Triple Tangent Tuesday (on Friday)

Good Friday Afternoon!! I hope everyone is ready for the weekend!

Since I am super busy preparing for tomorrows graduation party I am catering, I have decided to default to Hungry Runner's Triple Tangent Days where she shares a few weird/unknown facts about her.....only on my blog, they will be about me.

But first pictures of the decor for the graduation party!

Tangents.....

1. I am obsessed with clean ears...I think its from my sister. If I sit next Justin I look into his ears and stare at them if they are dirty. I also remind him where we keep the q-tips. This also goes for my Ridley. I clean his ears everyday, and it has gotten so out of hand that if I come near him he shakes with fear that I might have a damp washcloth. I also love ear candling...again, that's from my sister. If you have never done this you are truly missing out on the most grotesque yet most awesome thing ever.

2. Justin and I have been to Interbike (a huge bicycle trade show) in Las Vegas 5 times. It was also our honeymoon and 1st year anniversary trip. I actually set my wedding date around Interbike. When you go, you spend Monday and Tuesday in the dessert riding all the bikes coming out for the upcoming year. The majority of all bike companies are there, and the bikes you can ride are unlimited. I mean you can actually ride a $9,000 mountain bike. I do believe however, that I am still in need of a tropical vacation for a "honeymoon"....I'm still waiting. 

3. I have a ton of medals from racing...I have no idea what to do with them....in the photos below are just my medals, imagine how many more Justin has.....maybe we should sell the medal for money. 

I hope everyone has a great weekend! I will be posting pictures from the party as soon as I recover. 

We are forecasted to have 70 degree weather at the end of next week! CRAZY! 

Tell me 3 crazy/interesting/weird tangents about you!!! 

Wildtree Catering

Good Wednesday Morning All! First off, thanks to everyone who entered the giveaway yesterday over at Skinny Runner! Also, a special thanks to Sarah from Skinny Runner for doing the giveaway. 

Earlier this week I revealed that I would be catering a college graduation this weekend with all Wildtree products. I am super excited yet nervous since it's for 80+ people. The good thing is it's lighter finger foods rather than a full meal! Although if anyone can fly out and help me...it would be greatly appreciated, or please be sure to leave any advice or past experiences you have had. Today I want to share the menu I will be serving for Saturday! 

Creamy Ranch Dressing and Dip served with a Veggie Crudites 

Very Berry Cheesecake Blend with Seasonal Fresh Fruit

Scampi Blend with Jumbo Shrimp Dip with Whole Grain Crackers

Mexican Layer Dip with Guacamole Seasoning and Fiesta Salsa Mix

Wicked Good Slow Cooker Sauce Pork Mini Sliders with Pineapple

Flaxseed Beer Bread and Tzaziki Sauce

Pound Cake Cupcakes with Raspberry Vanilla Butter cream Frosting

Heavenly Chocolate Mousse Trifle....which is TheBomb.com

Since the college grad is a horticulturist major I'll be using my flowery girly serving ware and decorating similarly to other parties I have thrown. 

I like to label each food item, because people often ask for food allergy reasons or because they are unsure to try new things. I always give each item a fun name to sound appealing to picky eaters!

Slightly blurry, but above shows mini bbq sliders. 

TheBomb.com Trifle.....literally awesome! Quick recipe:

Bake Brownies (preferably Wildtree) crumble into pieces once cool. Layer brownies, Cool Whip (or homemade whip), mousse, Carmel and crushed Heath Bars. Continue to layer till you reach the top! Drizzle the top with Carmel and crushed Heath Bars! If you're like my husband, you'll enjoy your scoop of trifle in a partially empty jar of Nutella. 

I am still working on Cupcake toppers....a good idea hasn't hit me yet.....and yes I know I only have a few days. 

I believe that food presentation is very important, so as a non-attending party go-er, one of my many tasks will be to spruce and freshen the foods through out the party. Since it's an open house lasting over 3 hours I also have to be careful with items with cream cheese and milk. Luckily, it's Montana and it's still winter...in May. 

Veggie crudites with dip!

Another great thing to add if children are attending a party is fun little sandwiches, like pb&j or turkey. 

Since this is my first big catering event I would love any advice out there! Although Wildtree is my main business, I wouldn't mind picking up a few other parties if possible. So please share your experiences and give me your advice. 

I have a million things to do today, including party planning, baking treats for Justin's work, as well as squeezing in a workout...somehow! I also have a luncheon to attend tomorrow as well as grocery shopping for Saturday.....BUSY!! Wish me luck! 

***Also, be sure to swing by my Wildtree Facebook page! When I get 75 people I will do a giveaway with the New Spring 2011 Products!! 

And, if you are interested in ordering any of the products mentioned above, or any other Wildtree Products check out my Wildtree Site or email me cjraynes (@) gmail.com! 

Have a great Wednesday! 

Montana is Finally Springing!!

Good Tuesday to all! 

It finally is feeling warm(er) here in Montana! Last night was 65 and sunny, so both Justin and I were able to head out on our road bikes! I met up with a new friend and we rode Sykes Canyon which is excellent for hill repeats...not excellent for sore legs from Sunday's mountain climb! Sadly though, I did not make it home to watch DWTS......

