself.

the muppetsThe Muppets ABC Tuesday 8/7c

Prairie Wife: I am SO SO excited about this show. BigBrotherB and I grew up watching Muppet Babies (I can still sing the theme song) and the whole family loved The Muppet Show. The Cowkids have watched all the movies and loved them. Frankly I’m just thrilled to have a show that we can watch as a whole family! Even though Miss Piggy hasn’t responded to my interview requests, I still think she is the epitome of a chic, confident, modern woman! I can’t wait to see how they have given The Muppets a modern twist.

TallgirlJ: Meh… I didn’t even know they were doing a Muppets show… I might see how much Prairie Wife and her Cowkids love it. If it seems to be a hit I might give it one shot, just because it’s nice to have shows to watch with the kids, but nothing about this excites me.

sister wivesSister Wives TLC Sunday 9/8c

TallgirlJ: Prairie Wife and I have been watching this show from the beginning, from three wives to four. This season looks to be chock full of new drama! I feel like we have been watching there marriages slowly go downhill from the moment they welcomed the 4th wife. I mean who could blame the other wives for feeling like they are being replaced with a newer more fertile version…

Prairie Wife: Oh man what to say? I love this show and I have to agree with TallGirlJ things have definitely gotten more tumultuous in the last few years. I’m happy to see that perhaps there will be some steps towards the wives working more as a team than as separate families. But, I can see that drama is ahead with wife number 4…and I’m pretty sure there is a pregnancy coming too!

bev goldbergThe Goldbergs ABC Wednesday 7:30/8:30 central

Prairie Wife: LOVE LOVE LOVE this show. The cast, the writers, the topics it is all done so well! As a child of the 80’s there isn’t an episode I can’t relate to. And lets talk about Bev, the amazingly loving and totally bat shit crazy mother played by Wendi McLendon-Covey. She is my spirit animal I have to admit. Every time we sit down as a family to watch this show (did I mention it’s another one we can watch as a whole family) both The Cowboy and Cowkids point out things that she does that are eerily and embarrassingly similar to me. But hey, if being a caring “Smother” is wrong, I don’t want to be right!

TallGirlJ: This show is Amazing! It’s hilarious! Growing up in the 80’s this show is so spot on! I love that every episode comes from something that really happened and that little Adam records it all. This show is the perfect show to watch with your husband and kids, everyone can find some humor in it. We as a family can’t wait for it to come back every season.

My Big Fat Fabulous Life TLC Wednesday 9/8cmy big fat fab life 

TallGirlJ: All I can say is I love this show! I love how Whitney is so open about being who she is and envy some of her confidence. Plus, she has some great friends like Buddy who bring in humor! I love the dynamic between her, and her mom and dad. They know they need to cut the cord, but are struggling, and it’s sweet to watch. It will also be great to see if her journey for weight loss and healthiness will end with the results she’s looking for!

Prairie Wife: TallGirlJ turned me onto this show and I am SO thankful. It’s certainly full of feel good moments, and I can’t help but laugh right along with Whitney, she has the best personality. I am keeping my fingers crossed that she takes some more responsibility for her life now that she is out of the house. I really want her to become healthier. Also, can I just say that Babs (her mom) needs her own show!

Honorable Mentions

Elementary CBS Thursday 10/9c
A great show that husbands and wives can watch together! It’s full of drama and just the right amount of intrigue. Lucy Lu is amazing; her character’s fashion choices alone are a reason to watch.

Wahlburgers A&E 
First Mark and Donny Wahlberg…win! Second the way they act as a real family. The terrorize each other the whole time, yet they have each other’s backs in all things. And Third ALMA ALMA ALMA…please tell her to contact me! I want her to be a Prairie Wife of the Week SOOOO badly! PS It’s another show the whole family can enjoy.

What are you watching this Fall?! Is there a show you love that we missed?

Copyright: ivanmateev / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		The Milliner's Secret by Natalie Meg Evans
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-milliners-secret-by-natalie-meg-evans/
		Sat, 26 Sep 2015 12:00:34 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4483
		
		 head back to the French Rivera...or maybe it's just wishful thinking because I'm feeling a touch overwhelmed. I find that reading about France soothes my soul and captivates me in ways that reading about magical lands or America just can't.

I chose The Milliner's Secret by Natalie Meg Evans for several reasons. First, it takes place in France (and even a bit in England). Second it's a Historical Fiction Novel that encompasses my "favorite" time period WWII. Third, it was free with my Kindle Unlimited subscription. If you're an avid Kindle reader you NEED to check out this program, I first came across it when I was trying to trim our budget earlier this year and it has totally paid off!

The Milliner's SecretThe Milliner's Secret begins in England with Cora, a struggling factory worker who makes hats. She has big dreams and even bigger fears. Through a strange twist of fate, or perhaps destiny, she ends up in Paris, France. She is in love with a wealthy German man and it is this that not only brings her many opportunities but, more trouble than she ever had from her abusive father. She eventually finds herself on her own with a desperate need to provide a living for herself. She turns back to her milliner roots and through exaggeration, instinct, luck, and raw talent finds herself building hats for France's elite. Just as she begins to rise even further into fame the war begins and she finds herself involved in a tangled web of love, friendship, and lies. Never able to truly trust herself or others, she finds a way to use her quick wits and inner strength to save not only her life but, the lives of those she loves.

Not only is Cora a fantastically well developed character, the supporting cast of characters will keep you riveted and the surprises in the plot will keep you gasping! This is also one of the few books I have read lately that has an absolutely perfect ending. It's real and true to the characters and their desires and will leave you comfortably satisfied! I have to admit that I was so thrilled with this lovely read that I purchased her next book The Dress Thief. I think we can all agree that it will be worth the $3.99 splurge!]]>
		
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		Pa Goes to Africa
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/pa-goes-africa/
		Mon, 28 Sep 2015 17:30:26 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4486
		
		Prairie Wife: Often times now as a parent I realize how much of an impact my own parents have had on me. From simple things like phrases I use often (If you don't think you're good, no one else will) and traditions (St. Nicholas Day), to bigger things like religion and philanthropy. When Pa traveled to Africa this summer I was a little nervous, after all he's no young pup anymore and it's SO far away. But more than anything I was proud and inspired that this man, who was retired and had every excuse to sit back and relax for the next 30 years, was instead spending his time trying to create a better life for generations of villagers. Read about his experience below...and get inspired to make a difference!

I was privileged this summer to accompany a group of engineering students on a trip to Uganda. They were on a project for the University of Wisconsin – Madison Engineers Without Borders group. Our goal was to assess the problems with the water supply in the village of Lweza and to obtain the information needed to design and help them build improved water sources.

Ugandan culture is somewhat patriarchal. Women generally show deference to men, particularly to men in positions of authority. A custom I found very interesting is the prohibition against a women making eye contact with her father-in-law. In public women wear dresses almost exclusively, and most avoid bare shoulders. The dresses are most often ankle length, but knee length was not unusual. Slacks and jeans were very rare, and I don’t believe I saw a single Ugandan woman in shorts the entire three weeks. One of the greatest pleasures for the young women in our group came at the end of the day, when we returned to our guest house and they were able to change from their long skirts into shorts!

getting waterAs is often the case, though, it is the women that really make things work and who hold the families together.
This was very clear in our water assessment. Women and girls were primarily responsible for fetching the water from the springs and streams. They were the ones that carried it in five gallon jerry cans up hills and to the homes. They were responsible for boiling the water to make it fit to drink. They were responsible for cleaning and maintaining the pots and jerry cans for storing the boiled water.

woman working in gravel pitGetting water was obviously difficult, but it was far from the hardest labor we observed among the Ugandan women. Most of the fields are small and worked by hand. This was usually done with mattocks, and it was common to see women doing this alone or alongside men. The hardest work I saw was at a quarry. Women were employed to make gravel. This was accomplished by taking large rocks from a pile, sitting in front of them, and using a two pound hammer to break them into gravel. After seeing this I will never again think that I have had a hard day at work!

The women of Uganda do have political power. They have the vote, and seem to exercise it freely. Many of the positions in the local community government, about half, were held by women. In the many group meetings we held the women didn’t speak as much as the men, but this seemed more to result from shyness than repression.
We spent a fascinating day with the Katosi Women Development Trust. This organization works to improve the lives of Ugandans through empowering women. They have programs to support sustainable agriculture, improve community health, and foster improved water and sanitation – the emphasis of our visit. We were also impressed by the micro-credit programs used to establish entrepreneurship and enhance agriculture through improved techniques and introducing hybrid livestock.

There is considerable economic power in the women of Uganda. Almost every home along a main road has a small shop in front, and they are usually operated by women. They sell everything from spices to hardware. They seem to be open during all hours of the day and well into the night. More often than not young children could be seen playing in front of the shops. Nearly half the population of Uganda is 15 years old or younger, so combining child care and commerce is a necessity.

school pic from UgandaTraditional household tasks such as food preparation, cooking, and cleaning seemed to take a great deal of the time for most women. I did get the strong impression that opportunities outside the home are improving One young woman I met is running a small factory in Lweza. Most girls obtain at least a primary school education. I was both encouraged and amused when we visited the Lweza Primary School . The headmaster pointed out the young women engineers in our group. He told the girls that they should all strive to be like them, complete their schooling, and become engineers too.

Our project is far from complete. We have established that the water sources currently available to Lweza are severely contaminated and unhealthy. The student engineers will use the 2015/2016 school year to design a water system appropriate for the village. Funding will be solicited from the national EWB and from donors. The Lweza community must also provide a percentage of the system cost and prove that they have established a community organization capable of operating and maintaining the system in the future.

If you want to see the group activities and some more photos you can go to the trip blog: http://lwezauganda2015.ewbuw.org/

If you are interested in donating to the EWB Uganda project, you can do so online: http://ewb.slc.engr.wisc.edu/donate/ 

Or by mail:
University of Wisconsin Foundation
U.S. Bank Lockbox
P.O. Box 78807
Milwaukee, WI 53278-0807

Checks should be payable to UW-Foundation, Care of Engineers Without Borders. For either type of donation please specify that you want the donation to go to the Uganda project.]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Deborah Tyra from Kim of Queens #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-deborah-tyra-from-kim-of-queens-giveaway/
		Fri, 02 Oct 2015 12:00:47 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4493
		
		When I interviewed Kim Gravel of the Lifetime Show Kim of Queens I also began to follow a few of my favorite ladies from the show. One of those ladies, Deborah Tyra, also know as Hannah's mom and "Barbie Mama", took an interest in the blog and we began to chat back and forth. When it became clear that Kim of Queens was not going to be renewed for a third season I knew I had to interview Deborah and share more of her story with her fans. She's a busy woman between her work and taking care of her family, and when we were finally able to chat I was instantly charmed by her Southern belle demeanor. Classy, truthful and sweet as peach pie, it was an absolute joy to talk with Deb! Her ability to laugh at the ups and downs of the last few years, her unwavering faith in God, and confidence a bright future lies ahead for her and her family, make her the perfect Prairie Wife of the Week!

Make sure you take a minute to enter our giveaway at the end of the blog. You'll win an autographed picture of Hannah as well as your very own tiara!

Deb Shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Deborah Tyra (DT): I am a native Atlantian, which is very rare! Growing up I was your typical southern bell. My father had a huge farm and even though I would help feed, I would still have on my high heels! I currently live in Braselton, GA with my husband of 14 years, my daughter Hannah and our sweet dog Cody (I call him my son). My husband owns an embroidery and screen printing shop. I’m technically a stay at home mom but I work several side jobs to help supplement our income.

 Deb and KimPW: You first became a household name when you and your daughter Hannah appeared on Kim Gravel’s show Kim of Queens which was on Lifetime for two seasons. What was that experience like for you?

DT: It was the highlight of our lives! It has been such a big blessing, in so many unexpected ways. Kim has become an important part of not only my daughters’ life but, mine as well. She taught me to stop being “Barbie” and be real. Kim showed me that people would love me more if I was just myself. Which of course is still a bit “Barbie” ! The show let us show people who we really are, the good and the bad, the ups and the downs.

PW: As you watched the show on TV were there any moments that made you cringe?

DT: Yes! The Nashville scene where Kim thought Hannah was too young to enter the pageant and I entered her anyway. I’m not embarrassed that I didn’t listen to her, I knew it was the right choice to enter her in the pageant (and if you recall she won). In the interview I called her a witch and the show changed it to bitch! I would never call her that, I called Kim right away and told her that I didn’t say that, I would NEVER say that about anyone, least of all her. Thankfully she believed me! I have to tell you, I didn’t go to church for two weeks. It’s not who I am at all, I was so ashamed.

Kim and HannahPW: Do you and Hannah still attend Kim Gravel’s Pageant Place for training?

DT: She actually closed down the Pageant Place and her regular classes; because she’s so busy with The Steve Harvey Show (we are so proud of her and love watching her on that show). Hannah still consults with Kim and we remain friends and meet as often as we can for lunch. Hannah is getting ready to enter Outstanding Teen (the teen version of Miss America) and we will be working one on one with Kim to train for this.

PW: You are a past beauty pageant contestant (and winner) yourself, as well as a pageant mom to your daughter Hannah. What advice or words of caution do you have for other moms out there that may be considering placing their daughters in pageants?

DT: Always pray before you compete. Keep your opinions to yourself about the other girls. Focus on your daughter and always remember that she is competing against herself. When you start worrying about the other contestants you get caught up in the drama and start doubting yourself. This is an opportunity to bring you and your daughter closer. It’s an activity that both of you can do together. With Hannah I’ve seen how it has brought her out of her shell and taught her how communicate. Pageants can be bad if you don’t listen, make sure it’s your child’s wish to participate not yours. Seeing Hannah in pageants reminds me of how proud I am of her, I still cry every time she does the beauty competition. Also, the interview portion is an amazing opportunity to talk about issues that will help her to become a better woman.

Be aware, it is an expensive activity. The local events are usually reasonable and cost “only” $85-100 to enter. Then you add gowns which you can spend as little or as much as you want. For each pageant you’ll need usually at least 3 outfits. I work to help offset the cost; my paychecks go right into the pageant fund! We were homeschooling Hannah which offered us some flexibility with out of town pageants. Now that she is enrolled in a Christian school we only let her do one out of town pageant a month. My daughter’s education is the most important thing! It’s always better to have a brain to go with your beauty. After all we all know beauty can fade or be gone in an instant, your education is forever!

PW: What does your husband think about the whole pageant scene?

DT: He always comes with me. He’s actually an ex college football player, he’s so manly, and it’s pretty funny to see him there. He understands the competition aspect of the pageants and that really appeals to him. He’s become a pageant dad, and I’m telling you he can pick the winners now like no bodies business. I also bring him along because it helps keep me out of the drama. With him there I’m not hanging out with the other moms and getting caught in the gossip trap, I take care of my business with Hannah and then go sit with him.

I have to also mention that my dad is her biggest fan and I’m so thankful for his support. If she has a gown that’s not in our budget chances are he’ll help her, and we are all so grateful for yet another strong male role model for her.

PW: For me, one of the most touching scenes in Season Two of Kim of Queens, is when Hannah and you both reveal to Kim that Hannah has been struggling with an eating disorder. Can you talk to us about how you discovered that Hannah was struggling, how you got her help, and what you continue to do to support her?

Deb and hannah at PageantDT: For me that was a beautiful moment.

How I found out… Hannah has always been petite and a gymnast for so long, and because of these things it may have taken me longer than some other moms to notice what was happening. And she was only 10, so I wasn’t on the lookout for anything like this. At first I beat myself up about it, thinking it was about me and what I did. Perhaps it was how I dressed, or the pageants…the guilt was crushing. Now we’ve all been educated and I know that eating disorders can be hereditary. Hannah has had family members on both sides that have eating disorders. I didn’t realize that Hannah winning at everything was a red flag. She was at the top with cheerleading, gymnastics, pageants and school wise. I should have noticed that she was a perfectionist and OCD. There were so many things that she was trying to keep balanced, she felt like she needed to push, push, push. When things get out of control eating is always something you can control. For Hannah it wasn’t about her body image as much as it was about control.

One day Hannah got out of the shower and when I turned to hand her a towel I saw how gaunt she was. I saw something was going on so I rushed her to the doctor. We were thinking it was anemia or something medical as opposed to mental. When she weighed in we saw that she had gone from 75-54 in one year. The truth came out and they immediately put her in an ambulance. They wanted to put her in a residency program and I said “No way!” There was no way I was going to put her away and let someone else do the work. We are going to work together as a family with God.

We worked for a year. We met with a nutritionist and had counseling and weigh-ins every week. It consumed our lives. Finally I sat Hannah down for a serious talk. I said “You need to shut off that dark voice because it’s killing you.” That was a turning point for her, and us, and from then on we all began to heal. It will always be a battle for Hannah, and something that we need to keep an eye on. I have to be honest; it was the darkest year of my life. I’m so proud of my girl because she came back stronger than before. Now that I can see how our honesty and sharing of our story has helped other little girls, their mothers and their families… Well, I know now that none of it was in vain. God had a plan for us!

PW: You are very vocal about your faith in God on the show and your social media sites. Have you received any negativity because of this, and how do you deal with it?

DT: It’s strange; we have not received any negativity at all about it. Maybe God is protecting us! I’ve never had anyone question Hannah or I about my faith.

PW: Your daughter is very prevalent on a variety of social media sites. How do you ensure that she stays safe emotionally and physically with all this exposure?

DT: I have an Aunt that is an attorney that actually keeps track of Hannah’s Instagram. We’ve for sure had perverts and people that are sending inappropriate pictures to us. She monitors it and deletes the inappropriate comments and blocks the people that are being rude, negative, or obviously there for the wrong reasons. So this is how we make sure Hannah is protected. We can’t keep her from everything, so we talk about safety and how there are always going to be jerks everywhere you go. As far as negative comments the best choice for Hannah is ignoring them!

Deb and HannahPW: What advice do you have for moms with tween and teen girls that are on social media sites?

DT: You need to be on those sites with them, monitor it yourself until they are 18, and keep the devices in your control. We have talks about positive ways to use social media and appropriate use. We have dinner together as a family every night and at 6pm the phone goes away. Which at 14 is becoming an issue, she’s not really happy about that and I’m open to changing the rules a bit as she gets older. In the end thought we all know that I’m the boss, and her behavior determines how flexible I’m going to be. Honestly, I know we are blessed that she is listening to us and understanding where we come from.

PW: Big news…you and Hannah are both playing roles in a new TV show called The Ortega Show! What can you tell us about it?

DT: It’s a wonderful show about immigrants that move from CA to the south. I’m the nosy neighbor and Hannah plays my daughter. I love that it’s a family type show, I’m really proud to be a part of it. The cast, crew, writers, and all the people behind the scenes are just amazingly talented! We are just waiting to see where it will up later this Fall…I’ll keep you posted!

PW: Where do you hope to see you and Hannah in the next few years?

DT: I hope Hannah continues to excel in her education and I just want to be by her side and support her in all that she desires to do! I hope the Ortega show takes off and I of course want Hannah to be Miss Georgia. Right now my focus is on my family, and I don’t see that changing.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

DT: Philippians 4:13 For I can do everything through Christ, who gives me strength.

To celebrate Deborah becoming our Prairie Wife of the Week she is giving away an autographed picture of Hannah and a tiara! All you HAVE to do is leave a comment below telling us what you think about this post! You can earn more points towards the giveaway by following us on social media. Please be honest we will be checking!

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Baked Ravioli with Fall Vegetables
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/baked-ravioli-with-fall-vegetables/
		Wed, 30 Sep 2015 12:00:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4495
		
		our garden was decimated by Mother Nature! I'm sure you can relate when you hear that my pantry is now overflowing with squash and zucchini. While I love these two veggies, and will gladly eat them raw, the Cowkids and The Cowboy are a bit more picky. I tend to grind up my squash and zucchini and sneak it into my Easy One Pot Homemade Spaghetti Sauce or make a ton of zucchini bread and muffins (stop by our Pinterest board for some of my fav recipes). This Fall I decided that I was going to find a few new ways to incorporate these vegetables into my recipes. I have a super easy baked ravioli vegetarian dish that I thought could use a little more flavor. I threw this together a few weeks ago and had the family test it out...success! They loved it and so did I , and it was super easy to make!

baked ravioliBaked Ravioli with Fall Vegetables

Prep Time 10min Bake Time 30min
Serves 8-10

Ingredients


1 Family Size Package of Ravioli (frozen)1 Jar of Tomato Sauce (26-28oz) or 3-4 cups of our Homemade Spaghetti Sauce
2 cups of Shredded Mozzarella Cheese
2 cups of finely sliced squash and zucchini
1/2 cup finely chopped onion
2 cloves of garlic, minced
2 Tbsp of Olive Oil
If you wish you can add cooked Italian Sausage to this dish to make it more hearty

1. Set oven to 400

2. Combine the squash, zucchini, onion, garlic, and olive oil in a small pan. Cook approx five minutes stirring frequently until veggies are slightly soft.

3. Spray a 13x9 pan with nonstick spray.

4. Layer a cup of sauce on the bottom of the pan. Then evenly place the cooked veggies on top of the sauce. (Add the cooked sausage at this time if you are using it)

5. Layer the ravioli evenly over the top of the sauce and veggies.

6. Pour the remaining sauce on top and evenly sprinkle the shredded cheese over the sauce.

7. Cover with tinfoil and place in oven. Bake for 20 minutes and remove the foil for the last 10 minutes until sauce and cheese is bubbling.

8. Remove from the oven and let is rest for 5 minutes, serve warm.

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		Fall 2015 Beauty and Accessory Do and Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fall-2015-beauty-and-accessory-do-and-donts/
		Fri, 09 Oct 2015 12:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4516
		
		Fall Fashion Dos and Don'ts and now it's time to have a little talk about our Fall 2015 Beauty and Accessory dos and don'ts. I have to brag and bit and point out that celebrities (and regular people like us) have been seen all over the place rocking our Fall 2015 DO trends of fringe and military inspired prices! Texas Two Steppin' and I spent a little more time than usual picking out our five things to talk about. There were just SO many things that we wanted to discuss...but for the sake of your time we stuck to the five things we really felt would be popular (or at least one of us loved it) and realistic for our readers to try out this Fall. I can't wait to hear what you think, and as always click the pic to buy the product and stop by our Pinterest Style boards to get more inspiration!

negative space maniNegative Space Manicure

Prairie Wife: DO DO DO! I love this trend! I think it's super edgy but sophisticated. Basically, to create a negative space manicure you simply don't paint color on part of your nail, and let your true nail color show through. The only problem is that for mere mortals like me, who have no time to go and get a manicure, this trend can get a little tricky. There are all sorts of tutorials on Pinterest (check out our beauty board) but I'm telling you it's a hard trend to do on your own. My recommendation is to use Jamberry nail stickers, they have some new clear ones that will give you the graphic effect your looking for...in a lot less time!

Texas Two Steppin': I agree that this is a DO and agree that this is incredibly difficult to do on your own. Because I am very right handed my solution is to go to a professional for a gel/shellac mani, but a budget conscious option would be calling the girls and having mani/pedi night. The good news is that it is a trend that can be pulled off no matter what age, lifestyle or attitude you are embracing at the moment. And here's a bonus accessory tip: Props to PW for picking a really cool image; I am digging the bordeaux color and, in fact, just did a pedi in that exact shade. I promise you will love it and it is a lot more wearable than you may think.

Kitten HeelsKitten Heels

Texas Two Steppin': I think of two style icons when I see kitten heels: Audrey Hepburn and my grandmother. Now that I am 40+ and have a job that requires I be on my feet more often than I sit at a desk, I have totally returned to this look that I rocked about 20 years ago. It is classic and classy, but it doesn't need to be boring. I've found kitten heels in every color and pattern, and while you'll always be able to find it in a pump, you can also get kitten heels with ankle straps, laces, mules and as a boot. DO, DO, DO, DO--your feet will thank you!

Prairie Wife: I couldn't agree more with Texas Two Steppin'! This is also a DO in my book. This shoe is perfect for any age, any occasion, and looks just as great with jeans as it does with a skirt or dress. If you find a pair you love that's a little pricey...I say buy them. This is a style that's been around for more than 50 years, and I predict it'll be around for 50 more!

clumpy mascaraClumpy Mascara

Prairie Wife: I have spent years of my life trying to prevent this exact look from ending up on my face. I have been praising the skies that I finally found a brand that I love that doesn't make my lashes clump. I would rather wear no mascara at all then have my lashes look like this. I get that it's supposed to be rocker and punk, while normally I go for that type of thing, in this case it's a big DON'T for me!

Texas Two Steppin': I suggested this topic for the Fall post because I wanted to see if I was the only one in the world that felt it was a DON'T. I would maybe consider it if I was a teenager trying to be edgy and drive my parents crazy or on Project Runway doing an "Unconventional Challenge," but that's about it. There is just nothing glamorous or sexy about it. In fact, I am absolutely positive if I came out in the morning with my mascara looking like that The Texan would send me right back to the makeup mirror to make some major adjustments.

layered stacking ringsLayered Rings

Texas Two Steppin': I have a feeling that I am going to be in the minority with my verdict, but I just don't get it. Don't hate me when I say it is a DON'T, because 1) it screams Hipster 2) doesn't take into account the fact that fingers shrink and swell constantly and jewelry above your second knuckle will slip and slide and require constant adjustment 3) you might hurt someone when you go to shake hands and 4) requires an investment in the trend because IMHO you need at least five rings to rock the look.

