One Year of The Life of the Dakota Farmer’s Wife

Can you believe it? One year ago TODAY, I started this blog. I started out not really knowing what to post about, share, or what this whole “blogging” thing was really about. All I knew is that I loved writing and I needed a creative release outlet.

I can remember the day I created my blog! I remember being over-whelmed by setting everything up and not knowing what to write at all. Looking back, my first posts were well, tough but good. I enjoy looking back. It’s so emotional and biter-sweet, remembering feeling the exact emotions I was feeling when I was writing each and every post.

After one year, I have actual, real life followers, a like page (two actually!), and one year under my belt as a blogger. I seriously LOVE writing and being able to share it creatively with all of you is just mind-blowing.

When I first started, I had no idea how many people my blog would reach or touch. This past year, has been amazing. Today, I am sharing with you some one year flashbacks and stats of The Life of the Dakota Farmer’s Wife/ The Fit Farmer’s Wife!

Views: 73,747

Most Popular Posts:

• A Letter to the Future Wives of Our Farmer’s (over 47,000 views in many different countries like Canada, South Africa, Germany, France, Mexico, United Kingdom, Netherlands, New Zealand, Japan, China, many countries across Europe, Africa, and Asia. (Seriously, WOW!)
• What I Learned Growing Up as The Farmer’s Daughter – over 12,000 views

Likes: 34

Comments: 119

Followers: 1,364

Finally, I just want to say THANK YOU. Thank you so much to all of you who shared, liked, and commented over the past year. It means so much that people actually read what you write, and more than anything it has meaning to you! I just can’t believe it has been a year.

Here’s to MANY more years!

As a thank you, I am going to be giving away a VERY special and the BIGGEST prize EVER worth up to $130!!!! To win, please 1.) Share your favorite past blog post, 2.) Share my Fit Farmer’s Wife Page, 3.)Leave a comment on this blog post! I’ll be announcing it this weekend! Good Luck!

Fashionista Friday: Modern Vintage Boutique

Once again, it is Friday. But this Friday is very different from most of my Fridays, I took the day off and am spending it getting things done around the house! Even though I am busy, I love being at home, not have a schedule, or having to put make-up on and go somewhere. It is just the bliss of the simple things.

Right now, I am writing to you from my patio outside the front of my house. I have a large mason jar of lemon and strawberry infused water, and I am ready to share with you about a wonderful, little boutique that I love and my last weekend, date night shinadigans!

Last weekend, Taylor and I finally squeezed in a date night! We hadn’t had time with spring planting and with me working. It was a thunderstormy afternoon and we both could get away.

We went out to eat at a local, downtown restaurant, where we enjoyed Chicken Alfredo and Steak with Shrimp. (Can you guess who had what?! Yes, I love my cheesey, gooey, carbs!) It was wonderful.

Then we went to the Pitch Perfect 2 movie. It was okay, but definitely not as good as the first. I would still reccomment seeing it if you have already saw the first one, but don’t let your expectations be too high.

Anyway, here is what I wore:

A lovely, white lace dress from the Modern Vintage Boutique and the best part, it was on SALE!!

Modern Vintage Boutique is filled with trendy tops, skirts, dresses, and of course the basics like camis and tanks. Right now, they have lots of super cute Fourth of July outfits! I have been looking for something cute for that weekend because we are taking a roadtrip to the Southwest part of the state and attending the Medora Musical the night of the fourth. It is also our second anniversary and my birthday weekend. I am just happy to be getting away then and having a little mini vacation!

Anyway, the MVB has your back and style for any occation! Along with this dress I purchased a Christmas/New Year’s Eve dress for my office Christmas party this winter! I know, it’s too early to be thinking of snow and Christmas again, but it was only $18 and it’s a gorgeous, red, strapless gown! I am so excited to wear it!!!

MVB also has some guy clothing too for that special man in your life! I haven’t personally purchased anything for Taylor from here, but it looks like good quality clothing!

Happy Friday, loves!

Sunday Dinner: Meatloaf

One thing I love doing is making a recipe my own. Whether it was one of my mom’s or grandma’s or a childhood favorite, I love re-creating it to make it healthier for me to enjoy now! I feel that a lot of times, just because we are eating a certain way (I refuse to say diet, because I am not on a diet, it is my choice of eating and frankly, it is not a diet to me!), we limit ourselves to foods. That should not be the problem! Why don’t we just re-create the healthier, better versions!

