Faulkner's Ranch

Wednesday Laughs: Wedding Edition

2012-02-22T13:13:00.000-06:00

In honor of Wedding Week here is a very special Wednesday Laugh.

Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - For more information on having a beautiful wedding at Faulkner's Ranch click here.

Tuesday Treats: Cupcakes in a Jar

2012-02-21T12:50:00.000-06:00

Since this week's theme is Wedding Week, we wanted to be sure to share with you a yummy Tuesday Treat that would be perfect for your rustic wedding!

These Cupcakes in a Jar are absolutely adorable!

They aren't your usual treat in a jar where you receive just the ingredients - these are actual cupcakes in a jar!

When we saw them over at My Cakies we thought that they would be great as a wedding cake substitute or as a sweet party favor for your guests to take home.

To make this super fun treat you will need...

INGREDIENTS:

- 2 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

- 1 1/2 cups sugar

- 1 tsp baking soda

- 1 tsp salt

- 2 1/4 tsp cocoa powder

- 1 1/2 cup canola oil

- 1 cup buttermilk, room temperature

- 2 large eggs, room temperature

- 2 tbsp red food coloring

- 1 tsp white distilled vinegar

- 2 tsp vanilla extract

FOR THE CREAM CHEESE FROSTING:

- 1 pound cream cheese, softened

- 2 sticks butter, softened

- 2 tsps vanilla extract

- 4 cups sifted powdered sugar

SUPPLIES:
-8 oz mason jars
- Spoons
- Round Stickers
- Baker's Twine
- Pastry bag and decorative tips

Once you have all of the ingredients and materials, head on over to My Cakies for the instructions on how to prepare your cupcakes and icing. She gives a great step-by-step with pictures and tips along the way.

We hope you enjoy these yummy treats!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - For more information on having a beautiful wedding at Faulkner's Ranch click here.

It's Wedding Week!

2012-02-20T17:05:00.000-06:00

With Valentine's Day just behind us we just can't get the love out of the air here at the Ranch.

That is why this week is Wedding Week!

With wedding season just around the corner, we have a ton of inspiration to share with our brides-to-be. So, whether you have already booked your wedding at Faulkner's or are considering us as one of your venues, please be sure to check out some of the cool ideas that we will be sharing over the next few days.

To kick start our inspiration we have one of our favorite websites. We came across it the other day and needless to say, we are already obsessed! We can't stop reading and looking through the pictures. Everything is absolutely gorgeous!

It's called I Love Farm Weddings.

It has tons of inspiration photos and DIY ideas for having a fabulous, rustic farm wedding! Here are some of our favorites:


via


via

via

For more on what this awesome website is about click here.

Now stay tuned for more wedding excitement!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Wednesday Laughs: Chivalrous Horse

2012-02-15T13:58:00.000-06:00

Alright fellas! Listen up!

We're not horsing around when we say that this horse has got some serious game.

Take a lesson from him and score some points with your lady...

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - For more Wednesday Laughs, click here!

Tuesday Treats: Last Minute Valentine's Heart Cake

2012-02-14T11:23:00.000-06:00

Happy Valentine's Day!!!

What's that? You forgot that it was today?!

Well, never fear because we have any easy-schmeasy Valentine's gift for you to bake for your sweetie...

A Heart Shaped Cake!

It sounds tricky, but it is actually super easy!

First, using a cake mix, follow the instructions to make the batter.

Then pour half the prepared batter into an 8" round pan and half into an 8" by 8" square pan.

After cakes are baked and cooled, flip onto a platter. Cut the round cake in half, and place the halves at right angles against the square cake-instant heart like so...

Image and Directions from homemadesimple.com

Your cake should look like this...

Now ice and decorate!

We told you it was easy! Easy AND impressive!

Happy Valentine's Day!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Sunday Share: The Best Country Love Songs

2012-02-12T18:34:00.000-06:00

Country songs are all about love...well love and tractors.

Here are some of our all time favorite country love songs to get your ready for Valentine's this week.

So crank up your speakers, grab your sweetie, and have a little slow dance why don'tcha?

What is your favorite country love song???

~Your Friends at Faulkner's

DIY "Good Ol' Roll in the Hay" Coupon

2012-02-10T08:36:00.001-06:00

This time of the year everyone is trying to think of a creative gift for their special Valentine.

Well look no further! We have just the one you need!

(And you'll both enjoy it too...)

A Coupon for a Good Ol' Roll in the Hay!

Get it? A ROLL in the HAY?
We told you it was a Do It Yourself project!
Hey, who says we can't get a little raunchy at the ranch?

To make this you will need:

A few Tootsie Rolls (your "roll")

Some yellow or natural colored raffia (your "hay")

A bag or container

The coupon card

We bought all of these materials at JoAnn's. We love it there because
a) all of their Valentine's stuff is on sale already and
b) we can use multiple coupons on the stuff that isn't marked down yet.
(By the way, be sure you download the JoAnn app for your smart phone if you're going shopping! It is always updating with new coupons.)
The costs for our materials were...
Candy: Reg. $2.99, 25% off, total $2.24
Raffia: Reg. 1.99, 40% off coupon, $1.19
Valentine's Box: Reg. 1.49, 50% off, $.74
So, this project came to a grand total of...*drum roll please*...4.17
And it could be even cheaper depending on what you have lying around your house? After all, you can use anything, even a clear plastic baggie, to put it in!

First, cut your raffia into small pieces about 1.5" to 3" long like so...

This will be your "hay."

Place your hay into your container, whatever it may be, and put a few Tootsie Rolls in there. Make sure that you can see them from the outside.

