What’s Inside?
• Cup of Tea with Lydia - Page 4
• The Sweetness of Life - Page 5
• Become Inspired - Page 6
• Cowgirl Poet - Page 6
• The History of Chocolate - Page10
• Love Notes: Corny Ideas - Page 11
• Love Letters Found in History - Page 11
• DIY Valentine’s Day Gifts for Adults - Page 12
• Love Birds, Literally - Page 12
• Kids Corner - Page 13
• Random Acts - Page 14
• Spot the Difference - Page 16
• Mystery Quilt - Page 20
• 15 Quilters Commandments - Page 20
• Robin’s Nest DIY - Page 21
Editor’s Notes
Spreading Love All Year Through
My name is Kelsey Ruzicka. I am the new publisher for The Country Register Kansas! I am very pleased to meet and work with you all. I am so excited to serve the Kansas area.
I come to you with over 5 years of experience in the Country Register family. I have had another publication, the Northern Rockies Great Plains (ND, SD, MT, WY) issue of The Country Register since 2018. I have been in the publishing world for over 15 years. I worked in corporate communications land for 10 years before entering out on my own and purchasing a marketing company (Moxie Marketing of the Midwest) and The Country Register publication in 2018. So, I come to you with lots of marketing MOXIE and a zest and admiration for ink and print. Also, with lots of innovation and a true crafter’s heart. I grew up in the Panhandle of Nebraska, and made my way north to the Black Hills of South Dakota for school. Then, I stayed and built my family and business in the beautiful Black Hills. So, I am deeply rooted in our Midwest way of life. I spent time visiting family in Kansas as a youngster as well. I remember the drive and thinking Kansas reminding me of fields of gold. Gold fields of soft threads is always where my imagination shifted.
As we enter this new year, I have lots to be grateful for. And, one of those is you all. This is the time of year we often spend time reflecting on the year before and looking at the year to come. We set goals typically for mental and physical healthy habits and steps toward success in our endeavors. We spend most of the first part of the year tackling this task of self improvement, cleaning out that stubborn closet, finishing quilt projects set on the shelf far too long, and finding a new physical activity routine. But, one thing I think often is missed from our list is love. Love is the basis for a lot of these goals. Showing love to our bodies, showing love to our hobbies, or showing love to our home.
This issue we not only honor the beginning of a new chapter and year, but we celebrate love. Often, when we think of Valentine’s Day we think of our special someone - our spouse or partners. We, then, think of our friends and family and showing them some love with a yummy chocolate or rose. That is all very lovely, but the true meaning of the holiday is to spread love no matter the type. It is a reminder, like most holidays, to not just celebrate on February 14, but to hold love to a higher standard all year through. So, this year I challenge you to add love to your New Year’s resolutions and goals.
Spread love wherever you are. And with love comes grace. Grace with yourself and grace with others. Allow for kindness to prevail. Show kindness in the supermarket by carrying bags to someone’s car, or simply smiling at the fellow patrons while you shop. Show grace by taking a deep breath and not getting flustered when a checker is struggling or someone cuts you off in the isle. Spread love at the restaurant by giving a great tip to a friendly waitress, and showing grace by remaining polite and caring when he or she is fumbling. Spread love in a nice review or referral to a friend for a local business/service. Showing grace and patience when services or products are delayed. Grace with yourself is just as important. Remembering to show yourself kindness is essential. Give yourself permission to take a rest, take a walk, and slow down in our often very busy lives. Give yourself grace when you make mistakes, get overwhelmed and say the wrong thing. We all make mistakes, learn from them and move forward with more grace.
Making kindness (love) and grace a forefront thought often helps with our perspective and can create a habit. As I reflect on the year, that is my wish is to show love and grace in as many ways as I can this year. Not only to others, but to myself. Big things are brewing for my business and life this year. All very exciting. All very strategic and made with moxie. But, being rooted in love, kindness and grace will only make the tip top of success even sweeter. So, with that I wish you all the most love and grace in the new year
Kelsey Ruzicka
Publisher of
The Country Register of Kansas
The Country Register of Kansas
Kelsey (Snyder) Ruzicka, Publisher Produced by Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC PO BOX 2015 • Belle Fourche, SD 57717 605-568-0181 Office www.countryregister.com/kansas www.moxiemarketingmw.com
Publisher’s contact numbers across the USA & Canada for The Country Register Send $3 to any publisher below to obtain a paper from another area:
* Indicates these editions are available on–line at www.countryregister.com.
