Equifest of Kansas 2010

Equifest of Kansas

February 12-14, 2010
Wichita Kansas Coliseum

If you're in this region, you won't want to miss this annual event.

Exhilarating equine entertainment, a terrific trade show and first-class clinicians, will highlight EquiFest of Kansas 2010. This celebration of horses, now in its thirteenth year, will run February 12 through 14, at the Wichita Kansas Coliseum.

Daily presentations by world-class clinicians and trainers will feature Ken McNabb presenting Discovering the Horseman Within; Kay Meredith schooling riders in Dressage; Al Dunning teaching Reining and Cutting; Linda Allen conducting Hunt Seat & Jumping clinics; Scot Hansen with Trail Riding and Horse Training tips; and TV and Radio host and author Rick Lamb providing a series of horsemanship lectures.

For the first time, EquiFest of Kansas will present two exciting new events: the Ultimate Horsemens Challenge, presented by Boulevard Beer, on Friday evening, and a Ranch Rodeo presented by Hunn Leather Products, held Saturday evening at EquiFest. Spectators can root for their favorite competitors in these fast paced, high action events that will test the training, skills and athletic abilities of horses and riders.

“We’re anticipating a super 2010 EquiFest of Kansas” said Pattie Stalder, Administrator for the Kansas Horse Council. “We have a wide range of equine entertainment, education and excitement lined up, providing the perfect Valentine’s Day weekend for everyone who loves horses!”

The horse festival is loaded with a wide variety of activities for horse lovers, including daily demonstrations, lectures, workshops, a fashion show for equine enthusiasts, the Stallion Review, Breed Demonstrations, equine entertainment and a Judging Contest. And the Easy Rider Drill Team from Missouri, will feature precision rides by the award-winning youth drill team. Riders from the therapeutic riding group Horse of Hope will give daily demonstrations that are sure to warm spectators’ hearts. Special events for youth include the Kid’s Corral, providing fun activities for families with young children, and for the first time, EquiFest will offer a special event for Girl Scouts. Scouts will have an opportunity to earn their Junior Horse Fan Badge, through a series of demonstrations, lectures and special activities, held Saturday morning at EquiFest. Pre-registration is required to complete the Girl Scout badge.

Horse enthusiasts can take in the giant equine trade show at EquiFest, with commercial shopping booths selling tack, horse trailers, feed, gifts, home décor items, clothing, equipment, plus much more!

For more details about clinics or activities, please visit the Equifest Web site.

Let's Talk Super Bowl

Super Bowl XL IV

Colts vs Saints

I was never much of a football fan--that is, until one of my book characters decided he HAD to be a professional quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers! After that, I had no choice but to learn all I could about the game--and by doing that, I learned to enjoy it!

So what about you? Did you watch the Super Bowl game last night? Did your team win? Was there a great play by your team? Did you enjoy The Who halftime show? Or what about the commercials? Did you have a favorite? I always enjoy the E-Trade commercials, but I have to admit that I liked the "Book Club" commercial toward the end of the game. Too funny!

Did my team win? Nope. But there's always next year!

Breakfast Hot Pockets

This is a great recipe for a quick breakfast. I freeze mine, then when the girls want one, they pop it in the microwave, and it's ready in about 3 minutes.

2 packages (1/4 oz each) active dry yeast
1/2 cup warm water (110-115 degrees)
3/4 cup warm evaporated milk (110-115 degrees)
1/2 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup sugar
1 egg
1 teaspoon salt
3-4 cups all-purpose flour

FILLING:

1 pound pork sausage
1/2 cup chopped onion
2 1/2 cups frozen hash browns, thawed
7 eggs, lightly beaten
3 tablespoons milk
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon pepper
1/2 teaspoon garlic salt
pinch cayenne pepper
3 cups (12 oz) shredded cheddar cheese

In mixing bowl, dissolve yeast in water. Add evaporated milk, oil, sugar, egg, salt & 2 cups flour; beat until smooth. Add enough remaining flour to form a soft dough (do not knead). Cover and let rise in a warm place until doubled, about 1 hour. Meanwhile, in a skillet, cook the sausage and onion over medium heat until sausage is no longer pink; drain. Add hashbrowns, eggs, milk and seasonings. Cook and stir until the eggs are completely set. Sprinkle with cheese; keep warm. Punch dough down; divide into 14 pieces. On a floured surface, roll out dough into 7-in. circles. Top each with about 1/3 cup filling; fold dough over filling and pinch the edges to seal. Place on greased baking sheets. Bake at 350 degrees for 15-20 minutes or until golden brown. Makes 14 servings.

Book Drawing - Never Say Never

Never Say Never by Lisa Wingate

Kai Miller floats through life like driftwood tossed by waves. She's never put down roots in any one place--and she doesn't plan to. But when a chaotic hurricane evacuation lands her in Daily, Texas, she begins to think twice about her wayfaring existence.

And when she meets hometown-boy Kemp Eldridge, she can almost picture settling down in Daily--until she discovers he may be promised to someone else. Daily has always been a place of refuge for those the winds blows in, but for Kai, it looks like it will be just another place to leave behind. Then again, Daily always has a few surprises in store--especially when Aunt Donetta has cooked up a scheme. If you would like to read the first chapter of Never Say Never, go HERE

This is an entertaining book to read. If you would like to enter your chance to win Never Say Never, please leave a comment below. A winner will be chosen on Sunday, February 7. Happy reading!

Congratulations to Emma Michaels on winning this week's book drawing!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to U.S. residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants.

