Tuesday, November 30, 2010

Tipsy Tuesday

"Every day I get up and look through the Forbes list
of the richest people in America. If I'm not there, I go to work."
— Robert Orben: Is a magician and comedy writer


This made me smile as I read it getting ready to head to work!!! Lots of rewarding work this week as day 2 of setting up in Las Vegas for NFR contiunes...I finish up in Carmel today and will be flying to Vegas tomorrow.

Looking to hit the Forbes list...not there yet, so it's off to work we go!!

Happy Forbes Trails,
Danna

Monday, November 29, 2010

On The Road Again

NFR LOAD IN BEGINS TODAY!!!

Despite white out conditions, closed roads, and a twelve hour trip to Las Vegas the Burns Team arrived with trailers full of outstanding cowboy gear! Our best yet!!! Hundreds of our newest original designs in boots, hats, clothing, saddles, and accessories will be unveiled Thursday as the doors open for the much anticipated 2010 National Finals Rodeo held in warm, Las Vegas Nevada!

This year you will be able to find us at 4 locations, that is right 4!!! Two booths at the prestigious Cowboy Christmas event, held at the Convention Center. One incredible booth full of Lucchese Boots at the Sands Convention Center, and of course you can find us just inside the door at the beautiful Mandalay Bay/Cowboy Market Place.

Burns will have the finest in quality and the selection, OH MY!!!

Excitement fills my being as another fun NFR quickly approaches. A big thank you to all those who have diligently served getting the products produced, packed, shipped and delivered, and to all the team members setting up and selling at the four booths as well as our great teams that keep the three stores performing this very busy month. You are VERY appreciated!!! Together we will make history in our 134, soon to be 135 year old company! The Forefathers would be very proud, I know generation 5 is!!!

On The Road Again, Destination, Las Vegas Baby!!!

Hope to see you there!!

Happy NFR Trails,
Danna

Sunday, November 21, 2010

Inspire Me

Thanksgiving Week Begins:

As Thanksgiving week begins my heart is filled with gratitude for all my many blessings. Years come and go and this year has been truly incredible! As I ponder the events I am humbled with appreciation for the amazing year this has been for our company and our family.

Just two years ago this month we left our home town of Salina and ventured into uncharted territory as we put together our first resort shop that would cater to tourist instead of real cowboys. A big risk that paid off. This year resort store two became a reality as doors were opened in June in the enchanted village of Carmel-by-the-Sea. Moving yet further away from our roots, and now into the State of California. Utah has been the only home of the 134 year old family business until now. We went as far west as possible without falling into the Pacific Ocean.

Projects are inspiring. They get you up in the morning and keep you up late at night. You are forced to think, act and respond. I love them. When you begin all you have is desire and a lot of ideas, when you complete you have sculpted those ideas and desires into a physical manifestation that fills the soul with a sense of accomplishment.

We moved three times this year. Moving really makes you evaluate "stuff" and the reason we collect and keep so much of it. Move three times in a year you will get rid of "stuff".

The Burns Team has grown this year and I am very thankful for all the wonderful team members that provide service to the company and the clients that walk through the many doors of the Burns business'.

Today in Salina the Burns Christmas Party was held, the first one in 35 years we had to miss. Reports of fun, food and and winter weather brought memories of years of laughter and Donna's games and pranks that live on for decades.

Last week our family celebrated our Thanksgiving while Scott and I were in Utah. It was extra special as all our children, grandchildren and parents set down together, one large table of happy, healthy, wealthy, wise family members, gathered in the spirit of the season of Thanksgiving, as our busy lives were reunited in a Love and Appreciation for the day, year, and most importantly each other. It doesn't get much better than that!

Wishing all of you the same this week.

With much Appreciation,

Danna

Saturday, November 6, 2010

Rave Reviews and Recipes

From the kitchen of Jessica Seinfeld
Jerry Seinfeld's Favorite Sandwich

Found on website: http://abcnews.go.com/GMA/
2 Comments
Servings: 6
Cook Time: 30-60 min
This is based on a sandwich Jerry and I fell in love with in Italy. For a healthier version, substitute the Italian bread with whole-grain rolls or whole-wheat bread. It is delicious any way you serve it!