Country Register Founder: Barbara Floyd, 602-237-6008, info@countryregister.com, located: Phoenix, AZ USA
* Arizona: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950
* Arkansas: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, 405-470-2597, lenda@countryregister.com
* California: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950
* Colorado: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797
* Connecticut: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD 21771, 866-825-2917, Fax 866-261-9641
* Delaware: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com
* Florida: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, florida@countryregisteronline.com
* Georgia: Linda Parish, P.O. Box 389, Lexington, GA, 30648, tcrga@windstream.net
* Idaho (N): Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com
* Idaho (S): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950
* Illinois: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com
* Indiana: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com
* Iowa: Linda Glendy, P.O. Box 6, Tama, IA, 52339, IowaCountryRegister@mchsi.com
* Kansas: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com
* Kentucky: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, cowprintdesigns@gmail.com
* Maine: Deborah Daney, 660 Country Club Road, Sanford, ME 04073, 207-324-7482
* Maryland: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com
* Massachusetts: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com
* Michigan: Bill and Marlene Howell, 3790 Manistee, Saginaw, MI, 48603-3143, 989-793-4211
* Minnesota: Kim & Mickey Keller, 12835 Kiska St. NE, Blaine, MN, 55449, minnesota@countryregister.com
* Missouri: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com
* Montana: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com
* Nebraska: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950
* Nevada (N): Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, P 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950*
* Nevada (S): Glena Dunn, 4568 Carol Circle, Las Vegas, NV, 89120, 702-523-1803
* New Hampshire: Michelle Hatch, 20 Chester Street, Chester, NH 03036, 603-571-1822
* New Jersey: Merle and Gail Taylor, P.O. Box 594, New Market, MD, 21774, info@countryregisteronline.com
* New Mexico: Jan & John Keller, 16755 Oak Brush Loop, Peyton, CO, 80831, 719-749-9797
* New York: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com
* North Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950
* North Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com
* Ohio: Barb Moore, P. O. Box 37, Cable, OH, 43009, ohiocountryregister@yahoo.com
* Oklahoma: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com
* Oregon: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950
* Pennsylvania: Gail & Merle Taylor, P.O. Box 128, Owens Cross Roads, AL 35763, 888-616-8319, Fax 800-609-0278
* Rhode Island: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com
* South Carolina: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 888-942-8950
* South Dakota: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com
* Tennessee: Chris & Kelly Kennedy, 5804 Whiterose Way, New Market, MD 21774 443-243, cowprintdesigns@gmail.com
* Texas: Lenda Brown, P.O. Box 32581, Oklahoma City, OK, 73123, lenda@countryregister.com
* Utah: Available
* Vermont: Michelle Hatch, 20 Chester Street, Chester, NH 03036, 603-571-1822
* Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, P.O. Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com
* Washington: Barbara Stillman and Lolly Konecky, 515 E Carefree Hwy, #1128, Phoenix, AZ 85085, 602-942-8950
* West Virginia: Dave & Amy Carter, PO Box 365, New Market, MD, 21774, ads@countryregisteronline.com
* Wisconsin: Scott & Jennifer Hughes, P. O. Box 276, Altoona, WI, 54720, jennifer@countryregisterofwisconsin.com
* Wyoming: Kelsey Ruzicka, P.O. Box 2015, Belle Fourche, SD 57717, 605-568-0181, kelsey@moxiemarketingmw.com
CANADA
* Alberta: Ruth Burke, P.O. Box 97, Heisler, AB, T0B2A0,780-889-3776, countryregab@yahoo.com
* British Columbia: Bryan Stonehill, Box 1338, Summerland, BC, V0H 1Z0, 800-784-6711
* Manitoba & Saskatchewan: Scott & Marj Kearns, Box 850, Kipling, SK, S0G 2S0, countryregister@sasket.net
* Ontario: Harriet Ramos, Box 60, 4338 Innes Rd., Orleans, ON K4A 3W3, 343-882-5812
Spread the Love!
The Country Register of Kansas January/February • Volume 26 • Issue 1
The Country Register began in Arizona, in the fall of 1988, to provide effective, affordable advertising for shops, shows, and other experiences enjoyed by a kindred readership. Since then the paper has spread to many other areas, all of which are listed below. Look for the paper in your travels.
The Country Register of Kansas is published every two months.
Copyright 2024.
Reproduction or use, without permission, of editorial or graphic content in any manner is prohibited by law. The Country Register is a registered business trade name. Moxie Marketing of the Midwest, LLC produces The Country Register of Kansas. Please make checks payable to Moxie Marketing.
Subscription price: 1 year, 6 issues, $20.00. Single copies: $3.00. This paper is furnished free at each advertiser, highway welcome centers, tourism centers, shows, events, and other selected locations throughout Kansas.
Articles published in this newspaper, which are contributed from outside sources, express the opinions of their authors only and may not express the viewpoints of the management and staff of The Country Register. Such articles that are accepted for publication herein may be edited at the sole discretion of the publisher.
Responsibility for products advertised in this newspaper lies with the advertisers themselves. Though The Country Register will not knowingly publish fraudulent materials or fraudulently obtained materials, we are not liable for any damages arising from the purchase or use of products advertised herein.
Index: See page 23 for advertiser’s index by name and by community as well as upcoming events.
Next Deadline: Ads and articles for the March/April 2024 issue are Febraury 7, 2024.
A Cup of Tea with Lydia: Tea Parties That Say, “I Love You”
By Lydia E. Harris
“Love Makes the World Go Round” is a song from the 1960s musical Carnival. Sixty years later, the lyrics still inspire me. In this new year, we have many opportunities—including Valentine’s Day—to share love with others. Here are a few ideas for tea parties that say, “I love you,” which could help us make the world go ’round.
Tea Parties at Home
Last year, when my extended family celebrated the engagement of my niece Lena and her fiancé, Dylan, the couple requested ideas for dates. I set a “date” for them to come for tea.
On a sunny afternoon, I served Dylan and Lena tea outdoors on our deck. A large red heart, a potted pink Gerbera daisy, and two wedding cake toppers decorated our setting. One came from my sister’s wedding cake and featured a bride and a sailor—like the navy man she married. The other bride and groom had graced my cake 56 years earlier.
While we nibbled croissants filled with chicken salad and sampled other treats, I enjoyed getting to know Dylan and hearing about their wedding plans. In honor of their recent engagement, I had baked Royal Rings, a cookie shaped like a ring with sweet candy jewels. (See recipe below from my book). I also served several tea blends and rhubarb punch, a popular family beverage. We sipped tea from my mother’s pink floral teacups. Since Lena was named after my mother, Helena, I gave her the set of teacups as a gift. And because this was a “date” for them, I offered them dates to eat.
I sent them home with the flowering centerpiece and a few favorite cookies. They said good-bye with beaming faces, anticipating the joy of their not-too-distant wedding day.
Tea Parties to Go
My friend Barbara and I enjoyed making memories together in tearooms. But when I became ill and couldn’t get out, Barbara made the hour’s drive to my home with a tea party to go. In addition to a tea lunch, she brought a cheery yellow floral teacup. “This is your sunshine cup,” she said as I sipped tea from my new cup and savored homemade goodies. The tea and her kind gesture warmed more than my body. It also warmed my heart and added joy to my life.