Now print off your coupon. You can use the text from our sample below or you can write your own!
And who says it has to be for Valentine's Day? Why not make one for every week of the year?! ;o)

Now give it to your special cowboy and get ready to have some fun!

Here's to a good time!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Valentine's Chex Mix

2012-02-09T19:13:00.000-06:00

Okay, let's just put it out there...

Chex Mix is awesome.

It's salty. It's sweet. It's absolutely delicious.

Annnnd you can dress it up to fit any holiday!

That is why we love this recipe! It takes our classic Chex mix and adds some serious love to it! Plus, you can get wild and extra creative by adding in more Valentinesy ingredients - there are all kinds of cute candies and Valentine’s themed snacks out there that would be perfect to add in!

To start out though, you will need:

9 cups Rice Chex cereal (gluten free)

1 cup white vanilla baking chips

½ cup peanut butter

¼ cup butter or matgarine

¾ cup powdered sugar

½ cup red, white and pink candy-coated chocolate chips

¼ cup red or pink jimmies sprinkles

Once you have all of your ingredients, click on over to Betty Crocker for the recipe. Plus, she's got some coupons linked up that will save you some dough!

We hope that you enjoy this yummy snack! Trust us, it will make everyone around you love you even more!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - In case you missed it and are in need of a good chuckle, be sure to check out

yesterday's Wednesday Laughs!

Wednesday Laughs: Valentine's Edition

2012-02-08T12:32:00.000-06:00

Who says that love has to be so serious???

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Tuesday Treats: Love Potion Floats

2012-02-07T15:35:00.001-06:00

Valentine's Day is only one week away!

(Ya hear that fellas? Don't say we didn't remind you!)

Whether you've got a special cowgirl or cowboy or maybe you're riding solo for a bit, we have just what you need!

That's right...

LOVE POTION!

Well...a Love Potion Float that is...

Sweet Cheeks Tasty Treats created this delicious recipe that you will be sure to fall in love with.

To make this yummy drink, you will need:

Raspberry Sherbet
Raspberry Ginger Ale
Whipped Cream Topping
Sprinkles
Serving Glasses
Ice Cream Scoop
Straws
Stickers or other embellishments

Now that you have all of your ingredients and supplies,

click here to get the recipe!

Just be careful who you serve this too...

It's dangerous and delicious stuff!

Here's to a delightful Tuesday!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

DIY Western Valentine Rag Wreath

2012-02-06T13:13:00.000-06:00

Here at the ranch we love a lot of things.
We love holidays.
We love crafts.
We love anything western.

Give us a western holiday craft and we are some happy campers!

So, you can bet your bottom dollar that when we saw this
DIY Western Rag Wreath
we were clicking our boots with excitement!

Huckleberry Prairie is the creator of this adorable project.

To make this wreath, you will need:

A heart shaped hay wreath

2 pink bandanas

2 white bandanas

2 red bandanas

Scissors

A screwdriver to poke the rag pieces in.

Now that you have all of your materials all you have to do is click here for a visual step-by-step tutorial on how to create this super cute Valentine's decoration!

And don't forget - we want to see your projects! If you make one, be sure to share you pic by tagging us in it on Facebook!

See you tomorrow with some Tuesday Treats!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

The Budweiser Clydesdales

2012-02-05T16:12:00.000-06:00

It is easy to say that every year we look forward to the Budweiser Clydesdales' Super Bowl Ad.

We just love those big beauties!

They have boarded at our other location, Benjamin Ranch, before and they are even more gorgeous in person.

So, of course, we couldn't think of a better way to kick off Super Bowl Sunday than by looking back on some of our

favorite Super Bowl ads featuring these gorgeous horses!

Enjoy!

Here's wishing you a super fun Super Bowl Sunday!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Super Bowl Dips

2012-02-04T15:01:00.000-06:00

There is nothing more perfect on Super Bowl Sunday

than some super dips!

Below are three of our favorites! Just click the link above each picture for the recipe.

Skinny Buffalo Chicken Dip

(only 3 Weight Watchers points!)

Homemade Queso dip from Kayotic Kitchen

Skinny Taco Dip

Wanna snazzy up your dip?

Add some ranch dressing and some veggies to make your own football field like the picture above!

Do you have a favorite Super Bowl Snack? Please share it with us!

Now, who's ready for some football?

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Bonus Laughs: Groundhog Day Edition

2012-02-02T16:02:00.000-06:00

Looks like Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow today. Whether you like the idea of 6 more weeks of winter or not, you can always enjoy a good laugh!

Happy Groundhog Day!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

A Month in Review

2012-02-01T18:58:00.000-06:00

Can you believe that February is already here? That's right, we are 1/12 through 2012!
Here's are some of the fun things happened in January
at Faulkner's Ranch!

We got some behind-the-scenes scoop on from Christine.
We found out about the hottest party trends from this holiday season.
We made a neat little memory jar to keep track of the simple joys.
We celebrated a very special anniversary.
We learned how to stay lucky.
We saw some really cool art.
And we remembered to not take the little things for granted.

We also had some yummy Tuesday Treats...
Cowgirl Cookies

Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

S'mores Cookie Bars

Cowboy Hat Cookies

and this week's Super Bowl Sweets

And of course, we had a lot of good laughs...
New Year's Fun
Horsin' Around
This Little Piggy
Moo Edition

If you thought that January was fun, wait until you see what we've got a lot coming up this month!

From Superbowl Party recipes to Valentine's Crafts to planning the perfect company party, we've got it all!

Stay Tuned,
~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Wednesday Laughs: Superbowl Edition

2012-02-01T13:14:00.000-06:00

Since the Super Bowl is this weekend we wanted to bring you some Football Funnies!

Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Tuesday Treats: Super Bowl Sweets

2012-01-31T17:15:00.000-06:00

With Super Bowl Sunday coming up we wanted to make sure that you had everything you needed for a fantastic Super Bowl party!

So below we have rounded up some of our favorite football themed sweets!

Your team might be losing, but hey, at least your tummy will be happy!

Click the link above each picture to visit the recipe website.

Football Cake Pops

Chocolate Covered Super Bowl Strawberries

Oreo Football Cookie Balls

(You can also use Reeses Peanut Butter Eggs and add white icing laces to create quick and easy footballs)

Football Rice Krispie Treats

Game Day Whoopie Pies

Touchdown Cupcake

We wanna know...

Who will you be rooting for this Sunday?

Ready for game day,

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

The Word From the Herd: Guest Post by Christine

2012-01-30T16:47:00.000-06:00

One of our favorite things about this blog is sharing all of the inside details and behind the scenes fun of Faulkner’s Ranch. That is why we are starting a new little guest post segment called “The Word from the Herd.”

That’s right! Our ranch hands are going to give you the low-down on what’s going on at Faulkner’s Ranch! To kick things off, here is someone that you all probably know - Christine Loneman, one of the owners and managers of Faulkner’s!

A January Weekend at Faulkner’s Ranch

I can say, without a doubt, that I absolutely LOVE my job. One of the greatest perks of going to work has to be bumping into high school peeps at various events around the Ranch-a-Roos, seeing what they are up to, and connecting with them as a small business owner. It’s crazy to think about how many people I run into all time.

For example, this past weekend was like a blast from the past. Just last Friday I was working a casino party at the Benjamin Ranch for a super cool IT Training company and in walks Jessica Taylor Horton. Her hubby works for the company. I thought Jessica was cool in HS and she is still very cool today. She is currently the owner of Tin Roof Photography. She photographed our Faulkner Family at the old farm on View High Drive and that picture still hangs in my folks' house today. When talking to her this weekend I found out that she is just starting a new adventure that I am loving called RE: Restoration Emporium She and another LSHS peep Amy Shaw McMicheal restore, repurpose, refinish, and renew vintage items and antiques. The have such talent when it comes to creating awesome furniture pieces! You have to be sure to check it out.

Me and Jessica

Saturday was a busy one as well with 4 pony parties and a 5oth Wedding Anniversary. The very first pony party of the day for Mac whose mommy is Christine South from high school. For this very reason I keep my ‘92 and ‘93 yearbooks in the Pony Place under the register. You’ll never know when you might need them! Every time a fellow Tiger comes through we open them up and reminisce (Oh the hair!). Much to my surprise Shelly Payne Brown, another HS peep and her adorable sons were guests at the party! Shelly is Vice Principal at Blue Springs South. We had a pretty good laugh about that since back in the day LSHS and BSHS were HUGE rivals! (Go Tigers!)

In the next barn over there were plenty of ole friends and acquaintances at the sweetest 50th Wedding Anniversary party for the Shepards. The Shepards belong to Abundant Life Baptist Church so I was fortunate to get see some old neighbors, Tom and Elizabeth Guenther and the Perry Family (I went to HS with their children Jeff and Jill Perry.)

Working that event was a lot of fun! Sometimes I feel like a privileged fly on the wall getting to witness the most intimate moments of events like when Rich Langston with Discover Church read questions that were written by the Shepard’s guests. It was a little bit like the newlywed game and we learned a lot about their relationship, travels, and future plans. It was such a fun idea for an anniversary party!

I learned that when the Shepards were married she shared that after the ceremony they went home and she cooked the only meal she knew how at age 18 – meatloaf. The next day they got up and went to school and work. A fairly simple start. Well between now and then they have lived a full life. They have traveled all 50 states and around the world. Much of the traveling was Mission trips. Talk about an amazing, inspiring marriage. Betty, one of our scarecrows, has always said there are 3 people in a marriage; husband , wife, the Lord. Picture a triangle. That is what a saw in the Shepard’s and it made me feel honored to help them celebrate their special day.

The weekend wrapped up with a bittersweet day on Sunday as my folks headed South for the winter. They got to stop on the way in Fort Wayne IL to see Charlie (Duc 1) and his lovely wife for lunch.

Oh how I miss the Ducs!

I feel so blessed to have such an amazing job where I get to reconnect with old friends and meet amazing new people every day!

What can I say? My job rocks!

~ Christine

A Sunday Share

2012-01-29T14:35:00.000-06:00

This song is such a great reminder to being grateful for the small things in life that may not seem like blessings at the time.

We hope you enjoy!

Have a great day!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

A Happy Faulkner Anniversary

2012-01-28T17:32:00.000-06:00

Happy Anniversary to Marilyn and Bob Faulkner!

Here's a little video we found of you two keeping

the fire of love alive and going strong!

Wishing you the happiest of anniversaries!!!

Love,

~ Your Family at Faulkner's

Recycled Horseshoes

2012-01-26T09:02:00.000-06:00

When we saw what this artist does, it was just too cool to not share.
I mean, talk about inspiration for all of the horseshoes we have found!

Tom Hill is a 26 year-old self-taught sculptor who for the last 3 years has been working with recycled horseshoes to create life-size animal sculptures.
These sculptures are absolutely amazing! We especially love the horse ones.
Tom utilises a gas forge, an anvil and a hammer as well as various welding techniques to heat and shape the horseshoes to create his designs.

For more info on Tom and his unique artwork, please visit his website.

Pretty neat, huh?

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - Ever wonder why the horseshoe is considered lucky?

Wednesday Laughs: Moo Edition

2012-01-25T13:48:00.000-06:00

Holy Cow! It's time for some Wednesday Laughs!