This weekend, I was hungry for my late Grandma Sharon’s meatloaf, so I re-created it a healthier, clean version that I will enjoy this week as my lunch! It has no brown sugar topping or unhealthy processed grains. It does have, some nutritious vegtables and proteins to keep you feeling full throughout the day (it would be a great meal to take out to the field for those hardworking farmers of ours!).

It turned out wonderful, and I am excited to share it with you!

Sorry, I didn’t take a lot of pictures, when I was meal prepping on Saturday. This is one of those recipes, I just threw together, so I’ll do my best to explain everything to you!

What You’ll Need: 

• 1/3 cup, canned mushrooms, chopped finely
• 1 red or green pepper, chopped finely
• 2 pounds of lean ground beef, or you could even use 1/2 lean beef and 1/2 ground turkey
• 1 can of organic, no salt added tomato sauce
• 2 organic eggs
• 1 cup of Sharp Cheddar Shredded Cheese
• 1/8 – 1/4 cup of organic mustard
• 3/4 of a sleeve of whole wheat saltines
• 2 Teaspoons garlic powder
• 2 Teaspoons onion powder
• 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire Sauce
• Pepper to taste
• Extra Mustard and Ketchup for topping (Yes, I know Ketchup is not exactly “clean” or 21 Day Fix approved, but I drizzled a little on top and it was worth the small cheat! I probably used a couple of Tablespoons all in all of Ketchup for the entire loaf, not bad!)

What To Do: 

Preheat your oven to 350 degrees. In a large bowl, combine the meat of your choice, mushrooms, pepper, mustard, tomato sauce, cheese, eggs, crackers, garlic and onion powder, Worcestershire Sauce and pepper. Mix well until all ingredients are combined.

In a large baking dish, (I got mine as a wedding gift from my uncle and aunt off my gift registry from Sur la Table, here is the 2.75 Quart Blanc Round Cocotte), combine the above ingredients. Using your hands, make into a loaf. Then, drizzle the Ketchup and Mustard on top to desire. Place in preheated oven and cook for about one and a half hours or until done. Enjoy!

I like serving mine with a few saltine crackers on the side, almost like a dip! It is so yummy and makes great left-overs! For the 21 Day Fix, one cup of meatloaf would equal 1/2 purple (tomato sauce), 2 reds, 3/4 green, 1/2 yellow, and 1/2 blue.

On a side note,  if you haven’t heard of Sur la Table, it is a great kitchen shop to visit! They have EVERYTHING from linens to bakeware and cookware, to spices! Things that would make excellent gifts for Mom! Right now, they have 20% off one item and free shipping! The promo code to enter at checkout is MAKEHERDAY15. 

Happy Monday!

My Love For Sephora + 15% OFF!!

Today is a big day for me for a couple of reasons! First, it is my first promotion as a BeachBody Coach! Yes, I am now EMERALD! YaY!! I made emerald within my two weeks of starting out as an active coach! I am so excited to be apart of the BeachBody family doing something I love plus, make a little extra money on the side!

Today is also a big day for shopping at Sephora! I rewarded myself on my new promotion today by placing a make-up order online plus, I have a 15% your entire order coupon! Sephora is my favorite incase you didn’t already know from my previous post, Raiding My Make-Up Bag!

I tend to get about 80% of my make-up from Sephora, so it is great when they have a sale! I don’t order often, but I definitely make a list of all the things I need or am getting low on at home before I place my order! It helps save time and money!

I also love the free samples that Sephora gives you at online checkout! It’s great to test new products or perfumes before you buy! I have tested several samples and I ended up buying them later! Also when checking out, see what new monthly promotions they are offering! Sometimes, it’s a magazine subscription or a new foundation (to get in on these promotions, your order has to be $25 or more). The promo sizes are typically a little bigger than the sample size, which is nice! I have found a lot of great moisturizers and face washes with the promos!

Another great thing Sephora has going on now is, for $10 you can get free 2-Day Shipping for FREE for a entire year! Normally, if you spend over $50, you get free 3-Day Shipping, but the 2-day option is nice incase you are low on something and it needs to get to you fast!

Finally, here is my Sephora VIB Insider 15% Off Coupon Code to enter at checkout: VIBLOVE

Happy Thursday! XO

Fashionista Friday: Cuffed Jeans and Booties

Good morning and Happy Friday! This Fashionista Friday is a little different than the others so far. It is a fashion trend alert and a how to pull it off without compromising your own personal style or looking like a clown!