Tea Parties by Mail
If you can’t deliver a tea party in person, you could share love by mailing a tea party. That’s what I recently did for my friend Barbara. Now, years after she brought me a tea party to go, her health has declined, and she lives in a skilled nursing facility. Since I can’t make the long drive to bring her tea, I mailed a tea party in a box. I contacted her daughter in advance and arranged to have her share the tea party box and enjoy teatime with her mother.
The box included two floral china teacups, several tea blends, shortbread cookies, and other treats. I also sent paper plates, napkins, silk flowers, and a few small gifts. Just as Barbara’s tea party brightened my day, now I could return the favor via mail and add cheer to her life.
Tea Parties in 2024
As I recall the song “Love Makes the World Go Round,” another song plays in my mind. During my childhood, I learned the song “Brighten the Corner Where You Are.” I still embrace those words and seek ways to add love and joy to the lives of others. Teatimes are one way that works for me. And when I bless others, it also adds joy to my life.
Throughout the year, I hope you will join me and look for ways to show love to others. Perhaps we’ll serve tea in our homes, deliver a tea party to go, or mail one in a box. Whatever we do, let’s make the world go ’round with our love.
From Lydia’s Recipe File: Royal Rings
Ring-shaped cookies with sweet candy jewels
(Recipe from Lydia’s book GRAND Moments: Devotions Inspired by Grandkids, pages 213¬–14)
Gather
1/2 cup soft butter (1 cube)
2/3 cup sugar
3 egg yolks (save whites for another use)
1 teaspoon vanilla
1 1/2 cups flour
1/2 teaspoon baking powder
1/4 teaspoon salt
Multicolored sprinkles
Candied fruit or small candies that won’t melt (such as Boston Baked Beans, Juicy Fruits, or Dots)
Make
1. Preheat oven to 375º.
2. In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar.
3. Add egg yolks and vanilla to creamed mixture and beat until light and fluffy.
4. Combine flour, baking powder, and salt. Sift dry ingredients into the sugar mixture and mix well.
5. Shape into 1-inch balls.
6. Push your finger through each ball to shape it into a ring. Make sure the opening is at least 1/2-inch wide, so it doesn’t close while baking.
7. Dip the top side of each ring into colored sprinkles. Place on a lightly sprayed baking sheet.
8. Add a piece of candied cherry or small candy on each cookie for a jewel.
9. Bake 10 to 12 minutes or until golden brown.
10 Carefully remove cookies to a cooling rack.
Makes 24 rings.
Lydia E. Harris is a tea enthusiast, grandmother of five (Grandma Tea), and author of In the Kitchen with Grandma: Stirring Up Tasty Memories Together, Preparing My Heart for Grandparenting, and her new release—GRAND Moments: Devotions Inspired by Grandkids. Her books are available through bookstores and online.
The Sweetness of Life.
By Kerri Habben Bosman
Late last year, I began a special project. My husband, Wayne and I were driving home from Wisconsin after a visit with his 102 year old mother. He asked me how many essays I had written over the years and suggested that Mom would love to read all of them.
And just like that, I was finally inspired to put together a book of twenty years of essays. I have thought of doing this many times before, but as happens with me, bringing happiness to someone I love galvanizes me into action.
In 2003 I began writing what I called “Compass Points.” My dad would have turned 90 that year and I wanted to acknowledge that. In my rereading, I discovered a somewhat inept attempt at creative nonfiction. I winced a bit at the sheer sentimentality of it, but I was also affirmed reading my tribute to him. I felt a flash of grief so intense it revitalized me because for a moment I could feel the entire journey.
Thankfully, over the next ten years, each of the ensuing forty essays steadily improved. And a style developed. Although each piece is different, common themes emerged. Every one carries layers of joy, gratitude and love.
I used some of these essays as a portfolio, which brought further writing assignments, including becoming a part of Country Register publications in 2012. Along the way, the style of these articles grew both more concise and cohesive.
As I prepared the book, it took extensive restraint not to change very much. For this version I wanted each piece to be an authentic representation of who I was when it was written. If I made everything perfect, Mom wouldn’t feel the whole story. And neither would I.
The specific details carried me back to a time when both my own mother and grandmother were living. I could fully feel the moments, yet it was also like watching a movie. On the surface each essay appears to be about me, but they are also about people I treasured. Their precious presences linger softly between the lines.
I’ve felt the following quote with ordinary and pivotal experiences since, though I originally wrote those words in the second article after my mother died:
“Sometimes the sweetness of life bends you in half. In those moments you are utterly and fully alive. When you stand up again, you are stronger, breathe more deeply and experience the world with kinder eyes.”
And in the ensuing 28 articles the next chapters of my life pour forth. Described in them is how I lived on my own and then the life that Wayne and I share together. I write about him and the family I love like my own. Including grandchildren who become frequent “characters.” Most of them are teenagers now and as I reread the articles I realize anew how quickly and how much they’ve grown.
And, of course, the Mom that inspired me to put a book together is vibrantly there as well. Presently this book is in the works as a surprise for her. She embraces me and everyone with so much love, which brings me to what I’ve discovered during my project.
I’ve learned that the details of my life may have changed over the course of twenty years, but that the root of who I am is the same. I still count my blessings every day. I still believe life doesn’t have to be perfect to be ideal.
Mostly I have learned that I love exactly the same way. Only with a deeper sense of how huge love truly is. With an open, grateful heart it only grows more. It expands with a redeeming sweetness that sometimes bends me in half.
Kerri Habben Bosman is a writer living in Chapel Hill, NC. Her email is 913jeeves@gmail.com.
Countryberries Designs Frosty Pillow
This Snowman has so many possibilities! He was designed to be a wool appliqued pillow top with bells or buttons but could also be a table mat or wall hanging. He could be a punchneedle or hooked rug piece. If you’re a painter, create Frosty on paper, wood or canvas. He’d make a cute note card.