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Tuesday Treats: Cowboy Hat Cookies

2012-01-24T18:09:00.001-06:00

When we saw these adorable cookies we absolutely fell in love with them!
Wouldn't they be perfect for a birthday party at the ranch?

They remind us of one of our favorite cowgirls - Cowgirl Jessie from Toy Story! That chick has some serious style and knows how to rock a red cowgirl hat like no other!

Besides being just way to cute, these cookies are also ridiculously easy to make.

Using your favorite sugar cookie recipe, all you have to do is add a few special touches to achieve these adorable cowboy hat treats!
Just follow the recipe below...

INGREDIENTS:

Waxed paper

Batch of chilled sugar cookie dough (homemade or store bought)

Flour

5cm round cookie cutter

Red cookie icing

Large red gumdrops

Tube of white decorator's icing (with a narrow round tip to pipe on the lacing)

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Cover the tray with waxed paper and set it aside.

2. Roll out the sugar cookie dough between sheets of flour-dusted waxed paper to a 0.5cm thickness. Cut out the cookies and place them on the tray. Then place the tray in the refrigerator to chill the cookies while you heat the oven to the proper temperature.

3. When the oven is heated, transfer the cookies to a baking sheet. Then bake and cool them according to the recipe directions.

4. Turn the cookies upside down so the flat surfaces are facing up and then frost them with the red icing.

5. Once the icing has set, add a top to each hat by slicing the domed top off of a red gumdrop. Then squeeze a quarter size dollop of white decorator's icing onto the bottom of the gumdrop and gently press it down onto the center of the cookie so the icing spreads around the base and resembles a white hatband.

6. Pipe a line of trim around the perimeter of each cookie hat brim. Then pipe a series of short lines over the top of the trim to resemble white lacing.

We hope that you enjoy these yummy goodies! For more Tuesday Treats click here or for more ranch birthday party ideas click here.

Have a great day!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner’s

PS - If you are a local charity or are looking for an item for your school auction, you can enter a contest on our website to win a free Pony Party to give away! Click here for details!

Memory Jar: A New New Year's Tradition

2012-01-23T13:59:00.000-06:00

Time goes by too fast.

It is hard to believe that January is more than halfway over. We aren’t even one month in and 2012 is already flying by.

With days filled with running errands, cooking meals, and other tasks, many of us don’t have enough time to get everything done, let alone keep a family journal. It’s no wonder that when New Year’s Eve rolls around many of us are asking ourselves,
“What happened this year?”

Of course, all the big memories are never forgotten.
It’s the little ones - the tiny joys that tend to be forgotten.

That is why this year is the perfect year to start a new tradition in order to remember all the little things...

A Memory Jar!

All you need is a jar and some pieces of paper.

You can decorate it however you wish, or just leave it plain.

From there on, it’s easy!

Write down the things that make you laugh. The things that bring tears of joy. Those moments that you don’t want to forget.

Collect concert tickets, movie stubs, hotel key cards, and newspaper clippings. Each one of these seemingly meaningless pieces of paper is a memory.

Basically, collect anything that represents the time you spent together as a family.

For example, children say the funniest things...so why not write them down?
When you’re having a below average day reach in and pull out a quote. Suddenly you’ll be laughing and running to hug your little comedians.

You can display it on a shelf. Keep it in the kitchen. Or perhaps have it sitting beside your bed.

Then, next year on New Year’s Eve, sit down with your family and take a trip down memory lane.

Do you have any ways that you remember the little things? Please share them below! We'd love to hear from you!

Hope you're having a wonderful week!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner’s

Wednesday Laughs: This Little Piggy

2012-01-18T13:07:00.000-06:00

It's time to take a break and have some good laughs.

Enjoy!

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - Feeling hungry? Why not PIG OUT on yesterday's Tuesday Treat!

Tuesday Treats: S'mores Cookie Bars

2012-01-17T19:42:00.000-06:00

It's the tastiest day of the week again and you know what that means...

It's time for Tuesday Treats!

And today we have a real treat for you:

S'mores Cookie Bars!!!

“Hey, Smalls, you wanna s'more?”

“Some more of what?”

“No, do you wanna s'more?”

“I haven't had anything yet, so how can I have some more of nothing?”

“You're killing me Smalls!”

We can't say that you won't get messy eating them, but you will definitely have a happy tummy!

Just follow the easy recipe below...

Images and Recipe via Baked Perfection

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup butter, room temperature

1/4 cup brown sugar

1/2 cup sugar

1 large egg

1 tsp vanilla

1 1/3 cups flour

3/4 cup graham cracker crumbs (approximately 7 full graham crackers)

1 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp salt

2 or 3 super-sized (5 oz.) chocolate bars (e.g. Hershey’s)

1 1/2 cups marshmallow creme/fluff (not melted marshmallows)

DIRECTIONS

1. Preheat oven to 350. Grease bottom of 8 by 8 or 11 by 7 (the smaller the pan, the thicker the marshmallow, for the larger pan you will need to add an additional Hershey bar.)

2. In a large bowl or stand mixer, cream together butter and sugar until light. Beat in egg and vanilla.

3. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, graham cracker crumbs, baking powder and salt.

Add to butter mixture and mix at a low speed until combined.

4. Divide dough in half and press half of dough into an even layer on the bottom of the prepared pan. Place chocolate bars over dough. Two 5 oz. Hershey’s bars should fit perfectly [for 8 by 8] side by side, but break the chocolate (if necessary) to get it to fit in a single layer. [use 3 Hershey's for 11 by 7 pan]

5. Spread marshmallow fluff evenly over the chocolate layer.

6. Place remaining dough in a single layer on top of the creme. This is most easily done by putting the second half of the dough in a gallon size freezer bag. Use your palms or rolling pin to flatten it out, and then use scissors to cut down both long sides of the bag, so it will open up book-style. Open it up carefully, and the dough will stick on one side of the bag. Then place the bag, dough side down, on the other three layers. From there peel the bag up and carefully spread the dough where it is uneven. (see link below for detailed pictures on this process)

7. Bake for 30 to 35 minutes, until lightly browned. Cool completely or almost completely for the melty factor before cutting into bars. Then it's time to scarf them down!

