I’m not as obsessed as my mom but close and I often tell you about things that I love, but how do you decipher the things that I love from the things that I REALLY REALLY LOVE? Well it will be easy now thanks to Open Sky. It’s my own little shop of recommended goodies, stamped with the Falcon Crème de la Crème-approval seal, that are guaranteed to make you smile just knowing they are sitting in your kitchen.

What makes Open Sky different, is that you can add products to your shop that are hard to find, unique, and if they don’t have it, they will get it. They are also able to keep costs very low. That magnetic knife strip that I love and recommend in my shop, it’s only $17 bucks. Something else I love about them is that they are personable, which is a pretty great quality to have considering it’s hard to even find someone you can actually talk to that’s not automated.

I will be adding products very slowly to my shop because, as mentioned before, they will be products that I love, love, love and can’t live without. I believe in all the products I talk about here but these are super special. I’ve only added two things to my shop so far; the knife strip I mentioned earlier and the John Boos Maple Cutting Board. *drool* I love me some good cutting boards. I ain’t gonna lie, I hate seeing someone bring out their dingy, stained cutting board. Makes me gag a little.  But this one, oh my, this one is fabulous, beautiful, and a must-have.  It’s super easy to keep in tip-top shape and always looks beautiful.

I’ve requested a couple of other things to put in my shop and as soon as they are available, I’ll let you know about them.  What are YOUR absolute favorite kitchen treasures? And are you one of those folks that has cookbooks coming out your ears?  No, I’m not one of them….I don’t think I am….well, maybe I am….shhh.

If you’re like me, you’re taking baby steps towards a greener lifestyle.  Every little bit helps right?  I have a long ways to go and I’m sure many of you do too so to help, As one of the Eleven Moms of Walmart, I have brought a nice little green package to the table for you!

Four products that one winner will receive are:

• 1) Bissell Little Mean (Green Machine) Floor Cleaner – Less packaging, PVC free tanks & hoses, and is great for cleaning spills & stains.
• 2) Brita Water Pitcher – Love ours! Great way to reduce using bottled water.
• 3) Green Works Cleaners – Great cleaners that do work, are eco-friendly and even include some biodegradable wipes.
• 4) Tide Coldwater – Huge fan of Tide here. Using Tide coldwater will help save  energy & money.  Just like it says, you’ll use it with cold water instead of hot and clothes come out very clean with the added cost to your bill!

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment with a ryhme using the word “GREEN”!

Additional ways to enter. Each must be left in a separate comment.

• Subscribe to my blog via email or by RSS reader.
• Tweet and/or Facebook this giveaway (including a link back here)
• Leave a comment on any one of my other posts, then come back here and let me know which post you left a comment on!

This giveaway ends on April 30th, the last day of the official Earth Month for greener living!  You can read official rules to all my giveaways if you like.

I debated on whether I should write about this here or on my cowboy blog but since my main focus will be on chuckwagon dining, I thought it would make a good fit here.

I don’t know about you but I love to entertain and while I don’t always use the western theme, it is most certainly a huge part of my life.  I probably love to decorate more with it than actually use it.  Is anyone else like that?

I came across Crazy Horse West not too long ago.  They have an array of western items from leather goods to western hats to cowhide rugs but what caught my eye was the Chuckwagon collection.  A collection that includes two of my favorite things, cowboys and brands. 

Not only did I find the ever so popular dinnerware, I found some other fun pieces that I don’t often see like the office/bedside water set.  It reminds me of the old days.  Today, this would be something juice might be served in and I love it.

The coffee server and teapot is my other fave.  This would be the one that I’d put up for show though.  Something to sit up on my counter and just look pretty.

They have goblets, glassware, flatware and even matching salt-n-pepper shakers.  So many wonderful items that I feel like I’m in heaven.  And by the looks of things, many of it is ON SALE.  If any of you know anything about cowboy stuff, you’ll know it can be quite expensive because it’s almost always the highest of quality.  When you see it on sale, you better act on it quickly!

I give Crazy Horse West two thumbs up for offering quality products at reasonable prices. Head on over and check them out won’t ya!

Your turn pardner!