Enlarge this pattern to your desired size. Whatever craft you
choose, have fun and be creative!. Not for commercial use. Please give the artist credit.
Designed by Kathy Graham
Countryberries LLC
Whimsies and necessaries for your country home and garden 330 North Road Deerfield, NH 03037
603-463-7615 www.countryberries.com Like us on Facebook
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Become Inspired
By Annice Bradley Rockwell
Peaceful Dwellings
As the festive, fast-paced excitement of the holidays draws to a close, we are given a chance to create a protective sanctuary of peace to enjoy the season of winter. Winter weekends might find us venturing to nearby antiques shops searching for perfect pieces to add to our room arrangements. Early baskets, blue decorated stoneware jugs, early treen and country lighting are all wonderful investments that add touches of warmth to our indoor vignettes. Tavern tables flanked with wing-back chairs can be moved closer to the hearth now for a cozy fireside arrangement in which to enjoy a piping hot meal of chicken pot pie and homemade cranberry chutney.
Symbols of Comfort
Our outdoor additions can be equally fulfilling. Setting up the evergreen tree that graced our keeping room during the holidays as an outdoor sanctuary for our wildlife can add visual interest and appeal. Adding natural decorations such as pinecones filled with peanut butter and birdseed can provide a special winter treat for our feathered friends.
As the snow falls and blankets the roads, our home takes on a whole new look against the new backdrop of white. Silhouetted against a stark landscape its features often stand out now as a symbol of comfort and shelter against the season’s cold and blustery days.
Shift to Stillness
Being outside in the elements to gather our seasoned wood for the fire, we are reminded of how blessed we truly are to have the safety of home. Unexpected snow days where a depth of snow provides a day off from our normal daily work provides us with time we can spend enjoying the pure beauty of nature. A winter walk enveloped by the stillness of winter is a country treat meant to be savored. Despite its initially withered and worn appearance, the woods are actually quite vibrant and alive. The sun’s radiant rays on the snow create a brilliance that only belongs to winter. As it is enjoyed, we may catch a glimpse of small creatures endeavoring to forage. We might take advantage of a spectacular new view of our maple swamp as its bare trees allow us to see even more of its fringed beauty.
Winter’s slower pace grants us the blessing of quiet time. Along with this calm rhythm often comes the ability to nurture our ideas and plan for the season ahead. Whether it is being excited about beginning a new business venture or repurposing a small room in our home to be used for a hobby we have come to love, the winter season is the ideal time to allow our concepts to come together and take shape. This season embrace the shift to stillness. Take in the slower moments that allow you to enjoy observing the beauty that abounds in nature. And when you experience that beauty, share that wonder with those you hold dear.
--Annice Bradley Rockwell is an educator and owner of Pomfret Antiques. She is currently working on her book, New England Girl. NewEnglandGirl2012@hotmail.com
Cowgirl Poet, Quilter, Entertainer
Yvonne Hollenbeck
Nature’s Church
Have you ever seen the prairie when it’s covered up with snow, or watched an evening sunset leave its purple afterglow?
Have you ever seen a newborn calf a-wobbling to its feet, and though it’s only minutes old it knows just where to eat?
You can’t climb up in a saddle and ride across prairie sod, or see an eagle on the wing and not believe in God.
A cowman may not worship in a building made of stone, but worships with his Maker out with nature all alone.
His church is in the great outdoors; the valley, heaven’s gate. His favorite hymn’s a coyote that is calling to its mate. He doesn’t do his tithing dropping money in a hand; it’s by being a good caretaker of the creatures and the land. He makes his own communion while a choir of songbirds sing, as he cups his hands to drink the fresh cold water from a spring.
From the budding of the springtime to autumn’s goldenrod, there’s no better place to worship than to be out there with God.
So, when you hear a meadowlark that’s singing from its perch, it’s inviting you to worship with it there at Nature’s Church.
© Yvonne Hollenbeck; 2023 Yvonne Hollenbeck, from Clearfield, SD, performs her original poetry throughout the United States, captivating audiences in her wake. She is one of the most published cowgirl poets in the West and is not only a popular banquet and civic entertainer, but also co-writes songs with many western entertainers. Yvonne also pens a weekly column in the “Farmer-Rancher Exchange” and writes articles about life in rural America in various publications throughout the West. For more information, visit https://www.yvonnehollenbeck.com
This started nied by quilt fabric, with notations I had at my local contents until August. If you project life obsessing Scared I haven’t else’s unfinished to the original when starting that it ended ric because Finishing summer such orphaned of 5 nearly-matched with two square still waiting Those challenge a fresh the “stash” lead church practically into the Was A number next time an apologetic sorry I © Jeanette MN. Order Yvonne’s new book, “A Stitch in Rhyme” at www.yvonnehollenbeck.com just $15 + $3.50 postage.
Tips on Creating New Years Resolutions and Keeping Them
By Elle Hoover
Do you find yourself year after year struggling to keep up with your goals from the year before? New Year’s resolutions have come to have a negative connotation and can leave us feeling less than fantastic if they aren’t met. Here are some tips and tricks to keeping your New Year’s resolution this coming season.
1. Make them realistic: Creating a goal that is unrealistic can result in unnecessary stress. Outline the resources needed for this goal and adjust expectations accordingly.
2. Set check-in dates: By creating check-ins this allows you to hold yourself accountable. Whether this be weekly, monthly, or quarterly this will help to track your progress and keep the goal front of mind.
3. Make it fun: When thinking of how you will achieve your goal add in fun rewards or surprises! Utilizing things such as a decorative calendar, incentivizing yourself with your favorite meal, or creating a group message/challenge with friends and family can add that much needed pick me up to keeping on track.