Prairie Wife: Unlike Texas Two Steppin' who has a definite opinion about this trend I find myself wavering a bit on what I think. On one hand (no pun intended) I think layered rings look feminine and cool, they add just a bit of mystery to the person wearing them. It gives me a Boho Chic (which I love) meets Hipster (not as big of a fan) kinda vibe. I can see myself in perfectly torn jeans, ankle booties, an over-sized sweater and a knit hat with perfect beachy waves in my hair drinking coffee with girlfriend...my elegantly stacked rings twinkling in the Fall light as it streams through the window of the coffee shop. Then on the other hand I'm brought back to reality. There is a crying infant and tugging toddler (who spills my coffee all over my sweater) and I find my rings getting tangled up in a poopy diaper or sliding down the sink drain as I wash my hands yet again after wiping one of my kids' noses. So while in theory this is a DO for me...sadly in real life it has to be a DON'T.

ombre lipsOmbre Lips

Prairie Wife: This is a serious DO for me, and you better believe I've been studying it long and hard to figure out how to make it work for me. In a way, I always look like I have ombre lips because it seems that my foundation always gets on the edges of my mouth. When I apply my lipstick it results in the outer edge looking lighter, a look I've always kind of liked! To me this is one of those trends that's easy to tweak and make age and occasion appropriate. Using two colors that are drastically different (like in the pic) is better for our younger readers and a more casual occasion. But, stick to two lipsticks that are only a shade or two different and, it results in a pretty and subtle eye catching pout. The extra added bonus of placing a darker color on the outside is the illusion of fuller lips! Make sure you use only a dab of gloss or keep your look matte to keep it from looking too...slutty...

Texas Two Steppin': I think that this is a look best left to models and movie stars and not adopted by the rest of us unless we have a gala event to attend. OK, I admit, that I am hesitant because I have very full lips and this would make me look slutty beyond belief. But I also think that it is the makeup equivalent of taking a trend and making it look "costumey." For me personally it is a DON'T, but I am willing to change my vote to a DO if you share pics of you rocking this look with PW and I.

 

 

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		Hunting Widows (Zac Brown Band Parody)
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hunting-widows-zac-brown-band-parody/
		Mon, 05 Oct 2015 09:18:35 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4530
		
		 Hunting Widows. While at times having no help can be a little stressful...it can be kind of wonderful too! After all, when the cat is away, the mice will play!

Our readers enjoyed our Honey I'm Good Mom Parody video so much, we thought rather than write a post about what really goes on when our husbands leave it'd be way more fun to show you...

Don't forget to share it if it made you laugh!

Disclaimer: This video was created just for fun. We acknowledge that we are not professional actresses or singers, we are in no way trying to replace Destiny's Child...

 


 

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		Hunting Widows (Zac Brown Band Parody) Lyrics
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/hunting-widows-zac-brown-band-parody-lyrics/
		Wed, 07 Oct 2015 12:00:31 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4537
		
		 Hunting Widows (Zac Brown Band Parody) Video! It was an absolute blast to make...I'm sure you can tell by how often we are cracking ourselves up in the video lol! Some of you have asked for the lyrics so here they are...enjoy and don't forget to keep on sharing the video and spreading the laughter.

PS If you have any questions for us feel free to leave them in the comments, we will get back to you ASAP!



Hunting Widows Lyrics

Its October 15th hunting season begins. Load the horses and the guns and head to the mountains.
She wonders if her love is strong enough to make him stay, she’s answered by the tail lights shining through the window pane.

playing with barbiesNow we’re hunting widows and our husbands have left for the hills so we’re gonna do whatever we want while they’re gone!

I’ll be making mac and cheese for dinner at night. And not organic you know! Capri sun, goldfish, and twinkies every day…and Koltiska for us!

And my house is not much to talk about, cause it’s filled with toys that are spread all around.

Now we’re hunting widows and our husbands have left for the hills so we’re gonna do whatever we want while they’re gone!

We’d love to see the sun rise but we’re still asleep. Let the kids stay up all night watching the TV.

sleeping in chairIt’s funny how when my husband leaves for hunting, I put on my sweats. Don’t shower for days, or shave my legs, or leave the house at all.

There’s no dollar sign that I can’t ignore to remodel this house.

So if you agree, have a drink with me, raise your glasses for a toast!

So we want to see you again, but you’re stuck in colder weather, and you haven’t filled your tags , so you won’t be home. So we’ll stay with the kids, you do what you need to do to fill that freezer with Elk for the family.

Now we’re hunting widows and our husbands have left for the hills so we’re gonna do whatever we want while they’re gone!

kids eatingWe’d love to see the sun rise but We’re still asleep. Let the kids stay up all night and watch TV.

I thank God for my sitter, and the local Salon in town, where we can get our pedicure and hair done. We can shop for hours, in the Target aisles, and buy all those things on the clearance rack.

Now we’re hunting widows and our husbands have left for the hills so we’re gonna do whatever we want while they’re gone!

pickup truck picWe’d love to see the sun rise but We’re still asleep. Let the kids stay up all night and watch TV.

No longer hunting widows and our husbands are on their way, gotta get cleaned up and shave these legs.
And here they come down the driveway do I look alright? Are the kids all here? I’m so happy to see him!]]>
		
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		Easy Homemade Tomato Soup
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/easy-homemade-tomato-soup/
		Mon, 12 Oct 2015 12:00:27 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4548
		
		I found a delicious way to take care of the extra zucchini and squash but still had a whole bag of tomatoes. I decided that there was no way we could eat enough BLT's and salads in the course of the week to finish them before they went bad. I do know how to can but, there weren't enough tomatoes to make it worth the effort. On a whim I decided to come up with an easy recipe for tomato soup. I'm going to brag a bit and let you know that I created this all on my own and got it right on the first try...that's how easy the recipe is. The Cowkids loved it and I even had TallGirlJ try out the leftovers, it was  hit with her too! Feel free to add more cream if you like your soup thicker, and top it with some mozzarella cheese and fresh basil to make it extra fancy!

Easy Homemade Tomato SoupEasy Homemade Tomato Soup
Prep Time: 8 minutes Cook Time: approx 20 min Serves: 8

Ingredients
4 cups Pureed Tomatoes or 3 cans of diced or stewed tomatoes (roasted will add even more flavor)
2 cups vegetable stock
3 tbsp pesto
1 small onion minced
2 garlic cloves minced
2 tsp olive oil
1/2 cup heavy cream
salt and pepper

      
	
    1. Take your minced onion, garlic, and the olive oil and cook on a medium heat in a large pot for 3-5 minutes or until soft. Stir occasionally.
      2. 
	
    2. While the onions and garlic cook, take your fresh tomatoes and place in a blender (no need to peel them), blend until pureed. If using canned tomatoes open cans, combine in blender and puree.
      3. 
	
    3. Combine all of the remaining ingredients (vegetable stock, pesto, tomatoes and cream) in the pot and stir occasionally while you bring it to a boil.
      4. 
	
    4. Add salt and pepper to taste and let simmer for an additional 10 or 15 minutes.
      5. 
	
    5. Serve immediately or turn heat to low and let it simmer until it's time for dinner.
      6. 

    
NOTE: To turn this into a crock pot soup combine all the ingredients (after you have cooked the onions and garlic) in your crock pot and set it and forget it ;)

Are you a tomato soup fan?]]>    
		
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		What Would You Take?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/what-would-you-take/
		Wed, 14 Oct 2015 12:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4553
		
		never-ending task of laundry.

smokeAs I passed by an open window I thought I could smell smoke...While this isn't necessarily unusual out here (people still burn their trash), the smell of smoke in Wyoming is always a reason to be alert. The Cowboy and I stood on our deck worriedly searching the horizon for the cause of the smell. As you can see by the picture we didn't have to wait long to see that it was a grass fire. In Wyoming you can see for miles so we had no way of knowing how close the fire was. This isn't the first time a grass fire has occurred near us, so we were wary but not overly concerned. We texted a few people who may be in the know and checked a few local media sites to see what was happening.

A little over 12 miles from us a fire had begun at our local landfill. Due to the winds it was spreading fast and furiously and people were being evacuated in an area called Cole Creek. We were worried and concerned for the families in the area but the fire still had a lot of ground to cover...or so we thought.

the fire is closerIt became obvious that the fire was picking up and traveling closer when the police and fire trucks began to camp out at the top of the hill right by our property. It's the perfect vantage point to see for miles into town, and has a road that leads to many small pockets of homes that are scattered between us and town. We soon saw a heavy flow of cars leaving the area and even more concerning horse trailers full of livestock. We knew that it was no longer just curious neighbors driving to see where the fire was, but families being evacuated. We kept touch with friends who were fighting the fire as well as neighbors closer to town who confirmed the fire was headed our way at an alarming rate. Soon the smoke filled our little hollow and The Cowboy and decided it was time to take some action.

horses ready to loadWe sent the neighbor kids home and gathered up the horses. We put halters on them and kept the truck and trailer ready for quick loading. The Cowboy loaded up a few saddles and tack, his hunting rifle and a pistol. As we were talking about what to do next the Sheriff came by and gave us all notice that the next time he came by it would be to tell us to get out. I took a deep breath and headed into the house.

The Cowkids knew there was a fire, and had been occasionally coming out to watch the smoke but, as I said before, this was nothing new for us and they weren't upset. I calmly told the Cowkids to get on shoes and socks and go to the bathroom. As I fed the baby I explained that the fire was getting close and we might need to leave our house and head to TallGirlJ's for safety. The two older kids immediately began to cry, they knew what this meant and were scared and sad at the thought of our house burning down. Cowboy W is only 5 and followed my lead and stayed calm and of course Cowboy C at 2 and LittleMissH at 7 months had no idea what was happening.

fire basketI grabbed a laundry basket and threw in jammies and a pair of clothes for each of us. My computer soon followed as it has all of our pictures and videos from the last 11 years. Next went a small bag full of my most precious jewelry (sentimental as well as monetary), my ox blood leather jacket (trust me it's irreplaceable) and some family heirloom bibles. I grabbed a picture of The Cowboy's grandma and a special Cowboy hat she had given him, placed my antique rosary around Cowgirl G's neck and then paused...that was it. I was done. Everything I truly needed fit into a laundry basket and would be buckled into their car seats. My heart was full with the knowledge and peace that as long as my family was safe nothing else mattered. The Cowboy came in and took at a look at the basket. He sweetly added our wedding album and two framed pictures of our wedding and he too called it good.

Cowgirl G tearfully asked if they could each pick three things to take. It seemed that we had some time before we would be evacuated (we still had no idea if we would be for sure) and I told her to go ahead. It was fascinating to see what they picked. I thought for sure she would pick her American Girl Doll but instead she picked two stuffed animals and her special blanket. Cowboy J picked his favorite stuffed animal, his bible and a rosary. Cowboy W picked a stuffed animal, a pillow he received from a stay in the PICU a few years ago, and a favorite picture of The Cowboy and I . Cowboy C, not wanting to be left out, gathered up a stuffed animal as well. Cowboy W also grabbed a pet rock he had made last year and insisted that we also take this "sign of his love for us". With the extra time I pulled a few family picture collages off the walls and put them in the car.

Rather then sit around waiting for something (or nothing) to happen, we put the kids to work with the hoses wetting down the grass in front of our hay. The Cowboy moved our other truck and our CAT skidster into the horse corral in hopes that with no grass or bushes the fire might go around them. The dogs and cats were nervous and sticking close so we knew we didn't need to worry about catching them. We stood outside gazing at the horizon watching the smoke change from light (grass burning) to dark (structures burning) and waiting for the word for the Sheriff.

fire at sunsetAt about 6:30 as the sun was setting the wind stopped.

The only noise was the roar of the huge air tankers dumping fire retardant and the helicopters buzzing through the sky from the river to fill up with water, and back to the fire. We took the Cowkids in and fed them dinner, let the horses back into the corral and just in case, left the car packed. It seemed that the danger was over.

 

The next day as I headed over the top of the hill to get The Cowkids from school tears filled my eyes as I saw the deep dark swatch of black that spread from about a mile from our house (too close for comfort) as far as the eye could see. We were safe, our home and animals were fine...but my heart broke for those that were not so fortunate.

burn mark

Currently (Tuesday night) the total is around 10,000 acres burned (the fire flared up again yesterday afternoon) and more than a dozen people have lost their homes. This does not include businesses and structures (barn, shops and sheds) lost to the fire, or the smoke damage done to standing homes. The fire is 50% contained and thousands of people are just now allowed to return to their homes.

Our town has rallied around these people in a way that makes me proud to live in Wyoming. Because of the rural nature of our area, many horses and livestock were displaced. Our local fairgrounds are housing them and dozens of community members volunteered their time and risked their safety to transport them away from the fire. Hotels are offering discounted rates and many restaurants are offering free meals to residents and the firefighters. Donations are pouring into the Red Cross and local churches and I was brought to tears several times by the concerned texts, calls and offers of a place to stay from numerous friends.

A thank you to the local law enforcement officers and firefighters who have been tirelessly serving our community these past three days. For more information (or how you can help) click this link.

My question for you...What would you take?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Sarah Larsen
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-sarah-larson/
		Fri, 16 Oct 2015 12:00:51 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4566
		
		In the first interview (June 2014) Sarah discussed how she and her husband decided to host a young boy from the Ukraine through Project 143. In talking about her choice to host an orphan for the Summer Sarah said "I feel that there has been a peacefulness in my husband and I after we decided to participate in this program. It feels like the right choice for our family, and an amazing way for us to continue on our journey of helping the adoption community." When we interviewed Sarah a second time it was in August of 2014 and she was preparing to send Vitaliy back to the Ukraine. "It’s really hard. We’ve already started the process to adopt Vitaliy but, we aren’t supposed to say anything to him about it. They don’t want them talking on the plane about being adopted and making other children feel bad, which I understand but…It’s hard to know that he will be heading back to the Ukraine and away from us. Especially without him knowing that we are trying to make him a part of our family." Below is the last part (or perhaps the beginning of the next chapter) of this family's story. Even if you do not plan to adopt yourself, please take a moment to share this interview when you finish reading it. You never know whose heart it might touch...

sarah larson shoe

Prairie Wife (PW): Last time we spoke with you, you were getting ready to send Vitaliy back to the Ukraine. What was this experience like for you and your family…and of course Vitaliy?

Sarah Larsen (SL): Dropping him off at the airport was heart wrenching. He did not completely understand that I didn't get to go with him. He remained quite stoic in front of his peers, and I was the one bawling! We sent letters every week so he would know we were still coming back for him. Those letters were the only thing from the orphanage that he brought with him.

PW: Your goal was to have Vitaliy back home with you by Christmas, unfortunately you weren’t able to make that a reality. Can you tell us why?

SL: Some of the wording was incorrect in our homestudy and it wasn’t caught until we filed through homeland security. We had to make changes and then we had to re-do much of our dossier paperwork, as it is only considered valid for 6 months. The Ukrainian government will also shut down for 6 weeks over the holidays which means no adoption paperwork is processed at that time.

PW: Once you gathered up the mounds of paperwork was it just a waiting game?

SL: Yes, once we submitted we just waited. Most people are typically given a 4-6 week notice before they travel to the Ukraine. We had 11 days  notice for our first trip!

PW: When you heard it was time to go to the Ukraine to see Vitaliy, and begin the process to adopt him, what did you need to do at home to prepare?

SL: For our first trip my mom was able to stay with our children so it was a very easy transition as she stays at our house frequently. The first trip was to verify who we were adopting. During this trip Vitaliy and his orphanage social worker need to sign paperwork permitting the adoption.

at orphanage in UkrainePW: What was the trip like?

SL: It was long and so surreal. It felt like it had been so long since we had Vitaliy at our house so when we finally got to travel it was almost hard to believe. I am forever changed by my time in Ukraine. I wonder if there will come a moment when I am not haunted by the thought of his orphanage full of children needing love! Ryan and I did everything we could to connect with the people there and learn about the culture of our son. It was so fascinating and it made us really appreciate how much Vitaliy had to adapt to our culture. It was wonderful being reunited again with him but we all desperately wanted to be home and start our life together.

PW: Unfortunately you still needed to go back to the Ukraine yet another time before you could bring Vitality home?

St Michaels MonasterySL: Yes we had to travel 3 times! The 2nd trip was for a court appearance for the judge to grant permission for the adoption to occur. This trip was more challenging, because in the middle of all of this we found out my dad had cancer. My mom had to remain at home in Washington DC to be with him. We are so thankful that Ryan’s parents and siblings were able to come stay with our kids in their absence. There is a mandatory 10 day wait period from court approval to when he could be released to us. We flew home during this time so we could have more time with our other kids and not be so taxing on the people stepping up in our absence!

The 3rd trip is called the paper chase. During this trip you get new birth certificates, passports, medical exams and visas. This entire process taught me so much about letting go of control. I had to hand it over to others and just let go...if I hadn't, I would have gone mad!

friends in the UkrainePW: Once you were in the Ukraine you met up with many delays. What was causing the delays and what did you do to fill up your time?

SL: Our 3rd trip was timed during 3 national Ukrainian holidays. Holidays are a very big deal there so many times people won’t work during the few days before and the few days after a holiday. We were completely at the mercy of the people that were in charge of processing our paperwork! Ryan ended up having to fly back after 2 weeks and I stayed the remaining 3 (so I was gone for a total of 6 weeks). God placed another adopting mama in my path during those last 3 weeks and we spent every day together with our boys and enjoying the events of Kiev, all the while longing to be back home!!! God knew exactly what I needed and placed the most amazing people in my life during this time. They were truly my lifeline.

PW: When you arrived home and had your family all together again at last, what were some of the things you and your family felt?

SL: My other children were very emotional because we had never spent that much time apart. For our younger ones it was hard for them not to be with me every second once I finally was home. Those first few weeks we just held each other close and started discovering our new normal.

PW: How has Vitaliy’s transition been going?

SL: He has made tremendous progress both in his language acquisition and desire to learn. He loves school and playing sports. He is beginning to let down some walls and I can see bonding happening. We have crazy beautiful moments and we have crazy messy moments-- all of which grow us as people and a family.

PW: What advice would you give to other families that have adopted older children from other countries?

SL: Build your village of support. I have a few people in my life, whom I cling to for support.Adoption is a journey that is impossible to do on your own. I cling tight to my faith and that HE always gives us more Grace.

a family is finally whole

PE: What are your hopes for Vitaliy and your family as a whole for the future?

SL: I pray for peace and joy for Vitaliy and that he will grow to be a loving, productive man. I pray that my family knows that there are always people whom are less fortunate that are deserving of love and kindness. I personally have made it my mission to continue to serve the forgotten children of Ukraine as their country faces challenges that are growing in magnitude with the Russian invasion. I am now a part of a hosting group called Host Ukraine, and I also want to be able to get support groups running for other families to be able to know they are not alone in this.

Hopefully this collection of interviews has forced some of our readers to become more aware of the 143 million orphans in the world.

PW: What do you think is important for them to know about Project 143?

SL: Project 143 is re-organizing their Ukraine team (but still continuing to offer hosting opportunities during this transition) and will be serving Latvia with hopes of adding 3 other countries. Hosting is a wonderful way to learn how a child and your family will connect, and all of the children are adoptable. One of the wonderful parts about this program is it allows you to form a relationship with the children, and makes the adoption process easier should you choose to go ahead with it. Even if you choose not to adopt the child you host you can know that you have given them the gift of love and family, something they may never have experienced.

Host Ukraine is a separate group from Project 143 and was formed to have a singular focus on only Ukraine. With the war raging in the country, more and more children are ending up in orphanages and the government is no longer actively assisting aged-out orphans and foster families.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

SL: One of my new mantra’s is HIS Grace is enough. It serves me well right now!]]>
		
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		Fawn Hollow Designs Leggings #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fawn-hollow-designs-leggings-giveaway/
		Mon, 19 Oct 2015 15:37:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4579
		
		Cowbaby and LittleMissH was just a dream...

LittleMissH in bootiesOur regular readers know that we always share our favorite brands and products with them. After all, if there is something we love, chances are you will love it too. In July we introduced the brand Fawn Hollow Designs to our readers. We just love the darling shoes, booties, moccasins and Mary Janes that Shannon creates by hand. The reasonable prices and wide selection of fabrics makes her store irresistible! As a mama with three boys I really appreciate the charming selection of colors and patterns she has for that special little man in your life. Take a look at these gold chevron booties that LittleMissH is wearing in our family pictures (taken by past Prairie Wife Erin Potter)....so cute!

LittleMissH leggingsI am thrilled to announce that Fawn Hollow Designs now makes leggings! These super comfy and durable leggings are made from a soft knit material. The cuff can be rolled up or rolled down for a more finished look, and I can tell you that they wash and wear wonderfully. If you look closely you can see LittleMissH wearing a pair in our Hunting Widow Zac Brown Band Parody Video! These leggings are so sweet, and the variety of prints means that you are sure to find a pair (or three) that will fit perfectly with clothes you already have. The prices range from $8-14 and come in sizes newborn to 12 months.

We are happy to announce that Shannon has agreed to giveaway a pair of her White With Black Bird Print Leggings. All you HAVE to do is stop by Fawn Hollow Designs' website and tell us in the comments what legging pattern you like the best! As always you can earn more points by following us on social media! Please be honest we will be checking.

fawn leggings post

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		I HATE Pumpkin Spice
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/i-hate-pumpkin-spice/
		Wed, 21 Oct 2015 12:00:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4588
		
		I HATE PUMPKIN SPICE!!!!

Yup, that's right...I said it. I not only said it I shouted it. I'm coming out of the closet and I don't care if they take away my "middle class stay at home mommy"  badge because of it. I not only hate Pumpkin Spice Starbucks (oh yeah I went there) but, I extremely dislike all recipes that have pumpkin or pumpkin spice as an ingredient. I'm sure you've noticed that in the two years we've been a blog I've never posted a pumpkin anything recipe (or seafood either). It's one of the perks of being the blog boss...if I don't want to write about it I don't have too!

Now that I've admitted that I hate pumpkin spice I feel free! A weight has been lifted off my shoulders. I no longer have to like all those Instagrm pics of steaming hot Starbucks Pumpkin Spice Lattes in their artfully decorated Fall themed cups. I don't have to smile and make "mmmmm" noises and then quietly sit in a corner trying to hide the fact I'm not eating when a friend brings pumpkin bread to a gathering. No longer do I have to listen to conversations about how we know Fall is finally here because pumpkin has now become the main ingredient in every food known to man...from smoothies to soup.

I refuse to apologize for the extra stash of protein bars in my car. They are specifically kept there so I can honestly say that I already ate when offered the pumpkin spice brownies with grated pumpkin peel on top. No longer will I use pregnancy as an excuse for not indulging in more bites of the gluten free pumpkin loaf artfully covered in vanilla glaze...which resulted in it looking like a lemon cake (meanest trick ever).

Love FallHey, don't get me wrong...I love Fall as much as the next person...perhaps more! Fall fashion is my favorite. I welcome the frosty mornings and the chance to wear knee high boots, plaid, cozy knit hats, sweaters, scarves, and of course my beloved hooded sweatshirts! The Cowboy and I are going on year 11 of our annual Pumpkin Carving Contest. Crock Pot Recipes and Apple Crisp are among my favorite things to cook. Candy corn and those little candy pumpkins are my weakness. I've been known to buy bulk bags of them on clearance so I have enough to last through the winter.

I just hate pumpkin spice, and I don't care who knows!

And please...I know I can't be alone in this right?!

Thankfully for our readers Texas Two Steppin' and TallGirlJ are pumpkin spice fans. In the spirit of true love and friendship I've asked them to pin some of their favorite recipes to our Holidays Are Here Again Pinterest board. I'm sure they are all delicious but please, don't ask my to try them.

Also, if anyone wants to make The Cowboy a Pumpkin Pie he'd be ever so grateful...I just refuse to go there....even for him!

Do you like Pumpkin Spice? Is there something else everyone in the world seems to love but you hate?

Copyright: innovatedcaptures / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: maridav / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Fall 2015 Fashion Must Haves
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/fall-2015-fashion-must-haves/
		Fri, 23 Oct 2015 19:25:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4617
		
		Fall Fashion Dos and Don'ts with you last month, and you may recognize a few pieces on here that are inspired by these trends. Don't forget to stop by our Pinterest Boards for more fashion inspiration. As always click the thumbnail pics to purchase the items and other than the purse, they are all under $50!

 

    

    Fall 2015 Fashion Must Haves
    

    
 

    Fall 2015 Fashion Must Haves by prairieheels featuring a knit beanie
    

    

    

    
 

Cozy Knit Hat: I mean come on...not only is this look totally in right now but I can't think of a more practical (or cute) way to hide the fact that you didn't have time to shower. Spray some dry shampoo on your roots, braid your hair, and throw on a knit hat with a sweater, skinny jeans and booties for the perfect casual cool Fall look.

