We have now been on our farm for a little over 4 years at Simple Acres. We have learned a lot, built a lot to develop what we call home and raised our beautiful family along the way. As small farm beef farmers, there is some things to our lifestyle many others who live a life in the country or have a farm have in common. One of those commonalities is the need for GOOD boots. We have shared our love for Totes boots a few times because we love them so much. Today we will tell you more why we believe they are one of the best gifts for farmers as well as share a way to save on them too!

Totes Cirrus Rain boots are so lightweight, comfortable and durable you’ll want to wear them whether its raining or not. They are made with Totes’ proprietary Everywear™ technology, which makes them 60% lighter than other boots yet every bit as strong. They are tough boots yet light as clouds!

When we first bought our farm, regardless of the season it became very evident there was something that was an absolute MUST for everyone in our family…that was boots. With cows to feed, chickens to feed and eggs to collect, water lines to change and for the kids just lots of dirt to play in boots is something we all wear daily!

This is where we have come to the conclusion that boots are the BEST gift for farmers! If you aren’t a farmer yet just love a nice rain boot Totes Rain Boots are perfect for you as well because they are honestly cute on and just so dang comfy!

I am very picky what I promote and these boots are definitely a staple in my attire! Get some of these boots for yourself, your favorite farmer or just for fun an use this promo code to save: CIRRUSGIFT30

Happy gift getting and giving! Dovidenia. XO

The post The Best Gifts for Farmers with Totes Cirrus Rain Boots appeared first on Simple Acres Blog.

We have been on our farm for now a little over four years! It is amazing how fast time flies while raising a family. We have made so many memories and the land that inspired Simple Acres has become developed and flourishing with life from cows to chickens to new budding corn. Living on a farm requires shoes that let you get dirty whether you are changing water lines in the field, collecting eggs from the chickens or picking corn out of the garden. We have so much fun doing what we do best in our Totes Cirrus boots!

I have to say first and foremost Totes Cirrus Boots When I put them on they were light as a feather and I LOVE how high they go on my shins! If you don’t live on a farm or even the country these boots are a fun fashion statement regardless! The reality we quickly found playing on our farm was that these boots are tough enough to get busy working or for the kids to play in the rocks and dirt BUT also so comfortable I can see us wearing ours day to day.

Any season that allows us to enjoy the outdoors right at home makes for a great day! At Simple Acres my husband and I love that we have the land available for our kids to “free range” and explore. We find them playing in the dirt pile, feeding their animals, riding bikes or just getting creative in the dirt pile that turns into a sledding hill in the Winter!

The kids are getting old enough to help with chores! We are excited for the extra help and one thing we plan to wear our boots for is when we help Daddy change water lines in the field. The boys are starting to get used to it and at times even seem to enjoy it!

We are currently waiting for the corn my husband planted to be ready to pick so we can blanch and freeze it for use in all of our favorite recipes. One I love to use our corn in is one of my families favorite recipes; my Chicken Pot Pie!

Well friends we feel blessed in life and love what we do connecting with you all and also sharing the products we love when we get a chance! If you love the idea of a boot you can get wet and dirty in or just out on the town with a cute outfit all while feeling like your feet are on cloudsTotes Cirrus Boots are for you and your family too! Until next time, much love, enjoy the sweet little moments and Dovidenia. XO

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It is amazing to realize that we are going on over four years on our farm as a family. We have experienced so much happiness as we have grown and developed our home and family. One thing that has really impacted our life has been the joy our pet cats bring to our family. 

We would love to share our story of happiness in how our youngest cat came to be part of our family! Every pet has a story and our sweet Mickey has a special one at that.

Last winter was a trying time for our family due to some loss we had experienced, so when we heard a little lost kitten had been found by a neighbor and needed a home we knew it was meant to be with us! We offered this sweet kitten a home, lots of love, care and unending snuggles. Mickey very soon became a very special and comforting part of our family when we needed it most.

Through this experience we really have learned how cats bring joy to family life.

Here is how we believe your cat can bring YOU more happiness:

• Loving company where you always have a companion to reciprocate love and snuggles with.
• There is such as sense of satisfaction in caring for them. We have chose to add product from PetSmart in the Purina Fancy Feast® line to our cats life! We tried the Purely Fancy Feast Filets natural Tuna and the Appetizer White Meat Chicken in a delicate Broth varieties.
• Feeling needed by a pet gives such a sense of purpose in life for our family.

With our story of the happiness and love our sweet Mickey has brought it brings us joy to try new products that really treat our feline.

When we got the opportunity to share our story and collaborate with Purina Fancy Feast® at PetSmart we were thrilled! What we have gained through our experience is having fun as we do our shopping at PetSmart as well as learn about new product our cats REALLY enjoy!

The tender Purina Fancy Feast® Purely Fancy Feast Filets Natural Tuna and delicious White Meat Chicken Appetizers have given us such a perfect way to say, “I love you”.

What we have come to really enjoy is having the perfect product to serve as a gourmet cat compliment to Mickeys daily meals. This gives us an opportunity to dote on our cat and give him special attention and love which brings us so much happiness!