4. Be flexible!: Not all goals need hard and fast rules. Tracking your progress can help to give you an accurate forecast of how quickly you are reaching milestones. If finishing your goal seems to be getting farther and farther away you may just need to tweak it! “Many of life’s failures are people who did not realize how close they were to success when they gave up.” - Thomas Edison
5. Don’t fret: Didn’t meet your goals during the year? Don’t be afraid to go round two the following year. We are constantly growing and what wasn’t meant to be may come to us when we least expect it.
The History of Chocolate
When we think of chocolate we think of sweet creamy goodness or candy bar confections. But, throughout most of its history it was thought of as a bitter beverage, not a sweet, rich-tasting treat. After it became popular in the courts of Europe and the streets of colonial America, chocolate soon to the the form we universally love and see it today.
“Chocolate is made from the fruit of cacao trees, which are native to Central and South America. The fruits are called pods and each pod contains around 40 cacao beans. The beans are dried and roasted to create cocoa beans.
It’s unclear exactly when cacao came on the scene or who invented it. According to researchers, ancient Olmec pots and vessels from around 1500 B.C. were discovered with traces of theobromine, the stimulant compound found in chocolate and tea.
It’s thought the Olmecs used cacao to create a ceremonial drink. However, since they kept no written history, opinions differ on if they used cacao beans in their concoctions or just the pulp of the cacao pod.
The Olmecs undoubtedly passed their cacao knowledge on to the Central American Maya who not only consumed chocolate, they revered it. The Mayan written history mentions chocolate drinks being used in celebrations and to finalize important transactions and ceremonies.
Despite chocolate’s importance in Mayan culture, it wasn’t reserved for the wealthy and powerful, but was readily available to almost everyone. In many Mayan households, chocolate was enjoyed with every meal. Mayan chocolate was thick and frothy and often combined with chili peppers, honey or water.
The Aztecs took chocolate admiration to another level. They believed cacao was given to them by their gods. Like the Maya, they enjoyed the caffeinated kick of hot or cold,
spiced chocolate beverages in ornate containers, but they also used cacao beans as currency to buy food and other goods. In Aztec culture, cacao beans were considered more valuable than gold.
Aztec chocolate, which they called xocolatl, was mostly an upper-class extravagance, although the lower classes enjoyed it occasionally at weddings or other celebrations.”
As it made it’s way through history, it continued as a beverage. The Spanish are said to have been the corridor to Europe for the commodity. Bringing it back with them from their conquests, they would offer it as gifts and enjoy as an indulgence at court.
“But European palates weren’t satisfied with the traditional Aztec chocolate drink recipe. They made their own varieties of hot chocolate with cane sugar, cinnamon and other common spices and flavorings. Soon, fashionable chocolate houses for the wealthy cropped up throughout London, Amsterdam and other European cities.”
“Chocolate arrived in Florida on a Spanish ship in 1641, and it’s thought the first American chocolate house opened in Boston in 1682. By 1773, cocoa beans were a major American colony import and chocolate was enjoyed by people of all classes.
During the Revolutionary War, chocolate was provided to the military as rations and sometimes given to soldiers as payment instead of money.”
The evolution of chocolate to what we know it today, came from the Dutch process of creating a powder. This allowed the product to be made into a variety of delicious chocolatey products. It also paved the way to it becoming more affordable, and hence more widely available, used and mass produced.
“Swiss chocolatier Daniel Peter is generally credited for adding dried milk powder to chocolate to create milk chocolate in 1876. But it wasn’t until several years later that he worked with his friend Henri Nestlé—together they created the Nestlé Company and brought milk chocolate to the mass market.
Chocolate had come a long way during the 19th century, but it was still hard and difficult to chew. In 1879, another Swiss chocolatier, Rudolf Lindt, invented the chocolate conch machine which mixed and aerated chocolate, giving it a smooth, melt-in-your-mouth consistency that blended well with other ingredients.
By the late 19th century and early 20th century, family chocolate companies such as Cadbury, Mars and Hershey were mass-producing a variety of chocolate confections to meet the growing demand for the sweet treat.”
Chocolate today is still considered an indulgence. However, dark chocolate has found its place in heart-healthy food lists. However, it is still considered to be a delicious treat for special occasions for one and all.
Modern-day chocolate production comes at a cost. Production of cocoa has been at the center of controversy for years. With production worker and environmental concerns brought to light. That has also brought forth more conscious sourced production efforts by big chocolate companies and local buyers. Buying fair trade products has become more mainstream.
The story of chocolate lives on, and one thing for sure - we count on it for many a sweet treat. And are happy for its place rooted into our culture.
10 QUICK CHOCOLATE FACTS:
1. Chocolate is made from the fruit of the cacao trees, they are native to Central and South America. The fruits are called pods and once the pod dries, there are around 40 cacao beans in one pod!
2. No one is quite sure where chocolate originated from but the earliest traces of chocolate that have been found are in 1500 BC.
3. The earliest people that historians know used chocolate are the Mayans and the Aztecs. The two tribes were based out of Central America. Both would make drinks out of chocolate usually mixed with honey and water. But the drinks were very bitter and not very sweet.
4. There are many different theories about how chocolate finally made it to Spain. But chocolate was a very popular indulgence in the Spanish court in the 1500’s.
5. Chocolate spread throughout Europe and became very popular. One of the uses of chocolate during this time was hot chocolate. The hot chocolate was made with cinnamon, cane sugar, and other spices and flavorings.
6. Coenraad van Houten discovered how to make a chocolate powder and also invented the cocoa press.
7. By the late 19th century and early 20th century Hershey, Mars, and Cadbury were mass producing a variety of different chocolate candies.
