Ideal Wedding Seating
If you’re looking for fresh ideas for your mountain wedding, you’ve come to the right place. At Pine Country Feed we are loaded with great mountain wedding ideas. If you’re getting married in the mountains – you’ve made a great choice. The Colorado Rockies are known for tying knots that last. The best reason for getting married in the mountains during the warm weather is that it is warm, not hot. You can seat your guests outdoors under the rustling Aspen, or in an open field and not worry about them fainting dead away in the heat, but the sun can be piercing. At issue is the seating itself. You’re outside, absorbing the better part of nature, and somehow plastic chairs don’t seem suitable. New hay bales, firmly packed, covered in white linen with nosegays tied on the corners make a wonderful seating presentation. Add white umbrellas spiked into each bale you won’t have to worry about Aunt Fran getting sunburned. Set the bales around the edges of a portable wood platform and you can dance the night away under the stars. After the wedding you can donate the bales to a local horse rescue. Romance and recycling in one fell swoop.
By Any Other Color
An old Cream of Wheat box, circa 1919 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
We spend a lot of time in the kitchen – cooking, eating, doing dishes, drinking coffee, eating again – and it needs to be a place we feel called to, a room that tells us we are home. Sometimes we get so busy thinking of the kitchen as a “utility” room that we forget to make it work aesthetically. On the flip side, a kitchen that suffers from décor overload can make us feel disorganized and stressed. The kitchen does have to support the work that goes on there, but it should also be pleasing to the eye. Martha Stewart who simply refuses to work in a kitchen that is anything less than beautiful , suggests an investment in small appliances, bake ware and utensils that are not only functional, but that are pleasing to the eye. A mixer can beat the egg whites into a meringue just as well when it is lime green as opposed to something the color of Cream of Wheat. Have some fun, add some color, or go the other way and take every drop of color out. A totally white, or a silver and black palette can be stunning. Your kitchen works hard and it is screaming for drama, something that says to the world, “the food cooked in this room may change your life”. Make your kitchen a place you want to be after dinner is done and the dishwasher is running. And while you’re there, put your feet up. You work hard too.
Chick Days
CHICK DAYS ARE HERE! Starting today and going through the weekend you can fill your coop with some of the fluffy stuff, and the amazing thing is – they all grow into egg laying hens! Choose from Araucaunas, California Whites, Buff Orphingtons, Rhode Island Reds & Plymouth Barred Rock, and we’ll even have a few ducks. This is a favorite time of year at Pine Country Feed, so stop in for the party!
Common Ground
From the very beginning it was you and her, no cell phones or staff meetings. You and the one who understood that your soul was a priceless thing that deserved a moment of rest, a bit of understanding and a good amount of listening. When all the others didn’t get it, walked away, shook their heads the two of you stood by, undaunted, knowing that your answers would not be found on the bottom line, or even in the policy report but on the solitary journey, through the field, over the ridge to your point of perspective, where reality waits. The place you go together to remember what actually matters, and why you bother with all of this in the first place. She always knows right where to go, exactly what you need to find that place inside that assures you that you know what you’re doing, that you knew all along. She takes you to the place where you can believe again.
She’s Got Legs
Girls! Girls! Girls! The Pine Country Feed Cowgirl Boutique has the latest in leg wear – graphic tights and stockings, with socks that match or not so much. It is the newest rage in fashion chic and perfect worn with a skirt, or shorts and chunky boots. Pair the look with a belted sweater and you are on the fashion forward track to comfortable, “can’t get enough”, style. There are piles of colors and patterns to choose from and they are made to be mixed to suit your mood. They provide a great break from the usual winter garb, and what a fun way to show off those fabulous legs of yours without getting frost bite. Pass this along to your Valentine and let him know that we are giving free, yes FREE, gift wrap on Valentine’s purchases, and we promise, while he’s here we’ll make sure he sees our stunning jewelry, watches and handbags, also gift wrappable and perfect for the girl of his dreams.