What’s YOUR entertaining style??  What are some of your favorite pieces to bring out for company?

Oh, and guess what!  One of you will win any item of your choice up to $25 in value!

TO ENTER

Head over to the Crazy Horse West website and pick something that you like. Come back here and tell me in the comments!

Additional ways to enter. Please leave each one you do in a separate comment to count.

• Blog it including a link to this giveaway.
• Tweet it including a link to this giveaway.
• Subscribe to my blog via reader or by email.

Giveaway ends on April 19th.

Today only, you can get Paula Deen’s The Deen Family Cookbook for $16.58! It’s QVC’s Today Special Value and only lasts one day at that price. NOT a member? Signing up is EASY! If you do, you’ll get a $10 credit! (for new members only) Let me know if you sign up for the first time! Would love to welcome you to the QVC family:)  If you want to know why I heart QVC, check out some of my favorites from there.  Also, many of Paula Deen‘s other products on QVC are on easy pay! It’s like layaway but you get the product right away!

This will ship out on April 7th so that you can receive it hot off the press! This is great for people like me who just can’t run out to the store when it’s released. I order everything almost online!

The cookbook looks fabulous! I’m watching Paula Deen now on QVC and she is fabulous. The food looks amazing and absolutely delicious.

About the book:

Come and get it, y’all! Paula Deen made a name for herself whipping up down-home family recipes. Now, in The Deen Family Cookbook, Paula shares step-by-step instructions so you can fix all her family favorites–and serve ‘em up for your family!

Combining the two things Paula loves most–food and family–this book features a heapin’ helpin’ of more than 140 brand-new recipes from Paula; her sons, Jamie and Bobby; her brother, Uncle Bubba; and the rest of her food-lovin’ clan. From corn-and-crab puffs and chicken and dumplings to red velvet whoopee pies and banana spice cake with peanut butter frosting, this book will have you cooking–and eating–like Paula’s kinfolk in no time at all.

More than just a cookbook, this volume also contains full-color photographs of Paula, her relatives, and the Southern surroundings that inspired her good ol’ fashioned dishes. Of course, you’ll also find colorful shots of Paula’s prepared recipes–enough to make your mouth water!

These are the recipes that have been passed down in the Deen family from generation to generation. With this durable hardcover edition of Paula Deen’s The Deen Family Cookbook, you can make them the recipes that are handed down in your family, too.

* Paula Deen, author
* Hardcover
* 288 pages
* Full-color photos
* Chapters include: Nibbles, Snacks, and Sandwiches; Appetizers, Soups, and Salads; Main Dishes; Casseroles and Pasta; Sides and Veggies; Breakfast and Brunch; Good Food That’s Good for You; Desserts and Sweets; Beverages
* Published April 2009

GUESS WHAT! If you want to win one, leave a comment here telling me what you love about Paula or her recipes!

BONUS: Come back each day and tell me something new you like about Paula or her recipes and earn an extra daily entry:)  That gives you a total of 6 chances to win, fair for everyone!

Ends on April 5th at 10pm CST.  Good luck!

If you haven’t already noticed, I added something new called the ‘Mercantile‘, where you’ll be able to purchase products, books, and magazine subscriptions. These are all items that I love and own and I wanted to share them with you. It’s still a work in progress but I do have the magazine subscriptions up.

I recently partnered up with Southern Living to bring you these magazine subscriptions at a steal! I wanted you to be able to have great magazines to read while keeping your pocketbook in check!

This offer is currently available for these four magazines:

• 1) Cooking Light (2yrs)
  
• 2) Southern Living (1yr)
  
• 3) Real Simple (1yr)
  
• 4) All You (2yrs)
  

I am a subscriber to all these magazines.  All You is jam packed with coupons and is very popular.  The other 3 speak for themselves.

Read the FAQ’s on magazine subscriptions.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!  Keep your eyes open on Monday for a new recipe on the lighter side.

My weight loss goals this year include more healthy recipes and taking baby steps to going green, so having the chance to try this grill pan out made me more than happy.