It seems that this year the new and greatest trend is cuffed or rolled jeans with booties, heeled, wedged, or flat. Now that spring is in the air, cuffed jeans are more in than ever. For a more spring look, you might swap out your booties with a wedge sandal or a heeled strappy sandal.

As for myself, I finally gave into this trend about two months ago when I found a bargain pair of wedged booties. And if anyone knows me, they know I love my boots! I wear them all the time in the winter! I also am not one to go for certain trends that come out. I kinda like doing my own thing. So, this was a big deal for me. And it turns out I really love this trend! It really grew on me! Plus I love jeggings or skinny jeans, so it worked out well!

Okay, here are some of the basics of cuffing skinny jeans or jeggings. Do not, I repeat do not just simply tuck your skinnies into your boots. This look makes you look like a stubby muffin. Don’t do it.

Second, don’t tuck your booties under your skinnies! This will make anyone look like they have legs for miles. Yes, for short ladies, this is a dream come true, but skinnies pulled over the boot just doesn’t look good. Period.

To pull off a cuffed jean look you can do a low rolled cuff. It looks hipster and messy. Perfect trend to pull off. For you shorter ladies, show a hint of skin on your leg, this will help to break up the cuff and the bootie and help elongate your leg.

Second cuff is a long rolled cuff. Warning, this can make you appear stubby. Tall girls, this one is for you! This will make you look shorter and even out your long legs to your torso.

The next cuff is more of a not skinny jean look. This look looks better and will be pulled off better with a sleek pair of boyfriend jeans that you and actually cuff. This a double cuff and adds a totally different look. Again, make sure to show a hint of skin just so you don’t look stubby.

This week I rocked some booties with dark jeggings and cuffs. I paired it with a black peplum top (From The Mint Julep Boutique) and a colorful statement necklace (From Maurices).

A few weeks ago, I also did a cardigan sweater and tank (From Maurcies) and my $15 bargain booties, from Glicks.

Here are a few great links to some awesome booties that don’t break the bank!

Nine West Bootie from DSW

Crown Vintage Sandy Bootie from DSW

Toms Booties

Carlos Booties from Famous Footwear

There! That is my Fashionista Friday lesson on pulling off cuffed jeans and booties like a pro! If you haven’t given in to this trendy look yet, do it! It is so fun and now especially with spring on its way! The same basic rules apply for spring shoes/booties as well!

This weekend, Taylor and I are going to see our nieces and nephews! I can’t wait! What are you doing this weekend?

Xo

Fashionista Friday: PinkBlush

It is our first Fashionista Friday here at The Life of the Dakota Farmer’s Wife! From now on, every {almost} Friday I plan on sharing my favorite shops, boutiques, fashion tips, my weekly outfits and more with you! I am so excited about this because I love a good maxi dress or finding a new boutique! I can’t wait to share my personal favorites with you!

Well, here we go!

Have you ever heard of PinkBlush?! Well, it is an online boutique that specializes in women’s fashion and also maternity fashion for all of you pregnant ladies out there! I have several pieces that I purchased from PinkBlush or PinkBlush Zulily. I love shopping here because it is trendy and they have all the latest fashions, it is inexpensive, and it is fast shipping! If you are looking for your Easter or a cute spring outfit, check out PinkBlush! Here is the link:

http://shoppinkblush.com/

They have one of a kind blouses, tunics, dresses, and bottoms. This week Wednesday, I wore a PinkBlush dress/tunic with black leggings, cream boot socks, and cream colored boots paired with a red/maroon statement necklace. This look is great for in or out of the office! Plus it is comfy for putting in those long winter hours!

Here is my workday look; Today, I chose another PinkBlush blouse paired with skinny jeans, flats, and a statement necklace! I love this look for a casual, but cute Friday look! You can easily transition this look from office casual with jeans to a mid-week office look by pairing it with a pencil skirt! Or to the weekend with skinny jeans and heels!

Another great reason to go to shop at PinkBlush right now, is their “End of Season Sale”!!! Stock up on winter tunics, sweaters, and blouses for next fall and winter! Lots and lots of great sale prices! Plus, if you spend over $50, it ships free!! It is a great time to check out all their latest fashion and stock up for next year! I always love a good bargain! The best time to shop for winter is in the spring and the best time to shop for summer/spring is in the fall! I have personally saved so much by waiting until the end of season sales to buy new clothes, therefore, it is my favorite season to shop!

Happy Friday and Happy Shopping! Xo