28 December 2018

New Year New Me Quest and New Year Balloons Collection Mission

Please refresh page until I have completed this post.  Crop List and Batch Production List now should be complete.


(Above, screenshot of the new Wish Tree when ready for harvest, filled with golden stars that represent wishes.  This is the reward for the New Year's Balloons Collection Mission.)

A new 11 day Quest has been issued in tandem with a Collection Mission.  The Reward for the Collection Mission is a new Tree in the form of a Wish Tree.

The best strategy for low level or new farmers is to complete the Collection Mission even if you lack the means to complete the traditional Quest sequence.  When, after 11 days, the Quest and Collection Mission both expire, you should be able to find the traditional Quest sequence in the Lighthouse, but the Collection Mission no longer will be available at all.  The Reward for the Collection Mission will appear in the Market shortly after the Quest expires, but it will carry an RC price.

Note here that, if you did not complete the traditional Quest, it is divided into four sections in the Lighthouse, each consisting of four parts that encompass three tasks.  Any 'quarters' you complete will be credited to you, but if you do not complete all four parts of any quarter, you will be forced to perform all those tasks again.  In other words, try to complete the Quest through Part 4, Part 8, Part 12 or Part 16 if possible to avoid being forced to repeat tasks.

Mechology and Zoology: Remember that you should be able to use the 'Out of Nowhere' Mechology tech to produce Machine products without ingredients and the 'Wild Hunger' Zoology tech the same way.  For these Quests, the Zoology 'Wild Hunger' Tech is the most productive.  At Level 5 upgrade, the 'Out of Nowhere' tech will give you 5 of the product you need as well as a host of random products.

The Wish Tree from the Collection Mission must be placed as one of the tasks in Part 7.  In the past, players who did not wish to complete the Collection Mission were able to find a new Tree in the Market, but this time, there is no option to buy it instead of obtaining it as a Reward.

Tip:  Do not collect all of your Pet Chests as you will need 8 later in the Quest.

Note from Freyashawk:  Thank you all for supporting me in the Farm Beauty Contest.  I managed to scrape into 10th place in the last hours and am deeply grateful for every single vote!  You inspire me to continue to update this site when you vote for HM. Freyashawk in the contest.

New Year's Balloons Collection Mission
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Collect 70 Golden New Year's Balloons from Grapes
Collect 50 Silver New Year's Balloons from Eggs
Collect 30 Green New Year's Balloons from Blueberry Candy
Collect 10 Black New Year's Balloons from Avocado Tree

Reward: Wish Tree

Incidentally, the Wish Tree is gorgeous!

Crop List
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40 Oats
40 Clover
40 Rye
40 Pasture
40 Corn
40 Wheat
40 White Grapes
40 Eggplants
40 Tomatoes
40 Onions
50 Chardonnay
50 Cranberries (Island)
60 Zucchini (Island)

Batch Production List
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40 Milk
40 Oat Flour
40 Rye Flour
40 Beef
40 Mayonnaise
40 Wine
40 White Wine
50 Champagne
50 Dried Cranberies (Island)*
50 Raisins (Island)*
60 Dried Zucchini (Island)*

All three Island products require the Dehydrator

Premium Items:

You will need a few Premium Trees, including the Avocado Tree required for the Collection Mission.  In addition, you will need the Aubergine Kebab Stove House Recipe.  Originally a reward for a Collection Mission, it now must be purchased in the Stove House department of the Market for 9 RC.

Aubergine Kebab Recipe
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Ingredients: 3 Beef, 1 Eggplant (Aubergine), 3 Tomatoes, 3 Onions
Requires 6 Power

Place all ingredients in the skillet, setting timer for 21 seconds.  Tap 'Finish' as soon as the Bronze Star activates.

New Year New Me Quest
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New Year New Me 1
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Felicia:  Hey, Farmer!  There is so much to do before the New Year, at least according to Darryl.  He is making his New Year Resolutions now.  I think it is great that he is taking the time to write it all down, but he has left his work for us!

Harvest 40 Oats
  Skip for 10 RC

Collect 20 Jars of Honey
  Skip for 4 RC

Harvest 40 Clover
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 160 XP

Felicia:  That was not easy!  Thanks for your help.  Now, where is Darryl? I need to find him to make certain he thanks you as well,.

New Year New Me 2
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Felicia:  There he is!  Darryl, did you decide upon your Resolutions yet?  Most people make a list of all their goals: the things they would like to do and what they would like to avoid as well.  How is yours progressing?  What?   Nothing?  Oh, speaking of lists...