Enjoy!

Trust us, you'll be beggin' for s'more...

(For detailed pictures on the baking process, click here.)

We hope you enjoy these tasty snacks! For more Tuesday Treat recipes, click here.

Have a great day!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

2011 Holiday Party Trends

2012-01-14T14:47:00.000-06:00

The holiday party season has come and gone.
Needless to say, we had an absolute blast celebrating with everyone who chose to party it up at Faulkner's Ranch!
We noticed a few big trends this year that definitely caught our eye.

Here are some of our favorite ones that we wanted to share with you!

The Party Bus

On the outside it may look like a normal school bus...

But on the inside it is a total party!!!

Companies that care about their peeps go the extra mile and provide a safe ride to and from the party. Plus, it gets the party going before you even arrive!

Photo Booths

Are you looking for an affordable and unique party favor or entertainment idea for your guests?

A photo booth is the perfect solution and a great way to keep your guests entertained all night.

Photo booths not only draw a crowd, generate excitement, and inspire contagious laughter, but they also allow your guests to go home with a unique keepsake to remember just how much fun they had at Faulkner's Ranch.

White Elephant Christmas

White Elephant Christmas was super popular this year at our holiday parties.

How do you play White Elephant? It's easy!

In its most basic form, the gameplay is as follows: Each guest supplies one wrapped gift. Participants determine in what order they will take turns choosing gifts.
Some do it via Bingo, others draw numbers.

The first person opens a wrapped gift and the turn ends. The second person then chooses whether to open a wrapped gift or "steal" a previously opened gift. This is where it gets really fun! If a person has his gift stolen, he/she also has the option of choosing a wrapped gift or stealing an unwrapped one. When a wrapped gift is opened, the turn ends. When all gifts have been unwrapped, the game ends.

And you should see some of the awesome gifts that went around this year...

Who wouldn't want those?

Some Killer Dance Moves

Okay, so this isn't so much a trend but we could help but notice that our party guests had some serious dance moves this year!

We didn't capture a video of it, but here is something similar...

So those are the big holiday party trends of 2011!

We just want to say a big thanks to everyone who helped make our holiday party seasons a blast!

Wanna have a party with us next year? It's never too early to plan your event. Many companies even book a year in advance to secure the perfect date.

Just click here for more information or give us a call at (816) 761-1234.

Keep on Partyin' Ya'll,

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Stay Lucky on Friday the 13th

2012-01-13T16:07:00.000-06:00

Worried about having some bad luck today?

Why not tap into your superstitious side and hang a horseshoe above your doorway or carry one as a good luck charm!

Many people believe that the horseshoe is supposed to bring good luck, but do you know why?

Here are some fun facts about the reasons why the horseshoe is considered to be a lucky charm:

Many believe that to hang a horseshoe with the ends pointing upwards is good luck as it acts as a storage container of sorts for any good luck that happens to be floating by, whereas to hang it with the ends pointing down, is bad luck as all the good luck will fall out.
However, others believe that the shoe should be hung the other way, as it will then release its luck to the people around it. Perhaps a combination of the two was used so that after a few days, when the horseshoe was filled with good luck, it would then need to be emptied so that residents could benefit from that luck and the process would be repeated until the end of time.
Superstitious sailors believe nailing a horseshoe to the mast will help their vessel avoid storms.
Horseshoes are associated with blacksmiths, and smithing is considered a lucky profession. Because they worked with elemental fire and magical iron, they were thought to have special powers. It was believed that a blacksmith could heal the sick and if a couple was married by a blacksmith, their marriage would be a happy one. Their work with horses also brought them much power and prestige, not just because they made the lucky horseshoe but also because they were the keepers of the Horseman's Word (the basis for the movie, The Horse Whisperer.)
The (usually) seven nail holes in a horseshoe invoke the traditionally lucky number 7. Since ancient times, the number seven was considered very important. Life was divided into seven ages; a rainbow has seven colors; astrology once held that seven planets made up the universe; there are seven deadly sins; a seventh child was thought to have special powers; there are seven days in a week; the moon changes from one phase to another every seven days; and a long-held belief states that the body goes through a radical change every seven years.
Horseshoes are usually iron, and iron repels fair-folk, keeping your house free of mischievous demons, imps, pixies, and elves.
A witch cannot walk under a horseshoe.
If the devil gets to close to a horseshoe, he will be sucked in.
A horseshoe in your bedroom will keep nightmares away.
Horseshoes are said to cure hiccups.

However, in order to glean the benefits, there are rules, too:

The horseshoe must have been worn by a horse.

The horseshoe must have been found, not purchased.

Do you have a horseshoe hanging in your house? What other things do you keep around for good luck?

Here's to wishing you a very lucky Friday the 13th!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Wednesday Laughs: Horsing Around Edition

2012-01-11T19:42:00.000-06:00

It's time again for the funniest part of the week...

WEDNESDAY LAUGHS!

And this time, we're horsing around a bit...

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - For more hilarious Wednesday Laughs click here.

Tuesday Treats: Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars

2012-01-10T14:21:00.000-06:00

Take a break, forget for a minute that your New Year's Resolution was to eat healthier, and enjoy these delicious Peanut Butter Chocolate Bars.

