Pink

When I was probably about 9 years old, I wanted a pink show stick. For those of you who don't know what that is - it is what cattle people use to scratch their animal on their belly to keep them calm, cool, and collected.

We were at the Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes and a few of my friends and I REALLY wanted one. Unfortunately, our parents weren't buying it for us. So being the resourceful lady that I am, I took matters into my own hands. I set out to collect the money from friends in the barn to get the show sticks. Let's just say the mission was successful and I used my pink show stick for years after until dad insisted on painting it.

I have always remembered that story though.

This year at the Simmental Breeders Sweepstakes, I saw my little friend Mary Bradley from Mississippi crying in her mom's lap. When I asked what was wrong, she explained that she needed a pink bucket for her calf. Immediately, I was transferred back to that time when I was a little girl, and I needed that pink show stick.

I took Mary Bradley's hand and led her to the show supply trailer. Of course, if you are going to have a pink bucket, you also have to have the pink feed pan, and halter to go with it.

She didn't get away without paying me anything. She paid $.10 and had to promise to be my friend forever. The next day I helped her win her first blue ribbon in Rookie Showmanship. Just me, Mary Bradley, her calf, and a pink halter.

Thankful Thursday

Let them eat cheesecake!

Since I started by Thankful Thursday posts, they have been serious and thoughtful of some of the things I am grateful for. But , there are times when you just need to be thankful for something that makes you happy.

Enter....The Cheesecake Factory

One of my favorite things about being in Louisville is getting to dine at The Cheesecake Factory. After all the good food they have, I'm not really sure how anyone has room for cheesecake, but we all find a way. Ours is usually found to-go, and consumed later that evening.

My favorite is Chocolate Chip Cookie Dough. I ALWAYS say I am going to try a different one, but I never do.

So judge me if you want, but today I am thankful for cheesecake.

High Five for Friday

My friend Devan out at Super Messy Supermommy does the High Five for Friday and it inspired me to give it a whirl. I enjoy seeing what everyone is reflecting back on from their week. I already so a Thankful Thursday here on my blog, but I thought this would be a nice edition.

We spent Sunday at my grandparents house. Tucker loved riding the golf cart with Papaw as we checked out the garden and rode around the farm!

Stargazer Lillies are my absolute favorite flower. Back in March I bought some bulbs and planted them in our backyard. They were so beautiful until the storm blew them away!

It has rained several times this week! Thankful for the rain for the farmers and our garden! We got a pretty nasty storm on Thursday night!

The Hatmakers are going to Vegas! I am so excited that we booked our trip this week. We are going on a trip instead of buying Christmas gifts plus it is during the National Finals Rodeo!

The pups went to the spa this week! Now they are smelling wonderful and are all trimmed!

High Five for Friday! Hope you have a wonderful weekend!

Lucky winner, ever?

I can recall like one time I have won something through a drawing or giveaway. I try to win Kelly Moore Bags all the time, but never succeed.

I love the blog Pink Peonies. Crystal Cattle led me to her awhile back. She is having a great summer giveaway, and of course I entered. Crossing my fingers. We shall see!

Check it out!



Happy Friday!

Woof! It's Thankful Thursday

This one goes to the dogs.....

If you a regular reader of my blog or my facebook, you will know that our two dogs Gabby and Tuck have a VERY special place in my heart. If you are new - my dogs are my kids! And I love them for that. Plus they are just like everyone says your kids are suppose to be, polar opposites.

Gabby Mae is the quiet, well-behaved, fabulous princess of our house. She was easy to potty train and listens (most of the time). She will cuddle with you, and needs to be held during thunderstorms. She loves her Granny almost as much as she loves to eat. I cry when I have to leave her (don't judge me) and it fills my heart with love and joy when she is so excited to see us when we get home.

And then there is Tuck. He is loud, crazy, pees when excited, and still has a few accidents. But he loves to dig in the sand, give lots of kisses, and you can't help but look at him and smile. We call him our little Prince Harry. He adds the crazy chaos factor we were missing when it was just me, Drew, and Gabs.

I am so very thankful for Gabby and Tuck. I could't imagine our lives without them. Dogs have the keen ability to make you feel safe and nurtured, and feel your heart with joy with the wag of a tail.

Unknown fashion territory

Yes, I wear plus size! And I'm ok with it!

I am diving into a subject on this blog that I have never discussed on here. I love fashion and beauty products, but most of my life I have struggled with my weight. Most of the time I am confident in myself, but hey I'm a girl and I have my moments. I have always accepted that I will never be what the typical girl looks like, so instead I have decided to embrace myself. Yes, I am currently trying to do things more healthy and work in more exercise into my daily routine. BUT when it comes to style, I am never going to be buying from Express. It's just not gonna happen.

Picking out my wedding dress and on my wedding day was one of the only times I said forgot my weight, I am beautiful and I am going to be a beautiful bride for my man! (Amen!) :)

So from time to time I am going to post outfits that I have worn and be ok with the fact that my jeans are from Lane Bryant. I loved a column they used to have in Glamour magazine that focused on the latest trends and how "plus size" girls could work them into their wardrobe. If one lady reads my blog, likes my outfit, and feels good about herself, then I'm calling it accomplished. Us girls who those skinny models might snarl their nose at can lock some hot looks too!