Harvest 40 Rye
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 40 Pasture
  Skip for 10 RC

Collect 40 Bottles of Milk
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 160 XP

Felicia:  Why do we even make New Year's Resolutions?  What is the origin of this tradition?

New Year New Me 3
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Felicia:  Darryl, you are reading a book?  What about your Resolutions?  Doesn't Grandma always say that it is 'better to finish one task than leave two tasks unfinished?'  We know a thing or two about getting things done, don't we, Farmer?

Produce 40 bags of Oat Flour
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 40 Corn
  Skip for 10 RC

Prepare 6 jars of Honey Syrup
  Skip for 6 RC
  Each requires 2 Honey and 2 Milk

Reward: 2500 Coins, 170 XP

Felicia:  As it transpires, this book is related to Darryl's New Year's Resolutions.  It is an history book that contains information on the subject!

New Year New Me 4
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Felicia:  Evidently, the concept of the New Year's Resolutions is over 4000 years old, dating back to the Babylonians.  Originally, they contained promises by the Ancient Babylonians to pay all of their debts and return all items that they had borrowed throughout the past year.  Later, Romans made similar promises in the name of the God Janus.  January is named after the god with two faces, looking back to the past and forward to the future at the same time.

Produce 40 Rye Flour
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 40 Wheat
  Skip for 10 RC

Collect 40 Beef
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 170 XP

Felicia:  Perhaps the reason actually is more personal.  It is a moment when we reflect upon ourselves and pledge to do our best to improve in the year to come.

Special Reward: Mission Gift Box

New Year New Me 5
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Felicia:  I think it may be easier to greet a New Year with a new attitude because it is a blank slate. Darryl read that New Year's Resolutions are over ten times more likely to succeed than decisions made at other times of the Year!

Harvest 40 White Grapes
  Skip for 10 RC

Produce 40 Wheat Flour
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 40 Eggplants
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 180 XP

Felicia:  I think there is something to all of this.  Shall we do it as well?  We need to take a little time to think it through properly.

New Year New Me 6
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Felicia: Darryl finally is writing his Resolutions so I was able to borrow his book.  It says here the often Resolutions fail because they are unrealistic or people forget about them after a few days.  Let's think of some good practical ideas while we work.

Prepare 6 sacks of Cake Flour
  Skip for 6 RC
  Each requires 2 Oat Flour and 2 Rye Flour

Produce 40 Mayonnaise
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 40 Tomatoes
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 180 XP

Felicia:  The more thought we put into this, the better.  I now see why Darryl took it so seriously, but all of this is making me hungry!

New Year New Me 7
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Felicia: We have plenty of leftovers from Christmas fortunately, but let's add something new.  What should we eat to ring in the New Year?

Place a Wish Tree on your Farm
  Reward from Collection Mission
  Skip for 10 RC

Prepare 6 Batter
  Skip for 6 RC
  Each requires 2 Wheat Flour and 1 Egg

Harvest 40 Onions
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 190 XP

Darryl:  Grandma told me there are foods that are believed to bring good luck for the New Year.  I hope so.  Darryl probably is off somewhere playing with his Mechatron Cow now... definitely NOT a food item, in case any one wonders.

New Year New Me 8
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Felicia:  Darryl, we had a wonderful idea, that we all make our New Year's Resolutions together.  We can write them as a single list and sign it at the bottom.  That way, we can keep track of each other's progress and determination to succeed.

Cook 3 Aubergine Kebab in the Stove House
  Skip for 10 RC

Ingredients: 3 Beef, 1 Eggplant (Aubergine), 3 Tomatoes, 3 Onions
Requires 6 Power

Place all ingredients in the skillet, setting timer for 21 seconds.  Tap 'Finish' as soon as the Bronze Star activates.

Produce 40 bottles of Wine
  Skip for 10 RC

  Tip:  If you have Mechology and use Out of Nowhere tech, you may be able to 'kill two birds with one stone' as often use on Wine Maker will give you two different types of Wine.  The primary setting determines the product with highest total but you can obtain both White Wine and Wine randomly with a single use.

Produce 40 bottles of White Wine
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 190 XP

Felicia:  No worries, farmer!  Your Resolutions can be as great or as little as you wish.  Do not think about any one else.  Make a Resolution that matters to you.

Special Reward: 2019 Clock for wall in Darryl's House

New Year New Me 9
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Felicia:  Well, there it is!  I never used quill and ink bottle before to write.  It makes it very official!  It has given me new energy.  Let's put it to good use, Farmer!

Harvest 50 Chardonnay
  Skip for 12 RC

Prepare 8 Soft Dough
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Cake Flour and 1 Batter

Harvest 50 Cranberries
  Skip for 12 RC
  This is an Island Crop

Reward: 2500 Coins, 200 XP

Felicia:  Would you please bring the list closer to the fireplace so we can dry the ink faster?  It looks really beautiful.  Perhaps we should frame it!

