Sunday, October 23, 2011

Serena Thompson and The Farm Chicks: Review and Giveaway

Serena Thompson
Photo from The Farm Chicks, Serena's Web Journal
Have you met Serena Thompson from the Farm Chicks yet? If not, she's definitely someone you need to know. Well, I haven't actually met her either but I feel like I know her because I read her blog, The Farm Chicks, Serena's Web Journal and her Facebook page on a regular basis. And, through those two mediums, I feel like I've gotten to know her personally and she's definitely someone I would want to call a friend. Let me introduce her to you.

A busy mother of four sons, Serena is the co-founder of the Farm Chicks Antique Show held near Spokane, Washington. Oh, and she's written a couple of cookbooks, too. Now, I don't know anything about the antiques scene but I'm trying my hardest to keep my finger on the pulse of the cookbook scene. I'm a big fan of The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen, co-written with Teri Edwards, and The Farm Chicks Christmas. These books just make me feel good whenever I read them.

The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen

Last October, I wrote a review of the Farm Chicks in the Kitchen. Click here to read that review. But, I think every time I read through this book, I find new things that attract me. Lately, I've started thinking that my writing could eventually lead to a career. So, I'm interested in learning everything that I can about running a business centered around something that I love to do. From this aspect, Serena has become one of my role models. I've read about her business endeavors in The Mom's Guide to Running a Business and Where Women Cook: Celebrate! Both of these are great books and definite sources of inspiration!

In Farm Chicks in the Kitchen, I get the best of both worlds - reading about Serena's start and reading through page after page of delicious recipes! The cookbook is divided into traditional categories: breakfast, appetizers, lunch, and dessert. Some of the recipes that have attracted me are Apple Puff Pancake, Sweet Onion Tartlets, Crunchy Fiesta Salad, and Dark Chocolate Butter Cake. Interlaced throughout the recipes are quick and easy craft projects and personal stories to warm your heart and home.

The Farm Chicks Christmas

Around the holidays last year, I bought this little beauty, The Farm Chicks Christmas. It really helped to put me in the Christmas spirit and has done so again this year as I've already turned to it to get me motivated for holiday planning. This book is for the Pacific Northwest what Southern Living is for the Southeastern region of the country: a source of decorating inspiration scattered with recipes for beverages, candies, and cookies.

The Farm Chicks Christmas is warm and welcoming, inviting us inside the homes of Serena and her closest friends. You will feel like a child as you visit a Christmas tree farm and choose the perfect tree. Then, you return to Serena's home and surround yourself with vintage Santas, ornaments, and dish after dish of ribbon candy, peppermint, gumdrops, and candy canes while sipping on foamy mugs of steamy hot chocolate.

Every time I read through the book, I see a detail that I missed before. This book makes me slow down and look at every little detail on every page. And, isn't that what life should be about? Seeing the beauty in the small things and relishing it.

Disclaimer: The Farm Chicks in the Kitchen and The Farm Chicks Christmas is published by Sterling Publishing Company. The publisher provided me with these review copies but all opinions expressed here are my own.

So, if you think you would like to get to know Serena Thompson and the Farm Chicks a little better, you're in luck because I'm giving away one set of the books to one lucky winner. Yes, one of you will win both books! And, I can go ahead and tell you that you will enjoy them. I have no doubt. To enter the giveaway, it's simple. Just leave a comment below telling me you're interested in winning the books. I would also like to know if you're a Serena fan already! Finally, leave an e-mail address where you can be reached if you're the big winner.

Deadline: November 1, 2011
Good Luck!

77 comments:

  1. Hi Kim, I'm already a fan of Farm Chicks. I follow them on Facebook and I would love to have copies of her books. BTW, good luck in your new career, go for it, girl!
    ezitt@planters.net

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  2. Kim, it seem's as if you and I have the same kind of "love" for the Good Home, Simple, country, Love of Cooking Life kind of Cook Books! :)
    Yes I am a fan of Serena, not only of her blog(web site) also of her FB Page and Books.

    I would love to win a set of these books!

    *and I also believe YOU ARE going to make it in your Writing Career!

    www.larkscountryheart.com

    lchemail2003@yahoo.com

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  3. Thanks Lark and Edra - I feel like I'm part of the "Over 30" group on the "X Factor". This is my last chance to make my dreams come true. Thank you both for your support and encouragement.

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  4. I am definitely a fan now! Thank you so much for introducing me to Serena and her blog! I would love to win her books!!!!