Military Inspired Jeans: As we predicted, Military inspired trends are still going strong through Fall and Winter. These skinny jeans are just the right cut and color to look great with a thick sweater and knee high brown boots, or to dress up with a black silk blouse and sophisticated kitten heels.

Bold Boyfriend Watches: I love my gold and silver boyfriend watch that Cowgirl G got me for my birthday years ago. It's one of my go-to accessories. When I saw the new twist on this trend, I knew I had to add it to my Christmas list! The bold faces on these watches keep this look fresh and can add the perfect pop of color to any outfit.

Floral Pumps: Big shocker I know, I added a floral piece to my must haves lol! These pumps are the perfect piece for Fall because they are practical with the closed toe and lower heel. The black background with the bold flowers keeps it appropriate for year round wear. Pair these with black pants and a blouse for the office or wear them with ripped skinny jeans and a gray t-shirt to go out for drinks with friends!

Booties: These booties from TJMaxx are the one accessory I need to insist you all purchase! Not only are they perfect with jeans but it's amazing how cool they look with dresses, skirts, and tights. They even work with leggings and a long tunic sweater. The low heel and classy design works for women of all ages (as long as the rest of your outfit is appropriate), though I would recommend a more simple pair without all the straps for the over 50 crowd.

Layered Necklaces: I love this look because I think it's the perfect mix of feminine and rocker. Keeping the necklaces delicate and simple means they aren't overwhelming but, layering them gives your outfit a bit more of a pop!

Buffalo Plaid Shirt: Our regular readers may recall that I called this trend a DO in Winter of 2014 and not to toot my own horn I was obviously right because Buffalo Plaid is all the rage. You can find it on kitchen items, coats, scarves, and even pencils and pens! For me personally I love the tried and true plaid shirt best. Not only does it look great on it's own but, throw a cream sweater over it with jeans and knee high boots for the perfect quintessential Fall look. Dress it up for the office with a black pencil skirt and sleek black patent leather heels!

Ethnic Purses: I think that these purses are super cool, and the size keeps it practical for this mom of five! I know that you can find similar styles fro under $100 dollars but I just loved everything about this purse. The thick textured fabric, the chunks of color and the oversized buckle all come together to make this piece look unique and special. I have a similar purse that I purchased from Noonday and I would encourage you too look at their items. Not only are the purses durable and charming but, you'll help enrich the lives of women living in impoverished nations!

What is your favorite item? What is a must have for you this Fall?]]>    
		
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		Chocolaty Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/chocolaty-chocolate-chip-zucchini-bread/
		Mon, 26 Oct 2015 15:55:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4622
		
		Baked Ravioli with Fall Vegetables and I've heard back from several readers how much their whole family loved it (and how easy it was to make). I've still got some (OK a ton) of zucchini left over so I've spent the last few weeks experimenting. Those of you that follow us on Instagram and Twitter have already had a sneak peek at this recipe but, I usually make a recipe two or three times before I decided it's ready to post. After all, I want to make sure it's perfect and worth your time to make. SO I promise you I wasn't just teasing you with all those pictures and at last here is the recipe for Chocolaty Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread you've been waiting for!

My favorite thing about this recipe is the hint of Cinnamon along with the rich chocolate flavor, it really gives the bread a delicious Fall zip! The first time I made this I added 1/2 cup of chopped walnuts (and sprinkled a few on top). The second time I made it as a snack for Cowboy W's class so I left the nuts out.  This recipe also works wonderfully with frozen squash so don't be afraid to take some of this years and slice it into big pieces and freeze it. When you're ready to bake your bread, all you have to do is thaw your zucchini and shred it in blender. I also think that it would work to substitute a cup of the shredded zucchini with squash but I didn't have any squash left to try it out, let me know if you do!

Chocolaty Chocolate chip zucchini breadChocolaty Chocolate Chip Zucchini Bread

Prep Time: 10 minutes Bake time: 1 hour
Makes 2 loaves

3 cups shredded zucchini
1 2/3 cups sugar
2/3 cups Vegetable Oil
2 tsp Vanilla
4 eggs
3 cups whole wheat flour (you can use all purpose if you want)
2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp salt
2 tsp ground Cinnamon
1/4 cup cocoa powder
1 1/2 cup chocolate chips (I use a blend of milk chocolate and semi sweet)

      
	
    1. Heat Oven to 350 and spray two loaf pans with non stick cooking spray.
      2. 
	
    2. Mix zucchini, sugar, vegetable oil, vanilla and eggs in a large bowl.
      3. 
	
    3. Stir in the remaining ingredients except the chocolate chips until well combined.
      4. 
	
    4. Add chocolate chips and stir until just combined (if using walnuts add them now).
      5. 
	
    5. Divide batter evenly between the two pans and place in center of oven.
      6. 
	
    6. Bake an hour our until the edges begin to pull away from pan and a toothpick inserted in the middle comes out clean.
      7. 
	
    7. Cool and serve!
      8. 

    
What do you like to add to your Zucchini bread?]]>    
		
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		11th Annual Pumpkin Carving Contest #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/11th-annual-pumpkin-carving-contest-giveaway/
		Wed, 28 Oct 2015 12:00:16 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4626
		
		when The Cowboy and I were blissful newly weds we thought it would be great to have a pumpkin carving contest. We spent an evening carving our pumpkins and then invited some friends over to pick their favorites. The Cowboy won, and I didn't really mind that much, after all his was legitimately better! Fast forward 6 more years and I still hadn't won, not once. I don't claim to be artistic (notice the only DIY crafty posts on the site are guest posts) but I was starting to get a bit grouchy about it. Then finally in the 7th year...I won....and then again I won in year 9! This got The Cowboy's competitive spirit revved up and I have to admit things are beginning to get a little cut throat.

We never post the carvers name to keep it fair and we always pick a theme. Last year I invited my readers to vote and to help encourage them I offered a $10 Starbucks Gift Card. After all, even though I will NOT be indulging in a Pumpkin Spice Latte there is no reason our winner can't!

This year the Cowkids wanted in on the action. They picked the theme for The Cowboy and I (Spiders) and they also wanted to have a Cowkid Pumpkin Contest. Please vote for your favorite Cowkid Pumpkin too! Leave your vote in the comments and you'll automatically be entered to win a Starbucks Gift Card. You can earn more points towards the giveaway by following us on social media (and PLEASE sign up to receive email updates from us). Please be honest we will be checking!

Lets get started! In no particular order here are The Cowboy and my Pumpkins....

Pumpkin 1

pumpkin 1

Pumpkin 2

Pumpkin 2 collage

Now for the Cowkids, they didn't have to stick with the Spider theme.

I'm going to go from oldest to youngest...

Cowboy J learned some tough lessons last year when he attempted to do a Disney castle. This year he was super careful to not cut out so much that the whole front of his pumpkin falls out. His design is a spider in a web, it's clearer with the light shining (sort of).

Cowboy J collage

Cowgirl G went with a Halloween Monster theme and drew a parade of Halloween Creatures around her pumpkin.

Cowgirl G

Cowboy W did a big spider in the middle, and was super excited that we let him use the power tools to make his legs!

Cowboy W

Cowboy C went with an abstract Halloween painting. When I asked him what he painted he said "Spiders on a spider web, but some not."

Cowboy C

Ma is in town for the week to hang out with the Cowkids so she and I created LittleMissH's pumpkin. LittleMissH was pretty tickled to have me paint her feet for the ghosts! Ma painted their darling faces and the vines and bats.

LittleMissH
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		21 Day Power Yoga Detox & Weight Loss Method With Julie Montagu
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/21-day-power-yoga-detox-weight-loss-method-with-julie-montagu/
		Fri, 30 Oct 2015 17:14:13 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4641
		
		pumpkin carving, Hunting Season, boots and cozy sweaters! In Wyoming the start of Fall also means not so wonderful blustery winds, cold weather and pumpkin spice food and drinks...which makes it harder and harder for me to get in my weekly runs. I'm always in search of new workout DVD s that I can use during these colder months to stay in shape...and I have to say that I am SUPER excited to share this one with my readers.

Julie Montagu power yoga DVDLadies of London has been one of my must see shows since it first came out last year. Marissa Hermer's Prairie Wife of the Week interview has been one of my favorites of all time, and this season she continues to wow me with her drive and open and honest attitude. Those of you that watch the show know that one of the ladies, Julie Montagu is a yoga instructor. I follow her on various social media sites and learned through her blog that besides having a cookbook she also has a yoga DVD. After seeing how amazing her body is (even after four kids) I knew that I had to check it out....and I'm SO glad I did.

Julie Montagu's DVD is actually not just one workout but 3, and she also has a few quick tutorials about healthy eating, weight loss, and the benefits of power yoga. I originally bought this DVD strictly for the workout portion, and I had no intention of trying to actually follow the 21 day detox and weight loss part of it. While I still have a two pounds of baby weight to shed I feel like I have healthy eating down. For the sake of the review I watched Julie's tutorials and I'm glad I did! Not only were they inspiring (I promise after this Halloween weekend to cut out the sugar and get back to my whole grain tons of raw veggie eating) but they were full of information that I hadn't known before. I knew I loved yoga for the way it made my body look and my mind feel but, I wasn't aware that so many poses benefited your internal organs. If you are looking to jump start weight loss or get healthy, I have no doubt that following her workout and eating regimen will do it (I might even have to try it before The Cowboy and I head to Vegas next year).

As far as the workouts go...they are pretty amazing. This DVD is probably not the best choice for beginners, if I had to rate it on a scale of 1-10 (10 being a yoga master) I'd give it a 7. It's not as intensive as Jillian Michaels Yoga Inferno DVD but, you really need to be familiar with your Yoga poses, breathing, and the right posture to be able to follow along.

30 Minute Cardio Power Yoga This one was amazing. I was so proud of myself that I could hang in there for this whole workout, even keeping my breathing tempo the same as hers. I liked that for each series she built upon the first one, and the flow of the poses kept my muscles working but didn't strain them. Her commentary is brief but encouraging and helpful.

40 Minute Cardio Power Yoga Who would have thought that 10 minutes more could make a workout so much harder? I loved this series for the same reasons as the 30 minute one but, Julie takes it up a notch with this one. Not only are the poses a bit faster but she challenges you with more balance and core work. Towards the end I found myself having trouble keeping focused on my breathing and even toppled over a few times with the Eagle Pose. I look forward to doing this one more and mastering those trickier series!

7 Minutes Core Power Workout Not to be cocky but I wasn't too nervous about this one. I just ran my first 15K this month and have almost met my weight and fitness goals...Let me tell you, I was looking at the clock praying that the workout was almost done only to see that I still had 4 more minutes. This is HARD, or at least it was for me. No wonder Julie has suck a rocking body. She did this series without breaking a sweat or having a single muscle twitch. I'm nothing if not determined, and I'm going to be counting on all my Prairie Wife grit to help me master this one! Trust me it's worth the 7 minutes to do it a few times a week, I'm super excited to see how this workout changes my body!

If your looking for a way to keep yourself healthy and motivated through these next few colder months this is the perfect DVD for you. Not only do I recommend it for the workouts but, for the great nutritional information as well.

PS Ms. Monatgu...if you read this I would LOVE to interview you for our Prairie Wife of the Week Segment ;)

How do you stay fit in the Fall and Winter?

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		Prairie Wife Badge: The Circle of Life
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-badge-the-circle-of-life/
		Mon, 02 Nov 2015 18:55:55 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4645
		
		Ever since The Cowboy moved me out onto the Wyoming Prairie I've had a lot of new experiences. Some have been fun like milking a cow for the first time, others got old pretty quick, and some are just heart breaking. Every time I've conquered a new skill or am still able to get up after being knocked down, I say I've earned a Prairie Wife Badge.

The circle of life badge is one that I wish I didn't have to earn. It's something that is not unique to life on the Prairie but, I've found that the Cowkids have had more experience with this topic than many of their friends.

cowscottie at vetThis week I gathered up all our small pets (two 9 week old kittens, two adult male cats, and our two Cowdogs) and took them to the vet for their yearly checkup and shots. Driving in a truck with all the pets was a little nerve racking (I felt like a bad joke...One Prairie Wife, four cats and two dogs drive off in a truck...) but we made it the vet without a problem and we shuffled all the animals through. Thankfully they were all pretty relaxed and well behaved. You can see by the pic that they thoroughly enjoyed the fresh Fall air and sun as they waited for their turns! When it came time to check on our CowScottie I mentioned that she had lost a lot of weight recently. I wasn't too concerned because she still had a great attitude and besides spending a lot of time chasing rabbits, she had been snacking on cat food rather than dog food lately. As our vet felt her stomach she looked up at me and I knew immediately that something was wrong.

Long diagnosis short CowScottie has a lump on her spleen and the cancer has already moved into her heart. Our vet gave her 6-8 months to live. The Cowboy and I are firm believers in quality of life when it comes to our pets so she gave me a list of symptoms to watch for. We decided to keep in touch and decided together when the right time to put her down would be. I was upset, and guilt ridden. After all, our relationship with CowScottie has been a bit rocky. We've had her for 9 years and in true Terrier style she's proven a bit stubborn and naughty. We've had our moments of frustration, but she has always been amazing with the Cowkids. As luck would have it, in the last few years she has finally become a good dog in every way.

This wasn't our first circle of life talk with The Cowkids. The new kittens are here because two of our other barn cats died this year. One didn't look both ways before she crossed the highway, and the other one was bitten by a rattlesnake (or that's our best guess). The Cowkids know that our job is to take care of our pets the best we can while they are with us. We've taught them that God decides the length of our lives and that all pets go to heaven...

The Cowboy and I sat them down and told them we had to have a family meeting. I believe that honesty is the best policy while The Cowboy prefers to stick to what CowGranny did with him. Simply tell them that the pet "ran off with the Coyotes". He sat quietly and let me do all the talking.

Bernice in snowI shared with the Cowkids that CowScottie had cancer. That cancer is when part of your body grows in a way it shouldn't. Sometimes the cancer can be cut out and then the person or animal is given medicine. After their body heals they are fine. The Cowkids know all about this from when TexasTwoSteppin' had cancer. I then explained that sometimes the cancer is in places where we can't cut it out, and that sometimes medicine won't help. I talked about how while CowScottie seemed fine now she would start to have trouble doing all the things she loved, like chasing rabbits, and running around with them outside. I explained that while for people many things can be learned through suffering, it wasn't the same for pets. When the time came and she was hurting more than she was happy, it was up to us, out of love, to end her suffering.

Tears were streaming down Cowboy J and Cowgirl G's faces and at the age of 5 Cowboy W kind of understood what was happening but wasn't as upset. Cowboy C was concerned about the tears, and was walking around patting us on the leg. Cowgirl G asked what we could have done to stop it. If we had taken her in earlier could we have fixed it? Cowboy J wanted to know how long CowScottie had left. I answered the questions the best I could and emphasized that our job was to take care of her while we had her, I encouraged them to spoil her and spend time with her.

It was a hard talk, and a sad day here on the Prairie. This badge is one that never seems easier to earn. The only light is, I know that this truth and honesty has helped their understanding when we've had friends and family members pass away. As hard as it is to loose a pet, we all know we will always have the sweet memories. In time while the pain never goes away, it will be easier to bear.

How do you deal with the death of a pet?

 

 

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		A Christmas Cracker by Trisha Ashley
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/a-christmas-cracker-by-trisha-ashley/
		Wed, 04 Nov 2015 17:07:16 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4649
		
		Trisha Ashley is one of my favorite authors and meets all of my above criteria...and then some. I follow her on social media and have found that besides being a wonderful author, she is a lovely person as well. Her posts are witty, truthful, and at times endearingly whimsical. I always find myself pausing and smiling when I read one of her frequent posts about the sky "The sky is dappled shades of lilac-grey. I remember riding a horse that color, many years ago...but not his name. Gentle giant." One of my great regrets is that when we moved our blog to Word Press her comment on my review of her book A Winter's Tale was deleted. Thankfully I have a handwritten note from her that sits in my hutch next to my wedding album, it's helped ease the pain!

A christmas crackerMs. Ashley's new book A Christmas Cracker is not a disappointment! A Christmas Cracker is the story of down on her luck Tabby. She's been framed for a crime she didn't commit, dumped by a fickle fiance, and sent to live in the countryside with strangers...it's hard to see how she will ever be happy. In true Ashley style, Tabby pulls herself together and charges forward.  Tabby is loyal to the last to Mercy, the always positive Quaker who welcomed her into the Marwood family with open arms. She refuses to let anything get in the way of her dream of bringing Marwood's Magical Christmas Crackers into the 21st century. Even the rugged and gruff Randal (Mercy's nephew), her annoying ex-fiance, and a few seedy characters that are determined to spoil things for her, won't stop Tabby from doing what she knows is best.

In true Trisha Ashley style A Christmas Cracker is full of strong female characters with just enough chinks in their armor to make them endearing. It takes place in the lovely British countryside and Ms. Ashley's description of the rambling old house makes me itch to book a ticket and fly across the pond for a stay in a stately English manor! Fans of Ms. Ashley will recognize some familiar characters from past books and charming animal characters that appear in each of her books. A Christmas Cracker is an endearing love story, but above all, it's a story of how giving someone a second chance can result in unexpected joy.

Who is your favorite author?

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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Kenzie Mares
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-kenzie-mares/
		Fri, 06 Nov 2015 13:00:13 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4654
		
		our Instagram followers may recall the pictures). Our regular vet was closed so I quickly got the number of TallGirlJ's vet. Kenzie saved our beloved and brave CowDog and then went on to take care of all of our other animals from the horses down to our newest kittens. She was the one who told us about CowScottie's cancer this last week and will be the one to help us decided when it's time to put her down.

Kenzie Mares is a true Prairie Wife...Not only has she earned more badges then I can ever hope for (read on to learn about her "goat fighting badge") but she is a true woman of grit and grace. She works from dawn until dusk helping her community and the animals that are the livelihood of many local families. She gives care to animals that have become our family, and has the strength to make what can at times be heartbreaking decisions. I cant wait to hear what you think after you read this interview!

kenzie shoe pic

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Kenzie (K): I was born in Laramie and then we moved to NE for a short time. My little brother (my only sibling) was born there. I like to tease him about not being a true Wyominite! We eventually ended up in Worland, WY where I graduated from high school. My parents (who have been married 44 years) now live on the ranch outside of Wright, WY which is actually where my mom grew up. I went to the University of Wyoming for my pre-vet classes and then Washington State University in Pullman, WA for vet school.

kenzie famI met my husband, Erick while on summer internship at a vet clinic in Douglas, WY. It took me 2 more years to finish vet school and we kept the road hot between WA and WY. Erick was born and raised in Douglas, so we settled there. Erik and I were married and had two daughters (now ages 9 and 7). I purchased the vet clinic in Glenrock, WY (where we now live) on November 10, 2010 after taking a short sabbatical from vet med all together. My little brother and his brand new wife live close by in Casper, WY which I love!

PW: You are currently a Veterinarian and own your own practice in a small Wyoming town. What started you down this path?

K: We always had a cat and then later a dog, but I really credit my love of sheep (although some would laugh that I am admitting this, including Erick) for my career in veterinary medicine. When we were kids my brother and I raised the bum lambs (orphaned lambs) for my uncle. One summer we had 13 of them, they all had names and my mother’s kitchen was sticky and full of flies from all the milk replacer we mixed up that summer. After that, I raised some market lambs and breeding ewes for 4-H. I always loved lambing. I ended up working for our local vet during high school and into college. Funny enough, I’m not really an “animal lover” as you think of it. I’m a people lover and that’s what really drew me to veterinary medicine...helping people.

PW: What kind of education does it take to become a vet?

K: You need 2- 3 years of undergrad to get all of the requirements. Then, you apply to vet school. Once you are accepted, it is a 4 year program. If you specialize, internships and residencies are optional after that. Organic chemistry really knocked my socks off! I had to retake it in undergrad to get a better grade so I could get into vet school.

PW: Is there anything you wish you knew then that you now know?

K: I wish they would tell you how demanding a career veterinary medicine is. I had no idea how hard it would be to balance my career and personal life. I don’t get to do all the “mom things” that I wish I could. Also, being a mixed animal veterinarian (especially in a small rural Wyoming town) is not as lucrative as people imagine. I was fortunate enough to get my education paid for, but most veterinarians leave school with enormous debt. ($100,000 +) I own the clinic where I work and with payments on the clinic, I make less than $60,000 a year...which probably surprises a lot of people!

PW: What was your first job out of vet school like?

K: I worked in Douglas for a family practice ( a dad and two sons who were vets) for 9 years after I graduated. It was a great place to learn and I still credit a lot of my little tricks to the things I picked up from them. They were good to me with scheduling, especially when the girls were little.

PW: What led you to open up your own practice?

K: I actually quit my job in Douglas without a clue what I was going to do next! I just knew it was time for a change. I started a small home business baking cookies, “Mares Eat Oats”. It only lasted a few months...when baking cookies wasn’t fun any more.

kenzie truckI heard through the grapevine that the vet practice in Glenrock was for sale. It was also happenstance that I corresponded by email with an old classmate who was also looking for work. I jokingly suggested that she come to Glenrock with me. Though we started out together, it eventually ended up we had different needs that the practice couldn’t meet. So, here I am 5 years later, a solo practitioner in Glenrock, WY.

I truly believe God knew that I needed her to show me the ropes. She taught me a great deal about large animal medicine, which I hadn’t done much of at my other job. Honestly, I had myself convinced that I didn’t really have what it took. She taught me that I did, and helped push me outside my comfort zone. Because of her I was able to see what I was truly capable of.

PW: Time to get down to the nitty gritty are you ready?

K: I think so...

working hardPW: As female vet in Wyoming, have you run into any biases or bad attitudes?

K: Surprisingly, not really! I think most of the flak I got was because at 4’11” and 20 something I looked 10 years old. Not because I'm a woman. There were a few old codgers that tried to give me a run for my money, but eventually I won them over!

PW: What is your favorite animal?

K: Oooo… that's a tough question! I like them all for different reasons. But, I enjoy dogs, horses and I still love sheep.

PW: What animal challenges you the most?

K: Probably horses. They're complicated in their anatomy and their physiology and I never got a great equine education in school. Luckily, I have great vet friends who help me out. I learn something new every single day. Mad cats and mad cows are also challenging in a whole different way. LOL

PW: Can you walk us through a “typical day” ?

K: There is no such thing as a typical day! It's a wild world we live in, and in rural medicine is very seasonal. There is pregnancy testing in the fall, calving in the spring, horses in spring and summer and so on. Usually, I get to the clinic about 7:30-8:00 am, get some coffee brewing and do a little paperwork before we do surgery (spays, neuters and dental surgery are most common). Then we start appointments which can be anything from vaccinations, to sick animals or lameness in horses. We have the occasional emergency like wounds and cows that need a c-section.

crossroads vetIn the fall, I often leave so early in the morning it's still dark to drive to a ranch and check cows...and then come back home in the dark of night...only to turn around and do it all again the next day! At times like this my awesome staff is left to keep the home fires burning back at the clinic, and they do a hell of a job. I usually try to check-in when and if I have cell service.

 

PW: I'm sure you have a ton of funny stories; can you share a few with us?

K: One of my favorite stories is about a goat named “Fang”. Mara, my technician and I were giggling because my client had told us the goat's name and suggested we wear welding gloves to examine her because she bites. I thought, ya right, a biting goat?! I got my coveralls on and we headed out to the trailer. The owner cautiously led us into the trailer so that we could look at a suspicious lump.  We got our hands on "Fang" without much problem and I felt the lump, it turns out that it was an abscess full of pus.

At this point “Fang” was still behaving quite well, but we needed to lance and drain the abscess. Mara had a good hold on the goat, so I went ahead...A gush of stinky yellow lumpiness oozed down Mara’s leg. Then as I tried to finish cleaning the abscess out, "Fang" lost it! She reared up and started clobbering me with her front hooves. Pus and blood were flying everywhere...it was crazy! After what happened to poor Mara and her pants, I was afraid to even look her in the eye. On the way back in the clinic, I finally asked her if we were still speaking and we both burst into uncontrollable laughter! Never did I think a sweet little goat could be vicious, but "Fang" proved me wrong that day.

PW: As a vet you deal with the sometimes harsh realities of being a pet owner, and more often than not animals are family members. How do you cope with having to put pets down or deliver bad news?

K: As bad as it sounds, it gets easier. I've learned the hard way that I'm the animal's “voice” in these situations. It's hard for people to do what's fair without me shining a light on how the animal feels and explaining they have no concept of time. They don't know today from tomorrow from next week, just how they feel right now. Euthanasia is something I pride myself on being good at. It's a memory that lasts forever and I want it to be stress free and never traumatic for the animal or it's family.

PW: Not only do you own your own Veterinary practice but you are a wife with a husband that travels and a mother of two young girls…how do you keep your sanity?

K: My staff and family will tell you that sometimes I don't! Most importantly, we laugh every day. Someone once told me “embrace the chaos” I try to remember that. Just throw the kids in the truck with you and make it a fun adventure.  I've come a long way in the last few years, I'm better at asking for help (though it still makes me feel guilty). We have Erick's aunt clean our house and we call her our marriage counselor. As the saying goes, it takes a village!