Valentine's Day Book Drawing

February is here! I love this month, and I love Valentine's Day Celebrations--cards, chocolate, flowers, special gifts and dinners --oh my!

In celebration of this special holiday (which is also the day my dear hubby & I will celebrate our 20th anniversary), I wanted to offer a special book drawing for my blog readers. Do you have a special Valentine's Day memory? Please leave a comment below to enter your chance to win the three books shown below. A winner will be drawn on Sunday, February 14.

Void where prohibited. Open only to U.S. residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants.

Sausage & Bean Soup

Here's an easy soup recipe to serve on cold winter nights:

1 pound ground sausage
1/2 cup minced onion
2 stalks celery, diced
2 carrots, diced
salt & pepper
2 teaspoons thyme
1 quart chicken boullion
1 teaspoon parsley
3 cans navy beans

In medium saucepan, brown sausage. Add next seven ingredients and bring to a boil. Add two cans of navy beans. Pouree the third can and add to soup. Cook till vegetables are tender. Serve with cornbread.

Her Mother's Hope

Her Mother's Hope by Francine Rivers



The first in an epic two-book saga by beloved author Francine Rivers, this sweeping story explores the complicated relationships between mothers and daughters over several generations. Near the turn of the 20th century, fiery Marta leaves Switzerland determined to find life on her own terms. Her journey takes her through Europe and finally lands her with children and husband in tow in the central valley of California. Martas experiences convince her that only the strong survive. Hildie, Martas oldest daughter, has a heart to serve others, and her calling as a nurse gives her independence, if not the respect of her mother. Amid the drama of WWII, Hildie marries and begins a family of her own. She wants her daughter never to doubt her love—but the challenges of life conspire against her vow. Each woman is forced to confront her faulty but well-meaning desire to help her daughter find her God-given place in the world.


I'm really looking forward to reading this new series by Francine Rivers and wanted to share the information with you. Her Mother's Hope releases March 2010. Learn more about Francine and her books here.

Called to Write Conference 2010

For any writers out there, I wanted to let you know about an upcoming conference sponsored by my local Christian Writers Fellowship.

Called to Write Conference

April 9-10, 2010

Pittsburg, KS

Featuring, Cecil Murphey, author of over 100 books and best selling author of 90 Minutes in Heaven, Committed by Flawed, and Touchdown Alexander.

Cecil has written dozens of books on a variety of topics with an emphasis on Spiritual Growth, Christian Living, and Care Giving. He shares his personal experiences as he strives to be closer to God and seeks God's will for his life.

This two-day event sponsors a writing contest for nonfiction, fiction, devotionals, and poetry, paid critiques, and read-around groups where attendees read their work for general comments. A book table is also available where attendees can purchase writing how-to books as well as speaker and CWF member books.

For more information about the conference, please visit our conference blog. Registration is open now.

Homemade Granola

This makes a delicious breakfast with milk, or use it on top your favorite yogurt.

6 cups oats
1/2 cup brown sugar
3/4 cup wheat germ
1/2 cup coconut
1/2 cup sunflower seeds
1 cup peanuts or slivered almonds
1/2 cup dry milk
2/3 cup honey
2/3 cup vegetable oil
2 tablespoons water
1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

In large bowl, mix oats, sugar, wheat germ, coconut, nuts, and milk. In small bowl, combine honey, oil, water and vanilla and mix. Pour over oat mixture. Bake on 2 shallow greased pans at 300 degrees for 25-35 minutes, stirring twice. Store in covered container.

Book Drawing - A Lady Like Sarah

A Lady Like Sarah by Margaret Brownley

Sarah Prescott has never known a respectable life; just a hardscrabble childhood and brothers who taught her to shoot straight.

Justin Wells left Boston in disgrace, heading out alone on the dusty trail to Texas. But when the once-respected clergyman encounters a feisty redhead in handcuffs with a dying US Marshall at her side, their journey takes a dramatic turn.

His high society expectations and Sarah's outlaw habits clash from the start. With a price on her head and a sweet orphan in tow, Justin and Sarah make the difficult journey toward Rocky Creek. There justice will be meted out hopefully with a portion of grace. If you would like to read the first chapter of A Lady Like Sarah, go HERE

Watch the Book Trailer:

Please leave a comment below to enter a chance to win A Lady Like Sarah. A winner will be drawn on Sunday, January 24.

Congratulations to: Jackie War, this week's book drawing winner!

*Void where prohibited. Open only to U.S. residents. Odds of winning depend on number of entrants.

The Pioneer Woman

If you've never visited the Pioneer Woman's blog, I highly recommend that you take time and do so now. Ree Drummond has amazing talent and humor, and her web site is one of my favorites. She offers great pictures, delicious recipes, fun posts about their ranch in Oklahoma, and lots of other stuff. She also has a new cookbook that came out this past fall -- The Pioneer Woman Cooks.

Our family LOVES her pancake recipe. I've looked for a recipe that rivals those you eat at restaurants and this is by far and away the best I've tasted. It is delicious!

Check out Ree's pancake recipe here. Enjoy!

Spiced Apple Muffins

2 cups flour
1/3 cup sugar
2 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
1 egg, beaten
2/3 cup milk
1/2 cup applesauce
1/4 cup oil

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. In medium mixing bowl, combine flour, sugar, baking powder, salt and cinnamon. Add beaten egg, milk and applesauce. Stir just till moistened. Fill greased muffin tins 2/3 full. Bake for 20-25 minutes until golden brown.

Mix the following ingredients together and dip muffin tops into them: 1/3 cup melted butter, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 teaspoon cinnamon. Makes 12 muffins.