Nutritional info:

Calories: 416, Carbohydrate: 34g, Protein: 42g, Total Fat: 11g, Saturated Fat: 2.5g, Sodium: 615mg, Fiber: 3g


Ingredients
2 pounds boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cubed
½ teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
¼ cup whole-wheat flour
3 tablespoons olive oil
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 cup low-fat, reduced-sodium chicken broth
½ cup balsamic vinegar
6 tablespoons firmly packed dark brown sugar
½ cup broccoli puree
6 large slices tomato
6 ciabatta rolls, or 6 large slices crusty Italian bread
½ cup grated part-skim mozzarella

Cooking Directions
1. Sprinkle the chicken with salt and pepper. Place the flour on a sheet of waxed paper. Toss the chicken chunks in the flour and coat completely. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees.

2. Warm the oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chicken and garlic. Decrease the heat to medium and continue to cook until the chicken begins to brown and the garlic becomes fragrant, 8 to 10 minutes.

3. Add the chicken broth, vinegar, and brown sugar. Bring to a boil. Cover and simmer 10 to 15 minutes, until the chicken is cooked through and no longer pink in the center. Add the puree and cook 2 to 3 minutes more, until the flavors are well blended.

4. Place the bread on a large baking sheet. Top each with a tomato slice. Divide the chicken between the 6 pieces of bread and top with mozzarella. Bake until the cheese is melted and edges of the bread are crisp, 5 to 7 minutes. Serve immediately.

For the Broccoli Puree

Cut broccoli into florets and steam for 6 to 7 minutes. Florets should be tender but still bright green. (If they're an olive green, they're overcooked.) Puree using a food processor or blender for about 2 minutes. May need a few teaspoons of water, for a smooth, creamy texture

Happy Autumn Trails,

Danna

Thursday, November 4, 2010

Brad Paisley Visits Burns Cowboy Shop in Carmel

October 30th 2010 is a day I shall soon not forget!!! Halloween Parades, Make-a-Wish Gala, (Western Themed) hosted by Clint Eastwood, YEAH!!!, and of course our visit from Brad Paisley!!!


Brad Paisley was in town to perform for the MAW gala held at the posh resort, Tehama, owned by Clint Eastwood. During the Halloween Parade I saw Brad and his wife quickly walk by our shop. Amanda, who works for us was disappointed he did not stop by, she said,"We are the only cowboy shop in Carmel, I thought for sure he would come in." I went over to my Ipod that was playing and changed it to Brad Paisley and told the gals we were going to draw him in with our thoughts and his music. The Law of Attraction!!! Less than an hour later, in walks Brad, a bit embarrassed that every song that kept playing was his. I smiled and told him we were practicing the Law of Attraction, and apparently, it worked. Not only were they impressed with the shop and selection, Brad picked out and purchased our custom designed, cool, stingray boots!! He said he will be wearing them on the 2010 44th Annual CMA Awards that will be aired on television next Wednesday November 10, 2010 at 8pm ESTt/7 Central on ABC. Brad and Carrie Underwood will be the MC's!! The Burns team will all be glued as we hope they show multiple shots of Brad Paisley's Rock Star boots he purchased from US!

Brad's lovely wife Kimberly, who I called Jennifer, oops, purchased a fun leather handbag. Kimberly is as famous as Brad, a beautiful actress who played in the Father of the Bride movies as well as a leading role in the television show, According to Jim.

If that was not enough fun, Michael and Shauna, (Representatives from Lucchese) flew in for the MAW gala, where we presented a live auction item for 2 pair of custom Lucchese boots, with a full tour of the factory. Brad Paisley was performing at the event and got on the mic during our auction item and plugged our shop to everyone at the event, proudly announcing the boots he was wearing that evening he had just got from us that day. The donation netted $7000 for the foundation and Burns Cowboy Shop received valuable exposure.

Brad's acoustic performance was spectacular. A small gathering of influential Bay Area individuals raised nearly $400,000 for MAW, I was genuinely impressed.

Dancing continued after the dinner and "Brad Concert" with an outstanding LA band named Whiskey Dawn. And of course Clint Eastwood got on the dance floor, at 79 years young he still has a few moves left. He put his famous flat top hat on and glided right past us with his famous smile.

Opening a shop on Ocean Ave, in Carmel California has it's Perks!!! October 30th was full of them!!

Happy Memorable Trails,

Danna