PW: What vet or animal myths do you hear all the time that drive you crazy?

K: The myth that you should let your dog have at least one heat cycle. Their risk of the surgery increases and with each cycle your dog's risk for mammary cancer increases. AND Ringworm is not a worm, it's a fungus.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife Words of Wisdom?

wyomingK: Trust God and Love people. The doctor that I worked for in high school was a character! He told me that life was like a river, don’t get caught up in the everyday hustle and bustle of the rapids on the surface, anchor yourself in the steady deep quiet of the under current. Spend your time and energy on the things that have the biggest impact. No matter how busy you are, when the waiting room is full of people, you still give each appointment your full attention. Genuinely care for the people you come into contact with, don’t rush through interactions with false smiles and busy minds. The Big Book says, “ be quick to listen and slow to speak”. And always, hug your people everyday. Research says, 10-second hug a day can lead to biochemical and physiological reactions in your body that can significantly improve your health...plus it’s just the right thing to do!

PW: For those of you in the Casper, WY area! Crossroads Veterinary Inc. is extending its business hours on November 19th to 8:00 p.m. Join us starting at 2:00 p.m. to have your furry friends vaccinated. No appointments necessary! All profits from the vaccinations and nail trims given will be donated to the Glenrock Backpack Program. If your pet is current on his/her vaccinations, you are still more than welcome to stop by and make a donation as well as enjoy some refreshments with the girls at Crossroads Vet! Please call 436-8313 with any questions! Make sure you tell them that Prairie Wife sent you ;)]]>
		
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		The Candy Fairy
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-candy-fairy/
		Tue, 10 Nov 2015 17:01:24 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4665
		
		Halloween parties and the GINORMOUS bowls of candy on the counter there was no way I could resist all the brightly colored tasty treats...I simply don't have enough self control to walk past without grabbing a bite (or a handful).

For the first time in my life, I woke up last week feeling sluggish and physically ill because of what I had been eating!

I knew it was time to remove the candy...and go on a healthy eating binge...and get back to consistently running and yoga.

candy fairyHere on the Prairie I have a quick and easy trick to get rid of the candy with no tears. When I've decided it's time for the candy to disappear I stop by Target and grab a few toys, books or even a DVD the whole family will enjoy. I take the candy and either throw it away (make sure you hide it in the trash) or donate it (many of our local dentists donate to the troops). Then I leave the gifts in the now empty bowl and a short thank you note. The Candy Fairy explains that she needs the candy to feed her baby fairies and that she really appreciates the kids being so kind.

When my kids notice the fairy has come they are always thrilled to see what she's brought. I've even heard them asking each other if they think she will be coming soon! This year I'm having trouble finding time without The Cowkids to purchase gifts, so The Candy Fairy might be leaving a few dollars instead of gift....

What do you do when you've had enough of sweet treats?

Copyright: nemesisinc / 123RF Stock Photo

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		Prairie Wives vs. Pinterest
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wives-vs-pinterest/
		Thu, 12 Nov 2015 18:30:36 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4669
		
		It's no secret that I'm a bit of a Pinterest addict...those of you that follow us on Pinterest know that between TexasTwoSteppin' and I, there are new pins every day! I'm usually pretty good about actually trying out some of the things I pin. By pretty good, I mean I try out new a meal or sweet treats about once a month, try a few of the hairstyles and then end up putting my hair in a messy mom bun because it never works out, dream of being a millionaire and paying someone to redo my kitchen, and find a ton of  inspiration for new ways to use clothes have in my closet!

The four Prairie Wives were chatting and thought it would be fun to get together and try and do a few of the things on Pinterest that we really think would be amazing...if they actually work out that is...

Really, BonitaBlueEyes was the brains behind the idea, and the rest of us thought, why not?!

pinterestI thought it would be a blast to have our readers send us Pins to try out...that way you can save yourselves a little bit of time. Let us do the dirty work for you!

Have you found a recipe that claims to be the best ever? Send it to us on Pinterest, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, or copy and paste the link for what you want us to try in the comments section of this post. We will add it to our Prairie Wives vs. Pinterest Board and each of us will pick a few to try out. You can even head over to our Prairie Wives vs. Pinterest Board and comment on the ones that are there to let us know what you think we should try!

Even more fun...we decided to turn this little adventure into a fun video. After all rather than have us write about what was amazing, and what was an epic fail, won't it be way more fun to watch it all unfold? You can even get a sneak peak of what it might end up looking like when you watch our Hunting Widows (Zac Brown Parody Video). You can see TallGirlJ and BonitaBlueEyes testing out a "trendy" new hairstyle, and Lizzi and I experimenting with makeup!

Send us those pins! We can't wait to see what you want us to try!

Copyright: actionsports / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		#PrayForFrance #PrayForTheWorld
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prayforfrance-prayfortheworld/
		Sat, 14 Nov 2015 16:44:38 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4674
		
		Source FoxNews.com)

As a mother my heart is aching. All those people dead. They were each someone's child. All over the world there are mother's now learning they will no longer able to hold their child, or hear their voice ever again.

As a fellow human being I am mourning the loss of life. These were people that mattered, lives that had purpose. Someone's sister, brother, wife, mother, husband, father, lover, friend...now gone.

french flagThe tragedy compounds when you realize that all of them were completely innocent and unsuspecting. Their lives gone...gone in an instant. I can not imagine the terror these innocents must have experienced, the prayers and calls out to God and family members. The shock of the survivors and the emotions they must now learn to process and live with as they continue their lives.

Hollande [The President of France] described Friday's attacks, which produced the worst bloodshed in Paris since World War II, as an "act of war." Hollande said ISIS was "a terrorist army ... a jihadist army, against France, against the values that we defend everywhere in the world, against what we are: A free country that means something to the whole planet." (Source FoxNews.com)

I applaud him, his bravery and his willingness to take up arms against evil.

Less than an hour after Hollande's statement, ISIS claimed responsibility for the attack in an online statement that described Paris as "the carrier of the banner of the Cross in Europe"

"Let France and those who walk in its path know that they will remain on the top of the list of targets of the IS," the statement also read, in part, "and that the smell of death will never leave their noses as long as they lead the convoy of the Crusader campaign." (Source FoxNews.com)

This is a war on Christianity. This is a war against ALL who disagree with ISIS and their extremist views. Jews, Non-Extremist Muslims, Buddhist, Atheists, Wiccans, Taoists...anyone who disagrees with ISIS is now at risk.

I'm watching my children as I write this. It's an unusually warm day and they are running outside, coats open to the Wyoming sun and wind, enjoying life in a simple way that brings tears to my eyes.

What will the future bring?

Will they be safe?

When they are adults will they remember this time as "before"? Before the war. Before rationing. Before the fear?

At first I was overcome with these emotions of fear, anger, and hopelessness.

And then I remembered.

"Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land. For I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.” Genesis 28:15

#PrayForFrance #PrayForTheWorld

praying hands

    
Copyright: prashantzi / 123RF Stock Photo

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		What's Your Organization Style?
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/whats-your-organization-style/
		Mon, 16 Nov 2015 12:50:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4683
		
		22nd Annual Wyoming Women in Ag Symposium. The topic was organization, and I went room by room through my house and discussed ways that the attendees could realistically organize their homes. Before we got down to the nitty gritty details, I spent some time talking about how you need to learn your personal organization style before you can decide what to do to straighten up your home. I thought I would share a bit of my presentation with our readers, and I hope that it helps those of you that are feeling a need to organize get started!

First...What Does it mean to be organized?

mom with toddlerBeing organized does not mean your house is always clean!

Being organized means that your daily life runs smoother. You can find the items you need quickly, your family is more self sufficient, and you have less overall stress. Being organized means that when it's time to clean you can clean quickly, more effectively, and there is less mess overall.

To successfully become organized you need to know your strengths and weaknesses. There is NO point in fighting against the inevitable. A little change will stick, while a full blown makeover probably won’t!

Organizationally Speaking Who Are You?

Are You a Stacker?

      
	
    • Do you have little (or not so little) piles of items all over your house?
      • 
	
    • Can you usually find what you need after you sift through the junk?
      • 
	
    • Do you love to buy storage containers or reuse and re-purpose containers often?
      • 
	
    • Are you a creature of habit?
      • 

    
stacker If You're a Stacker

      
	
    • Work with it and put some of those containers to good use
      • 
	
    • Pay special attention to where in your house clutter and stacks collect
      • 
	
    • Organize in those specific areas first
      • 
	
    • Purge often (when the container is full stop and purge don't buy more containers)
      • 

    
Are You a Hider?

      
	
    • If you don’t see it it’s not messy
      • 
	
    • If the door on the cabinet or closet closes it’s clean
      • 
	
    • You have a room where you put everything that doesn’t have a home, and shut the door
      • 
	
    • But…Your counter tops and tables are always clean of clutter
      • 

    
If You're a Hider

      
	
    • Purge (if you haven't used it in a year or more donate it)
      • 
	
    • Find a practical place for the things you use (you shove them in a room because they don't have a spot)
      • 
	
    • Look for unique ways to store clutter (repurposed furniture like benches and wardrobes)
      • 
	
    • Set guidelines for your family and teach them to put things in their proper place
      • 

    
overwhelmed momAre You a Free Spirit?

      
	
    • There is no rhyme or reason to your “organization”
      • 
	
    • You are specifically known for your lack of organization
      • 
	
    • Your mess only bothers you when it has a negative impact on your family (like when your daughter is in tears because you can't find her favorite sweater)
      • 
	
    • You’re open to trying anything new
      • 

    
If You're a Free Spirit

      
	
    • Talk to your family about what they want to see happen (make them aware it's their job too)
      • 
	
    • Purge (this is going to be a big project so set aside a whole weekend and finish an entire room before you move on to another)
      • 
	
    • Start small and stay consistent
      • 
	
    • Find what motivates you (make yourself clean for 30 minutes and THEN you can have that cookie)
      • 

    
messy houseSome Quick Tips on How to Begin

      
	
    • Pick what makes you “twitch” the most and start there (channel that rage)
      • 
	
    • Schedule a time and put it in ink on the calendar
      • 
	
    • Move from one room to another
      • 
	
    • Hire a sitter if you're kids aren't old enough to help
      • 
	
    • Give your family notice and teach them your new organization routine
      • 
	
    • Plan a yearly purging schedule and stick with it (after birthdays and holidays are good times)
      • 
	
    • Reward yourself when you're done (but not with a shopping spree lol)
      • 

    
What is your organization style, and what do you do to stay organized?

Copyright: eikotsuttiy / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: bialasiewicz / 123RF Stock Photo]]>    
		
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		Homemade Whipped Cream for Pumpkin Pie
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/homemade-whipped-cream-for-pumpkin-pie/
		Wed, 18 Nov 2015 18:29:37 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4695
		
		make Whipped Cream, we don’t buy the already made kind!”  I stared stunned and silent (for me this is a rarity). As I thought about it, it occurred to me, that of course you could make Whipped Cream from scratch. I had just never had it before…

The Cowboy promptly took me to the store, and then proceeded to teach me how to make Whipped Cream from scratch (a man that cooks, I fell for him even more). It’s so easy (it only takes two seconds) and tastes so much better than the store bought. Give it a try; you’ll be glad you did.

Homemade Whipped CreamWhipped Cream

1pt Heavy Whipping Cream
1/3 cup white sugar
1tsp Vanilla

1. Pour the Whipping Cream and vanilla into a bowl (if you want to be really fancy you can place the bowl in the fridge 20min before to make it cold)

3. Using a hand mixer turned on to high speed (or a stand mixer with the whipping attachment) begin mixing the cream and vanilla

4. As you are mixing, add the sugar a little bit at a time (if you can do it while still mixing) until it is all combined

5. After about 2 and a half minutes stop the mixer and see if it is done. If the Whipped Cream peaks (stays in a peaked shape when you pull out the mixer) you are done. If not, mix for another 30 seconds, and check again.

Warning: You can mix it too much! You want it to be light and airy, not thick. If you forget the mixer is on, and leave it alone too long, you will end up with butter.

I use my KitchenAid mixer on Speed 6 for 3 min]]>
		
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		The Cheese Fairy #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-cheese-fairy-giveaway/
		Wed, 18 Nov 2015 19:19:18 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4699
		
		A few months ago the Western Dairy Association approached me and offered me the opportunity to wear a new hat. Actually, I think I need to call it a tiara! Right now, you are reading a post written by The Cheese Fairy. Yup, THE CHEESE FAIRY!

Those of you that frequently read this blog know why this is the perfect fit for me! Not only is the Dairy Cow my spirit animal but, I was born and raised in The Dairy State. I am known among my friends for my always fully stocked cheese drawer (I’ve introduced more than one Wyoming mama to the joys of smoked Gouda) and a ton of my favorite recipes incorporate dairy products.

Rocking W CheeseBut, what is The Cheese Fairy? She’s exactly what you’d think…a fabulous fairy that delivers a lovely package of Farmstead Artisan cheese from Rocking W Cheese to a deserving person.

Thanksgiving is next week (ahhh)! What better way to show your thanks to a loved one than to have this delicious gift show up at their door?

All you need to do, to enter to win this Artisan Cheese for a loved one, is nominate them in the comments below. Tell us why your Grandma, Mother, Husband, Friend, or Coworker deserves a little visit from The Cheese Fairy this Thanksgiving. Perhaps it’s your Grandma’s 50th year in a row making the turkey for your constantly growing family. Maybe it’s the single mom co-worker that’s working on yet another Holiday to make ends meet. Or that neighbor that you know always struggles this time of year. Whoever you think is deserving, let us know in the comments.

We will pick one lucky winner on Sunday, November 22nd and contact you for their address (you can pretend you need it for Holiday cards). Then The Cheese Fairy will fly through the dark of night and deliver their lovely gift, on Wednesday, November 25th just in time for Thanksgiving!

I can’t wait to read your nominations!

Copyright: liusa / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		I am the Adult
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/i-am-the-adult/
		Fri, 20 Nov 2015 13:00:00 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4708
		
		I have always said that nothing knocks you to your knees like being a parent...and these past few weeks I feel like I've been on my knees more often then I've been standing.

It's pretty much common knowledge that "the terrible two's" is actually completely inaccurate. Anyone that has a child over the age of four knows that three is much worse...so much worse...

See, a two year old is still eager to please there parents, and somewhat limited in imagination and height. This means you can still manipulate their behavior in your favor (most of the time) and you are only on "death watch" 50% of their waking hours.

A three year old is much more focused on their needs and wants than others, has a vast imagination, and can reach and open most doors and find a way to access pretty much everything in your house you don't want them to find. This means you have little to no ability to talk them into doing what you want and are on "death watch" 243% of the time.

Cowboy C is only 2 and 3/4  but like the little overachiever he is, he's been acting like a full fledged three year old, and giving me a run for my money. Being crazy busy with the other Cowkids, trying to keep up with blogging, taking time to enjoy my friends, and being completely sleep deprived for almost a decade has caught up with me...and made the normal drudgery of parenting an almost three year old boy just a bit more wearing than usual.

naughty boysYesterday I kept track of the utter ridiculousness that is disciplining a three year old. Cowboy C was told five times to finish his breakfast, three times to clear his spot at the table (with time out in between each time until he said he was ready to listen), told to get undies, pants and a shirt six times (with three times in time out and a spanking for telling me he was going to put me in time out for being mean), and a stern reminder to ask first before getting out glitter and glue for an art project (I left the room to change LittleMissH's diaper). This was all before 9:30...I gave up keeping track after that.

I'm sure that some of you think that perhaps I need to modify my discipline...and I hear you but...Cowboy C is kid four and I have found if I just buckle down and stick with being firm and consistent things will get a bit better each day and eventually peace will reign...or my child will turn four...

To stay sane I have two mantras that I repeat over and over in my head as my child is throwing a tantrum in the hushed hallway of his siblings' school...or as I am yet again telling my naked child to sit down and fold his hands until he is ready to get dressed.

Mantra One: "I am the adult"

It can be hard not to throw my own yelling tantrum when I've been pushed to my limits yet again. The hardest thing for me is to forgive my child and be loving and kind when they suddenly decide they are ready to behave. Reminding myself that I'm the adult helps me to take a breath and stay focused on being firm yet calm.

Mantra Two: "We don't negotiate with terrorists"

You know when your child has reached terrorist status...perhaps it's when the tears start, or the screaming begins. For Cowboy C he gets a certain glint in his eye and I know he's about to dig in. In times like this it's best to just stand silently while they let it all out or remove them from the situation (to their room or your car) and then physically remove yourself from their line of sight (or just stand in stone cold silence). Trust me, nothing will be accomplished by trying to negotiate with them or threaten them when they've reached terrorist status. The tantrum will eventually end (and last less and less time each occurrence) and then you can go back to mantra one and  talk about appropriate behavior.

What (besides alcohol and a babysitter) helps you stay sane through those tough parenting moments?]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Abbey Kercher
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-o-abbey-kercher/
		Mon, 23 Nov 2015 17:00:20 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4713
		
		


abbey shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

abbey famAbbey Kercher (AK): My husband and I have been married for 11 years now and I have three children (counting him). They are ages 9, 10, and 30 something, we also have four dogs. I am trying to adjust to our recent move out to the Wyoming country a year ago. My husband, kids, and dogs fell in love immediately after we moved but, it has taken me a bit longer to acclimate to my new surroundings. I have finally started painting and making our house a home so that is a good sign that I am starting to settle in ;)

PW: What is your current job?

AK: I currently work at a special needs preschool. I work with children ages 3-6 with a variety of "super powers". Anyone who knows a child with a disability knows that these children have extraordinary strength and unique abilities that they use to overcome their challenges. To me they truly have super powers, they accomplish so much each and every day! I have worked with children with special needs for more than 10 years, and I am lucky enough to say I love what I do!

PW: What drew you to special education?

AK: I have always wanted to work with children ever since I can remember. In second grade I wrote a paper on why I wanted to be a baby doctor!

But I think I was drawn to special education for two reasons.

First, my aunt Kim was born with Downs Syndrome and I always loved being around her. She was like a big kid and was always happy and loved being around others.

Second, as I grew up I was exposed to many children with attachment disorders and behaviors that were a symptom of their poor home environments. This exposure resulted in my having a deeper understanding of children who were unable to control their behavior. I became more compassionate and patient and I feel that I don’t get as frustrated as the average person would in tense situations.

PW: Do you have a favorite story you can share with us, one that keeps you going through the hard days?

AK: Oh there are so many stories that make me feel on top of the world! When a child speaks their first word at four, or takes their first step, it's amazing! If I had to pick, my favorite moment would be when you find that light bulb moment with a child.

I worked with a child for a couple years who had limited language, severe sensory sensitivity, and would become frustrated fairly easily. However, we figured out that deep pressure would help regulate him. So, a big bear hug would make everything better. We started with a child who couldn't regulate himself. A boy who cried and screamed all day for any and every reason...and then, six months later that same child would run up to one of his teachers, his eye’s filling with tears, and ask for a hug with everything in him. When we gave him a hug we would hear a huge relieved sigh come from him, and then the biggest smile would form on his face. Through working together we taught him to not only seek help, but to recognize when he needed help and to ask for what he needed to get back on track. Seeing this self sufficiency blossom in a child, knowing that he was now that much closer to being independent and in control of his future...Nothing is better!

PW: Being a teacher, especially working with children with special needs, can be draining. How do you make sure you still have enough energy for your children, husband, and yourself?

AK: Honestly, some days I simply do not have enough energy for everyone. But, that is where my husband really shines! He is amazing at stepping up and taking over at home when he can see that I am finished or when I need a mommy time out.

Working as a special education teacher is said to have an average burn out rate of 8 months. This is truly heartbreaking because consistency is so very important to children with special needs. I have learned that it is very important to find a good way to relieve stress when working in the emotionally wearing field of special education. My stress relief would is my co-workers! We laugh like crazy and we laugh all the time about anything...it keeps us all in a positive place. All of the teachers on my team are great at stepping up and helping wherever they see a need. If someone is having a bad day or is stressed then everyone pulls together and helps.

PW: Is there anything that you wish parents with special needs children knew?

AK: You are the best advocate and teacher for your child. No matter what you know your child better than anyone! Be involved in your child’s education. If you are not sure how to be an advocate for your child, ask.
Remember to focus on what your child does have instead of what they do not have. It is so easy to look at all the things we need to work on but it is more important to see all the amazing things your child can already do.

I also wish parents knew that we really do love your children. It is so hard to spend years with them and let them go to kindergarten. We are so proud of how they have grown but, when we cry at graduation know it is because it is so bitter sweet for us. We are excited for their next chapter but we will miss them for sure!

Lastly, we do not believe everything they tell us about what happens at home ;)

children in a circlePW: What tricks have worked effectively for you when working with children with special needs?

AK: Every child is so very different in each and every way that what works for one might not ever work again for another child. However, the one thing that I find is my foundation for each of the children I work with is the relationship between the child and the teachers. I truly believe that a child has to feel safe and secure in order to explore and learn (and this applies at home too). I have some children that I do play therapy activities with to work on attachment and engagement. Others students need me to set aside five minutes with just them so they can tell me about anything they want. As a teacher it is vital to build a positive relationship with each and every child.

PW: Any advice on how parents can explain to their children about how to act or behave around children with needs that differ from their own?

AK: I think the biggest thing is to not be afraid to ask questions (respectfully). Do not let fear of the unknown scare you away from an amazing child. Every child I work with amazes me in one way or another. Don’t judge! We need to be more supportive of each other as parents (and human beings in general) and not as judgmental. Just asking someone if they need any help or smiling at them while their child is throwing a fit in the store is huge. No matter what skills our children have we have all been there, and honestly, it sucks. Remember that we never really know what others are struggling with so be kind. I have had so many parents come to me crying about an incident at a grocery store where other people said some very hurtful things. The damage to both the parents and child can set them back in ways we may never know...

PW: How can we support parents, friends, and family members that have children with special needs?

AK: Include them. If there is one thing that is universal when talking to parents with special needs children, it is that they do not feel like they can go places. That their child is not invited places, and that people will not be compassionate if things don't go smoothly. This can make a family prisoner in their own home fairly quickly. Also, be there in the good and the bad and again simply asking what you can do to help.

PW: You have an amazing opportunity coming up this Spring, can you tell us a bit about it?

AK: I am so excited! I have been asked along with another Special education teacher, a Physical Therapist, and 12 University of Wyoming students to Nepal in May to work in some of their schools.

When I first heard about this I knew there was no way I could say no to such an amazing opportunity!

nepal street shotNepal is home to 30 million people, yet is has no infrastructure. The country has no garbage pickup or sewer system, no power company (the electrical grid consists of balls of extension cords), it's completely different from what we have here. No infrastructure also means no government regulated school system. There are schools on just about every corner because anyone can open a school. You do not need any degree, experience, or education to be a teacher so most “schools” are more like child care.

However, there are some wonderful people who saw the need and have started some really great schools for the children of Nepal.When parents go to prison in Nepal the children go with them. Now there is a school that picks up children from local prisons every day to get them out and teach them before returning them at night. There is another school where the children are housed and fed because they do not have anywhere to live.

nepal schoolI will be working at multiple schools but, most of my time will be spent in Nepal's only special needs school. The School is called “Special Education Rehabilitation Center for Disabled Children” or SERC and was opened by a Physical therapist in 2009. Before that there were no places to help children with disabilities. It has children of all ages and the director takes great pride in teaching them life skills. The school has a café where the girls learn to cook and wait on customers and a workshop where the boys learn to make playground equipment for other schools.

PW: Why are you so driven to participate in this project?

AK: I remember hearing stories about my Aunt and how people encouraged my grandparents to put her in a home and cast her away. At that time there were not any schools or resources to help her or my grandparents. I love that this Physical Therapist saw a need in Nepal and stepped up to help these children and their families. You can never have too many people like that in your life, so I am excited to get to work with her.

PW: What can our readers do to help you?

AK: I am raising money to help me get to Nepal and hoping to have enough funds to give money to these schools. They can then use it to buy what they need to help the children of Nepal. If you feel like donating just click this link, any little bit will help. Even if you can't donate please share my story, you never know who it may inspire!

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

AK: Be the good you want to see in the world and when things get tough, Keep Calm and Prairie Wife On!

For more interviews about children with special needs try...

The story of a mother trying to make the right choice for her child.

TallGirlJ shares what it's like growing up with a brother who has special needs.

A mother talks about what it was like to have a child with special needs 30 years ago.
Copyright: dotshock / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Give Thanks
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/give-thanks/
		Thu, 26 Nov 2015 15:37:17 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4725
		
		Words To Inspire Board to find more.

choose

Emerson

no food touching

home

unknown blessings

I am thankful I am here, right now, living this beautiful and crazy life I've been given.

Have a blessed day, and don't forget to tell me what you're thankful for!