A few tips about these products are they are not intended to replace your cats meals but rather serve as a compliment that doesn’t exceed 10% of your cats daily caloric needs.

All our cats, including Mickey, absolutely loved these gourmet treats. The Purina Fancy Feast® Natural Tuna Filet is great because you can serve it whole, flake it or place it flakes over their dry food at meal time.

We found all of these amazing products at PetSmart! We had such a great experience. From just entering the store we were greeted with a smile then happily assisted in all our needs. We had so much fun looking at all the cute cat dishes and toys and loved all the varieties we found in the items we bought.

We found ourselves losing track of time as we became lost in all the fun, finding new products and the staff kindness at PetSmart was wonderful!

What’s even better is if YOU are looking for amazing products for your cat, right NOW you can save! There is an Ibotta offer beginning on 9/5, where you can earn cash back when you buy any two (2) Purely Fancy Feast Filets, for a limited time.

So I hope you have enjoyed our little story of how our sweet cat Mickey came to be part of our family. Cats really do bring such joy into ones life and when you have products such as these you have just another way to show your love for your feline friends. Dovidenia. Xo

Enjoy a video that captures our fun visit to PetSmart!

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The season has come for new life and land. The new calves are running in the field in the evenings racing around and playing as though it’s a game of tag. The trees are blooming with the aroma of sweet blossoms and the grass is becoming green. With this season on our farm comes an opportunity to teach the value of nature and hard work. The farm, raising cattle and planting a garden serves as wonderful teachers for my children. Whether you live on a farm or live in a city, gardening is a great activity that teaches the value of self-sufficient living. Have you ever considered a more self-sufficient lifestyle? I can attest that although it takes work it can be rewarding and enjoyable.

Currently we our tilling the land and growing grass on our acreage as a way to fuel our growing herd of cattle. We are getting the soil ready in the garden and planting our first seeds of corn and peas. From the growing of the grass to the garden, all these efforts are being put out ultimately to promote self-sufficient living here at Simple Acres. All the while our children get to watch and interact in these actions of hard work and love.

The value of a simple self-sufficient lifestyle. 

• Hard work is the first value that comes to mind. This is something I still am coming to appreciate when it comes to getting down and dirty on our farm. I will say hard work whether it be the farming we do or even the simple goal of growing a small garden and having chickens teaches appreciation.
• Appreciation for the positive end result when effort is spent toward self sufficiency.
• Resourcefulness teaches children to be creative, value nature and not be wasteful.
• Frugal thinking, encourages more responsibility in the goods and monetary blessings our children will experience in their life.

Not always can our children play an active role in the many duties farming or simple living calls for. This inspired me to share how gardening with my children has helped them value our self-sufficient lifestyle and also feel a part of all the fun.

We chose to partner with Miracle-Gro Gro-ables as a wonderful NEW product that is a fun activity for kids and families that get kids outside and interacting with nature and food! While my “Sweet Cheeks”  is planting 5 acres of grass to feed the cows that ultimately feed US, the kids and I are replicating the same self-sufficient action by planting herbs and vegetables we too will eat and enjoy as a family.

How To Start a Simple Garden with Miracle-Gro Gro-ables

1. The seed pods come completely ready in biodegradable cups that include the plant food to guarantee growth.

2.    Push the seed pod into loosened soil until the top is level with the soil’s surface and water daily.

3. In 1-2 weeks your seed will sprout. Several months after planting, flowers will appear which means produce is close at hand.

I can attest that my kids loved this activity! “Daddy” was literally out on the tractor as they were also doing their own planting and contributing to the family. Gardening these seeds caused an excitement they have talked about daily since and a sense of pride in their hard work. With all honesty friends, EVERY SINGLE one of our seeds planted is sprouting! We labeled our plants with up-cycled and stamped vintage spoons. The tutorial can be found here.

I stand confidently with the Gro-ables Project belief.

There’s a lot to learn from even the smallest plants and the smallest gardening project! (Heck we planted in pots on our porch for start up.) The Gro-ables Project is a movement to share the joy of growing herbs and veggies while giving kids truly hands-on learning experiences.

My kids walked away with hands dirty from hard work and hearts uplifted and encouraged by the excitement of taking part in our self-sufficient lifestyle! I can not wait until we are enjoying our fresh herbs and salad at dinner time and can thank the precious hands of our children for their efforts. The appreciation and reward of their gardening will be priceless. What do your children learn from gardening? I would love to hear. Dovidenia. XO

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When you reflect upon your life what are the things that matter most to you? What adds value and purpose to you?

Life itself is a gift in its entirety and love is the cherry-on-top of it all. With the chaos that modern life can often bring there is a yearning for simplicity that calls me. It is as though a quiet voice is whispering “Be still”. Being present is a piece of the puzzle, but today I want to tell the story of my attempt to slow down and savor this gift called life.

It is so very easy to feel the tug of war of life, expectations, challenges, self imposed commitments, technology and so much more. Life can become a consistent buzz in your ear of busyness, thoughts and stresses.

Do you ever need it all to JUST STOP for a moment?