Some facts you should know right away about this line that makes it special, is that it is 100% PFOA FREE!  A very important factor for people living green.  The line is dishwasher safe and can go in the oven up to 500′.  It’s of some of the highest quality you can find out there and the company, Scanpan has been around for over 50yrs and has a very good reputation.

Believe it or not, I have NEVER owned a grill pan.  *gasp*  We grill outside all the time but during the winter and on ugly days, it’s nice to be able to use the grill inside for some healthier eating.  Today we decided to do hamburgers and of course my husband took over because the one thing he cared about, was the grill marks!  Men!

The handle does get hot (because it’s oven safe obviously) but lucky for you, they provide you with a handle sleeve.  What I cared about though, was the cleanup.  Am I right??  You know how grill pans or anything with grooves can be a pain to clean right.  I was very pleased with the cleanup with this pan.  I had no trouble at all and the food had been there for about 3hrs so it had time to “stick”.

Everything cooked evenly, the grill marks turned out great, and cleanup was a breeze.  Definitely a great pan and if you care about living green, eating healthy, and high quality cookware, then this line is for you.  I cook nonstop for my family and for the ranch cowboys so I need cookware that will last.  It is slightly on the pricier side but you get what you pay for.  I’m all about quality and the Scanpan Professional line fits the bill.

Want to win one? Well lucky for you, I have a Scanpan Grill Pan to giveaway to one lucky reader! Valued at about $150.

TO ENTER:

Leave a comment on this post telling me what you would cook in your grill pan OR what steps you’re taking to eating healthier or live greener.

Additional ways to enter. You may do one or all but each one you do should be left in a separate comment.

• Blog it and tell me how bad you want this baby!
• Tweet it and include @ACowboysWife and the link to this giveaway.
• Stumble it and/or Facebook it.
• Subscribe by Email or by Reader!

This giveaway ends on March 30th (which happens to be my birthday) at 10pm CST,  or until comments are closed.  For more info on how I run my giveaways, read the “official rules“.

I’ll never forget our wedding.  I didn’t know what they had planned for us back at the ranch so you might say I was extremely surprised to show up with a big ol’ lamb turning over a fire, which was our supper.  Since then, we have eaten goat, beef head, tripas, wild hog, and so much more.  Wait, did I say ‘we’?  Cause I really meant ‘they’.  The only thing I have eaten, is the the beef head and not because I wanted to but because I was deceived!  My MIL put them in the tamales and I didn’t know.

Anyways, my husband kills a lot of wild hogs and every now and then, brings one home to cook.  It was a beautiful Sunday and what better way to spend it than sitting outside with the family, grilling.

Normally my man would have wrapped this in foil to smoke it but, of course, I was out of foil.  So he “smoked” it on the grill for a few hours.  Still turned out good and with it being as big as it was, we had plenty to cube up and freeze.

No recipe here today.  Throw the hog on the grill or wrap in foil and then throw it on and smoke for a few hours.  Season how ya want.

Have you had wild hog?  What other wild game have you eaten?

Great offer from Gevalia!  You may have already seen it but I thought I would share.  And be sure to check out my Friday’s Frugal Ideas for more freebies!

Choose 3 boxes for $3 & a FREE travel mug

Discover the world’s most tempting coffee delivered right to your door.

- Enjoy free delivery on all scheduled shipments

- Get a free stainless steel travel mug as our gift

- Love your coffee, guaranteed or cancel at any time

Get 3 boxes for $3 Free Delivery. Always.

REMINDER: This will be sent to you using autoship so if you don’t want future shipments, be sure to cancel.

First, I’m leaving for BlissDom in Nashville tomorrow, where I’m on the speaking panel for affiliate marketing,  and will be having guest posts for you guys.  They did an awesome job and I’m grateful for them stepping in for me while I’m gone so PLEASE welcome them by commenting on their post.  I would be appreciative of it, as I’m sure they would as well.

Second, Amy is test driving an Mercedes GLK for two weeks and YOU can win $50 just by visiting her take on the snazzy ride.  Please visit her and check out her food posts while you’re there!

Third,  I’m giving away an iPod Touch at my cowboy blog so get on over there and enter!  TONS of ways to enter and they are all EASY!