 ]]>
		
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		Christmas Tree Hunting
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/christmas-tree-hunting/
		Sat, 28 Nov 2015 21:06:54 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4742
		
		For the last 11 years that we have been married, The Cowboy and I spent the Friday after Thanksgiving trying to find our perfect Christmas Tree. No matter the weather (unless the roads are closed of course), the size of my pregnant belly, or the number or ages of our children, we have stuck to our tradition for almost every year. The only exception was last year when we surprised the Cowkids and CowGranny with a trip to Disney World.

This year it was only 5 degrees which made it a bit less fun then the past few years! I just love this tradition and I know the Cowkids will look back someday on Christmas Tree hunting and be filled with the joy of the season!

It was absolutely stunning with all the snow on the trees...

the road up

 

While The Cowboy put chains on the tires so we could get through the deep drifts, I snapped a pic of the super excited Cowkids!

happy cowkids

LittleMissH had a blast riding on The Cowboy's lap...aren't they too sweet?

too sweet

When we came out on top of the mountain it was a typical scenic Wyoming view.

scenic views

And we always see something that makes us go...???

a nice place to sit?

We found a good spot to park, got the Cowkids in their snow gear and headed out to find a tree.

off they go

Thankfully we found a great one fairly quickly, but LittleMissH was not happy to be put down for a family picture!

The perfect tree

We chopped down our tree and then cuddled up next the fire to eat some hot soup for lunch.

lunch time

The Cowboy strapped in the tree, we filled our mugs with hot cocoa, and then set off for home!

headed home

There was some chaos today as we decorated the tree, the Christmas Spirit makes it kind of hard to be patient...but only one ornament was broken and in the end the tree was declared "So beautiful I can't stop looking at it!" By Cowgirl G :)

Christmas tree

 

For a little bit of fun stop by our Facebook page and enter our CAPTION THIS contest!

Do you have a Christmas Tree tradition?]]>
		
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		Winter Beauty Must Haves from Vintage Body Care
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-beauty-must-haves-from-vintage-body-care/
		Mon, 30 Nov 2015 19:02:03 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4758
		
		we refuse to talk about products that we don't use ourselves. Even if a company sends us free items, unless we think it's an amazing product we won't waste your time with a post.

We've been fans of Vintage Body Care for over a year now. We first introduced you to Eliza and Vintage Body Care when she was our Prairie Wife of the Week last December. Then, we did a review of some of her amazing bath products and a giveaway in February.

For those of you that haven't heard about this Wyoming based, family owned business, here is a bit about them...Vintage Body Care manufactures products that are 100% safe and non-toxic. They use simple, natural recipes. Their products are made by hand and most of them are made fresh at the time of your order. The ingredients that they use in the manufacturing of their products are all natural, organic when available, and non-toxic.

Last month Eliza gave me three new products to try, and I told her if I liked them I would share them with our readers. I was pretty sure I would love them, after all I refuse to use anything in my bath other than her salts and melts, and her Spa soap is a personal favorite of mine!

pit pastePit Paste: TallGirlJ has been using this product for almost a year now. I was a bit reluctant to try all natural deodorant but, I'm so glad she talked me into it. I consider myself a pretty sweaty person and I was nervous about how my clothes would look and smell. After all, I had been using a name brand clinical strength deodorant for years, and it didn't always work! I have to say, I was pleasantly surprised, and now Pit Paste is all I use. Simply put it on after you get out of the shower, using your fingers, and you're ready to go. This product won't prevent you from sweating but I assure you it kept me smelling way fresher than my old deodorant. I even tested it on a run and it held up better than the clinical antiperspirant I'd been using! I haven't had any more residue on my clothing than before, and there are no stains at all, not even on my delicate blouses. If you've been contemplating switching to an all natural deodorant I recommend trying this one! PS Rosemary-Mint is my favorite scent ;)

body lotionBody Lotion: I am a huge fan of Vintage Body Care's Body Butter but, in my morning rush, I found that it took a bit too long to soak into my skin. Eliza's body lotion is the perfect solution. Not only does it offer the moisture and protection that my skin needs in this harsh Wyoming weather but, it soaks in quickly. The Organic Argan Oil leaves my skin hydrated and smooth, and the smell is light enough that I don't feel like I'm invading everyone else's space! I also have to add that I love the pump container, it works smoothly, is durable, and distributes just the right amount!

facial serumFacial Serum: I saved the best for last. Trust me this serum is the best! Three times in the last two weeks I have been told by friends that my skin looked great...and twice I wasn't even wearing makeup! This serum is the only new product I've added to my skin care routine so I know this is the cause of all the compliments. Wyoming winters are dry and as soon as it became November my skin started to get flaky in spots and dull. I was on the hunt for a new face lotion when Eliza gave me this to try. To use this serum, I simply put a few drops in my palm, and put it on my face after I wash. I let it soak in for about five minutes and then applied my regular lotions and makeup as usual. I noticed I needed less of my other products, and I found my foundation went on smoother as well. I was worried about it making my skin break out (I can be sensitive especially by my eyes) but after almost a month of use I haven't had any trouble. If you're looking for something to pump up your winter skin routine I can't recommend this enough. My skin is brighter and healthier after using it for just a month, I can't wait to see the long term effects!

As a thank you to our readers Vintage Body Care is offering 15% off for all of our readers' orders until December 15th. Just type in grit&grace when you check out to receive this discount (if you stop by today 11/30/15 there will be 25% off all orders as a cyber Monday special if you type in shop25)! Let Eliza know we sent you by typing "Prairie Wife Sent Me" in the comments when you check out and you'll be entered to win a $75 gift box. It will be delivered to your door just in time for Christmas!

What products are you the most excited to try?]]>
		
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		This Year Take the BEST Photos!
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/year-take-best-photos/
		Mon, 30 Nov 2015 18:33:21 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4773
		
		Erin when she was a Prairie Wife of the Week and she shared how she took her love of photography and turned it into a business. With the holidays coming up, many of us are rushing to get family photos taken for Christmas cards. I hope I’m not alone when I share that I spent weeks trying to pick out the right outfits for all of us. Then you have all those holiday pictures with relatives...I always keep my fingers crossed that at least one won’t have my toddler screaming and reaching for me! As part of our month of Helpful Holiday Hints, I asked Erin if she would take a few moments to answer some questions and offer some advice that will help ensure that all your holiday memories are perfectly captured!

Prairie Wife (PW): Let’s start with family picture advice first. What do you think about matching outfits, coordinating outfits, or everyone wearing whatever they want?

Erin (E): There are so many options and things to think about when it comes to deciding what to wear! I personally like when the outfits look coordinated. I suggest picking three or four colors and then mixing it up. Have one person wear stripes in that color theme, another person in plaid, then floral etc. If there is an accent color you can have someone wear a solid shirt in that color. Fabrics with texture always look great. Layers are wonderful for both visual interest and added warmth for an outdoor session. Sometimes it is tempting to wear holiday attire, but if you want to hang a print of your family up year round it may end up looking too seasonal. If it is cold outside for your session, throw some hats and mittens on those little ones, they will be much happier. Look online for outfit ideas, I recommend Pinterest.

outfits

PW: Props or not for family pictures?

E: Most of the props I use are useful ones, something to sit on or a simple prop that will add color and interest to a photo. When the prop takes the attention away from the people in the photo I think it is too much. That being said, for holiday cards you might want to add a little extra prop in your photos. A few ideas are large letters that spell something festive, a Christmas banner, or perhaps ornaments or a Christmas Star.

couch

toddlerPW: Any advice for how to make younger children look at the camera or stay still?

E: Well, I know this lady that does a great cookie monster! Ha Ha!

PW: That would be me…I spent 20 minutes singing like Cookie Monster to keep Cowboy C happy our last photo session! I can honestly say the raspy throat the next day was well worth it when I saw the beautiful pictures.

E: The answer to this question totally depends on the individual child and what the mood is. I rely on the parents for this because they are often very helpful and know what type of coercion will work best! I also totally agree with bribery and some sort of reward. I love it when parents throw in a “If you can cooperate we can go get a treat!” I also like to get the kids up and moving some, and breaks in between shots to explore close by can help. It is best to keep the mood light and fun whenever possible. If the kiddo is very young sometime you just have to chase them around with the camera and hope you get some good shots!

PW: Do you have any favorite poses that work well for families?

E: My favorite poses are when everyone is touching and looking cozy. Things that help achieve this vibe are of course physically being close together, holding hands, an arm around someone next to you, leaning on someone, and sitting in laps. Being able to see the love a family has for each other just makes a wonderful photo!

touching

PW: Natural light makes the best pictures, but in winter this isn’t always possible. What can we do to make our indoor pictures look better?

E: Basically, learning a little more about your camera will help with this. Just experiment a bit with different settings. When there is low light, your shutter speed slows down to allow more light in. This results in blurry photos, so you need to figure out a way to add more light. Pick a room that has the best light, a room with windows that let in a soft light. If the sun is too bright, hang something to help soften the light if pulling the curtains takes too much of the light away. By reading your camera manual and figuring out what your camera is capable of will not only improve your indoor photos, but all of your photos!

PW: When it comes time to take holiday pictures of gift opening or family time what advice do you have?

E: Time to turn on the video camera! This is a great time to be able to hear the excitement as well as see it!

PW: Any other helpful holiday hints for great holiday photos?

E: What is your favorite part of Christmas? Decorating the tree, cooking a big dinner, or playing family board games? Snap a few photos during these special times. In twenty years you’ll love having those memories to look back on!

joy

Stop by Erin's site or her Facebook Page to see more of her work and to schedule your next family photo session! Feel free to ask any questions in the comments section, Erin will be stopping by this week to answer them.

Make sure you read our Holiday Makeup Tips post and learn how to look your best in pictures from professional makeup artist Kendra Richards!]]>
		
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		Guardian Bikes Holiday #Giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/guardian-bikes-holiday-giveaway/
		Tue, 01 Dec 2015 00:59:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4775
		
		Prairie Wife Guarantee I wanted to let you know that I have received NO compensation for this post. Though I wish they had given me a free bike lol! I just think these bikes are super cool and if one of our readers won one it'd be awesome!

guardian bikeGuardian Bikes are Award Winning bikes created with the patented SureStop Brake System. This system makes braking safer and easier than its ever been before, by requiring only one handlebar squeeze, instead of two. Add to that the super cool design and durable high quality construction and you have the perfect bike!

Right now Guardian Bikes has a Holiday Giveaway going on, and they asked me if I would be willing to share it with my readers. Not only was I willing to spread the word but, I entered to win one myself! I can think of two Cowkids that not only would love a new bike but, they will be needing bigger sizes this Spring.

Click this link to enter to win. The contest ends on December 15th and the winner will receive one Guardian Bike of their choice just in time for Christmas!

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		An Ode to Holiday Stress
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/an-ode-to-holiday-stress/
		Wed, 02 Dec 2015 16:44:15 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4781
		
		An Ode to Holiday Stress is dedicated to all the women in the world that are feeling less then festive right now...because let's face it...the men really don't have to do any of the work...

Tis' the season to be jolly, but instead I find I'm feeling quite growly!

Stockings are hung by the Chimney with care, but I have yet to buy gifts to put in there.

Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer is chilled to the bone, we're going on week two with no heat in our home.

Away in the manger horses are waiting to be fed, but it's way more fun to stay in my bed...

Jingle Bells, my house smells, I haven't mopped in two weeks!

Santa Clause is coming to town, I've been baking and cooking, I don't know when I last sat down.

The Cowkids are filled with goodwill and cheer, and the elf on the shelf is in the same place I left him last year  (wherever that is).

Oh come all ye parents, to yet another play, just try and keep your toddler quiet, and hear what they're trying to say!

The weather outside is frightful, and getting five kids into snow gear is less then delightful.

Joy to the world, another Christmas special on TV, lets snuggle up, and drink, a hot toddy (just me)!

Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell, Jingle Bell Rock! At yet another party and trying not to check the clock.

Santa baby, has pulled all the ornaments off the tree...and broken three.

So take a deep breath and push on through, use that Prairie Wife grit and grace to do what you must do!

Because these silent nights, these holy nights. When all is calm and all is bright. I hold my kids close and give them a kiss, these are the moments I know I will miss.

nativity window

Copyright: feverpitched / 123RF Stock Photo
Copyright: zatletic / 123RF Stock Photo
 

 

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		Prairie Wives vs. Pinterest: Holiday Episode
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wives-vs-pinterest-holiday-episode/
		Fri, 04 Dec 2015 14:25:02 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4789
		
		Last month we asked you to send us all of those Pins you really want to try but don't have the time, energy, or guts to do yourself...and boy did you respond! We have a full board dedicated to them! Make sure you keep on sending us more, the more we have, the more videos we can do...but that may not be a good thing...

We decided to start out with some holiday pins, after all it is that time of year!

This video was a bit of a learning experience for me. Our music videos were both filmed and edited by Lizzi's brother...who is amazing! This one was filmed and edited by me...I am much less amazing lol! I now know that I need to turn the camera the other way to film (I think that will fix the smaller screen issue) and I will remember to take time to actually do my hair before hand, rather then let it air dry and assume it will be good enough (insert see no evil monkey emoji here)! Also, I have to apologize for the few moments of kid noise in some of the background. Trust me, when we are done with all of these and I release the bloopers, you'll see a lot more of the craziness that was filming this.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this fun little video and remember to keep on sending us Pins. The next Prairie Wives vs. Pinterest episode (our beauty one) will hopefully have all four of the Prairie Wives (TallGirlJ was booked solid this last week) and should be ready in January!

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		Choices
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/choices/
		Mon, 21 Dec 2015 13:00:41 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=930
		
		do have a choice about how you react.Jon and truck

I was young and madly in love. I was back at home on summer break, between my freshman and sophomore year, when I met Jon at a bonfire with some friends (and immediately went home and broke up with my Wyoming boyfriend…sorry). At 20 years old he was a complicated mixture of man and boy. He was tall, dark, and handsome with ice blue eyes and thick black hair. His crooked smile offered just the right amount of boyish charm and bad boy appeal.

Jon worked second shift as an apprentice at a tool and die shop (though his dream was to be a helicopter pilot), and I would sneak out to the end of the driveway at midnight where he would be waiting for me (sorry Ma and Pa). I would get on his motorcycle (I told you he had bad boy appeal) and we would ride dangerously fast with no helmet. Not a thought in my mind but the exhilaration of being young and alive, that there was nothing better than the feel of resting my head against his back as the wind whipped around us. I spent that summer completely absorbed in him, waiting for the next moment we could be together.

There was never any question of me returning to Wyoming for school. Jon, his dad, and his friend “T”, drove me back to school andJon Sturgis helped me to move into my apartment with CollegeBFF. We stopped and spent time at Sturgis and slowly made our way to Wyoming. He and his buddy stayed a few days in Laramie, and fell in love with it. We did the typical long distance thing, sending letters and packages and racking up the phone bill. But, we both knew that it wouldn’t work forever. After a few months Jon called me with some exciting news, he had met a man who had encouraged him to head out West and follow his dreams, and even helped him to get accepted to a helicopter flight school in CO. His friend T even agreed to make the move and go on the adventure with him. He had a job interview lined up for January to work at a shop in Laramie, allowing him to make some money until school started. T and Jon began to make all the final plans to pack up and head to Wyoming, and arrived at the end of November.

They quickly found an apartment to rent and settled into Laramie life. I wasn’t able to see Jon very much those first few weeks. Between my 40 plus hours a week gas station job (graveyard shift) and 21 credit hour course load, there wasn’t much free time. But, it was still better than the long distance relationship we had been holding together for the past few months! We even exchanged simple silver rings as a promise of our future together. I was ecstatically happy, my future was shining and the life I had always wanted, my happily ever after was actually coming true!

Then it was exam week, and finally winter break. Jon, T and I made plans to drive home the week of Christmas to spend the holidays with our family. It was much cheaper than flying and I needed to be back at work the same day Jon had his job interview. Because Jon and I were both night people we decided to head out the afternoon on the 20th of December. T could take the first shift while Jon and I slept and then we planned on T sleeping, while Jon drove through the night and I kept him company. When it was daytime T could take another shift while Jon and I slept…and before we knew it we would be back home.Jon and Tim in Laramie

We loaded up our suitcases into Jon’s truck and started our 20hr trip back to The City. The roads were clear and the weather was crisp and cool, and for once not too windy. T drove while Jon dozed off and on next to him. I laid down on the backseat to sleep, of course not wearing a seatbelt. It started to get dark somewhere in Nebraska and while the blanket of snow was thicker on the side of the road it was still smooth driving. Sometime around midnight we stopped at a gas station to switch drivers and after a quick break we headed once more towards The City. As I got into the passenger side I clicked my seatbelt shut, and gently admonished Jon to buckle his (though I had just rode over 6 hours without mine on). He shook his head and said he felt safer being able to move if something ever happened, I turned up the radio and we hit the road.

T immediately fell asleep in the backseat, and Jon and I chatted about our plans for the future. In a moment of silence I saw a falling star briefly slice across the darkness, and as any young girl would, I made a wish. My whole life I have always make the same wish, while blowing out birthday candles or softly sending an eyelash on its way- that everything should happen just as God planned it. I softly smiled and reached across to Jon, holding his hand. As we drove I thought about this and that and we crossed the Iowa border. We noticed several cars in the ditch. There was no snow on the road, and no emergency vehicles so I just assumed that they were still left from a big storm a few days before.

It was dark, and I was cold, hanging upside down in the snow. I couldn’t see, and all I could hear was muffled voices. It took me several moments before my eyes adjusted and I could grasp a sense of where I was. Somehow my seatbelt was still on and I was hanging upside down, my lower body was in the front of the car and my upper body in the back seat.

I heard Jon calling for help “We’re in here, we’re in here.” Still hanging upside down, I started to dig franticly in the snow trying to find T, I knew he should have been back there. I called his name, I told Jon over and over that we were O.K., that I was O.K. The truck shook with the vibrations of the metal cutting tools as I franticly struggled, trying to find a way to get down and touch Jon. His voice was getting softer.

Hands began to reach for me as I screamed for them to “leave me alone and get Jon”, I was fine but I knew, I just knew something was wrong with Jon. I fought kicking and screaming as they drug me out of the truck and into the snow, leading me to the ambulance. As I turned around I saw the dark mark at the edge of the truck. As it melted the snow, the once red blood had faded into pink. I went limp. They had known that it was too late to save Jon, and that was why they had ignored my pleas.

I was taken to the nearest hospital, and as they checked me for wounds, I could hear T screaming in the next room. They called my parents and informed them about the accident, and I was placed into a room. A nurse and chaplain spent the night with me as we waited for my parents to come. When I was finally left alone during shift change, I took a deep breath and closed my eyes.

I knew it was time to make a decision. As I saw it, I had two choices. Choice one was to pretend none of this had happened and quietly go insane. Choice two was to suck it up and move forward and live my life the best that I could. I simply thought of Ma and Pa on their way to me, grieving for Jon and I, and I knew that there was no way I could handle hurting them more. In that moment I made my choice.

When Ma and Pa finally arrived the police came with them, and the accident was finally explained to me. While going under an overpass, the truck had hit some black ice (left from the earlier ice storm) and rolled. When it rolled the entire top of the truck was sheared off and the truck landed upside down. T had flown out, because he wasn’t wearing his seatbelt, and after bouncing off a semi-truck he had landed in a snow bank. He had a punctured lung and a broken back, but went on to make a full recovery. As I processed the information I came to two conclusions. First, I understood why I had woken up hanging upside down in the snow with no T, second I realized that I should be decapitated. I looked at my parents as the reality of the situation hit. Jon, who was not wearing a seatbelt, had thrown himself on top of me, keeping my body down as the truck rolled. He had received the brunt of the trauma, resulting in him bleeding to death from a shoulder wound, while I simply had a few bruises and a deep scratch on my head.

How on earth was I going to face his parents with all of us knowing that he had sacrificed himself for me? I know now that the term for what I was feeling is survivor guilt, at the time I just knew that I felt more anguish and sorrow then I could handle. The sobs that filled me were so intense that I felt as though I was going to break in two.  Ma and Pa looked on with their own tears silently slipping down their faces.

I was released from the hospital the next day and we flew back to the city. Grief is a twisting journey but before it can truly begin there are mundane tasks that must be completed. We went to Jon’s viewing and I saw his parents for the first time. We held each other and cried, and after they asked, I sadly told them that there was no way that I was pregnant with Jon’s child. I attended the funeral with Pa and I got up in front of everyone, and told them about my love for Jon. I truthfully don’t remember a single word I said, but Pa has said that it is one of the times that he has been the proudest of me. After the funeral, as I stood in the receiving line like a grieving widow, Jon’s grandmother came up to offer me a hug. She looked at me and simply shook her head and said “so young, too young” and walked away.

We didn’t really celebrate Christmas that year, and I don’t have many memories of my time home. I paid for a plane ticket back to Wyoming at the previously scheduled time, and went back to work and school as planned. I had made the choice to live my life, and I was going to do it. When I was back in Wyoming I started my private journey of grief. I tried to never let College BFF see me cry and spent hours of my free time comforting Jon’s friends and family over the phone. I began to write in a journal about my feelings, and at Ma and Pa’s request I saw a counselor (though we spent more time talking about her friend that died than Jon). When CollegeBFF was gone I would stand in the shower and cry for what felt like hours, and emerge feeling exhausted and empty.

I knew that I was young and would love again, but I needed to mourn for the loss of my dream. I slowly lost touch with Jon’s family and friends as we traveled down different roads of grief. There were days when the sun shone just right on the melting snow, and the fresh spring winds caressed me as I walked to class. And I knew in my heart it was good for me to be alive, happy and living my life. Then a day would come when I would catch someone that looked like Jon out of the corner of my eye. My heart would stop and I was filled with the sorrow and loss all over again. Knowing that I needed to move on, I dated the wrong guy and got out just in time. There were (and still are) snowy days when I was almost paralyzed with fear at the thought of driving on the icy roads. Times when I found myself laughing uncontrollably with my girlfriends and suddenly realizing I hadn’t thought about Jon in days. The last entry in my journal says “I met a cowboy last night…”

I made the choice to live my life after Jon was killed, not for him but for me. I allowed myself to be changed forever by the experience, but I didn’t allow it to take over and define who I am. As I held an infant Cowboy J in my arms on a cold December night, I let tears fall down my face, and felt my heart break, as I thought of how I would feel if he were taken from me. I have had tragedy in my life, and I know that it can happen again. I refuse to live in fear, but I will hold my husband a little tighter when he leaves for work this week.]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Samantha
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-samantha/
		Mon, 07 Dec 2015 13:34:34 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4739
		
		

BBE:  Tell us about yourself and your family.

S:  I grew up in Casper and attended many of the local public schools. I vividly remember my language classes (I took both Spanish and French) as something to do to get into college with zilch practicality (goodness, was I WRONG!). I left Wyoming for college and attended Colby College in Maine then transferred the University of Notre Dame in Indiana.  I then went on to earn my masters in education at George Washington University in Washington, DC. After graduation, I worked in a variety of educational settings from elementary schools through college focusing mostly on the sciences. Currently, I am married with 4 children, three of whom are attending Paradise Valley Elementary School's Mandarin program.

BBE: What prompted your interest in DLI Education?

S: I love speaking Spanish, but I am very bad at it. I’ve seen how being able to speak a second language can open doors socially and economically. I also did some work at a DLI school in Oregon.

BBE: What are the doors that can be opened by being bilingual?

S: When someone can speak another language, the ease of travel is huge. The ability to go places and meet people who are outside one's native culture makes life-changing experiences more accessible. These experiences build on each other and lead to other life enhancing experiences. Whether it is an employer, a potential social contact or as simple as a family vacation choice, language, and the experiences gained by simply learning to communicate with others, can create a more interesting and engaging individual.

children cultureBBE: Why should our children know about other cultures?

S: Our world is a global world. It is a different world than the one we were educated to succeed in. When I was learning a language it was seen as a nice, but non-essential elective. Now, with businesses working worldwide, talent being sourced from all over the globe, online education programs like Khan Academy, our children’s future will look very different than our current reality. They will continue to compete with other students in Wyoming and our surrounding states, but will be competing with, and will continue to compete with, the best and the brightest worldwide. Not only will they need basic skills to compete globally, they will need the cultural competency to work in more diverse environments. Cultural competency is best learned living in other countries. The next best is by learning a language.

When someone has experienced a different culture, it is hard to hold onto stereotypes. There is nuance, circumstance and beauty in all cultures. It is my hope that my children will know men and women from Asia and Latin America (my two areas of focus) as compassionate, well-educated and cultured. I hope they will realize that all over the world there are people who have the ability to offer valuable contributions that will change humanity. Likewise, I hope people from all over the world will see American men and women in this same light.

BBE: You started working on bringing the same kind of program to Casper, Wyoming when your oldest was a preschooler. How did you know where to begin?

S: I must give credit where credit is due. There were some key NCSD (Natrona County School District) personnel and other community members who had seen the powerful educational effects that other DLI programs were having across the nation, particularly in Utah. They were trying to build support for the program here in Casper. I came to this effort late in the game when they needed parental demand. I desperately wanted my children to have the benefits of being bilingual so I put all of my effort into getting a program. I was also fortunate to have some very good friends with preschool children that immediately saw the long-term benefits to their children. They were crucial in building the momentum to get the first program off the ground. We actually held my son back a year so he could be a part of the first DLI class in Casper.  It is a decision I have never regretted.