New Year New Me 10
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Felicia:  Thanks for hanging that for me.  It should be dry soon.  It might be a little harsh now outside, but in a way, the cold of Winter is what makes the advent of Spring so wonderful.  Let's go outside again to finish the chores.

Produce 50 bottles of Champagne
  Skip for 12 RC

Produce 50 Dried Cranberries
  Skip for 12 RC
  This is an Island task

Prepare 8 bowls of Avocado Shrimp Salad
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Avocado and 1 Shrimp Meat
  (Shrimp Meat is produced in the Seafood House using Crayfish)

Rewards: 2500 Coins, 200 XP

Felicia:  I am really warm now after doing all that work. Let's go inside before we catch colds!

New Year New Me 11
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Felicia:  I am beginning to have second thoughts.  Perhaps I should rewrite my Resolutions... I wish I were more decisive like you two... but wait!  All that careful penmanship with the quill wasted?  I think not!  How are you so certain of everything.. and Darryl is decisive even when he is wrong!

Harvest 6 Red Sandalwood
  Skip for 6 RC
  This is an Island task
  N.B.  You can use an Electric Saw to harvest two at a time

Prepare 8 Twelve Grapes at Midnight
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 2 White Grapes and 1 Wish (product of the Wish Tree)
  If your Wish Tree has not produced yet, you can pay 50 TC for each Wish you need but remember that you can use Watering Cans/Super Watering Cans on any Tree!

Dig 8 Chests on the path
  Skip for 4 RC
  N.B.  For me, chests left unopened on the paths actually did not count, but this could differ for other farmers.

Reward: 2500 Coins, 210 XP

Felicia:  Ha!  I see your point.  We shall keep one another strong.  Each time I look at our written Resolutions List, I will remember to work as hard as possible.

New Year New Me 12
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Felicia:  We did some good work there.  OH MY GOSH!  The paper is on fire!  Quick, put out the flames!  Oh no, it is ruined and it was so much effort.  What are we to do?  We have no more ink... another one would not have the same effect in any case.

Craft 3 Wooden Planks in the Sawmill
  Skip for 6 RC
  This is an Island task

Harvest 8 Adzukis
  Skip for 8 RC

Produce 50 Raisins
  Skip for 12 RC
  This is an Island task

Reward: 2500 Coins, 210 XP

Felicia:  I am so sorry, Farmer.  This is precisely what I was trying to explain.  Sometimes things simply appear totally futile.  It is NOT how I wished to start a New Year!

Special Reward: Island Mission Gift Box

New Year New Me 13
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Felicia:  Staring at the ashes of our beautiful Resolutions list... it makes me not want to try at all... but I suppose that is all part of the process.  Sometimes we must fall in order to have the strength to rise again and move forward.  I need to take my mind off of it for a bit, though.  Would you help me, please?

Craft 4 Coral Rose Mirrors
  Skip for 4 RC
  Each requires 2 Red Rose Bouquets, 1 Polished Coral Twig, 1 Glass and takes 13 minutes to complete but task counts as soon as item enters slot in Beauty Shop

Harvest 8 Cherries
  Skip for 8 RC

Harvest 8 Chestnuts
  Skip for 8 RC
  This is an Island Tree

Reward: 2500 Coins, 220 XP

Felicia:  Thanks, Farmer.  I feel better now.  I realise that what is special is not the list itself, however beautifully written but the effort and thought that went into it.

New Year New Me 14
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Felicia:  I understand it now!  New Year's Resolutions are the process of putting the past with its problems behind you and starting anew.  Whatever may have happened during the course of the year, we must take charge of our own destiny and walk forward steadfastly into the New Year, prepared for anything!

Harvest 8 Pomegranates
  Skip for 8 RC

Prepare 8 bowls of Pomegranate Fruit Salad
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Pomegranate and 2 Fruit Salad

Prepare 8 Adzuki Paste
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Adzuki and 1 Honey Syrup

Reward: 2500 Coins, 220 XP

Felicia:  It is all thanks to you, Farmer.  With friends like you, I need not worry about anything the New Year might bring.

New Year New Me 15
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Felicia:  I never would have come to this realisation without your help.  My Resolution is to be nicer to Darryl and not laugh at him so much.  I wish to be more aware of the way my actions affect other people, especially those whom I love.