Shirt: Gap Outlet
Jeans: Seven by Lane Bryant (favorite!)
Boots: Luchesse (cut out of picture)
Bracelet: Stella and Dot
Necklace: JCrew outlet

Mia, thank you for joining us!

For my face, that is.

Growing up I was lucky enough to have pretty good skin. I mean like normal teenagers, I had my struggles at times, but for the most part I was usually clear minus the redness; which is why I never wear blush. Most people ask me what my skin care regiment is, and I get fussed at for not always taking off my make-up before bed. I didn't really struggle too much with my skin, so I never thought much about it.

Back in March, we were in Destin for a work conference for Drew. He was working - I was at the spa. I made an appointment to have a facial. If you have never had a facial make an appointment now. When you go in they ask you lots of questions about your skin and how you take care of it. So, I am laying there spilling my guts about my skin. She loves it - my skin that is. Shew! Good! No scolding because I had slept in my make-up the night before!

We chit-chat about facial products and my battle with sensitivity and redness. Then she brings out her special weapon.

A Clarisonic. Of course, she has the mac daddy with different speeds and heads. She uses it to buffer my face with one of her fancy creams. I am in spa heaven. That evening, I tell Drew how wonderful it is and how good it would be for his skin too. :)

For our recent anniversary, I got a small box with a Mia in it, which is the smaller version of the one the lady at the spa had. I hadn't had a chance to get it out and use it because we had been gone, so this week I thought I would give it a whirl. Not only is it soothing, but it makes your skin feel amazing! You can use your own face wash right on it, and it is safe to take in the shower. Needless to say, we are both hooked.

I know they have been out for awhile now, but somehow I tend to be behind on the product reviews. Use one if you have the chance. Buy one if you save up the money. Your face will thank you!!

A Magic Moment

I will always be young and skinny now!

Back in March, we purchased a few spots in a custom CJ Brown Studios print that was being made for the AJSA Junior National. One of the spots we bought was a show heifer spot. I chose my favorite picture of me on the halter which just happened to be from the 2003 National Western Stock Show. I was exhibiting HTP SVF Honeydew who was named Reserve Grand Champion Female in the Junior Show. I sent that picture for two reasons - love the heifer and love the way I looked!

Head over to The OutGate to read their post "A Magic Moment" about the print which was unveiled on Thursday at the junior national. I think you can actually tell its me! It tells you who all is in the picture - besides me!

It was a great fundraiser for the junior national and a truly unique opportunity that I know that our family and others will get to treasure forever.

Thankful Thursday - AJSA

There is really is no place like home.


As we speak I am headed home from the American Junior Simmental Association (AJSA) Junior National in Lima, Ohio. For those readers who aren't cattle people, this is our large cattle show for youth ages 9-22. Junior members come from all over the United States to compete in educational contests and exhibit their Simmental cattle.

I have been attending these events since before I was old enough to show, but I competed for the first time in 1998 in Columbus, Ohio. I was so in awe of the older kids winning awards, making friends, and being a leader- I wanted to be just like them.

Until my aging out of the AJSA in 2010, I was able to travel to many different states, earn awards and scholarships, serve the junior association, and most importantly develop relationships with some of the best friends you could ask for. It was hard to break away from that in 2010.

This week I attended the event to market our business and see juniors exhibit cattle purchased through our sale. Most importantly though I was asked to serve as a judge for the public speaking and sales talk contests. Those were two of my favorite contests, so I was so thrilled to interact with the juniors. I don't like to think that I was judging them instead I was helping mentor them to continue to advance. During my time of competing- it was just that. We all wanted to win, but we knew at the end of the day when you looked to the left or right of you while standing at the picture backdrop, that person was your friend.

Everyone can argue who has the best junior program out there, and of course you are always going to fight for your own breed. It's like fighting for your family. I do believe that the AJSA has the best opportunity for youth to learn about cattle and express their knowledge. For me it was the best because it was home. Where my friends were, where my family was, and where I found my niche.

I am thankful daily for the 13 years I was a member of the AJSA. I hope that the juniors I interacted with this week will too see the importance and value in this organization.

Thankful Thursday

Time


Time is a funny thing. Sometimes we love it and sometimes we hate it. We wish for more of it or we wish for it to pass by faster. I am definitely banking on the wishing for more of it this week. To do exactly what I'm doing. Beach bumming, eating seafood, and relaxing.

For those of you who know our line of business, you know that the Spring and Fall seasons are extremely busy for us. Every weekend is a sale and every week is a sale catalog. So summer time is really the only time we get to relax.

This time I don't want to end. Stretch wayyyy out so that I don't have to go home on Saturday.

Happy, relaxing time truly had by all.

Even Tucker...

Under the sun

We are having a little downtime this week and enjoying the sun and surf. Oh and did I mention eating lots of shrimp!

Here a few photos to get you through your Tuesday!