Image and Recipe via The Girl Who Ate Everything

To make these very rich and very yummy treats just follow the super simple recipe below.

INGREDIENTS:

1 (18.25) package plain yellow cake mix

1/2 cup butter, melted

1 cup creamy peanut butter

2 eggs

1 (12 oz) package semi-sweet chocolate chips

1 (14 ounce) can sweetened condensed milk

2 Tablespoons butter

2 teaspoons vanilla

1 cup coconut (optional...my sister did not like the texture of it in there)

DIRECTIONS:

1) Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2) Combine cake mix, melted butter, peanut butter, and eggs in a large bowl using a mixer or spoon. Press this into a 9x13’ pan. Be sure to keep 1 1/2 cup of the mixture to crumble on top.

3) In a small pot, melt chocolate chips, sweetened condensed milk, and butter. Remove from heat and stir in the vanilla and coconut.

4) Spread chocolate mixture over the mixture pressed in the pan and then crumble the 1 1/2 cups of reserved cake mixture on top evenly.

5) Bake for 20-25 minutes. Cool completely before cutting into bars.

We hope you enjoy these yummy goodies!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - For more delicious Tuesday Treats click here.

Wednesday Laughs: New Year's Edition

2012-01-04T15:16:00.000-06:00

Here at Faulkner's Ranch we hope that everyone had

a safe and happy New Year!

It's hard to believe that week one is halfway over.

So why not take a minute or two and have a few chuckles?

After all, everyone's resolution should be to laugh more!

Happy 2012 Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Tuesday Treats: Cowgirl Cookies

2012-01-03T16:25:00.000-06:00

Yee-Haw! It's our first Tuesday Treats of 2012!

Image and Recipe Via Bakerella

We wanted to start off the year with something super yummy and these Cowgirl Cookies were the perfect choice!

Not only are they absolutely delicious, but they also make adorable gifts!

To make these Cowgirl Cookies just follow the recipe below...

INGREDIENTS:

1 1/3 cup all purpose flour, spooned into measuring cup & leveled
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 cup cooking oats
3/4 cup m&ms
3/4 cup semi-sweet chocolate chips
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1/2 cup white sugar
1/3 – 1/2 cup chopped pecans

1 slightly beaten egg
1/2 cup butter (melted slightly in the microwave)
1 teaspoon vanilla

DIRECTIONS:

1. Stir all the dry ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

2. Then add egg, butter, and vanilla into dry ingredients. Use the back of a large spoon to work it all together. You may even need to use your hands to get everything incorporated.

3. Then roll the cookie dough into 1 1/2 inch balls, place on a parchment covered baking sheet and bake for about 10 minutes in a preheated 350 degree oven.

This recipe yields about 26-28 cookies.

For information on how to package the recipe as a gift and free labels like the ones shown in the picture above, click here.

Enjoy!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Happy New Year Ya'll!

2012-01-01T20:40:00.000-06:00

Wishing you the best in 2012!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

3 Last Minute New Year's Eve Recipes

2011-12-31T14:19:00.000-06:00

We hope that everyone had a very Merry Christmas and we wish you all a Happy New Year!

It is hard to believe that 2011 is almost over!

We’ve got lots of great party ideas, recipes, and crafts to share in 2012,

but today we thought that we would share three of our favorite last-minute New Year’s Eve Party Recipes!

We hope that you enjoy these as you ring in the New Year!

Bubbly Jell-O Parfait

Image and Recipe via Family Fun Magazine

This bubbly treat is perfect for kids and adults alike!
To make, just follow the simple directions:

1. Make bubbly Jell-O according to the directions on a box of Sparkling White Grape Jell-O. Be sure to use club soda, seltzer, or ginger ale and follow the tips on the box for getting the gelatin to sparkle.

2. Chill the Jell-O in champagne flutes or parfait glasses. It is best to make these the day of the party so that they keep their bubbliness.

3. Wind a metallic multicolored star garland up the stem of the glass for some extra pizzazz.

Now, grab a spoon and toast the New Year with a cool, sparkly dessert that wiggles!

Times Square Ball

Image and Recipe via Family Fun Magazine
Bring the famous Times Square tradition to your own house with this midnight snack.

To make this you will need:
head of cabbage

aluminum foil

1-inch cheese cubes

mini foil baking cups

frilly toothpicks

Instructions:
1. Use an unopened 8-ounce can and a head of cabbage, covered and joined with aluminum foil, for the base.

2. Set 1-inch cheese cubes into mini foil baking cups, then skewer them on frilly toothpicks, inserting the pointy ends into the cabbage.

3. Hold the ball up high, have the everyone count down as you lower it to the table, and let snack time begin!

New Year's Hats

Image and Recipe via Family Fun Magazine

Not only are these chocolate-covered cones a festive decorating, but they are a delicious sweet topping for a scoop of ice cream!

Ingredients:
Sugar cones
Ice cream
Chocolate chips (one 12-ounce bag for 10 to 12 cones)
Icing
Fruit strips or shoestring licorice
Sprinkles
Instructions:
1. Spread melted chocolate chips over each sugar cone with a small spatula. Let the chocolate harden for about 1 hour (or 20 minutes in the refrigerator).
2. For chinstraps, use icing to attach the ends of a fruit strip or a length of shoestring licorice to the inside of each cone.
Use icing to decorate the hats and attach sprinkles.
3. Scoop some of your favorite ice-cream and plop these on top to celebrate!

We hope that you enjoy these tasty treats!

Happy New Year!
~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-24T19:05:00.000-06:00

Christmas is a-comin' soon!
Pardner, ain't ya seen?
The decorations showed up
In the stores on Halloween!

The papers just plumb fulla ads;
Some days it's three feet thick!
That's good-we got a woodstove,
'N' we're short on kindlin' sticks.