8. There are many different types of chocolate, it can be made desserts, baked goods, and it can be a drink.
9. The world’s largest chocolate bar weighs 12000 pounds.
10. Chocolate is enjoyed all over the world and can come in many shapes and forms
Source:
History.com Editors. (2017, December, 14, last updated August 10, 2022). History of Chocolate. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/topics/ancient-americas/historyof-chocolate
Love Notes: Corny Ideas for Valentines
by Country Register NRGP Staff
• I go bananas over you
• Our love is unbeleafable
• I love you so moss
• Your as cute as a button
• I love you a latte
• Brie mine, Valentine
• “Don’t go bacon my heart” then “I couldn’t if I fried
• Your dino-mite
• You’ve got a pizza my heart
• You are o-fish-ally my favorite person
• We make great pear
• I’m not lion… I think your great
Love Letters Found in History
Napoleon to Joséphine
While known for his ruthlessness as a ruler, French emperor Napoleon Bonaparte also possessed a softer side. In letters to his wife, Joséphine, the military leader reveals a vulnerability not found in his autocratic approach to expanding the French empire.
“Since I left you, I have been constantly depressed. My happiness is to be near you. Incessantly I live over in my memory your caresses, your tears, your affectionate solicitude. The charms of the incomparable Joséphine kindle continually a burning and a glowing flame in my heart. When, free from all solicitude, all harassing care, shall I be able to pass all my time with you, having only to love you, and to think only of the happiness of so saying, and of proving it to you?”
Frida Kahlo to Diego Rivera
It’s no secret that Frida Kahlo and her husband, fellow artist Diego Rivera, had a tempestuous relationship, but in her love letters to Rivera, you see only an intense love.
“Nothing compares to your hands, nothing like the green-gold of your eyes. My body is filled with you for days and days. You are the mirror of the night. The violent flash of lightning. The dampness of the earth. The hollow of your armpits is my shelter. My fingers touch your blood. All my joy is to feel life spring from your flower-fountain that mine keeps to fill all the paths of my nerves which are yours.”
Henry VIII to Anne Boleyn
The King of England for 38 years, Henry VIII wrote his lover, Anne Boleyn, a collection of secret, romantic letters which still survive today.
“But if you please to do the office of a true loyal mistress and friend, and to give up yourself body and heart to me, who will be, and have been, your most loyal servant, (if your rigour does not forbid me) I promise you that not only the name shall be given you, but also that I will take you for my only mistress, casting off all others besides you out of my thoughts and affections, and serve you only,” he wrote. “I beseech you to give an entire answer to this my rude letter, that I may know on what and how far I may depend. And if it does not please you to answer me in writing, appoint some place where I may have it by word of mouth, and I will go thither with all my heart. No more, for fear of tiring you.”
Love Birds, Literally
The coming Winter months contain many holidays that bring us all closer together, giving us opportunities to nurture or find new love. While finding our soulmates may be a challenge, here is a little animal kingdom inspiration to continue the search for Mr. or Mrs. right (if you haven’t found them already). When looking for that special someone we aim to find someone to spend the rest of our lives with, and for these beautiful creatures that feeling is the same. Royal Penguins, Swans, Scarlet Macaws, Grey Wolves, and the famous Lovebirds all mate for life.
For Royal Penguins PDA is nothing to be shy about. After being away from one another Royal aka Macaroni Penguins begin showing affection by “puffing up their chests, swinging their heads around, and making a gurgling sound” (Birds That Mate for Life, n.d.). That may not be exactly the way us humans aim to find a mate but this outward display shows the whole animal kingdom just how keen on one another these lovers really are.
by Elle Hoover, Contributor
Out of the seven swans a swimming it’s safe to say that at least two of them are getting cozy, as the symbol of love swans are known to mate for the life of their partners. To them this love is not taken lightly. In a touching report by BBC London we learn about a lonely Swan named “Mrs. Newbie”. Settling in the Hampstead Heath Mrs. Newbie lost her loving mate, Mr. Newbie, after four years of creating their new home. The locals noticed her heartbreak and lack of interest in other Swans who visited the Heath and decided that temporary relocation to a swan sanctuary may be in her best interest.
There she would find her new Prince Charming, Wallace. Right before the lockdown was put into effect in the U.K., the pair was brought back to Mrs. Newbies’ lovely home where they officially bonded by craning their necks into a heart shape. Mrs. Newbies’ heart break and later search for love can be very relatable and mirrors humans and animals’ adaptability. (BBC London)
As young parents (often reaching maturity at ages three or four), Scarlet Macaws pride themselves in their parental duties. While spending their lives with one another Macaw’s will often times wait to “raise new chicks until their previous ones have fledged and are independent” (Berger, 2012). This allows the family unit to remain efficient, protected, and devoted.
Grey Wolves may not always wait for their pups to leave the den but they certainly aim to create strong and healthy packs through life mates. For Grey Wolves the need to mate for life is usually reflected through the alpha pair. These pairs are the matriarchs, decision makers, and over all care takers of the pack. Similar to a many house holds the alphas support one another while raising the pups, allowing their new kin to flourish within the pack.
Lastly, as some inspiration in the creation of Valentine’s day, Lovebirds are one of the most famous animals known to mate for life. “Scholars typically cite a poem by Geoffrey Chaucer as the first evidence of the connection between the religious celebration of Saint Valentine’s day and romantic love. The poem, “Parliament of Foules,” happens to feature two birds which exhibit all the markings of human love” ( Thompson, 2014). Similar to our Royal friends, the Macaroni penguins, outward signs of affection are very common. Like many smitten couples, the act of feeding one another to establish their bond shows all of those around them just how in love they are.
Lovebirds and chocolate go hand and hand, this holiday season remember to get your honeys their own delectable treats. Similar to actual Lovebirds berries and fruit make for delightful and thoughtful gifts.
For many in the animal kingdom mating for life does not come naturally, but for these special creature’s love, affection, and family fuel their survival. Each showing their unique and distinguishable love language allows us to see that just like our love lives, each way that we choose to express our emotions and affection is just as special and important.