We are still building the institutional knowledge to support our current programs as well as watching to see how the students are handling the different style of learning. As these processes get put in place and the students continue to meet benchmarks, parents will begin asking for more seats. Once this all happens, the district should begin looking at adding another program.  For this to happen, enough parents must let the district know that they are interested.

BBE: What is the procedure to get into the program?

S: There are a couple steps parents must go through to get into the program. Both programs have lottery placement so there is no guarantee of enrollment, but there are steps parents must take to get into the lottery. Parents must attend an informational session with the two principals. They will go through the structure of the program and talk about why it is a long-term commitment. This is not a program that can be tried for a few months then dropped. It is imperative that interested parents really consider whether the program is right for their family over the long term. Parents will be present at these meetings to answer questions from a parent’s perspective.

At the informational meeting, parents who are still interested will be asked to sign a commitment form. This form is necessary to enroll.

Once the lottery enrollment system is live (Usually in mid-January), parents will need to check the school AND the DLI program to be put in the lottery for the program. Then the list of parents will be cross-referenced with the signed commitment forms!

Families will find out if their student is placed in the program when the district sends out their placement letters in late spring. If a student is not placed in the DLI Program, the district will place the student on a wait list.  Any open seats that become available will be filled from that wait list.  If a parent does not choose DLI for the lottery system, they may opt to join the wait list.  It is important to know that children cannot enroll in the program after the first year.  This is because the amount of language learned in that first year is enormous . Anyone without a basic understanding in the language will be too far behind.  The only exception to this is if the student has been exposed to the language at home or abroad and that decision is up to the principal. .When the lottery system is closed, there will be no chance to enroll a student unless there is an open seat.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    classroomBBE:  The kind of program I would like to see open is two-way immersion, where English language learners (whose first language is not English) are learning English while children who already speak English learn Spanish. (This creates many more language practice and cultural opportunities for the children than our current models.) What advice to do have for helping to make this a possibility?
    

    

    

    

S:  I think a two-way immersion program would be a very smart next step. Jackson has a highly successful program that has been around for a number of years. National data demonstrates that English language learners actually perform better in a two way immersion program than in traditional ELL formats. It is also more economical. It would be a win win situation for the district.

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    To get that program, parents of children who would be in the program would need to start making their voices heard. The district needs to see demand before they will begin the process of adding another program.  
    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    

    
BBE: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

S: Make time to go see DLI in action. Call the offices of Paradise Valley Elementary and Park Elementary and set up an appointment to observe a classroom.  When you see students doing math, science, and social studies, conversing with other students and being highly successful in a language that you might not understand, you will want your child to have this opportunity.  It is amazing to see these classes in action.

Contact Beth Millay at 307-253-3195 if you are interested in attending the mandatory informational meeting to enroll your child in a DLI program for the upcoming (2016-17) school year.

REMAINING INFORMATIONAL MEETINGS

- 12/8 - 12:00 p.m. (lunch provided, please RSVP to Beth Millay 253-3195) - 12/8 - 6:00 p.m.

- 12/15 - 6:00 p.m.

- 1/5/16 - 6:00 p.m. - 1/12/16 6:00 p.m.

Dec. 8th at noon (please RSVP to Beth Millay at number above)

Dec. 8th at 6pm

Dec. 15th at 6pm

Jan. 5th at 6pm

Jan. 12th at 6pm

If you have questions for Sam or anything about DLI, please comment below.

Copyright: paha_l / 123RF Stock Photo

Copyright: michaeljung / 123RF Stock Photo]]>    
		
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		A Few Books to Get You in a Holiday Mood
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/a-few-books-to-get-you-in-a-holiday-mood/
		Mon, 14 Dec 2015 13:00:27 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4771
		
		winter themed thriller (that ends happily of course)! I thought I'd share with you a few reads that get me in the holiday mood! Some are classics, a few I've reviewed on the blog already, and I've added a few new reads that I just loved.

Little Women by Louisa May Alcott

Do I even need to explain why I picked this one? If you've only seen the movie (which is fabulous) I can tell you that it is well worth the time to read this book!

little women

The Little Christmas Kitchen by Jenny Oliver

This book is a light read about a young woman that heads back home to Greece to heal wounds that are both old and new. This story about family and forgiveness will surely get you ready for the Holidays. I also have to mention her book The Parisian Christmas Bake Off which is another great read.

The little Christmas Kitchen

The Anne Of Green Gables Collection by Lucy Maud Montgomery

These books were a favorite of mine as a tween, and at the encouragement of my neighbor I began reading them again last year. These books are written beautifully, and the language and characters are captivating. I was instantly transported to a time when things were simpler. To revisit these books as a woman and mother was such an amazing adventure! I laughed and I cried as I followed Anne from girl to grandmother. (All 8 books in this collection are only .99 on the Kindle)

anne of green gables

The Christmas Spirit by Susan Buchanan

This book is an absolutely lovely read, and shows how with a little bit of kindness and effort peoples lives can change in a moment. Follow several characters, who with a little bit of Christmas magic, find their lives forever changed for the better! If you enjoy this book, I recommend the sequel The Return of the Christmas Spirit.

The Christmas Spirit

Sometimes I Feel Like a Nut by Jill Kargman

This book of hilariously written essays is perfect to lighten the mood if you're feeling a bit stressed this holiday season. Past Prairie Wife of the week and the producer, writer and star of the hit Bravo TV show Odd Mom Out (look for season 2 this summer), Kargman writes essays that share the good, bad, and ugly of her life in NYC....in a way that will make you long to go have a cocktail (or three) with her!

sometimes I feel like a nut by Jill Kargman

You know I have to put a few books by my favorite author Trisha Ashely! She has a ton of Christmasy books that I just adore but, for the sake of your time I'll just put the links to the reviews I did of my favorites. A Winter's Tale and her newest release, A Christmas Cracker!

A christmas cracker

I also have to sneak in a mention of author Samantha Tonge...I just love her books as well! Click her name and see a list of them!

What books put you in a Holiday Mood?

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		Change Your Attitude
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/change-your-attitude/
		Wed, 09 Dec 2015 13:00:48 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4800
		
		Holiday stress and, I can feel the winter blues sneaking up on me a bit earlier than usual. The Cowboy and the Cowkids all had a cold that started a bit before Thanksgiving and resulted in less sleep than usual. LittleMissH was getting molars along with her cold and I started the weaning process...this resulted in a baby that needed a lot more snuggles than usual! Not much was getting done in the cooking and cleaning department. Just when the Cowkids healed up I came down with the cold. The result was an exhausted Prairie Wife with no voice and a bad attitude.

wearyI felt weary of body and spirit and though I tried to stay my normal upbeat self it just wasn't happening. The Cowboy ended up being home every night and so I wallowed...and wallowed some more...for three whole days I wallowed. I e-mailed the Cowkids teachers and let them know I wouldn't be volunteering this month. I let The Cowboy take over cooking dinner and tried not to feel guilty as I hid in the basement in front of the TV while he took care of homework duty and bath night. Once the older Cowkids were at school I snuggled LittleMissH and Cowboy C and we watched hours of DisneyJr. I went days without showering or changing out of sweats. The fact that we were going on week two of no heat (supposedly we will have it by this Wednesday) was just the icing on the poop cake...

Then it was Thursday. The busiest day on my calendar every week but, this one was even busier than usual. I had a hair appointment, plans to do some Christmas shopping, Cowgirl G had ballet and then that evening was her first reconciliation. I had to get up and shower and let's face it, nothing makes you feel better than getting your hair done. I rushed around after my hair appointment and got everything on my to-do list for the day done...and yet I still felt that need to put my head down and cry. I still felt so damn weary...

We had dinner as a family and then headed to church for Cowgirl G's First Reconciliation. For those of you that don't know what this is, here is a very brief overview. We go and meet with a priest and share with him our sins. He counsels us and then gives us penance (a way to show you are truly sorry through extra prayers or changes in your life). Then you pray together for God's forgiveness. Without getting into too much Catholic doctrine, the priest IS NOT forgiving our sins, he is simply counseling us and praying with us.

Cowgirl G was super nervous. After all, it's really hard to look someone you admire in the eye and tell them all the ways you've failed yourself and God, she even cried a few tears. But, watching her happily bounce away from the priest, and then devoutly kneel and pray...well it was amazing. I decided to go up and confess a few sins of my own. I knew that I had been doubting God's path for me these last few weeks. I'd been spending my energy finding all the things that were wrong, or could go wrong with my life.

What happens in reconciliation, stays in reconciliation but, I have to tell you one thing that my priest said. It changed everything for me. I sat down with him and let loose all my fears and anger, self pity, and angst. When I was done, he held my hand looked me square in the eye and said "Change your attitude!"

Call it a very nice slap upside the head, call it the cold hard truth...call it tough love...but it was exactly what I needed to hear.

I knelt down and said my prayers and walked out of church with my good old Prairie Wife Grit and Grace back where it belonged. I immediately held my family close and focused on what I could do to make things better for myself and them. I cleaned the house, made cookies, and celebrated the holiday season with friends. On Sunday I spent an hour and a half making a wonderful meal for my family and a visiting CowGranny.

This week some big things are happening (community service projects, a segment on our local news channel, and a craft fair) but rather than feel overwhelmed I'm taking time to prepare and be excited!
It's amazing what those three little words did for me, and that's why I'm sharing them with you. Who knows who it will help?

Change your attitude

What helps you keep moving forward when you're feeling overwhelmed?

Copyright: fmarsicano / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Brilliant Baby Products for Christmas
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/brilliant-baby-products-for-christmas/
		Fri, 11 Dec 2015 13:00:47 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4805
		
		
croco kuno dragon crawling tunnelFirst is the Croco Kuno Dragon Crawling Tunnel from HABAusa.com. This non-toxic durable toy is the 2015 winner of the best toy award and has been featured on the Today show and labeled as a "Top Toy" by Parents Magazine. This tunnel is for ages 1+ but I can tell you that LittleMissH (now 10m) had a blast crawling through it. Cowboy C (2 1/2 yr) had just as much fun crawling through it and playing peekaboo and pretending he was a dragon! The older kids were using it to chase each other around and everyone was giggling and having fun. It's a wonderful toy to encourage gross motor skills as well as imaginary play. I can even see that it would be fun to play with outside in the summer...maybe something with the sprinklers?!

Yookiddoo flow n fill spoutNext up is the Yookidoo Flow 'N' Fill Spout.  This amazing bath toy is for ages 9m-3yr and I can tell you LittlMissH and Cowboy C had a blast playing with it...I even had to admonish the older Cowkids to get out of the bathroom they were so excited about it! This battery powered toy sucks up water from the tub (environmentally friendly) and then gently squirts it out the spout. It comes with three cups with a variety of bottoms (one makes a shower like spray), as well as an attached spinning wheel. I was impressed at how steady the stream was (and it didn't spray all over my floor) and the little Cowkids had a blast filling up the cups and dumping water out. You can purchase the Flow 'N' Fill Spout through Babies R Us stores or online.

suitables role play bibsSuitables Role Play Bibs from MixedPears.com are long sleeve water resistant bibs for kids ages 1-3yr. If you're like me and have a toddler/preschooler that wants to be a part of everything, these are the perfect gift to have under the tree. Cowboy C wore this while helping me bake to keep his clothes clean and if offered way more coverage than an apron. I also set him up by the kitchen sink with a plug in the drain, some "dirty" dishes and a sponge and I didn't hear a word from him for almost half an hour! When he was done we simply took off his Role Play Bib and laid it on the counter to dry. Cowboy C also had fun playing dress up with these realistic looking bibs!

digipuppetsThese DigiPuppets from DigiPuppets.com were a hit with all the Cowkids (ages 2-9yr)! Most people know I am super strict about tech time in our house. That being said, I'm not above bringing my iPad to Starbucks so I can enjoy coffee with a friend while Cowboy C quietly plays! I always try to make sure that if my kids are using technology they are learning at the same time. DigiPuppets and their apps are the perfect fit for our family. The charming DigiPuppets are easy to stow away in my purse and a quiet way to entertain the Cowkids all on their own! Download the apps that go along with your DigiPuppets and you have educational and imaginative fun that had my kids giggling and learning with each other! The apps are great for toddlers all the way to 2nd grade so you can be sure that these DigiPuppets will be a perfect investment for now as well as years to come!

original squeezeThis last product isn't really a toy, but it's something that I've been wanting for years! The Original Squeeze is a reusable spill proof pouch that comes in two styles; the spill proof (for ages 6m+) or the free-flowing (for ages 2yr+). I've made my own baby food for years but I have always purchased pre-made "squeezy pouches" at the store to keep in my purse or for a quick meal on the go. With The Original Squeeze I can make my own baby food and put it in these portable reusable containers. No more purchasing pricey pre-made baby food! LittleMissH had a bit of trouble at first with the spill proof pouch but, she mastered in within about five minutes. I also have to say, that when they say spill proof they mean it! I even let LittleMissH have it at church...not a drop was spilled despite her flailing and chewing on all sides of it for an hour. The free-flowing pouch is perfect for smoothies for the older Cowkids. They love to have them as a snack before sports and they make a quick and easy breakfast they can have mess free in the car! The pouches were easy to assemble, take apart, didn't leak or spill in my purse, and thankfully are dishwasher safe. Stop by OriginalSqueeze.com to buy yours now. Enter the code squeezeitforward to receive 10% off your order. P.S. The design is super sleek and in unisex colors. My older Cowkids weren't embarrassed at all to use them!

To stay true to our PrairieWifeInHeels.com Guarantee I want to let you know that I received each of these products at no cost to try. If you've read our guarantee, you also know that everything I wrote about the products is my opinion.

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		Winter 2015 Fashion Do and Don'ts
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/winter-2015-fashion-do-and-donts/
		Wed, 16 Dec 2015 13:00:23 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4825
		
		

    

    I hate to say I told you so, but the ladies of PWIH were once again right on target with our Fall Fashion Dos and Don'ts. You can't walk through the mall or pick up a magazine (for those of us who still like to turn pages) without seeing olive green military pieces or fringe. Now our winter edition is always a bit trickier than fall because I spend a big chunk of my time in Texas and Prairie Wife lives in the frigid mountains of Wyoming, so our  need to layer and embrace heavier fabrics varies. But keeping the regional differences in mind, let's tackle this season's trends.
    

    

    winter whiteWhite
    

    

    Texas Two Steppin': This is the first time we are considering a color as a trend, but if it is good enough for Harpers Bazaar, it is good enough for us! Nearly every article I read says that we need to get over our mothers' and grandmothers' mantras that you can't wear white after Labor Day. We're not talking about wearing a white oxford shirt or winter white, a.k.a. off white, cream or antique white. We're talking being comfortable enough in our fabulousness to wear bright white jeans with a white tank top, chambray button down, cool scarf, navy blazer and brown leather boots (stop by my Pinterest board for inspiration). It's putting a long sweater over a white T-shirt dress paired with a pair of leggings and booties. I think this trend is a DO if the fabrics don't scream summer (like eyelet) and you aren't wearing sandals (especially flip flops). However I DON'T think head-to-toe white works unless you are a style blogger or hangout with the hippest hipsters ever.
    

    

    Prairie Wife: As a mother of five young children any white clothing is almost always a fashion DON'T. Perhaps in 20 years when the last Cowkid is out of the house I'll be ready. I have never ever owned a pair of white pants, and each year I find myself buying at least two or three white t shirts and tanks to replace my stained ones from the last year. This trend looks fabulous in the magazines but it's just not practical for this mama!
    

    

    tie neck blouseNeck-tie Blouse 
    

    

    Texas Two Steppin': It seems like it has only been a few years since this style was popular, so hopefully you still have one or two of these hanging in your closet. They are super versatile; they give jeans some polish and with a basic pencil skirt and little cardi you have a 1940s "sexy secretary" look going on. If you want to be a bit more modern, try this DO in a print with a pair of straight or wide-leg pants and booties. One caveat--if you are curvy/busty you may want to pass on this trend or try it on before you buy! The tie is a major DON'T if it doesn't lie flat.
    

     
    

    Prairie Wife: I had to pause for a moment with this trend. When I first thought about it I immediately thought of Dolly Parton in the movie 9-5...and the not so great power work wear of the 80's. Blah shades of mauve and taupe and shoulder pads filled my mind. But if you take a look at today's twist on this style you'll see why I've decided to declare this trend a DO! Bold colors and luxe fabrics (minus the shoulder pads) elevate these blouses to a new level of cool. As Texas Two Steppin' said you can easily dress it up or down, and how chic would a black neck tie blouse with distressed jeans, strappy sexy heels, and silver accessories look at your next holiday party?
    

     
    

    peplum skirtPeplum Hem Skirt
    

    

    Texas Two Steppin': I guess I am going retro or feeling nostalgic for the mid-90s because I think this look is a DO! I call it a trumpet skirt, but no matter what the name the look is good. I have been wearing a knit one I bought from Express for at least 15 years and I always get compliments. It is all about proportions, and somehow the hem minimizes thighs and emphasizes your calves. Trust me, unlike the blouse, anyone can wear this look.
    

    

    

    

    Prairie Wife: I'm going to have to disagree with Texas Two Steppin' on this one, for me they're a DON'T. I get her point about proportions but I just feel like when people wear these they walk a bit funny, like penguins. Unlike a pencil skirt with a slit that allows you to move freely, these are a tad restrictive. I just hate skirts that inhibit my ability to take long strides!
    

    

    

    ponchoPoncho
    

    

    Texas Two Steppin': The boho trend is still hot, and the western inspired poncho is the winter version of this summer's kimono rage. Now when I am talking poncho, which I feel is a DON'T, I am talking about the shapeless, stick your head through a hole in yards of scratchy fabric, I totally just gave up and threw this on poncho. I like blanket/robe cotes or belted blanket scarves, but the traditional ponchos have got to go.
    

    

    Prairie Wife: Lol I think that the differences in Texas Two Steppin' chic working woman of the office vs. my stay at home mom gig are going to come out yet again! I'm all about a poncho, it's a DO for me! I think its a great way to quickly look put together while staying warm in the cold winter Wyoming winter. Throw a lush plaid poncho on over a simple white shirt. Add skinny jeans, a cute knit hat and low healed boots and voila, you're ready to run errands! The updated ponchos are made of softer fabrics, sophisticated color pallets, and are cut in a more flattering way than ponchos of the past. Don't be scared, try one on!
    

    

    ball gown skirtPouffy, Pleated Satin Ball Gown Skirts
    

    

    Texas Two Steppin': OK, I'm saving the best for last. Nearly every one of us has at least one holiday event that we need to attend in the next month or so, and sometimes a Christmas sweater just won't do (BTW this is a major DON'T for me!). Granted, if I could wear an Oscar-worthy gown every day I totally would, but the holiday look I DO think you should give a chance is the ball gown skirt. It looks fabulous at either a maxi or midi length, and I would pair it with either a simple button down (maybe pop the collar?) or T-shirt with a statement necklace.
    

    

    Prairie Wife: While I will most likely never have an even to wear this skirt to, these are still a major DO for me! They are chic and sophisticated as well as timeless and easy to style. I love that you can easily take this skirt and make it your own by picking a bold or demure top and adding accessories that fit your vibe. My favorite style I've seen is a sexy high low cut (stop by my Prairie Wife Style board to see the one I'm talking about) it just looks amazing...if only I had a ball to go to...
    

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		The Great American Milk Drive #WDACheeseFairy
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/the-great-american-milk-drive-wdacheesefairy-giveaway/
		Sat, 19 Dec 2015 01:51:37 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4837
		
		 I'm happy to report that the first ever #WDACheeseFairy delivery was a success! It took her a bit to get the cheese to the right address (Cows aren't known for their reading skills) but in the end our lucky winner (nominated by her sister) got some lovely Artisan Cheese from Rocking W Cheese. Just look at how happy she is, and I know her baby was smiling too ;)

The Cheese FairyI've been given the chance to give the gift of cheese yet again to one lucky person nominated by one of our readers! Your gift of a lovely cheese basket will come just in time to help a friend or family member feel loved as they begin the New Year. Perhaps you have a friend that throws a New Years Eve bash for all the neighbors, a family member that always takes a bit longer to recover from the holiday stress, or a co worker that's had an especially hard year and is looking forward to a fresh start. To nominate them all you have to do is share the reason they deserve a visit from The Cheese Fairy in the comments. When we pick the winner we will email you for their address so make sure you have it!

Besides spreading joy through The Cheese Fairy, did you know that The Western Dairy Association also works with The Great American Milk Drive to help provide milk to needy families?

milkDriveBanner_CS

According to Feeding America, milk is one of the items most requested by food bank clients, yet there’s a nationwide shortage because milk is rarely donated. More than 37 million Americans are served by Feeding America each year and they are given less than one gallon per person per year due to lack of supply.

The Great American Milk Drive aims to solve this problem by allowing people to easily donate milk to local food banks and pantries.

It's easy to donate and help a needy family in your area. All you have to do is click this link , type in your zip code and use your paypal account or credit card to securely donate any amount you choose. Just think what a difference we could make if each of our readers donated $5?

Here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com we'd like to offer our support! So, for the next week we will match any donations that are made to a zip code in the state of Wyoming up to a total of $50!

I can't wait to see how much money we raise to help families in need!]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Kristen Marler
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-kristen-marler/
		Wed, 23 Dec 2015 13:00:32 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4845
		
		after we had our first miscarriage, we never really discussed adoption or foster care.

Then, I started this blog...and I suddenly began to learn about adoption. First there was Katie and her family of 8, and then the amazing story of Sarah and her experience with Project 143. While I still haven't felt personally called to adopt, I have become convicted that sharing these family's stories on my blog is a way that I can help some of the millions of orphans in our world. Along those lines, I've been looking for a family that could share their experiences with foster care .  Before this interview, I had no idea what it took to be a foster care parent, or what the process was really all about. I first met Kristen through a friend several years ago when they were just beginning their journey into the world of foster care. It was pure chance that I ran into her last month, and after we spent a few moments catching up, I asked her about becoming a Prairie Wife of the week. I am honored that she agreed to share her journey with our readers...and so pleased about her willingness to talk openly and honestly about the reality of being a foster parent.

Marler shoes

We are the Marler Family. We live on Casper Mountain and homeschool our 11 children. We have 10 sleddogs and on most afternoons, the dogs and the snowmobiles take the kids out on mountain adventures. But before all of this came to be...

Marler coupleI (Kristen) grew up in Lander, WY with one older sister. Steve grew up in Douglas, WY the middle child, with an older brother and a younger sister. Neither of us had visions of having a large family.

Steve and I met at Casper College in 1994. We got married in 1997 and moved to Laramie where I finished my teaching degree and Steve completed a degree in Mechanical Engineering. We moved to Casper for Steve's first job, Wyoming Machinery, Caterpillar. I became a stay at home mom, and have remained in my current position as Mom over the years. Steve changed from his initial job after about 5 years and has worked for a small oil company in Casper for many years now.

We had our first born, a daughter, 2 years after we got married. She is now 16. Over the years, I continue to remind myself that if you want to hear God laugh, tell Him your plans. But OUR plans in the beginning were to have our kids close together so they'd all be in similar phases and enjoy similar age appropriate toys and games, etc. and then they'd all move into the next phase... So within 3 years and 4 months, we had 3 babies! 2 girls and a boy. Whew! I confidently declared, "DONE!" (Or uncle!, or I give!)

Here's where I believe God said, "If you think you want to make your own plans, I'll meet you half way. Indeed you can have your kids close together as you planned, but you are not DONE". And as of today, our kids' ages are 16, 15, 13, 12, 10, 9, 8, 8, 8, 6 & 5. Yes, keeping with our initial fast-paced birthing record, that's 11 kids in 11 years! Our oldest 3 kids are ours biologically. 6 of the younger kids are ours through adoption, and the other 2 are still in the process of being adopted by us. We have 6 girls and 5 boys.

Here's how this roller coaster got started...

When our youngest biological son was about 4 years old Steve and I began feeling like we could breath again. Or at least do something more than feed and change diapers! Both of us had had quiet callings to foster care. However, neither of us knew anything about it or anyone who had ever been a foster family. But at this time in our lives, we felt like God was more boldly urging us to become foster parents.

Foster care is a calling for us to help our community. Initially, we had no intentions to adopt, nor did we know that adoption was some-what common in the foster system. We took classes to become certified foster parents at the beginning of 2008. The same week that we finished the classes, we got a call for our first placement, a 12 month old little boy. 2+ years later, that little boy also became our first adopted son! Long story short, over the past almost 8 years, we have been short term and long term parents to many children. And to our surprise, there are many children in the foster care system who need a permanent home and to be adopted into a permanent family. We have had about 60 children within our community live in our home. 8 kids have permanently stayed.

To some, the numbers can be a misleading or confusing piece to our story. People may see our family and assume that adoption through foster care happens often because of the number of kids we have adopted. God has a vision for our family, but it won't look the same for everyone else. We have had many kids come and go. And we love them all, whether they are with us for a weekend, or stay forever.