V-Day
If you haven’t thought about it, it’s time you did. Valentine’s Day is February 14th, like it is every year, and that means it is coming quickly. Since it is indeed the same date every year, there are no real excuses for forgetting. People who forget anniversaries or birthdays are thoughtless, but the ones who forget Valentine’s Day have no excuses. They are mean. The great thing about this holiday is that it doesn’t revolve around how much you spend but rather around the fact that you thought of another person, be it your grandmother, your best friend, the guy who runs the toll booth, or your sweetheart. Treat your loved one to your creative genius by giving a handmade card with glitter and ribbons. Bake heart shaped cookies and frost them with pale pink icing – put them in a basket with a half pound of your favorite coffee blend. Give your spouse one heart shaped item for every year you have been married and it doesn’t have to be expensive – soaps, candles, notepads, earrings – can all be found in heart shapes, and placed in a tissue lined heart shaped box, they will be a treasure. Try to remember that there is nothing worse than not being thought of on the day Americans set aside for love, so remember them all. The best Valentine you will ever receive is the one you give yourself when you show that you care.
Presidentially Speaking
Some of the most sensible beings ever to grace the White House grounds are the horses of the Presidents. When the country was just beginning, horses were the best means of transportation, and many of our presidents have been land owners, country folk, who loved a daily ride for the exercise and the chance to clear their heads. George Washington started the tradition by bringing his horses to his presidency, always white horses and always six. He kept them in gleaming condition and was even known to brush their teeth. Thomas Jefferson was said to love to ride, but he never mounted a horse before wiping its back with his handkerchief to remove any unwanted dirt. All of the presidents who rode during their time at the white house paid for their own horses and their feed, and purchased their own riding accompaniments. Ronald Reagan may have been the greatest lover of horses in modern times. He was partial to Arabians and he and wife Nancy rode at their California ranch whenever they broke away for a vacation. There is something about a leader who understands the value of a horse. Winston Churchill once said, “There is something about the outside of a horse that is good for the inside of a man.” He was a smart man.
Who’s Hungry?
Shepherd’s Pie is a traditional dish from the British Isles, loved for its deep meaty flavor and hearty textures. It is easy to make and something tasty enough to serve to guests.
Brown 3 pounds of steak (your favorite cut), thinly sliced into bite sizes, one large chopped onion and two cloves of minced garlic in enough olive oil to cover the bottom of the skillet, sprinkle lightly with salt and pepper. When the onions are tender and the meat browned on all sides add one quarter cup Worcestershire sauce, 2 cups of Swanson’s Beef Broth (it is less salty than other brands) one bottle of your favorite dark ale, and three to four carrots sliced. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer. After twenty minutes add one bag of petit frozen peas and continue to simmer.
While the beef mixture simmers, cut six large peeled red or gold potatoes into bite sized pieces and place in a pan of salted water on high heat. When the potatoes boil turn down, but let the water continue to boil for fifteen minutes, or until the potatoes are fork tender. Drain the potatoes thoroughly in a colander so that they are dry. Return to pan, add six tablespoons of sliced butter, garlic salt and coarse ground pepper to taste, two teaspoons of ground sage and one third cup heated half and half. Mash potatoes until creamy and spices are incorporated.
When the beef has simmered for one half hour and the liquid has reduced by about a third, transfer to oblong glass pan. Sprinkle mixture with two tablespoons of flour, spread mashed potatoes over the top and sprinkle with one half cup of shredded cheddar cheese. Bake pie in a 350 degree oven for fifteen minutes, or until cheese is melted and bubbly.
Serve immediately from oven with a green salad or sliced tomatoes. When you receive rave reviews, be humble and say it was just something you threw together.