DIY Valentine’s Day Gift Ideas for Adults
VALENTINES DAY CANDLE
Ingredients:
Stove or Hot Plate
Soy Wax Flakes – approx 4 cups or 1 lb. per candle
Candle Making Pitcher
Pint-Sized Mason Jars
8” Candle Wicks
Wick Holders (optional, but helpful)
Wax Colorant
Fragrance Oil of Choice – we used 20 drops of Passion Fruit Fragrance Oil
Instructions:
1. Begin by using a drop of hot glue to secure the base of the candle wick to the center of the mason jar – use a wick holder/stabilizer if desired to hold the wick in place in the center.
2. In the wax pitcher, melt approximately 1 lb of soy wax flakes and wax colorant. I used about 1/4 of a cube each of red and purple colorant to create my custom color blend. Note: the color of the wax will appear MUCH darker in liquid form that it does when it has cooled and set! Add fragrance oil and slowly stir to mix.
3. Very carefully pour the hot wax into the mason jar.
4. Allow the candle to sit undisturbed until it has completely cooled and solidified. I usually let mine cool overnight to be sure that they are completely set. You can see that the candle begins cooling at the bottom, and the color is a lot lighter than it looked when it was melted!
5. Then decorate your mason jar however you would like to for valentines day!
Saying: “You light up my life!”
MAKE A GIFT CARD BOOK WITH CUTE SAYINGS
Gift Card to Coffee Place | “Thanks A Latte”
Pedicure Gift Card | “Thanks for Keeping Us On Our Toes”
Amazon Card | “You are an AMAZing Teacher”
Restaurant Card | “For When You Don’t Have Time to Cook”
Grocery Store Card | “For When You Feel Like Trying A New Recipe”
SWEETHEARTS SUGAR SCRUB
Ingredients
1 cup 1 cup sugar
1/4 cup coconut oil, melted
1/4 cup sweethearts candy (conversation hearts)
Directions
1. Add sugar and oil to small bowl. Mix well with spoon or whisk.
2. Add sweethearts to plastic bag and break into small pieces using the bottom of a glass or rolling pins. Add to sugar mixture and mix until well combined.
3. Add sugar scrub to small containers.
Chocolate Sugar Scrub
• 1 cup sugar (coarse, if possible)
• 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2/3 cup soft coconut oil (easily scoopable, but not melted)
Strawberry Mimosas
Mimosas Ingredients
2 oz chilled homemade Strawberry Juice or store bought if you can find it
3 oz chilled Andres of California Moscato
Champagne
1 large strawberry (sliced for each mimosa)
1 large strawberry (for garnish)
Homemade Strawberry Juice Ingredients
2 cups sliced strawberries
½ cup water
2-3 tablespoons sugar (optional)
Kid Craft Corner | Scrapbooking for Beginers
By Kelsey Ruzicka
If we want to see our beloved hobby art forms continue from generation to generation, it is important for us to share it with little ones now. We want to encourage and educate the next generation of crafters so that these beloved art forms continue on in our culture.
This column is devoted to helping kids learn more about a highlighted hobby art form, and get their hands on one too!
Scrapbooking is a great craft art form for all ages. Because all ages can participate in the story of the memory and the layers of the art form. A great way to begin is with an accordian book. This is a fun way to document and play with layers for all ages. It can be as basic or sophisticated depending on the age of the child.
Random Acts
by Maranda K Jones
Love Letters A Love Story
I love letters! I enjoy receiving letters in the mail, but I really love the letters of the alphabet. I spend a lot of time with those 26 characters while I work with first graders. We say the sounds, we write the symbols, and we put them together to make words. We read and write letters all day, and I cannot think of a better job. It never feels like work!
My love of writing started in third grade. Mrs. Martin taught us cursive that year, which was very exciting for someone who had been printing her entire life. I felt empowered by this change and wanted to perfect my penmanship. She gave us time to practice, and she gave us great examples. She showed us how to write a wave of connected c’s between the dotted midline and the baseline. She swept up from the bottom line to the top, came down with a point and repeated twice before ending this exercise in a sweep to the right. My teacher praised my hard work and encouraged me to keep writing.
Just when I thought life could not get any better, we were given homework. I looked forward to working on my spelling homework in a brand-new red spiral notebook each week. I was expected to write each word, in cursive of course, use the word in a sentence that showed I understood the definition, and then go back and underline the word. After skipping a line, I would start the process over with the next word on the list. I felt so happy writing in my red notebook and wanted to construct the best sentences possible. I felt inspired to create something new that had not yet been written.
So, I started another notebook. This notebook had a plastic purple cover with three sections divided by manila folder pockets. Each section would have its own subject, and the first one was math. I made a multiplication table with a ruler and the preprinted lines. I wrote each multiplication fact, forward and backward. I stored the flash cards we had made in class in that subject’s pocket. Mrs. Martin cut hundreds of orange construction paper rectangles, and I wrote math facts with a black crayon on each card. She met with me and made sure I had mastered each number’s facts before I was allowed to make the next set. I was rewarded with a big rubber band to keep all the cards together when I reached the 9s. I felt such a sense of achievement and independence.
The next section held a record where I wrote down a list of all the books I read. It never filled the entire section because I checked out the same books from the library over and over again. I enjoyed reading, doodling, and rereading with the instructional drawing books. I borrowed every book by Lee J. Ames in the school library for most of my elementary years. When I was not filling the notebook with drawings, I was trying to figure out what was so funny in the books by Fred Gwynne. The King Who Rained and A Chocolate Moose for Dinner are so clever and the word play makes me laugh even harder today.