I do. I have been striving for a simpler, slower, cherished life where the moments I have alone or with my family and loved ones are SAVORED. When I say savored I mean like that bowl of fresh Peach Cobbler that’s altogether perfect in its crispy yet deliciously soft and sweet inside! Can you taste the caramel drizzle yet? Yeah, like THAT savored.

What if I told you the constant buzz can be calmed, that the peace of presence in the moment can be achieved and the quality of life that comes from love and time spent can be unplugged?! Would you believe you could achieve those slow and savored moments in life?

Do you want to slow down and savor your family life?

On my journey to the simple life at Simple Acres I have found there to be some amazing secrets and benefits to a slowing down to take in all the goodness life has to offer. Here are just a few tips I hope may help you on your journey.

10 Ways to Slow Down and Savor Family Life

1. Live in the present. My oldest is in love with “playing flowers” . This is where he puts on his favorite red boots to gather flowers from all over the yard to create something beautiful he can then give to another. That “another” is almost always me! I have learned that we lose the gift of “today” when we focus on the past or future. Today we laugh, smile and celebrate this small task, stage and joy. Ask yourself what stage or special moments this present time is bringing forth in your life and savor it! I take pictures of his bouquets, I smell the sweet fragrances and try ever so hard to press an imprint into my mind of that smile and excitement in the beauty of nature and giving. Even laying a few petals between book pages to save remnants of my “today” have been noble attempts to live in the present.

2. Turn off technology. We take days and weeks off from our technological toys, but even an hour away is wonderful. I encourage my kids to play outside. I want to watch them pretend and be creative. I want to see them building with sticks and dirt. I capture the moments by being present around them and by taking pictures of the moments.

3. Be inclusive in everyday tasks. We can all be busy and torn in different directions but I am trying more and more to be present in the tasks of the farm. My husband and I play a part in each others realm a bit from time to time. My husband plays a part in my blog by getting behind the camera for me while playing “photographer”. We have a long way to go but whether it’s my husband changing water while the little ones play in the feild, we are all out in the garden or the kids join in on paint time while I am creating a custom art piece…we try to be together in the tasks of life.

4. Create fun.  I have grown to love four wheeling thanks to my husband. The kids LOVE joining us on rides in the field and around the farm. The wind in your hair and no present cares is so refreshing to the soul. No matter what it is you and your family enjoy…find that and create fun intentionally and regularly.

5. Avoid agendas. Sometimes, having no plan but being home and present is ABSOLUTELY AMAZING. Just sit back, be still and enjoy the senses of your surroundings. I love sunsets in the evening on Simple Acres. It is so open and heavenly, it’s as if ever pore of myself can soak in life, nature and the love of my family. If you must plan, plan for time with NO AGENDAS…it will refresh you and your family! I must mention it is amazing to sit back,with no agenda of course, in the most comfortable boots you have ever worn while doing so.

6. Be present in nature. One of my boys has been my bug catcher since he was old enough to walk. He can spend hours in the field chasing and diving in the field for grasshoppers. Although bugs are not my thing, being surrounded by nature is a must for me. There is something soothing about the colors nature presents, the sounds of the season you are in and the smells that are unique to where you are. Nature challenges the senses in a way I find very encouraging to savoring the present time and the people you are sharing it with. If nature is not on your back doorstep, where could you go to get away and be together with your family?

7. Pretend. This may be silly, but I enjoy creating and pretending with my little ones. In this moment, we are in our own world. We intuitively play and feed off each other. Especially, in the Summer nights we pretend and play together as we conquer imaginary beasts and devise plans to be victorious in our created adventure. If you have a more grown family or just you and your spouse pretend you are camping and camp outside and just enjoy the treasured time together. My littlest is in love with pretending she is a powerful cowgirl as she rides her horsey with her adorable purple leather and stitched boots.

8. Connect. Taking that extra effort to be unplugged and purposefully intent on your loved ones. This is a practice I need growth on. I can attest when I do connect it is rewarding and is the secret ingredient to SAVORING family time. When we take time away from multitasking and our phone screens we can engage and connect in memorable ways. I often schedule time in my week to spend quality one-on-one time with each of my children and husband.

9. Create together. In the Spring and Summer we enjoy planting produce in the garden. It is a great way to create a start to self sufficient living and modeling it with our children. Whether it is a flower bed, garden or just a fun hobby or project creating something with loved ones acts as such a glue to togetherness while teaching values and work ethic.

10. Love. The greatest of all these ways to slow down and savor family life is love. Without love not one of these shared tips matters. Hold your family a little tighter, love with more intention, soak in the moment and live life to the fullest.

Our lifestyle may not be yours and that is ok. I believe we all can use these tips in any walk of life. Durango boots is such an essential for our lifestyle because of what we do as new cattle farmers and country dwellers. I wear my boots almost every day. I have never worn a boot, or shoe for that matter, that is as comfortable and versatile as these boots. This is the honest truth. Besides who doesn’t love a pair of cute boots?!

Whether you live in the country, like to play in the dirt or just want to look awesome in the city…you will love these boots! Let them help you explore, savor and connect in life that much better! Dovidenia. XO

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