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  5. I very much enjoy your blog and Serena's! Both the cookbooks look terrific and would be a great addition to any cookbook collection. I'd be very grateful if they ended up being added to mine. :)

    bdmltm at gmail dot com

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  6. Well, I will just have to check out Serena and her blog. I am an antique lover, and that show in the Spokane area would be just right up my alley - except that I am at least 2,000 miles away!:-) Those books would be just the perfect addition to my collection!
    I've been following your blog for awhile, now. Love reading about your "goings-on.":-)

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  7. I love your blog and am now happy to have Serena's in my feed reader! Thanks for the chance to not only meet Serena, but to win her cookbooks too! :)

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  8. I would love to win these cookbooks! They sound like my kind of books! She has some great stuff on her blog!
    cfox75@gmail.com

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  9. I would love to win these cookbooks. I read cookbooks them like novels. I will be checking out their website. Enjoy your website and by the way, those candy corn cookies look yummy.
    msgourlay@comcast.net

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  10. I've had the Christmas book on my wish list forever.I would love a chance to win both books..smile..I follow the farm chicks blog and love the simple creativity.
    cottageprims@hotmail.com

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  11. What a fantastic giveaway! I love Serena and have been following her blog for a the past year. She is so sweet and when I visit her blog I just feel like I am stepping back in time. I love the vintagie feel of everything she does.

    Maria @ A Platter of Figs

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  12. I have been a fan of the Farm Chicks for quite a while. Actually since they first burst onto the national scene in Country Living magazine. Serena has a great blog and these are great books!

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  13. I never heard of them sounds really interesting:)

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  14. I would love these books! :) And I'd love to know how you got into getting all of these to review/give away. Sounds like my kind of job... :)

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  15. You sold me on these gals. I will definitely take a look and would love to win a book. Thanks. karson56@yahoo.com

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  16. I'd love to win these!

    blueblanket@hotmail.com

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  17. I recently found & love them & follow them also! I'd love to win these books to add to my lil collection! bumblybeeandme@yahoo.com

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  18. I am definitely interested in winning the books! I am a Serena fan! Love the Farm Chicks!

    snowpumpkin /at/ gmail /dot/ com

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  19. These look like super books, would be great to win them! I had not met the Farm Chicks before, thanks for the introduction!

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  20. I'm definitely interested in winning the books, and I'm a Serena fan. cindyskitchen@yahoo.com

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  21. I'm not familiar with Serena, but I'm looking forward to checking her out!

    Amy @ A Little Nosh

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  22. They sound like books I would enjoy. Thanks for introduction to Farm Chicks.
    Mimi

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  23. I just discovered Farm Chicks! Where have I been living, under a rock? I love it and would love the chance to win a set of her books. tx u!

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  24. I haven't heard of Farm Chicks before, but I can certainly tell I've been missing out! I'd love to win a set of the books :)

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  25. Hi Kim, its andi from the Wednesday baker, I have a award for you. Stop over please. Thanks, andi

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  26. Wow...these cookbooks look great, I hadn't heard of the Farm Chicks before, but I guess you could say, I was an instant fan!! Would be a great addition to the cookbook collection!
    fawnzy_grey@yahoo.com

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  27. I would love to win those cookbooks. I hadn't heard of Farm Chicks until now and I can't wait to get to know their stuff! eatcakefordinner@digis.net

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  28. I am already a Farm Chick fan. I love her creativity. I would love these.
    Have a lovely day.
    Kim

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  29. I love the Farm Chicks and would love to win those beautiful books. Their style is so inspiring to me!

    Thank you and blessings~

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  30. I would LOVE to win this book and Yes I am a HUGE fan of Serena.Thanks for the give away.I hope I win :)

    Marsha
    madishman24@gmail.com

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  31. I'd love to win the books. I didn't know about Serena until I read about her here..I'm interested in knowing more about her.

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  32. Follow your dreams, never settle for anything less! I look forward to reading more about your and your blog, as well as Farm Chicks, as I begin to follow my own dreams and continue writing and cooking. I will be back here soon!

    Audra
    audramajocha@gmail.com

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  33. I would love to win the books.
    Serena is such a talented person.
    I could learn so much from her.
    Carol Ann
    w.blaine@comcast.net

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  34. I would love to win the books & learn more about Serena. What a wonderful give-away!!
    hello_kitty224@yahoo.com

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  35. Yep, I am a fan and I would love to win her cookbooks!

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  36. I'd love a chance to enter - the Farm Chicks are new to me and I'd love to win!!
    Thanks :)

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  37. I am now a fan of Farm Chicks thanks to you. I would love to win a set of books and also learn more about Serena. Best of luck in your writing endevour.

    linelu55@yahoo.com

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  38. I would love to win these books. I am not at this time a Serena fan, but I'm planning to be soon.

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  39. I would love to win these books.

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  40. I would love to win these books! I love cookbooks and do not know about Serena, but I will be reading about her right now.
    hamsterbabies@yahoo.com

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  41. i would love to win these cookbooks! and i am a farm chick fan :) just following her blog... I don't have any of her books. thanks for a chance to win . Janita

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  42. I L-O-V-E Farm Chicks blog! It's a frequent of mine. And to own her books...wonderful!
    p
    Thank you for the giveaway opportunity.

    linda.schatzie@gmail.com

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  43. She sounds very inspiring! I would love the own these books!

    Becca @ Crumbs and Chaos

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  44. I have been following Farm Chicks for about two years and even attened the Antique showes in WA. WOW! I am always inispired by Serena and what she comes up with. She is amazing! It would be so cool to get these books. I love to try different things. I hope things go great for you!! Jessica Roth jessicaroth81@gmail.com

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  45. I've never seen these books but they look wonderful! I'm trying to find my way in the kitchen and am always looking for great new cookbooks to practice with!! I'd love the chance to win!! Amanda Hobbs amandavhobbs@gmail.com
    Thanks!