Today I just can't decide between these two.....

Road bike or mountain bike????

Also, I will be hosting a giveaway over Skinny Runner! I am really excited about it since I have been mildly blog stalking her for almost 2 years......(who is sad she is leaving for fishing again...raise your hand) but also because it is such a great opportunity to share my Wildtree Products! Go enter to win! 

If you are interested in Wildtree and just haven't taken the jump to order something this is your chance to get free product!

Here are some of my favorite Wildtree Recipes I have shared on the blog!

Stuffed Bell Peppers

Thai Wraps and Sticky Rice

 Pizza

Ranch Burgers and Garlic Fries

Frittata 

Granola

Cheddar and Herb Skillet Meal

Corn Chowda and Beer Bread

Also be sure to check out May's promotions!

Be sure to check out the catalog as well! 

In other exciting news....I am in the works for a new blog design which will hopefully be launching next week! I can't wait to debut it. I am working with Jenn over at Munchkin Land Designs, and she has been so awesome! Her prices are reasonable and she does awesome work so if you are in the market for a makeover check her out! 

Two Months!!

Can you believe that it is already May 2nd! We are almost 1/2 way through 2011.....

Justin and I (and the Rids) have now officially been Montana residents for two months. It hasn't been the easiest with the never ending winter and being away from family and friends, but we have made it this far. Montana is truly breath taking. We have the best view of the big sky, the majestic mountains, tons of wildlife and the local beer. We also have zero Starbucks, Trader Joe's, Whole Foods and Bruster's Ice Cream and that has become something I love about it! People in Bozeman, Montana truly believe in supporting local shops, restaurants and small business owners. The town is small enough to bike everywhere and yet big enough to have more than one medical marijuana store. While stores like Target, Wal Mart and even Michael's exist in town, they remain mildly more vacant than the locally owned stores like the Co-op, the local butcher shop, downtown thrift stores and chocolate shop! I almost feel as though Bozeman, MT is completely separated from the rest of common America yet with a small town patriotic feel. I will say, that although I love the mountains and all the beauty of the big sky, I would really like spring to arrive! 

I have tons of craziness going on this week! While I was working my Wildtree booth at the Expo a few weeks ago I met a lady who was very interested in my products. She called me this past week and asked me to cater her daughter's college graduation with all Wildtree products....this coming Saturday! It is going to be a rather large event (85 people), but I have all week to prepare! I will be sharing my catering journey alot this week! I am going to be using all my own party supplies and serving dishes, plus setting up the party as well! I am excited and nervous...and could really use my mommy. 

I also am attending a New Comer's Luncheon on Thursday morning, so I can meet some people and talk about my Wildtree business!

And...tomorrow I have a job interview for a part time position at a preschool! Since I am still building my business our household income could use a minor boost! I can also meet lots of people to share Wildtree with! 

I also have a few posts planned for the week involving food of course! I have the New Wildtree Spring 2011 products being rushed to my house as we speak! I can't wait to share. I also want to continue my weight loss journey and keep you all up to date! 

Since it is a nice balmy 60 degrees today and sunny a bicycle ride is definitely in order! I hope your Monday is a beautiful as mine! 

*****Don't forget to swing by my Wildtree Facebook page and "like" it! When I get 75 people I will do a giveaway!! 

Also, place your spring orders today! Click here to see the May specials and promos! 

Busy Weekend!

Good evening! Can you believe its already Sunday?!? The weekend went so fast. 

On Saturday night after Justin got off from work we headed up to Bridger Bowl ski area, which is about 15 miles from us. The ski area closed on April 12th, therefore no lifts are operating,  but you can still hike up the mountain and ski down.   The base lodge sits at 6100 feet and the top of the ski area is at 8700 feet. So it is 2600 vertical feet straight up. We hiked all 2600 Vertical feet plus some and snowboarded down and it we had such blast watching the sun set and the snow move in. 

When Sunday morning rolled around and it was snowing buckets, ruining our chance at a bike ride we decided to head up to Bridger Bowl again...this time with the camera in tow! 

It is an extremely challenging hike. There is still 90-125 inches on the mountain and since it has been closed for a few weeks the runs are not groomed and the fresh powder hasn't been packed down any. It's a dream for snowboarding, but not for hiking. Every step my foot would step so deep into the snow it would be up to my knee. It was 33 degrees on the mountain today and I wore a short sleeved shirt while hiking and was soaking wet with sweat. 

Once we got up to the top Justin found a neat little jump so I snapped some pictures of him going off of it. I was not brave enough to try it. 

Face plant into fresh powder! 

Ridley thoroughly enjoyed our day! There were tons of other dogs and people who were enjoying what is hopefully the last of the spring snow (hoping, praying, begging!!). 

We are so lucky to live in such a beautiful place! Whenever I look out onto the mountains the first thing that comes to mind is "purple mountains majesty"...this drives Justin crazy since I tend to sing the entire song!

Can you see me?!?! Only picture of me the entire day! 

We really enjoyed our days spent on the mountain! Even though it's May 1st and there is still tons of snow, we are finding ways to still get outside and have fun! We are sore, tired, sunburned and hungry! 

I hope everyones weekend was a blast! 

Tomorrow is going to be 65 and sunny!!