The kids all hope that Santa
Brings 'em ever'thing they chose;
"I want a Nintendo!"
"Please don't bring me any clothes!"

The Sally Army's out in force,
A-tunin' up their band;
I always drop a dollar,
'Cause they once gave me a hand.

There's some who say we've lost the track,
'N' don't know rhyme or reason,
That all this hooraw overlooks
The spirit of the season.

They point 'n' say I don't believe,
'Cause in church ya'll never find me;
But I don't need no hymns, or prayers,
Or crosses to remind me.

This year, I think I'll try
What one ole cowpoke used to do;
I'll saddle up, 'n' leave a note:
"Back in an hour, or two."

I'll ride west outta Reno,
A-followin' the river,
'Way up into the mountains
Where the air's so cold it shimmers.

Far away from stores 'n' crowds,
Where the only single sound
Will be my pony's muffled steps
Through the snow upon the ground.

'N' when I reach the perfect spot
(I'll know it when I'm there),
I'll doff my hat, 'n' feel
The icy wind blow through my hair.

I'll find the brightest star that night,
Gaze up at it, 'n' say,
"Happy Birthday, Boss,"
'N' then I'll softly ride away.
- Charley Sierra

Warmest thoughts and best wishes for a wonderful holiday and a very Happy New Year!

Merry Christmas!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

DIY Last Minute Stocking Stuffer

2011-12-24T14:42:00.000-06:00

Need a last minute stocking stuffer?

Print off a couple of Bedtime Passes!

Kiddos can redeem these passes for things like staying awake ten extra minutes or getting to pick a book to have read to them before bed.

Do you have any neat stocking stuffer ideas?

Happy Holidays,

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Christmas Morning Surprise

2011-12-24T14:22:00.000-06:00

Christmas morning is less than 24 hours away!

Make Christmas morning extra special with this adorable idea that we came across on Pinterest.

Once the kiddos go to sleep, crepe paper their doors so that they have to break out in the morning.

This is also a great Elf on the Shelf idea!

Do you have any fun Christmas morning traditions???

Happy Holidays,

~Your Friends at Faulkner's

Wednesday Laughs: Bonus Christmas Edition

2011-12-21T16:29:00.000-06:00

As an early Christmas gift to you, here is an extra dose of Wednesday Laughs!

Merry Christmas Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkners's

Wednesday Laughs: Christmas Edition

2011-12-21T12:26:00.000-06:00

It's time for some Wednesday Laughs!

Take a break from the holiday stress, crank up the volume, and get ready to have some fun!

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Tuesday Treats: Frozen Hot Chocolate

2011-12-20T17:02:00.000-06:00

We've given you some yummy treats today like

Peppermint-Crunch Chocolate Chip Cookies

and Moose Munch.

So of course, with all of these tasty snacks you're probably getting thirsty.

Why not enjoy some Frozen Hot Chocolate?

Image and Recipe via Tasty Kitchen

INGREDIENTS:

3 Tablespoons Granulated Sugar

1 package Hot Cocoa Mix (about 3 Tablespoons)

2 Tablespoons Unsalted Butter

⅓ cups Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

⅓ cups White Chocolate Chips

12 ounces, fluid Can Evaporated Milk, Divided

4-½ cups Ice

Whipped Cream, To Taste

Mini Marshmallows, To Taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Combine sugar, cocoa mix, and butter in the top of a double boiler that is set over gently boiling water. Stir often until melted and a smooth paste forms.

2. Add semi-sweet & white chocolate chips; stir. When chips begin to melt, slowly stir in 1/2 cup of evaporated milk. Stir until smooth. Cool to room temperature.

3. Combine the chocolate base mixture, the remaining evaporated milk and ice in a blender (you can do this in batches) and cover. Blend until smooth.

4. Pour into frosty glasses. Top each with whipped cream. Sprinkle with additional chopped chocolate chips & mini marshmallows, if desired.

Enjoy!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - In the mood for something warm? Try out one of our most popular recipes, Red Hot Apple Cider.

Tuesday Treats: Moose Munch

2011-12-20T15:14:00.001-06:00

Looking for a holiday snack to enjoy while you're watching your favorite Christmas movie?

Or maybe something delicious to bring to a holiday party?

Then we have the treat for you!

Not only is it super yummy, but it is also super easy to make!

What is it you ask?

Moose Munch!

Recipe and Image via Something Swanky

To make this yummy caramel and chocolate covered popcorn just follow the simple directions below...

MOOSE MUNCH

INGREDIENTS:

6 tbsp. butter

3 tbsp. corn syrup

3/4 c. brown sugar

1/4 tsp. vanilla

1/4 tsp. baking soda

1 1/2 - 2 bags popped popcorn

chocolate chips, nuts, M&Ms, etc. to taste

DIRECTIONS:

1. Preheat oven to 300º.

2. Remove all unpopped kernels from popcorn and pour popcorn into a bowl.

3. Meanwhile: Combine butter, corn syrup, and brown sugar over medium heat. Cook and stir until mixture boils. Continue boiling at a stead rate for 4 minutes without stirring.

Remove from heat and stir in baking soda and vanilla.

4. Pour caramel over popcorn and stir to coat.

5. Spread onto greased cookie sheet, and bake for 10-15 minutes (10 for chewy, 15 for crunchy).

6. Remove from oven and add toppings. Let cool briefly before returning to bowl.

7. Serve and enjoy!

Happy Holidays!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Tuesday Treats: Peppermint-Crunch Chocolate Chip Cookies

2011-12-20T13:40:00.000-06:00

It's the Tuesday before Christmas which means
that we are going to be gifting you
with lots and lots of yummy Tuesday Treats.
First up...
Peppermint Crunch Chocolate Chip Cookies!