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  46. This is the first time I have heard of Farm Chicks and would have never known had I not followed your blog. I would like to be entered and thank you.
    marie.mccrery@hilton.com

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  47. I would love to win and pour over these books with my mama! What fun.
    chambanachik@gmail.com

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  48. I'm already a fan of Serena (and Farm Chicks), but I don't yet have any of her books. I'm feeling lucky today! melissa.borg@gmail.com

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  49. I am already a fan of the farm chicks and I would love copy of the cookbooks! michelle.curtis78@yahoo.com

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  51. I love Serena! I follow her blog and love her cutsie stuff! Those books look like so much fun! Yippy!

    sabrinarobideau (at) hotmail (dot) com

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  52. WOW! What a great give a way! :) I enjoy following the Farm Chicks on facebook. I am a true country girl at heart and can't wait for the next Farm Chicks Show here in Spokane...really enjoyed this past years. I am excited to know that I might have a chance to win these wonderful books...how exciting! Thank you for the chance to win!
    rureadyskeedaddy@msn.com again, thank you! :)

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  53. Hi I've been a fan of Serena's for a long time and am a fan on her Facebook page to, especially since "country" is our niche. I would LOVE to have this book!!!

    You can contact me at:

    customercare@bundlesofblossoms.com

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  54. Would love the set of books - and, yes I am a Serena fan..
    Cheers
    Rochelle

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  55. I'm a fan of Farm Chicks and love these books! Thanks for the giveaway!
    Sorry I left out my contact info just in case I win!

    Thanks,
    gena.hawkins@alcatel-lucent.com

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  56. I am already a fan, but don't have any of her books.

    Melanie
    kmrutt@gtmc.net

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  57. I <3 Serena! She is such an inspiration. Of course I would love to win some books :-)

    heidi dot nawrocki at gmail dot com

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  58. I would love to win her books. I've been following Serena for a couple of years.
    territorymom@gmail.com

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  59. I follow Serena's blog and would love to win these books!!

    Jessica
    sca16@yahoo.com

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  60. I would love these books w/ 5 boys and a little girl due in 3 weeks it would be great to have them to read while I'm waiting to get back to helping on the farm. I'm a big fan.
    lhurst@wildblue.net

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  61. I love Farm Chicks and read Serena's blog all the time. So inspirational. I would love to win her cookbooks, I haven't read either :)
    Thanks for the chance
    meangreenmom[at]gmail[dot]com

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  62. Being a displaced Washington girl, I love reading serena's blog. The farm chicks books would be a piece a home for me:)
    Thanks!
    June
    Coastiejune@gmail.com

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  63. Would love to win these! I am a true Serena fan and follow her on Facebook and am lucky enough to live in Spokane and attend the Farm Chicks show every year.

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  64. I've been eyeing those books for a long time and would love love love to win them! I am a huge fan!

    Maria
    nelsorm@comcast.net

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  65. I love reading her blog and would love either of her books, I'm sure.

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  66. I've been a Farm Chicks fan for a while now. I have tried a couple of times to get the Farm Chicks show and the timing hasn't worked. I'd love to have the books!
    - Liane
    lgaspred at yahoo dot com

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  67. I've been a fan of the Farm Chicks for a long time.

    I brought home the Christmas book from the library (and, of course, had to return it) and thought it charming and helpful.

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  68. I'm a Serena fan and she sent me here to your web site! Glad I found it! I would also love to win any of her books!

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  69. What a wonderful give-away for the Farm Chicks books. Thanks for doing this. Serena has a real gift of creativity.

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  70. I've recently been so inspired by the Farm Chicks. I would love to get a chance to go out to the Pacific Northwest to her antique show! Thank you so much for this opportunity to win these books. They seem amazing and I would love to be able to enjoy them as much as you do.
    - Sam
    sstroemel@m.marywood.edu

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  71. Blessed to be living in The Farm Chicks area, I'm familiar with the delightful ideas, images, and influences Serena has in and around our community! I have both the books, but would love to present a set to my newly married daughter for her first kitchen! Thanks so much for giving this wonderful exposure to Serena!

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  72. I would love to win the books! And I'm a huge fan of Serena's! Email address is kunzjc@att.net

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  73. I would love to win one of these cookbooks!

    Melissa
    mdommert2000@aol.com

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  74. I had heard briefly of Serena but now I'll look more into her blogs. Thank you! I'm a young farmer in Nova Scotia, Canada (www.broadforkfarm.com) and I would love to check out her books for new ideas.
    My email address is: shannonmarj@hotmail.com

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  75. these cookbooks look amazing and like a good read.

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  76. Ooo, have been enjoying Serena's blog and FB posts for about a year and am happy to have just found you! These books are on my Wishing List! :). Saraandco@msn.com

    Thanks! Happy November!

    Warmly, Sara

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  77. Finding Serena & you from a FB feed today, can't wait to learn more and oh how I do love a good cookbook!

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