War Horse
The recently released film, War Horse, directed by Steven Spielberg and adapted from a children’s novel written in 1982 by Michael Morpurgo, tells the story of a horse loved and raised by a boy in England prior to and during World War I. There is always a fear in animal movies that the film will endear a creature to the audience then snatch it away in a poignant ending scene. There is a tendency in film makers and some writers to believe that children need to face the harshness of life by dealing with the death of a pet. This hopelessly shortsighted philosophy has ruined many a novel or movie over the years for those of us whose hearts are shredded most easily by the suffering of an animal. It is our pleasure however, to inform the hesitant movie going public, that though the story of the War Horse named Joey, does take the gallant creature through seemingly endless difficulties, facing the full onslaught of a devastating war, the audience is rewarded with a victorious ending, which makes it worth the price of admission. There is nothing more gratifying than beating the odds, and Joey’s story lets us beat them soundly.
Come the White Horse
Say the word thunder and an image of skies flashing and clouds crashing come to mind, but around here, in Bronco Country, say the word Thunder and an eleven year old white Arabian, and the mascot for the Denver Broncos comes into view. It is only natural that Denver would name their team the Broncos, which refers to “bronco busting,” which is when a cowboy deliberately seats himself on the back of horse that does not in any way want him there. The goal is to stay on the horse for eight seconds, not a long time, unless you’re being tossed in the air by a twelve hundred pound animal that is literally frantic to land you in the next county. This image works both for Colorado and the Broncos because we are all about taking chances, thundering hooves, muscled chests and flaring nostrils, and when we think of Thunder we think of the white, sleek Arabian that races out of the portal on a Sunday afternoon to the roaring crowds of Sports Authority Field. Thunder represents that undying belief that lives in the heart of every Bronco fan, that regardless of last week’s outcome, we are winners and we will again be on top, because that is what we do in Colorado. We change the plan, get creative, believe like a bunch of kids, plant both feet firmly on the ground, work it like we mean it, knowing that tomorrow is another day and we’ll be there, ready to win, and happy to shout about it. Saddle up, Thunder, we are ready to ride!
All the Way Down
Just a word about jeans – long. They are meant to be long, stretching the full length of the leg, skimming the top of a boot and staying put when seated in a chair. They don’t need tugging to get into place, they are made for long legs, or for short legs that long for length, and they are tailored to the cowgirl swagger. Pine Country Feed carries only one kind of jean, several styles and an array of brands but every one sports a pair of legs that will dress your two legs without a flash of so much as an ankle, because, let’s face it. If they aren’t long enough they aren’t anything.
Love Your Cowgirl
Be brave this Valentine’s Day and refuse to get your sweetheart the typical box of chocolates and bouquet of roses. Those are fun, and traditional, but what your cowgirl darling really wants is a glitzy set of spurs, or a turquoise and onyx encrusted bracelet watch, or a cowboy hat that she can wear to her dressiest occasion, or a jean jacket to throw over her great spring dresses. If you’ve fallen into a rut of flowers delivered to her office, send the flowers, because we all want our co-workers to know that we are deeply loved, but have a kickin’ pair of boots waiting for her when she gets home. Valentine’s Day is all about telling the one you love that you know her, you understand what makes her tick, and better than that, you understand what brings her joy. Your cowgirl is an amazing woman. Show her that you realize it by making her Valentine’s Day the greatest day all year.
The Real Runway Week
So the National Western Stock Show is in Denver as it is every year at this time and though they would like us to think it is all about the livestock and the roping and wrangling competition, we know it is actually about the fashion. You will never see so much true country beauty in one place and it all looks glorious. There is a chic that only a real cowgirl can wear, because regardless of how many barrels she has rounded or how many torsos she has curried she still looks great – fresh and a little wild. The right jeans are imperative because they must be the perfect combination of fit and fashion, no drooping allowed, with a belt that really grabs the western spirit to top it off and a shirt or jacket with fringe and some boots that will equip the wearer to stomp the life out of badger are in order. The real key to the outfit however is the hat. The cowboy hat, worn by a true cowgirl is a thing of beauty, perfectly shaped and full of sass. Pine Country Feed has something for every taste, offering only the highest quality of head wear, and a lot of must haves. Stop in before your trip to the Stock Show and round up the best western fashion in these hills!