MArler kidsWe often hear, "I'd never be able to be a foster parent, how do you give them back?" Our perspective is that our family can't be selfish and assume we can provide better or more than the path and the plan God has for each child's life. We have amazing fond memories of so many wonderful kids that have been a part of our family. We are thankful that God allowed each child to be with our family for however long that may be. The kids that come and then go, leave with a vision for what a loving family with a mom and a dad looks like. They have been released from the chaos or the abuse and neglect for a period of time long enough to know there is different and a better life out there for them. Most importantly, at our house they are introduced to Jesus. Jesus, who loves them unconditionally. Jesus, who can help them through any trial. Jesus, who we all need as our Savior. Is it difficult to send kids on their way after they've lived with us? Absolutely! Is it always a good situation they are being put back into? No. But we find comfort knowing that they were sent to our family for a reason and a season.

There are however, a few red flashing lights when considering being a foster family.

1. DO NOT choose to become a foster family if your spouse is not on board as well. Traditional parenting is a team sport, but parenting other people's children in difficult situations takes a very high commitment level to the children, their situation, and mutual parental and marital support.

2. Those willing to commit their time and energy to kids in foster care should expect nothing in return. With this mindset, I do however believe you will be blessed beyond measure! Adoption does happen through foster care, but the goal of foster care is reunification with biological family members, when possible. Therefore, if adoption is a person's only goal, having kids cycle in and out of ones home can be disappointing and painful.

There is good news for everyone with a heart for adoption though! There are kids right here in the Wyoming foster care system that are presently waiting for an adoptive home. And there are thousands of kids, typically 7 and older or sibling groups, that are waiting for an adoptive family throughout the United States. People considering foster care adoption may be unaware, but pleasantly surprised to find out that adopting kids from our US foster care system comes with no adoption fees to the foster/adoptive family. Medical care is also covered until the child is 18 years old.

So if your family feels like they could offer a child a loving home and security, but traditional adoption fees have caused hesitation, perhaps there is a child out there waiting for you to become more involved...

Becoming foster care certified is pretty painless. It involves 6 weeks of classes, twice weekly. A background check, a general medical/mental/physical health check, a home inspection, (Be not afraid! They are not inspecting for dust!!! Simply, is your home safe for kids to live comfortably.) There are other basic rules and guidelines based on the age of the child that also must be followed.

After the classes and paperwork are completed, the foster family decides what age group and or gender fits best into their family and lifestyle. When a child that fits the age and/or gender of your choosing comes into care, the Department of Family Services calls foster families to try to place him, her, or them. Many kids come into care in sibling groups as well, that they try to place together. The foster family always has the option of saying no, not a good time, not in town, etc. There is never a pressure to take a child into your home, if no is your answer. Although what your family thinks will be ideal, may not be who God sends to you! Yet the child is an unforseen blessing all the same!

Kids that come into care do not typically run into your home with enthusiasm, thrilled that they were just taken from the only people and life that they know (even though it's bad) and placed in a stranger's home. However with love, consistancy, boundries, and quality time the kids settle in and learn very quickly that although you can't fix their problems, you are there to help them. Kids in foster care do come with problems and issues that follow them into adoption as well if that ends up being their finality. However, there are so many really great kids in foster care. They love to be loved, they have huge hearts, and they really only wish that someone would give them a chance and the skills to be a good kid!

As a foster family there IS a lot of giving! A question we receive often is how do you have the time to take care of everyone, and homeschool, and housework, AND what about LAUNDRY!?! I said I was busy when I had one child, then busy with two children... A full schedule, that's just everyone's life! My life today is indeed busy and it takes all of me, every day to make it work. We are very well organized (not because it comes naturally to me, but because even a few, "I can't find my shoes" type experiences can really impact our day!) We all do all of the daily chores together. There are very few chores that I do by myself. It's a great way to create a community of togetherness, helping one another, and a respect for our property. Living on Casper Mountain is a lot of work. Most of our weekends and evenings are spent together on projects. And that's also Daddy time! Hauling wood, shoveling snow, fixing vehicles or the tractor, building things, caring for and cleaning up after all the dogs, etc. No matter how old or how young, everyone works alongside each other. Many hands make... well it's never quite light work, but honestly, we really do enjoy being together and sharing in each other's company!

Marler famThe final most- common question I get, "When do you get time for yourself?" If I spent my day trying to find time for me I would become very bitter and discouraged. It simply isn't available. I believe God placed me here as Mom, in this situation, with these kids, and this life, and it wasn't because He thought I needed a break! God equips me with what I need and sustains me through the trials. It's not easy, but walking in God's will never is. But rewarding, yes! It has a lot to do with perspective. I love my life and I'm content with what I have and in serving others. I just know that in this season, free-time and me-time are not an option. (But I do rejoice and think of it as a mini vacation when I take 3 or 4 kids to the grocery store instead of 8 or 9!)

Foster parenting, adoption, and raising a large family comes with challenges, commitment and hard work. However our entire family and extended family has grown bigger hearts and learned more acceptance than we ever could have taught without experiencing and living it. The blessings are abundant. We may apprear to be giving, giving, giving. But we are truly thrilled and humbled to be used as God's hands and feet in the lives of children.

As Luke 12:48 says, "Everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much much more will be asked." We pray that God will continue to entrust in our family. We also pray that those who may be fearful or hesitant to help children in tough situations will become bold and step out and allow God to write their foster or adoption story too.]]>
		
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		Checking In
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/checking-in/
		Mon, 28 Dec 2015 13:00:49 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4858
		
		Facebook and Instagram will know what a great time we've been having here on the Prairie.

At Christmas Eve mass the three middle Cowkids participated in the homily...at least until Cowboy W had to go to the bathroom in the middle of it. Luckily I was able to hold his sign for him as he ran down the aisle! At the end Cowboy C tried to make a great escape that was so obvious that the priest paused and commented on it. I was bright red and mortified...I guess maybe the grouchy lady at church was right to shoot me some dirty looks (she must have known what was in my future).

at mass

Christmas morning we were woken up at 3 am by Cowboy J. We sent him back to bed but were woken up at 4:30 by the Cowkids "quietly" talking in their rooms. When they came into our room again at 5 we finally gave up and got going on opening gifts.

Christmas Morning

The Cowkids were thrilled with their gift from The Cowboy and I...a mini mule name Poncho. Right now he is only 8 months old and while he was a little nervous at first he's already warmed up to us. When he is full grown he will be about waist high! He'll be the perfect addition to our family and I'm sure there will be some fun adventures ahead for all of us.

Meet Poncho

Unlike many areas of the US right now, we have not been blessed with warmer than usual weather. Luckily the wind has been absent the last few days and with the dry air and Wyoming sun shining the weather warmed up to 15 degrees the day after Christmas. It's a tradition for us to all go sledding so we took advantage of the "warm" weather and bundled up all the Cowkids (even LittleMissH) and headed out for some family fun. As you can see LittleMissH had a blast. There's a hilarious video on Facebook of me bouncing off The Cowboy...I forget how much bigger he is until thing like this happen lol!

LittleMissH sledding

We are off on a few more adventures over the next week so don't be concerned if you don't see any posts up for the next few days.

I'll be touching base with our readers on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter so make sure you follow us!

What have you been up to on your Christmas break?

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		A New Year with the Prairie Wives
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/a-new-year-with-the-prairie-wives/
		Fri, 01 Jan 2016 19:11:12 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4869
		
		

Happy New Year 2016It's the first day of the new year, a time for fresh starts and of course New Year's resolutions! This year we are keeping it short and sweet. Each of our contributing writers has shared two of their resolutions with you . It can be motivating to see how others are planning to change their lives, and I hope that after you read ours, you become inspired to set out and make 2016 the best year for you yet! If you have time, leave a few of your resolutions for us to read in the comments so we can be inspired by you too!

Bonita Blue Eyes

Going back to work has slowed my cooking way down. This year I commit to healthy meal planning and prep every weekend for the upcoming week.

I honestly have so many goals and look to the future so much, that I need a resolution to my now! I will commit in 2016 to being joyfully present to what is in front of me in as many moments as possible.

    Texas Two Steppin'
    

    Well, 2015 was a year of change for me. I gained a daughter-in-law who I have known and loved since she became my daughter,s best friend 15 years ago. Stepboy and Daughter-in-law gave The Texan and I another granddaughter, so Baby E joined Little C in November. Stepgirl became a pseudo-stepmom to her boyfriend's daughter, so Little R, who is three and loves makeup and dressing up, joined the family. And Stepgirl is due to bring us our fourth granddaughter any moment, and we can't wait! Add on top of this a career change after 20 years that meant I would travel across the U.S., and it is clear why my resolution is to be present and focused on my growing family every second I am home.
    

     I always go with trying to incorporate the Pantone color of the year into my wardrobe somehow. This year my options are rose quartz and serenity. I can honestly say I don’t have any baby pink and periwinkle blue in my wardrobe now, but I can’t wait to see what pieces will speak to me. Because I have a new job, I have to commit to incorporating a few travel-friendly items into my wardrobe. However, I am going to try to work with what I have already and focus on quality over quantity to build a capsule wardrobe. In my carryon I have to fit a week’s worth of clothes for air travel, business meetings, workouts and receptions, so items that do double and triple duty are going to be a must!
    

    Tall Girl J
    

    I always struggle with whether or not I should set any resolutions,  I sometimes feel like they can be a bit of a set up for failure... but this leads me to my first resolution... I resolve to be more positive!  I always find myself going to the negative side of things, and caring too much about what people think or say about me. I want to try an change this and be the best person I can be! I bet if I do this, I won't have to worry about people because, they will all love me 😉
    


    

Secondly I am choosing one of the "typical" resolutions...I vow to exercise 3 times a week. I know this will help me with resolution #1. I know when I exercise I always feel much better and happier,  yes I dread it, but once it's done it's worth it. I can't wait to see what 2016 has in store!!

Prairie Wife

This year I will try to work on being a better listener. I am THE WORST at interrupting others. I'm sure it's no surprise to you that a women that created her own blog can be a bit of a blabber mouth and a know-it-all! This year I am going to follow some of The Cowboy's sage advice and "keep my mouth shut and my ears open."

My next resolution is one I've made before, and I'm sure I will continue to make it over and over. I am going to breakup with my cell phone yet again. With short days and cold weather, I've been spending more time than usual sitting on my butt and "playing" with my phone. I know that I've missed out on opportunities to be more productive and active in every area of my life because I've had my face stuffed into my phone. So I'm renewing my commitment to keep off my phone and focus more on the life around me!

2015 was an amazing year, full of ups and downs, joys and sorrows, it was beautiful in every way. Cheers to a 2016 full of amazing opportunities, blessings galore, and fabulous memories in the making!


    

Copyright: cienpies / 123RF Stock Photo]]>    
		
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		Seeing Ione by Jansen Curry #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/seeing-ione-by-jansen-curry/
		Mon, 04 Jan 2016 13:00:17 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4878
		
		Last year I interviewed fellow Wyoming blogger from TheTallMom.com Jansen Curry. One of the questions I asked her was “Where do you hope to see your blog as well as you and your family in the next few years?” In her answer she stated “I hope to have published either with an agent/publishing house or self-published a book or two. I’ve discovered a love of writing fiction and I’d really like to see some projects completed.”

In true Prairie Wife style, Jansen put in the time and the effort to make her dream become a reality. I am thrilled to announce that the book review that follows is of Jansen’s first (hopefully of many) published book! I can’t wait to be able to say…I knew her when…

Seeing Ione by Jansen CurrySeeing Ione by Jansen Curry is a fictional novel that begins with a grieving Ione, alone and confused in an empty house located in a small town in rural Wyoming. She has just lost her adoptive father and is struggling with a slowly deepening case of depression. As you read Curry’s book it becomes clear that Ione is not your typical woman. She has a psychic “gift” that allows her to see the emotional imprints that people have left behind them. While her world is brightly colored with these emotions, she finds herself slowly fading.

As the story continues Ione’s path is crossed by Adric, an alarmingly large and serious (and ruggedly handsome) man who is intent on possessing something that only Ione has. A string of violent murders forces Adric and Ione to become a team. As a whole new world opens up to Ione she must draw upon an inner strength and resolve she didn’t know she had, and charge forward to save not only her dearest friend, but the world as we know it.

Curry’s book is well written with detailed descriptions and a flowing plot that make it hard to put down. Fantasy, thriller, and love story all wrapped in one, Seeing Ione is a novel that will leave you asking…when is the next book being published?

Take a moment to tell us why you think you will like Seeing Ione in the comments and you'll be entered to win a signed copy of this amazing book! To earn more points towards the giveaway follow us on social media. Please be honest we WILL be checking.

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Help Us Pick Our 2015 Prairie Wife of the Year #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/help-us-pick-our-2015-prairie-wife-of-the-year/
		Wed, 06 Jan 2016 13:00:37 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4882
		
		

Last year the winner was Katie, a mother of 8 children. She was so open and honest about the road that lead her to adopting three children with special needs from China, it was no surprise that our readers fell in love with her! It was wonderful to be able to treat her to a PrairieWifeInHeels.com bag full of goodies and I loved being able to ask her some questions straight from you our readers!

Take a moment to browse through a few of our past Prairie Wives of the Week by clicking this link or, I've listed direct links to some of our most popular Prairie Wives of 2015 (based on shares on social media and number of comments) at the end of this post.

Those of you that follow us on Facebook and Twitter will see a few links to past Prairie Wives popping up over the next month...it's a fun way to share the stories of these amazing women with all of you that may be newer to our site.

As an extra incentive to vote we are offering a giveaway of a $10 Starbucks card! All you HAVE to do to enter is leave the name of your favorite 2015 Prairie Wife in the comments below! We will pick one lucky reader to receive the gift card and announce the winner of our 2015 Prairie Wife of the Week on January 25!

Kristen Marler is a woman who has answered God's call. She and her family have fostered over 60 children and have adopted 8...for a total of 11 children ages 16 and under!

Kenzie Mares is a Wyoming Veterinarian that uses her Prairie Wife grit and grace to balance her busy practice with her life as a wife and mother of two young girls.

Sarah Larsen has now done three interviews with us. We were so pleased to finally celebrate with her as she completed the adoption process that started over a year ago when she hosted a Ukrainian boy through Project 143!

Jansen from TheTallMom.com shared her story about being a Wyoming blogger and is now a newly published author!

Jill Kargman is the writer, producer and star of the BravoTV hit show Odd Mom Out. It was big deal for us to be able to interview her and we couldn't be prouder that her show was renewed for a second season!

Deva from MyLifeSuckers.com is an internet sensation not only for her amazingly hilarious mom parody video but, for her honest and heartfelt blog posts too!

In one of the most heartfelt interviews we've ever had on PrairieWifeInHeels.com Jacque shares the story of her son's cancer diagnosis, and how she and her family said good-bye to their little boy.

Lizzi shares what it was like to be a teenager, pregnant and unmarried. Her story is a love story and has a happy ending that will give you hope for the future.

Michele tells us how she went from being an airline flight attendant to owning her own store Girl In Air (now a shop on Etsy) and selling beautiful handcrafted items.

Don't forget to tell us your vote for 2015 Prairie Wife of the Year in the comments!

Copyright: rawpixel / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Crock Pot Beer Cheese Soup
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/crock-pot-beer-cheese-soup/
		Fri, 08 Jan 2016 13:00:43 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4889
		
		New Year's Eve party we are often left with some leftovers. While the munchies are usually gone within a day or two the left over alcohol usually lingers for a lot longer. This of course isn't really a "problem" it just makes planning the next few parties a bit easier! This year as we were putting away the leftover libations I came across some Belgium beer that a friend had left. It occurred to me that I could use it to make some delicious beer cheese soup! Add to that some left over rolls for dipping and I had a quick and easy, yet super filling, meal that the whole family loved. The Cowboy agreed with me that using a richer beer (rather than bud light or something similar) added a fuller flavor to the soup and that it was the only way to go from now on. If you plan to make this for a larger group I'd recommend doubling the recipe. We only had one bowl worth left over when I made it! Add some cooked sausage or bacon to it for an even heartier soup!

Note: If you like a thicker soup leave out the 1 cup of water or use more cornstarch. You can also add 1 tsp each of onion and garlic powder if you feel it needs a bit more flavor.

Crock Pot Beer Cheese Soup
Prep Time: 8 min Cook Time: 4-8 hours
Serves 6

crock pot beer cheese soupIngredients
32 oz Chicken Broth (use vegetable for a vegetarian soup)
12 oz of Beer1 cup of water
1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
1 small onion finely chopped
2 garlic cloves minced
2 cans new potatoes drained and coarsely chopped (or if you are cooking for 6-8 hours you can chop 2 large uncooked potatoes)
3 cups shredded cheese (I used Colby Jack because it's what I had, a cheddar will result in a darker soup)
3/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup cornstarch
Salt and pepper to taste

1. Combine all the ingredients EXCEPT the cheese, cream, and cornstarch in the crock pot. Set cooking timer.
2. One hour prior to serving whisk together cream and cornstarch in a bowl. When combined, pour into soup and add 3 cups shredded cheese.
3. Stir well and add salt and pepper to taste.4. Serve warm with some cheese sprinkled on top and rolls on the side!]]>
		
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		Homeschooling Your Three Year Old
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/homeschooling-your-three-year-old/
		Mon, 11 Jan 2016 13:00:40 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4892
		
		

First, I think a bit of one on one attention can make a big difference during this time. Three year olds are notoriously hard to deal with...they are discovering their voice and filled with an excitement and interest in the world that can be hard to control and work with (not to mention it can be exhausting). I've found that some special time with just the two of us gets our day started off right.

Second, it's time for them to start learning how to sit and focus for small amounts of time. I think 15 minutes is just right. If the activities are age appropriate and engaging your three year old should be able to handle this amount of time. Don't be concerned if it's hard at first, with a bit of constancy they'll be just fine in a few weeks.

Third, kids are wired to learn! Their little brains are just aching for new stimulus and now is the perfect opportunity to teach them some wonderful skills that will help them move towards being readers and writers!

For those of you that are unaware, I was an elementary school teacher for years before I was able to stay home with my kids. I also have a minor in early childhood. The activities below are based on what I have learned about preparing children for school.

When I homeschool I take two days a week to do "seat work" and three days a week to do "reading readiness" activities. Below are some activities that I do with my children. Choose one activity for each day or do several!

Seat Work Ideas

1. Coloring: Don't worry about coloring in the lines or creating drawings that look realistic. This is all about building up muscles in the hand and making sure they know how to hold a pencil, crayon, paintbrush and marker correctly.

2. Stickers: Give you child a sheet of stickers to peel off and let them place them on a piece of paper. If they are having trouble peeling the stickers off just bend one small corner so they can grab it a bit easier.

3. Tearing paper and gluing: Give your child paper (old magazines are a great choice) and let them tear it up into any size they want. Then show them how to put glue on the torn paper and then glue it onto a whole sheet to create a work of art!

4. Cutting and gluing: Give your child paper (magazines are a great choice) and scissors and let them go to town. They may just make fringe like cuts or end up actually being able to cut large and small chunks off. Just let them do whatever they want and then show them how to put glue on the cut paper and glue it onto the whole sheet.

5. Beginning Writing: Give your child a piece of paper and a pencil and teach them to draw lines top to bottom, left to right and round and round (circles). Coach them at first by holding their hand while repeating the directions. Do one whole page of top to bottom another of left to right etc. Soon they can do it on their own. When they are doing well fold the paper in half to give them a smaller space to practice on. This teaches them to start using smaller motions.

6. Name Tracing: When they have a pretty solid handle on Beginning writing they are ready for this. Write their name on a peice of paper in a dark marker (NOT in all capitol letters do it the regular way with only the first letter a capitol). As you write it say their name, then each letter out loud and when you are done say their name again as you draw a line under it from left to right. Now hold their hand and help them do the same with a lighter colored marker. Eventually they can trace it on their own.

7. Crafts: Playdough, slime, gluing Popsicle sticks together, stamping...any of these fun craft ideas make perfect seat work activities.

Reading Readiness Ideas


1. Read: Read anything your child wants, even if it's the same three books over and over every day. A comic book, a catalog, anything at all. Reading to your child is the number one thing that you can do to prepare them to be successful in school. Talk about how the pictures and words go together, run your finger along the words as you read and let them turn the pages.

2. Sing: Sing songs with your child. Songs with motions are especially fun for everyone!

3. Rhyme Time: Teach your child nursery rhymes and play silly rhyme games. It can be as easy as they give you a word and you both shout out as many words that rhyme as you can. You will need to do a lot of modeling for this...believe it or not the concept of rhyme is really hard!

4. Letter Hunt: When your child has become familiar with the letters in their name have them find those letters within the books you are reading.

You can find more activities to do with your children on our Pinterest For The Kids Board!

How do you homeschool your three year old?

Copyright: ljupco / 123RF Stock Photo

 

 

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		Help Roma Join His Forever Family
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/help-roma-join-his-forever-family/
		Wed, 13 Jan 2016 13:00:50 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4910
		
		

    

    

    

    

    

    

     
    
"Faith isn’t the ability to believe long and far into the misty future. It’s simply taking God at His Word and taking the next step." ~ Joni Eareckson Tada

The following is a post written by past Prairie Wife of the Week Sarah Larson

RomaRoma needed hosted during the winter session as his 16th birthday was so near [this is the age when children age out of the program]. Roma had never been hosted and this winter was his last chance. With only 24 hours before hosting closed, we felt like we were his only hope, so we decided to open our house to him! We had no intention of adopting again (we just finalized adoption of our son Vitaliy in October) and made it our mission to try to find him a family. He came to us stating he didn't think he wanted to be adopted because he has living family in Ukraine, and big dreams of becoming an auto mechanic.

Ryan and I loved the idea of mentoring, connecting and loving on this sweet boy without the pressure of adopting, and that is exactly what we did! He brought a light to our house with his genuine and kind soul. Roma is helpful and loves being involved in all of our family activities. After 2 weeks with us his heart was softening and in the final hours of hosting he asked to be adopted by Ryan and I.

It was hard to not feel like God hand-picked Roma to place in our family for a reason so here we are ready to complete our family...


    

    Larson family
The Larson family is raising money to help fund Roma's adoption. To learn more about the costs of adoption you can click this link and read more about the process of adopting form the Ukraine.
    

    

    

To donate money to help the Larson family click here.Even if you are unable to help financially PLEASE share this post and spread the word. You never know whose heart you may touch and how it may help Roma join his forever family!


    

    

    

    

    

    
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		Mule Rage
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-vs-the-mules/
		Fri, 15 Jan 2016 13:00:06 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4923
		
		8 1/2 months pregnant with the future LittleMissH. I'm the first to admit that I was feeling a bit weary. The physical wear and tear of being 40lb heavier (I can't even claim it was all belly) and growing another life while running around after four other Cowkids was getting to be a bit much. Add to that the fact that Cowboy C was still getting up several times a night, and a few extra hormones, and I admit I wasn't my normal chipper self. The Cowboy dealt with my less then pleasant attitude by continuing to stay on the road five days a week and keeping his head down when he was home.

At some point that Winter, The Cowboy brought home two new horses and two mules. The new horses were for our family, and the Cowkids were ecstatic. We put them in the corral with our other two horses, two draft horses and yet another mule we were already babysitting (that's seven hoofed animals now). After a bit they were all getting along great. The two new mules were merely visitors, we were keeping them for The Cowboy's sister. They needed to be separated from the other animals. So, The Cowboy set them up in a round pen a bit away from the corral. This meant that we (really meaning me because I feed all week while The Cowboy is gone) needed to put hay in a wheelbarrow and string out a hose to fill up buckets of water.

muleThis was a pain in my ass for several reasons. Not only did it take me twice as long to do chores but, as the weather grew colder and my girth continued to expand things got harder. I had to drag the cumbersome 70 foot hose in and out of the shop when I needed to water so it wouldn't freeze. The buckets of water would freeze each night and trying to heave them around and knock the ice out was resulting in my poor unborn child hearing more than a few inappropriate words. This went on for a few weeks.

My rage and fury at the mules grew every day. It didn't help that the mules weren't the least bit grateful...they would buck and snort each time I waddled up to care for them. My fear of being trampled as I went into the corral to empty the buckets of ice made my blood pressure soar and I became sure that I would develop preeclampsia . Each weekend when The Cowboy came home I would tell him how I was done with the extra chores. I explained that it was too much for my weary body and soul...he would just give me a hug and tell me that I was tough and he knew I could handle it.

Then we had a week of -20 degrees Fahrenheit and almost two feet of snow (I swear that's how much it was though The Cowboy says it was only a foot).

frozenWhile we were here freezing in Wyoming, The Cowboy was in Arizona "on business". I called him after two days of nasty weather, and explained in no uncertain terms that I was suffering from extreme fatigue and frostbite and that if the mules weren't leaving soon I was going to shoot them in the head with a shotgun. His response was that he was unable to do anything from Arizona and that I needed to suck it up and deal with it...

My response was something that can not be typed because I'm not sure how to spell the garbled yelling and crying that poured out of my mouth...

In the end The Cowboy came home, loaded up the mules and all the Cowkids, and delivered them (the mules not the Cowkids) to his sister.