Image and Recipe from Culinary Concoctions by Peabody

INGREDIENTS:

2 ½ cups all-purpose flour
¾ tsp. baking soda
1/8 tsp. salt
1 cup unsalted butter, at room temperature
1 cup packed light brown sugar
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. vanilla extract
2 large eggs, at room temperature
7 ounces milk chocolate chips
7 ounces Andes Peppermint Crunch Chips

DIRECTIONS:
1. In a small bowl, whisk together the flour, baking soda, and salt; set aside.

2. Using a stand mixer fitted with the paddle attachment (or in a bowl by hand), beat together the butter, brown sugar, granulated sugar, and vanilla on medium speed just until smooth, about 2 minutes.
Beat in the eggs one at a time until thoroughly mixed, then stir in the flour mixture followed by the chocolate and peppermint chips.

3. On a lightly floured work surface, divide the dough into quarters. Shape each quarter into a log about 9 inches long. Wrap the logs in plastic wrap and refrigerate until firm, preferably for 24 hours (be sure that you don’t skip this part).

4. Position racks in the upper and lower thirds of the oven; preheat the oven to 350°F. Line 2 baking sheets with parchment paper or silicone baking mats.
Slice the logs into disks ¾ inch thick and place the disks 3 inches apart on the prepared baking sheets. If the chips crumble out (and trust us, they will), simply push them back in.

5. Bake, rotating the baking sheets midway through baking, until the cookies are very lightly browned in the centers. This should take about 10 minutes. If you like soft chocolate chip cookies err on the side of undertaking.

6. Let the cookies cool on the baking sheets until firm enough to handle, then use a spatula to transfer them to a wire rack.

Check back soon for more yummy recipes!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

2011 Christmas Gift Guide

2011-12-17T16:02:00.001-06:00

It's finally here and just in time for Christmas!

We've put together a wish list of some of our favorite gifts. There's something for everyone so be sure to take a look!

1. Ya'll T-Shirt

Add a little country to your day-to-day style with this adorable brown women's tee.

2. Faulkner's Ranch Pony Camp

Give the next best thing to giving an actual pony! For more info on Faulkner's Ranch Summer Pony Camp click here.

3. Rusty Spur Couture Jeans

Here at Faulkner's, we are big fans of the Rusty Spur jeans. You'll be sure to spot at least a couple pairs whenever you stop by. Check out their store in downtown Lee's Summit and take advantage of their special "Buy 2, Get 1 pair of jeans free" offer!

4. A Pony for Christmas Hallmark Keepsake Christmas Ornament

Add the perfect pony to your tree with this festive Hallmark keepsake ornament.

5. Tri-Color Hide Tree Skirt

Bring the true Western spirit into your home with this beautiful tree skirt. It is made of hair-on hide with rawhide-laced, silver-studded leather rosettes and lush brown leather fringe.

6. Christmas Cowboy Western Dinnerware

This beautiful dinnerware by True West is perfect for any holiday meal.

7. Faulkner's Saddlery Engraved Dog Collar

These durable dog collars come complete with a personalized brass name plate! They are the perfect gift that your pooch can wear all year.

8. Anything from Cameron's

We are all about supporting our local businesses and Cameron's is one of our favorites! Stop by their store in downtown Lee's Summit and browse away - you'll be sure to find something you love!

9. Mr. Stinky Feet's Christmas Album

Every year at Faulkner's Pumpkin Farm we look forward to Mr. Stinky Feet's big concert! We are so excited that we can now celebrate the holidays with him too by dancing around to this super fun Christmas CD!

Happy Holidays Ya'll and Happy Shopping,
~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Grinch Cookies

2011-12-16T18:00:00.000-06:00

image and recipe via

Not feeling the holiday spirit yet?

Never fear! This yummy recipe is sure to fill all the Grinch's hearts and tummies out there with Christmas cheer!

Grinch Cookies

aka

The Best Mint Chocolate Chip Cookie Recipe Ever

INGREDIENTS:

1 pouch (1 lb 1.5 oz) Betty Crocker® sugar cookie mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened
1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon mint extract
6 to 8 drops green food color
1 egg
1 cup creme de menthe baking chips
1 cup semisweet chocolate chunks

DIRECTIONS:

Heat oven to 350°F. In large bowl, stir cookie mix, butter, extract, food color and egg until soft dough forms. Stir in creme de menthe baking chips and chocolate chunks.

Using small cookie scoop or teaspoon, drop dough 2 inches apart on ungreased cookie sheet.

Bake 8 to 10 minutes or until set. Cool 3 minutes; remove from cookie sheet to wire rack. Serve warm or cool completely. Store tightly covered at room temperature.

Happy Holidays,

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Capture the Magic of Santa

2011-12-15T16:07:00.001-06:00

As soon as we saw this website, we just knew that we had to share it with our readers!

CaptureTheMagic.com is a unique website that allows you to capture proof that of Santa was in your own house!

To create one of these memorable photos you just follow

three simple steps:

1. Upload an image of your Christmas tree/fireplace/living room.

2. Choose your Santa

3. Place your order!

Click here to visit their website and find out more information!

We'll be back soon with some more holiday fun!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

Wednesday Laughs: Eleventh Edition

2011-12-14T16:50:00.000-06:00

It's that time again!

Whether you had a bad day at work or you're exhausted from Christmas shopping, you deserve a good laugh!

Even if you had a wonderful day you deserve a good laugh!

So sit back, eat a cookie, and enjoy these holiday themed cartoons!

Happy Wednesday Ya'll!

~ Your Friends at Faulkner's

PS - To read more Wednesday Laughs, click here!