Stare
He thought perhaps he had seen her before, but he couldn’t be sure and now, he couldn’t look away. She moved with the confidence of a cat, unaware that anyone was watching, intent on reaching her goal. Her jeans were like part of her skin and her ropers had been long time favorites. There was something about the look in her eyes that said she had worked hard to get where she was and she had no intention of losing ground, but at the same time she could laugh harder at herself than most. Sureness was part of the picture, but it was framed in a mild discontent that drove her to know more, understand better. She lifted her saddle into the back of her 1950 Chevy pick-up then climbed up into the cab. When she backed away from the front of the barn his eye caught hers when she looked over her shoulder and shifted gears. As she pulled towards the gate she stopped in front of him and put her window down. He looked up, ready to get his head bit off, then she smiled. “I’m going down to Cactus Jack’s for a beer if you feel like some conversation.” She put up her window and turned out onto the road and he was pretty sure she was giggling and he had to laugh himself as he got in his truck and headed for Jack’s.
Resolve to Be You
You’re due for an update, so get over to Pine Country Feed and get your cowgirl on for the New Year. You will walk into Pine Country a woman of great intelligence but lacking in the stylish grace you have become known for, and you will emerge your effervescent self, ready to change the world, or at least rise above it. Go for the cowboy boots, cowboy hat and some better than average jeans, then wrap it up with a “notice me” belt and a ruffled blouse that screams western chic. Have a good look in the mirror and you may decide you need to top everything off with a black denim duster – the kind you wear to walk down the middle of Main Street when there is someone you need to run out of town. Or, you can just wear it to coffee on a cold day when you feel like turning heads. Fulfill your first and most important New Year’s resolution by becoming a woman with which to be reckoned, tough, tender, and tenacious!
Love a Parade
The Tournament of Roses Parade, a New Year’s Day spectacular, did not disappoint this year with its bigger than life floats, the best marching bands from across the country and a full round-up of horses and horse people, doing the west proud in a big way. The parade, since its inception over 100 years ago, has always been focused on just those three areas – horses, bands and floats, and every year the bar seems to be pushed just a bit higher with better bands, astounding floats and horses that look like they are ready for the Red Carpet. The horses that are chosen to appear in the parade prance along as though they were made for the show. They are beautifully groomed with intricate braids and bejeweled harness, saddles that could double as artwork, and riders that are decked out in gala attire, and strangely, the horses seem to know that this is their moment. They walk in formation, tipping their heads to the crowd, not hurrying but soaking in the applause and the glory. Of course there is always one or two who decide that they are not getting the attention they should so they suddenly fall out of line and face backwards, circling with their nervous rider, showing that they really are in charge despite appearances. Much like any celebrity, they clearly have to act out from time to time. Stardom has its price.
Resolution
So if you’re making a list of “possibles” for your New Year’s Resolutions consider narrowing it down to just one. Resolve to “get your cowgirl on” in 2012, which encompasses a lot of things. It starts with liking yourself for who you are and continues by confidently doing what you know is right regardless of what others think, realizing that actual thinking is a rare gift. It is loving your horse for more than just the ride, and letting your husband know that you are proud of him. It is being kind to someone who is often overlooked, taking time out of your day to call home, saying thank you and leaving a great tip for the waiter who is on his second day on the job. Wearing your cowgirl with pride is knowing that jeans and boots are entirely appropriate for church and preferring a Ford pick-up to a Lexus is admirable. Resolve to live 2012 with the heart of a cowgirl, strong, joyful and brilliant.