Now we can laugh about my Mule Rage...a year later....

I guess it just goes to show you, what sucks now will eventually make a good blog post!

Note: I actually might still be a little bitter as just looking at the picture of the mule above pissed me off...but I have high hopes that Poncho The Christmas Mule will help me to heal...

 

Copyright: nick_thomps / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Prairie Wife of the Week: Sally Ann Shurmur
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prairie-wife-of-the-week-sally-ann-shurmur/
		Mon, 18 Jan 2016 13:00:14 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4928
		
		It turns out that The Cowboy's yearly outdoor Christmas light display had caught the attention of a local newspaper writer Sally Ann Shurmur. She wrote a lovely article so, I sent her a thank you email. We chatted back and forth a bit and eventually became Facebook friends. I quickly became a fan of her writing and through Facebook I came to know the witty and loving woman behind the words. Over the course of a year I began to feel like I had found both a mentor and a friend is this strong fellow Midwestern transplant...yet we had never met in person! When I finally had the pleasure of meeting her I admit I may have squealed jumped at her and enveloped her in a big hug. I'm surprised she didn't run away in fear. In what I now can appreciate as her style, she simply laughed and brushed off all my praise.

When she agreed to be a Prairie Wife of the Week I was excited to not only share her story but, to get a chance to sit down and talk with this writer and woman I had come to admire so much. I didn't realize how much we take for granted today until I heard her talk about how much she loved sports, yet was limited by the gender biases of the time in how she could participate. She persevered as a working mother in a time when there was neither the respect or support that we have today, and not once did she complain. I could see that it never even occurred to her to do anything but roll with the punches and keep moving forward. An attitude that was clearly passed down to her from her beloved and hardworking parents. Make sure you stop back by this Wednesday to read one of her most popular recipes and to enter to win a signed copy of her cookbook!

sally ann shoes

Prairie Wife (PW): First tell us a little bit about your family.

Sally Ann Shurmur (SAS): I am the oldest of three children and was born on the outskirts of Detroit Michigan. Now, I live in Glenrock, Wyoming a few blocks away from my significant other, with Sophie my beloved dog. I have an 8 month old granddaughter who lives close by as well. She has added to our lives in so many unexpected and wonderful ways!

PW: How did a Midwestern girl end up in Wyoming?

Sally Ann FamilySAS: In the winter of ’62 my dad received a job as the assistant coach at the University of Wyoming in Laramie, Wyoming. It was the first time my dad had ever left Michigan! My mom was pregnant with my sister (the youngest) and we stayed in Michigan through the winter and then moved to Laramie in June of ’63. We lived there for 13 years. When my dad moved on to the Detroit Lions I was in the middle of my freshman year at UW so I stayed.

I loved every minute of my time at UW! I joined the Pi Beta Phi Sorority and those girls became a huge part of my life. Eventually, my dad realized that perhaps I was spending more time enjoying the social parts of college more than I was working on expanding my mind. In the no nonsense way that only he had, he told me in no uncertain terms to get my butt in gear and back on track.

PW: While at the University of Wyoming you received a degree in journalism, what led you to that field?

SAS: I was reading at an early age and I loved words and stories. As a young child I can remember reading The Detroit Free Press newspaper. Newspapers were always a part of who I was.

Fritz ShurmurAs I grew older the only thing I cared about was sports (those that know me now would say that I haven’t changed much). I know that my love of sports was directly related to my father and his passion. Things were different for girls when I was younger. The only sports that we could participate in were swimming and track. Not only were my options limited but, I am also the most uncoordinated person ever. It eventually occurred to me that while I couldn’t play or coach, I COULD write about sports.

I started writing for the school paper in junior high and then in high school I was invited to hang out at the Boomerang office (Laramie’s newspaper). After spending time there helping in any and every way they would let me, I knew that’s what I wanted to do. My dream was to write articles for Sports Illustrated, but things don’t always happen the way you plan.

While I was at UW Kevin McKinney from the UW sports information office asked if I wanted to be an intern. I started proofreading and answering the telephone and eventually I ended up acting as a support person for Margie McDonald, the Cowgirl basketball coach. She was amazing, and had to do everything for that team from coaching to washing uniforms, it all fell on her. When I could, I went on the road with them and I helped with game stats and press releases. I absolutely loved it! So much so, that I thought maybe I should change to sports information. I wanted to cover ALL sports not just women’s and it became clear that wouldn’t be an option. So, I went back to dreaming of being a sports writer…

PW: You’ve worked as a writer for the Casper Star Tribune for almost 34 years all together; can you share what it’s been like to be a part of such a local institution for so many years?

SAS: When I was a senior at UW the sports editor at the Casper Star Tribune called me and asked if I wanted to write for them. Without a second thought I accepted! I did a series of profiles on the coaches wives which were included in weekly inserts about Cowboy football. He called me and asked if I wanted to write sports for them in May when I graduated…I don’t know who was happier, me or my dad when I called him with the news!

June 5th 1978 was my first day as a sports writer for the Casper Star Tribune; it was everything I thought it would be. When I was married in 82 I was asked to become a writer for the Catholic Register. To me it seemed like perfect timing. While it was extremely hard to leave the Newspaper, writing for the Catholic Register allowed me to both stay home and write. My oldest was born in Feb of ‘84 and I found that between having a young child and a husband on the road (as most Wyoming men still are) I was beginning to feel isolated.

The Newspaper asked if I would come back to write sports in ‘86 and I accepted. I enjoyed every minute of it! We made it our mission to do the best job we could covering all of Wyoming’s 72 High Schools and their sporting events. It was exhilarating and exhausting (lots of weekend and evening hours) at the same time. I’m so proud of what we accomplished; we won several awards because of our coverage.

Sally AnnIn ’95 I was offered an 8-5 job and I took it. It was the community news, and it’s what I continue to do today. I began by writing the obituaries and weddings and answering the phone. We added food/recipes and my Sunday column in 2000. Officially, my title is now community news editor…the town crier if you will! Occasionally, I get out and about and report but, I prefer to do the other things. I look back and think of how I started, and I’m proud of how I‘ve survived. Change can be hard but I’ve learned time and again that I’m a survivor. Unsuccessful people are afraid of change…

PW: Talk to me about writing and what it does for you as a person?

SAS: It’s the cheapest form of therapy there is and I receive it every time my fingers hit the keyboard. When I write I find that it allows me to look at things with a new perspective and it gives me an opportunity to change my focus and adjust my attitude.

PW: The topics you write about are many and varied. Where do you get your inspiration?

SAS: Life. I’ve often said that I write about stuff that happens to everyone but, not everyone feels that they can share. When my kids were young that’s what I wrote about but, life evolves and my column offers me the opportunity to talk about where I am now. I’ve found that what I write now is no less important or relatable for my readers. A while ago, I wrote several columns about my spur of the moment decision to move. I heard later from a reader that reading about my experience gave her the strength and inspiration to do the same thing. It’s stunning and humbling at the same time to know that something I write can impact someone’s life in such a huge way.

PW: Many people aspire to be professional writers, do you have any advice for them?

SAS: Just do it. No project or opportunity is too insignificant for your time. If it’s your passion you need to take the time to make a part of your life.

PW: You are known for your amazing recipes and have a cookbook, what does creating a meal from scratch mean to you?

SAS: My mom was the best cook I know; she was the typical 1950’s Midwestern housewife. Everything I know about cooking I learned from her. When in ‘97 my editor said he wanted to add food to what we were doing I said “I want to do this.” I love to cook and I love to eat…what more references did I need? I use my own cookbooks that I’ve collected and my mom’s recipe collection. I know I’m making Wyoming fat one recipe at a time, but they enjoy every bite!

Convenience is a big part of cooking, if a recipe is too complicated I won’t take the time to do it and I assume the same thing about my readers. I guess for me, cooking is a form of stress relief. When I’m making a meal I’m focused on the recipe and the process instead of what’s bothering me. I end up with a wonderful meal to put in front of someone I love. That act of giving to another person at the end and spending the time enjoying a meal together is a balm that soothes my soul.

PW: Any last Prairie Wife words of wisdom?

SAS: We have so much to be grateful for! I understand that sometimes it takes effort to see it. When you make yourself focus on the good things, you’ll see that life will calm down, the right options will become more clear, and you will be able to embrace all the good that is waiting for you.]]>
		
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		Anita's Chicken #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/anitas-chicken-giveaway/
		Wed, 20 Jan 2016 13:00:18 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4936
		
		On Monday we introduced you to longtime writer at The Casper Star Tribune Sally Ann Shurmur. Besides being the self proclaimed "town crier" she shares many of her simple yet tasty recipes in a column called Cookin' with Sal. Her cookbook Eatin' with Sal is a wonderful collection of her recipes as well as recipes submitted by readers from across the state of Wyoming. It's available for purchase at The Casper Star Tribune (on sale now for only $10) and I can tell you that The Cowboy was drooling as he paged through it! The recipe below for Anita's Chicken is one that Sally Ann says is one of the best. I made it for my family last week so that I could have a picture and Cowboy W said "I am a chicken eating maniac when it's this chicken!" Needless to say it was win. Per her suggestion I paired it with a side of brown rice/quinoa  and a fresh green salad. It was perfect!

Don't forget to enter our giveaway below to win a signed copy of Eatin' with Sal!

Anita's Chicken
Prep Time: 5 minutes Cook Time:1 1/2 hours
Serves: 8

Ingredients
4 boneless/skinless chicken breasts thawed
2 slices of Swiss cheese
1 can cream of chicken soup (and 1/2 can of water)
1 cup seasoned bread crumbs
1/2 stick (1/4 cup) butter

1. Preheat oven to 350
2. Butter 8x8 inch square pan and place chicken inside.
3. Place 1/2 slice of cheese on top of each chicken breast.
4. Mix together 1 can of cream of chicken soup and 1/2 can of water in a bowl. Pour over the top of chicken and cheese.
5. Melt butter in the microwave and combine with bread crumbs. Sprinkle on top of the chicken.
6. Place in oven uncovered and serve warm.

Note: This is a rich dish so be careful with your side dishes. I suggest a nicely season brown rice, a hot green vegetable or a tossed fresh salad.

Recipe credit goes to Sally Ann Shurmur

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		I Want To Live
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/i-want-to-live/
		Fri, 22 Jan 2016 13:00:39 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4943
		
		 TexasTwoSteppin’ is my big sister. She is also a breast cancer survivor. Her diagnosis meant that I needed to be extra vigilant. My doctors recommendation was to start getting regular mammograms 5 years before the age she was at her diagnosis (which would mean when I turned 33). Because I was nursing LittleMissH I was unable to start monitoring at the exact suggested time. But, my doctor and I both agreed that we would begin as soon as she was weaned.

Then, last year, Ma was diagnosed with breast cancer and underwent a lumpectomy and 6 weeks of radiation.

When I next met with my OB, I told her about Ma. I was shocked by her reaction. I figured she would add it to my chart and simply tell me that I need to make sure to be extra vigilant with my monthly exams and mammogram schedule. Instead, she recommended genetic counseling to find out my exact risk.

I scheduled an appointment and sat down for over an hour with a genetic counselor. We went over every family member I knew of and all of their various diseases. From my Uncle who passed away from ALS to the removal of my Great Great Grandmother's thyroid, we covered it all!

Weeks later I received a letter in the mail stating that my risk of developing breast cancer was 40%. I called my OB and sent the information on to her. She left me a message saying that we needed to meet.

I have to admit I sort of brushed it off. I figured that we were just meeting to talk about doing MRI’s instead of mammograms and moving the frequency up to every six months (something we had discussed previously in her office). When I finally called, I had to wait another few weeks to get in and then I had to cancel and reschedule due to sick kids…

When we eventually met I knew right away that things were serious. She said that she had reached out to the local breast cancer specialist in town because she felt that she was out of her comfort zone. She laid it out on the line…

If I were to develop breast cancer, we could hope to catch it early through monitoring or, we could try to prevent it all together. She talked about Tamoxifen, a drug that would put me into menopause and that could reduce my risk. I balked…and teared up. It finally hit home that this was serious…really really serious…

At her suggestion we scheduled an appointment with an oncologist specializing in breast cancer risk and reduction in Denver, CO.

Which brings me back to the beginning of my post.

It turns out this is all a game of numbers and odds. Right now I have a 40% risk of getting breast cancer. If I take the Tamoxifen my risk would be reduced to 20% and would come along with all the side effects of being put into menopause at the age of 33 (including but not limited to: uterine cancer, osteoporosis, and all the not so fun side effects that come with menopause). Or, I could undergo a prophylactic mastectomy and reconstructive surgery, and reduce my risk to 2%.

I am choosing to undergo a prophylactic mastectomy, and The Cowboy wholeheartedly supports my decision.

Despite my upbeat attitude when I’ve shared my choice with close friends and family, I am under no illusion that this will be easy.

This is not a boob job and will likely involve three surgeries that stretch out over the course of almost a year. I will have an extremely limited ability to use my arms for 6 weeks after the first surgery. While the thought of not cooking or vacuuming for 6 weeks does have some small appeal, the thought of not being able to pick up my children or care for my family has me terrified.

Breast tissue is from your collar bone to your armpits and my breast surgeon will be cutting open my breasts and taking out as much of it as she can. I chose to try to save my nipples (that’s a choice I never thought I’d have to make) but in the end it will be skin over implants (here are some patient before and after pictures). There won’t be breast tissue and fat helping to shape and camouflage my implants.

I hope that after I am done healing I will look nice in clothes, and that the scars and end result won’t keep The Cowboy from coming home on the weekends.

CowkidsAs I sit on the hotel floor typing this (we are down in Denver yet again finalizing plans) I watch LittleMissH toddle over to me. She plants a big old slobbery booger filled kiss on my mouth…and I know that I will do anything I have to do, to have ten more years, five more weeks, one more day, with my children.

Thank you to my friends and family for their support.

Thank you to those of you that don’t agree with my decisions and are supporting me anyway.

Thank you to my readers that will be going on this journey with me over the course of this year.

And thank you to my doctors for helping me through this process with so much compassion.

Read more Prophylactic Mastectomy: Let's Get This Thing Started]]>
		
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		Help for Winter Skin and Hair
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/help-for-winter-skin-and-hair/
		Mon, 25 Jan 2016 13:00:59 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4956
		
		Garnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing WaterGarnier Skin Active Micellar Cleansing Water
So, my face has been a wreck for the last few months. Some of it is caused by my not so healthy eating (lets face it, I ate my own body weight in chocolate) and exercise habits (as in I didn't do anything) over the holidays. But, most of it is due to hormones. I'm weaning LittleMissH and it is making a mess of my face. I've been doing better sticking to my normal mostly healthy eating habits and I've been exercising at least three times a week as well as religiously drinking my detox water. Things are looking better but I didn't start to notice a big difference until I began to use cleansing water. I've been reading about it in all the magazines, and when I came across a bottle at Walgreens, I decided to try it. Think of it as a new type of toner...without the stinging, tight, dry feeling you may remember from your teenage years. I thought I was doing a good job washing my face until I used this for the first time. I was shocked that AFTER washing my face it still took two cotton pads gently moistened with cleansing water before my face was truly clean! I was left with refreshed and dewy skin that absorbed my night cream much better than it had previously. My skin even looks fresher in the morning, without me doing anything to it. Seriously ladies, it only adds 15 seconds more to your beauty routine to use this...and the difference is nothing short of a miracle.

jergens natural glow lotionJergens Natural Glow + Firming Lotion

I feel like I don't really need to explain why I love this stuff so much. Let's just say that all the other moms and dads at the Cowkids' swim lessons really appreciate this product because, it keeps them from being blinded by my white pasty Wyoming winter skin! It moisturizes, shimmers, adds a bit of natural looking color over time, firms and it can be bought for under $10 at your local drugstore! What more could you want in a lotion? I also like that it doesn't have an underlying chemical smell and it soaks in quickly so I don't have to wait 15 minutes before I can get dressed (ain't nobody got time for that).

pureolofy colour fanaticPureology Colour Fanatic

This Spray is simply amazing. My hairstylist David gave it to me to try (you can purchase it at most local salons) and I can't tell you enough how much it has changed my life. OK, that sounds a bit crazy but, it did fix all my winter hair woes! I was struggling with greasy roots, dry ends, limp locks, and fragile hair that was still recovering from my last pregnancy and all the coloring I force on it. After using this for two weeks my hair was back to it's old self, if not better! Simply spray it on wet hair and comb it from your roots to your ends...that's it...you're done. Let your hair air dry for a frizz free light and airy look or, blow dry it and marvel at your smooth and sleek strands with just the right amount of volume. Pureology Colour Fanatic has 21 benefits including (but not limited to) working as a detangler, priming hair for styling, protecting hair and color from heat and the elements, and perfecting each strand. I only shampoo my hair twice a week and this product didn't add any buildup to my hair in between shampoos, my hair was fresh and flowing even when all I did was get it wet in the shower or use dry shampoo.

vintage body care facial serumNatural Beauty Facial Serum from Vintage Body Care

I first talked about this product in November and I told you I'd let you know how I liked it after a few months of use. I'm here to say that I still love it! I normally have a dry spot on my forehead that stays from December until March. I am pleased to say that it hasn't shown up at all this winter! If you're looking for something to pump up your winter skin routine I can’t recommend this enough.  Click this link to stop by their site and purchase some of their amazing Wyoming made, all natural products! P.S. I just have to brag that Eliza and Vintage Body Care have been invited to attend the Academy Awards Gifting Suite this year. They will be gifting all of their our awesome Vintage Body Care products to the celebrities as they walk off the red carpet! I can't wait to say "We knew them when..."

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		Contact form 1
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?post_type=wpcf7_contact_form&p=69
		Wed, 29 Jan 2014 17:07:11 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/wordpress/?post_type=wpcf7_contact_form&p=69
		
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		Contact Us
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?post_type=wpcf7_contact_form&p=629
		Fri, 07 Feb 2014 18:51:28 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?post_type=wpcf7_contact_form&p=629
		
		

    
	
    
		
    
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		Prophylactic Mastectomy: Let’s Get This Thing Started
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/prophylactic-mastectomy-lets-get-this-thing-started/
		Thu, 28 Jan 2016 03:14:56 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4968
		
		Prophylactic (or preventive) Mastectomy. You can get more details about what prompted my decision by clicking this link.

As part of my decision making process, I hit the internet to try and prepare myself for not only the procedure itself but, to gather information to help my family and I prepare for the physical and emotional upheaval this process (I can expect 3-5 surgeries) was sure to cause.

Frankly, I was a bit shocked at the lack of information out there.

I found a lot of posts about mastectomy’s in general. Which had a few helpful points but, the process of undergoing one because of cancer, or after radiation and chemo treatment, is drastically different than my choice. Nor would I even think to compare my journey to that of a woman that has been diagnosed with Cancer.

There was an article that pledged to "share it all" but instead all I found was a few pictures and a lot of talk about how her body image was suffering because of her surgery…which I respect (and am prepared for) but, it wasn’t helpful to me at all. Then there was another one where a young 20 something with no children talked about throwing a bye-bye boob party, taking boudoir pictures of her pre-surgery body, and then going on a 6 mile hike four weeks after surgery…there was a brief mention of how her husband had to help her the first week but that’s it. Nothing about the next two surgeries, not one mention about the drains hanging from her body, the effects of the pain killers, walking around without using her arms for weeks on end…nada…

lets get startedAfter days of finding pretty much nothing, I made the decision to share my story, the whole story. This is something I hadn’t been entirely sure about at first. I knew I was going to talk about my decision, and perhaps mention a few things here and there but, I didn’t want to change the whole focus of the blog…and don’t worry this won’t be renamed PrairieWifeInHeelsAndHerBoobs.com…but I feel that as part of our mission statement to offer support to other women I need to share more than “a few things here and there.”

Every few weeks or so I’ll be doing a Prophylactic Mastectomy post…sharing the things I wish I had known ahead of time (what is the difference between genetic counseling and genetic testing, there isn’t just one surgery, it costs how much?!), talking about how I will prepare for the surgery, and sharing the real details about my recovery.

So, I’m asking you my readers, to take the time to let me know in the comments what you want to hear. Ask any question you want, be nosey, and help me to help other women learn more about this process!

I look forward to going through this journey together, let’s get this thing started!

Copyright: vlue / 123RF Stock Photo]]>
		
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		Humor and Writing as Featured on saraheboucher.com
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/humor-and-writing-as-featured-on-saraheboucher-com/
		Fri, 29 Jan 2016 13:00:35 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4972
		
		"When most people think of the Wyoming Prairie they imagine deep blue sky as far as the eye can see, wide open grasslands, and fragrant sage brush gently rocking in the wind. Cowboys herding cows, galloping horses, and women in long skirts. Perhaps they even imagine a few children cheerfully tagging along waving sticks and singing…From a distance my “homestead” does look like this but, the closer you get the more the idyllic scene above is proven wrong."

Read the rest of my reflection on Humor and Writing by following this link to SarahEBoucher.com!

PS While there check out Sarah Elizabeth Boucher's amazing twist on a familiar fairy tale, her book Becoming Beauty :)]]>
		
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		Nancy Stroh: Wyoming Artist and Jewelry Designer #giveaway
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/nancy-stroh-wyoming-artist-and-jewelry-designer-giveaway/
		Mon, 01 Feb 2016 13:00:08 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=4980
		
		Here at PrairieWifeInHeels.com we are all about accessories...after all it's an easy way to accent any outfit and show your personality and individuality! The right necklace can elevate a simple gray shirt and jeans from casual, to date night ready. A pair of earrings given as a gift can help show a friend or family member how much you care and become a treasured possession.

Nancy Stohl silver leaf earringsI was first introduced to Nancy Stroh's jewelry by my neighbor, close friend, and past Prairie Wife of the Week Artist Ginny Butcher. She described Nancy's work as "Full of life, like a painting done with loose and bold brushstrokes. Impressionistic, if that's possible with jewelry. Expressive too."

nancy stohl leather wrap braceletI stopped by Nancy's Facebook page (J Designs) and was immediate captivated by the streamlined designs that are both simple and intricate at the same time. They are truly works of art, and I found myself taking the time to really study her jewelry, finding something new the more I looked. I can see the influence of Wyoming in this local (she lives in Sheridan, Wyoming) artists work, and I appreciate her jewelry all the more because of the subtle western touches. Her leather bracelets are my personal favorite (hint hint Cowboy) and I see in them the perfect mixture of rocker and cowgirl that I love.

nancy watchWhen asked to describe her work Nancy said, "My art is an eclectic mix of the old world and the new. I create my jewelry by using mixed metals and found objects. I incorporate high quality semi-precious stones, genuine USA turquoise, African trade beads, freshwater pearls, 14 and 18k Gold and vintage treasures such as Mexican silver. I use Sterling silver, fine silver, solid copper or brass in my designs. I follow my artist instincts and use the materials that call out to me to create one of a kind pieces of Wearable Art. I think that my jewelry is for the woman who is not afraid to show her individuality and creativity in all that she does."

To kick off our annual We Love Our Readers month of giveaways, Nancy has given one lucky reader the opportunity to win a pair of her custom earrings! These earrings are made of hammered 14k gold and hook in the back. They come with two sets of silver beads so you can mix and match to create your own unique look. All you have to do to enter is tell us what you love about Nancy's jewelry in the comments. You can earn more chances to win by following us on social media. Please be honest, we will be checking!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
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		Give the Gift of Cheese for Valentine's Day #WDACheeseFairy
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/give-the-gift-of-cheese-for-valentines-day-wdacheesefairy/
		Wed, 03 Feb 2016 13:00:31 +0000
		
		http://prairiewifeinheels.com/?p=5001
		
		Lately, I've formed a pretty close friendship with the Western Dairy Association Cheese Fairy. Not only did she drop off a box of cheese to us here on the Prairie (it was soooo good) but, recently our reader Michael nominated his wife Lynne. Take a look at how happy she is holding her box of Artisan Cheese (she said the Pepper Jack was her favorite)!

But, back to Valentine's Day.

Stop right now, and think of how happy your significant other (or good friend) would be to receive this box of delicious cheese on Valentine's Day! I bet they'd be so happy that they might even share some Artisan Cheese with you. I know The Cowboy would love some more of the Garlic and Chive Cheddar!

The #WDACheeseFairy is gearing up to make another delivery that will arrive just in time for Valentine's Day.

The Cheese FairyAll you need to do to nominate someone you love, is tell us in the comments why your loved one, family member, friend, neighbor, teacher...or anyone else you can think of...deserves to be surprised with this box of cheese. You have until February 10th to nominate them. We will email the winner that afternoon, and then the #WDACheeseFairy will zip on over to a lucky nominees house and leave them a box of delicious cheese to enjoy with someone they love!

I can't wait to read all you comments about why someone you love deserves a visit from the #WDACheeseFairy!

PS Those of you that are on social media please take a moment to follow PrairieWifeInHeels.com and the Western Dairy Association...and tell them the Cheese Fairy Sent you ;)

Rocking W CheeseWestern Dairy Association Facebook page

PrairieWifeInHeels.com Facebook page

Western Dairy Association on Twitter

Prairie Wife on Twitter

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