The third subject of this notebook was filled with stories and poems. I wrote acrostic poems for everyone I knew. I wrote lists of friends and family members. I rewrote fairy tales and illustrated my new characters. This was a place to get things out of my head and onto paper. This section was all mine, no right or wrong answers. Writing felt like such a treat to me, and I need to make more time to enjoy it again. It is my quiet time to figure out what I am thinking about. I like putting my thoughts into words and seeing a visual representation of what is going on in my mind, in cursive of course.
This year is a red spiral notebook with empty pages begging to be filled well.
© 2024 Maranda K Jones
Spot the Difference
Can you spot the difference? There are 5 changes to this display of vintage Valentine’s Day cards. Find the answers on page 22. These vintage greeting cards are not only very pretty, but quite fun. Look for them out at your local antique store!
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15 Quilters Commandments
By Deb Heatherly
I hope this gives you a chuckle. As quilters I think we all can relate.
1: I promise to do my part. Money cannot buy happiness, but it does buy fabric and fabric makes me happy. Since I know that my friends and family want me to be happy, when I buy fabric, I am doing my part to keep everyone happy.
2: I will put blame where it belongs. My need to buy fabric is the fault of the designers who create the fabric. I promise to stop buying when they stop creating.
3: I will plan ahead. My stash is my retirement plan. One day I may have to actually use it. Until then, I’ll buy more new fabric when I need to actually cut and sew, and always buy extra so I make sure to feed my stash.
4: I will not envy my neighbors stash. Instead, I will diligently shop until I accumulate an even bigger one.
5: I will practice equality. For every new “toy” my husband buys, I will spend an equal amount of money buying fabric.
6: I will contemplate. I promise to think daily about all of the projects I will one day make from my stash. For now, just planning them is enough.
7: I will utilize space wisely. It is important to come up with new ways to hide, (I mean store), my stash.
8: I will be energy efficient. Stacked neatly, my stash acts as insulation.
9: I will exercise my mind. I will do this by thinking of new ways to sneak (aka transport) the fabric into the house without being seen.
10: I will be a good homemaker. This will be accomplished by coming up with creative ways to display and blend my stash into the home décor. Charm packs can be coasters. Yardage can be a tablecloth. What-nots can be placed on jelly rolls as lifters and to add a pop of color to a display.
11: I will not whine. No, if a friend buys the last piece of a certain fabric that I wanted, I will not whine. I do reserve the right to guilt her until she shares.
12: I will support the local container store. I will buy the largest containers possible because they will hold lots of fat quarters. As a bonus, when stacked in the kitchen cupboard behind cereal and cookies, they will be camouflaged from my husband.
13: I will actually complete a quilt or two. By doing so I will need to replace the used fabric and my family cannot accuse me of hoarding. I will also keep in mind that quilts come in all shapes and sizes. A table topper counts as a completed project.
14: I will always be there for my fellow quilter. Especially when she needs fabric therapy. I promise to accompany her on all buying trips and will clean out my car before the trip so there is plenty of room for the purchases. I will further support her by offering to store her purchases in my car until she can sneak (aka transport) them into her own house without her husband seeing.
15: Finally, I will practice DUI. “Developing Ultimate Inventory.” This supports my local quilt shop and keeps them in business so I can continue to develop my stash.
Deb Heatherly is a designer for Creative Grids® rulers and the author of eight popular pattern books. Creative Grids® fans are invited to join her Facebook group, “Grids Girls,” for tips and inspiration. https://www.facebook.com/groups/770429649800457/. The annual Grids Girls winter mystery begins in January. Shop Owners are invited to join her group just for you, “Grids Girls for Quilt Shop Owners Only” https://www.facebook.com/groups/273593657256524. Visit Deb’s website at www.Debscatsnquilts.com.
This time, we are going to mix it up a bit – we’re doing size options! The first size finishes 48 x 48. The second size finishes 60 x 76. Since the first size is baby quilt size or a lap cover for the car, someone wheelchair bound, etc., you can choose fabrics accordingly. If you want the bigger quilt, that will be Part 3.
The other neat thing about this quilt is, it’s designed with just two fabrics. The key is to make sure you have a light to medium – I used a subtle print - that is complimented or enhanced by a dark – I used a tone on tone black. Erica has had this line of fabric in her store for a bit and every time I pass by it, I slow down and drool over the rich shades and tones in it. So, the quilt is designed around this line of fabric.
Fabric Requirements:
Quilt Option #1
Fabric A - 2 3/4 yards Fabric B (dark) - 2 yards
Binding (dark) – ½ yard
Quilt Option #2 (additional fabric needed)
Fabric A – 2 yards Fabric B (dark) – ½ yard
Binding (dark) – ¾ yard
PART I:
Making the Block: (Make 36 blocks) Cut (per block):
A
B
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Here we are in the cold of winter! The best thing about winter is Valentine’s Day!! The season of Love; not just for our family and friends but for all of humankind. I want to encourage all of us to be kind and loving to each other. So make this little heart and give it to someone other than a “loved one” and share the joy! You can tuck a cute card in it or your favorite piece of chocolate (or other candy if you are not a chocolate lover). SHARE THE LOVE!!
You will Need:
You will need yarn of a Valentine color (aka red, pink, etc.), a heart pattern, card board (fairly sturdy), scissors, hot glue gun, pen, twine, embellishments (I used buttons, charms work well also).
Step One
Trace the pattern onto the cardboard. I made two hearts. Cut them out.
Step Two
Glue an end of the yarn onto the cardboard and start wrapping it around. It is a little tricky to get the yarn to stay in place. Hot gluing it at times will help. Also changing directions will help and it gives it more texture.
Step THREE
When you have all the cardboard covered you can cut the yarn and tuck the end in. This also can be glued to stay.
Step FOUR
Next tie the twine in a bow. I made two bows and then hot glued them onto the heart. I also wrapped one heart with the
twine and then glued on the bows. Lastly glue the buttons (or other embellishments)on.
These make very cute Valentines!!!