Do it Right
The right pair of jeans is similar in importance to the right hair cut. They have to fit properly, and comfort is a must, and it is best if they have that little something extra that says “now that’s a pair of jeans”. Pine Country Feed gets the whole “jeans are my life” way of thinking and they carry a fabulous selection of just right, soft as butter denim duds that will put you on the cover of “got it goin’ on” magazine. There are only a few things in life that can actually turn your attitude around in an instant but slipping into that perfect fit, with just the right amount of flair is one of them. Pair your jeans with a perfectly feminine, astoundingly stylish cowgirl designer top and you will be ready to bring in the herd or go out on the town, or both. Get out to Pine Country and see if you don’t fall in love, over and over again.
Pine Country Christmas Joy
It is Christmas at Pine Country Feed and that means we are wrapped in the spirit of the holiday. Our shelves are stocked with the things you won’t find elsewhere to give to that person who has stolen your heart. Being in love at Christmas just triples the joy of the season and you can make the happiness last with a cowboy hat or duster or both for your favorite buckaroo. There a belts and hats and jackets and scarves and “to die for” jewelry for your cowgirl sweetheart, and don’t leave without checking out the saddles. Stop in and browse and remember why you love this time of year at Pine Country Feed, where it’s a little more festive and a lot warmer than the mall. Pine Country Feed hopes your days leading up to Christmas are filled with delight and a reminder of how much we all have to be thankful for.
After the Gauchos
It’s long been understood that the best cowgirl on television was Barbara Stanwyck as Victoria Barkley in The Big Valley. She was tough and wiry and could ride a horse and rope a calf with any man and still manage to keep her hair in place and her ranch hands, as well as her grown children in line. Amazingly, she managed to do it all in those hybrid skirt pants called gauchos which showed off her eighteen inch waist but allowed her to avoid the side-saddle thing. Today, thankfully, cowgirls wear jeans. The “bring in the herd, run the corporation, have dinner in the city” jeans that today’s women require, and even more thankfully, Pine Country Feed has that figured out. The jeans they carry are made for women who live real lives and want to look great doing it. Choose from Ranch Royalty, Cowgirl Tuff and True Grit to name a few – companies famous for jeans that work because they’re working jeans -whether your work is running a ranch or running the world. And coming soon, you’ll be able to order from the Pine Country boutique at Circle H Ranch, on-line, 2am, in your jamas. It’s a wonderful world!
Pine Country Pleasure
When the days are as cold as they have suddenly turned the idea of running from store to store, getting in and out of your car, walking the 5.3 miles around the average mall, standing in lines at the big stores, can be daunting, painstaking, heart wrenching. The wonder of it all is that it doesn’t have to be that way. At Pine Country Feed you can find gifts, small and large, and in every price range. Pine Country has everything from spurs to sparkly jewelry and you can shop in the elegance and peace of a quiet country store where they’re happy you came in. You’ll love the selection of jeans that actually fit and boots that will allow you to really kick up your heels. And while you’re there pick up a set of “red neck wine goblets” for someone you’re especially fond of. At Pine Country Feed we love animals, horses and dogs, cats, hamsters, sheep and chickens and we love people, and at Christmas we love pulling them all together so you can not only enjoy giving the gifts, you can enjoy shopping for them.
Cowgirl Heart
There’s a reason I’m a cowgirl, actually a few reasons. It’s about the horses which sometimes are more human than people, and about that relationship of trust with an animal that speaks to your soul. There’s an independence in riding and thinking and being part of the sky and the trail and knowing that you belong where it’s just a little bit wild. I like the feel of jeans that are saddle worn and boots that can haul during the day and dance after dark, and I like being part of a great sorority of women who have stood for family and hard work and knowing when to let their hair down. It does my heart good to know that I live in a country that was settled by people with spirit, men and women who valued the cost of freedom and who believed in making their own way. Cowgirls are so much more than the blingy belts and the sassy hats and the jeans that are made for curves, but all those things say that we are who we are and we’re proud of it. Give me my horse and my home, and a man who can keep up with my dreams, and I’ve pretty much got heaven on earth.