Fourth….Did you guys know I have a recipe published in a Global Cookbook?  Yep, my Very Berry Pound Cake…whoop whoop holla!  On page 60/61 I might add.  Anyways, all proceeds from this book go to Stop Hunger, an amazing charity! So git your hiney over there and buy one!

Finally, a few things you should do…

• **Take advantage of the instant $10 credit at QVC for new customers.  See what I LOVE at the Q.
• **Print some dang coupons because I’ll be talking about it much more and you’ll wish you saved as much as I did while shopping!
• **If you feel like it, tell me in the comments below what you love and hate about My Wooden Spoon.  It’s okay, I’ve got my big girl panties on and I can take it…but hopefully it’s all good;)

Everyone have a wonderful week(end)!!

I get tons of questions about where I buy my kitchen gadgets or how I store certain food items in my kitchen, so today, I wanted to share with you some of my most favorites things from one of my most favorite places to shop, QVC!   So, iQdoU???  Get a an instant $10 credit for signing up (for new customers).

Living out here on a ranch, in the middle of no man’s land, I don’t have access cooking stores, grocery stores, or any stores for that matter so for as long as I can remember, I’ve been a QVC customer.  A place I trust and love and know that if I don’t like something, I can return, no questions asked.

I buy so many things there from my Dooney & Bourke handbags to food which brings me to write this post.

Did you know that QVC sells food?  They do and it’s good but I do have my faves so I’ll start with that category first!

FOOD FAVORITES

Kansas City Steaks – These are the best steaks and backed by the American Heart Association.  I love these for dieting reasons.  They are solid meat and in smaller portions than these here ranch steaks.  Very healthy & very good.

Mrs. Prindable’s Apples – OMG, these are the best things ever!  There are tons of wannabe’s out there but these are the real deal.  The apples are crisp and sweet and THICK coated with just about any sweet your heart desires.  They come in smaller apples or LARGE ones.  YUM!  My parents love to hand these out for family gifts.  They really are delicious and everyone waits for the next holiday season to receive them again!

POTS & PANS

Technique Hard Anodized Nonstick Pans – WHEW…these are beautiful, strong pans that get 10 thumbs up from me if I had that many.  I have two sets of pans from QVC, these and the Stainless Steel Nonstick set.  I LOVE them and they have been with me through thick and thin!  I use stainless steel utensils in them and everything and they are still great.  What I love is that you can get a very nice set like this on easy pay.  So if you can’t fork over $172 bucks at once, you can pay it out over 4 or whatever the installment offer is.  It’s like layaway without waiting!!

Oven to Table with Temp-Tations – Maybe you like to entertain without the trouble huh.  Well these are just one style of what QVC offers and not only do the cook your food in the oven, they go straight to the table for a beautiful presentation.  PURTY…..There are several sets that you can buy individual pieces extra to match.

KITCHEN TOOLS

Deni Meat Tenderizer – gotta have a tenderizer in the house.  I really like this one but if you can spend just a little more, they have an even bigger one that’s pretty cool too!  I use this on all of our steaks but especially round steak.  There’s nothing worse than watching your kids or cowboys gnawing on a steak like  it’s beef jerky.
Mixing Bowls – are a must!  I like pretty and colorful ones and QVC has a million of them that are sure to fit your taste.  I like the ones with the pour spouts and a handle which is why this yellow one is one my faves.

ORGANIZATION

Wrapmaster – To wrap your foil and plastic wrap.  LOVE these, especially for the plastic wrap.  I mean, how many times have you had to just wad up that plastic wrap and throw it away…I hate that!  This eliminates the problem.

Lock & Lock – Great sets, sorta like Tupperware I guess but they come in a million sets and sizes.  Even big ones for dog food or huge sacks of flour.  Great stuff here and very popular.  Tons of colors to choose from too.  These are really great and a must have.

Okay, so there are just a few things that I love from QVC. It doesn’t even count the handbags, jewelry, makeup, skincare, and electronics that I buy there!

Right now, if you are a first time customer, you can get an INSTANT $10 bucks signing up!  There are tons of things that you could get almost free and think of it as a $10 coupon!!  You can use it on any purchase and it even covers shipping.