Prepare 8 Pomegranate Cookies
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Pomegranate and 1 Soft Dough

Prepare 8 Lucky Spiced Pears and Pomegranate
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Pomegranate Fruit Salad and 1 Wish

Harvest 60 Zucchini
  Skip for 15 RC
  This is an Island Crop

Reward: 2500 Coins, 230 XP

Felicia:  I hope I am not preaching too much but I cannot help but feel this is what any true celebration of the New Year really signifies.

New Year New Me 16
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Felicia:  Grandma created a special Tree where you can make Wishes,.  That is so sweet of her...  I do not think I could ask for anything better than a kind family and friends like you!

(Freyashawk feels the same:  Thank you all for supporting me through the past few very difficult and sometimes dark months and blessings and prayers to you and your loved ones and friends!)

Craft 3 Coral Dressing Tables
  Skip for 6 RC
  This is an Island Task
  This is a Workshop product.  Each requires 1 Coral Rose Mirror and 1 Wooden Panel as well as 1 Power, but are completed instantly

Prepare 8 Greek New Year's Cake
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Cake Flour and 1 Wish

Produce 60 Dried Zucchini
  Skip for 15 RC
  This is an Island task

Reward: 2500 Coins, 230 XP

Felicia:  Now we can relax and watch the fireworks.  Let us welcome the New Year together, whatever it may hold for us!

Special Reward: New Year's Party Table Decoration for Seaside

Collection Set
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The Collection Set consists of the new Wish Tree, 2019 Clock for Darryl's House and the New Year's Party Table Decoration for Seaside.  Register all three within the time frame to receive a bonus reward in the form of a Clam Friendship Flower as well as the usual Rewards of 88 Green Mystrons and 1 RC.

History of New Year's Resolutions
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'The Golden Bough' by Sir James Frazer is one of the best resources for information about New Year celebrations and traditions throughout the world throughout history.

Here is a link to his marvelous book:

The Golden Bough

The Babylonian tradition that is mentioned by Felicia was the Festival of Akitu, an annual celebration that lasted 12 days and marked the rebirth of the natural world.  The Babylonians would crown a new Sacred King, plant special crops, pay all debts and make promises for the New Year.

Like most ancient civilisations, the Babylonians began their new Year in Spring, in what is now our month of March.
In Roman history, the New Year originally occurred at the start of the month of March.  The Eastern European celebration of Martisor is connected to the more ancient Calendar.  At some point, the 1st day of January was designated the birthday of the god Janus, a God with two faces, one looking back at the past and one looking forward to the future.  Janus was an important God.  He was the god of all gateways and portals, god of all beginnings.  In time, the start of the New Year was changed to the 1st of January.

In medieval Europe, knights would place their hands on a live or roasted peacock to reaffirm their fealty to their lords each year, a vow that became known as the 'Peacock Vow.'

Strategies for New Farmers
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I would like to wish every one a bright New Year, filled with promise and hope, but above all, the strength and determination to face any trials and difficulties.  We all need a little help from others, and I wish to thank my wonderful neighbours in Family Farm Seaside who have given me their support, expert medical advice and prayers since September.  It has been one of the most difficult and dark times in my life, but knowing how many others have their own serious struggles and manage to demonstrate courage and good will towards others, I would like to try to emulate them.  I salute my brave friends and neighbours who continue to struggle onward, never allowing anything to defeat them.

In the past year, I have seen far too many old friends leave this game because of the increased pressure they perceived, not only to purchase premium items, but to interact with their neighbours at a level they could not maintain.

Please be understanding and patient with your neighbours.  I always felt I was fortunate to have neighbours and if they continued to play the game, to log into it, grow crops and add cleanable items to their farms, that was sufficient.  To demand that they visit you on a daily basis is really asking far too much in many cases.  Take advantage of YOUR ability to visit the farms that have valuable cleanable decorations.  If you do use Batch tickets, try to use them in batches of 5 so that your neighbours might benefit from those visits.  (Yes, it appears that larger batches still may not result in any benefit from the farm you visit, although you yourself will obtain rewards.).

If you are a new Farmer, the easiest way to raise your level so that you can participate in all the timed Quests, the Farm Beauty Contest and even be able to unlock specific cleanable Decorations from the Gallery Menu is to spend real money in the game.  That is the truth, but if you are patient, and willing to put in the hours, you can play without spending much money.  Know, however, that like many games, raising your level will make the game more interesting, however you accomplish that.  If you have the time to visit every neighbour and buddy, that is an excellent way to gain XP for the total needed to advance to the next level.
Your access will be limited to the original Seaside Farm initially, but raising your General Level will give you access to fishing, the Island (second Farm) and ultimately the ability to unlock the Sea Resort.

The best ways to make your farm attractive to your neighbours to persuade them to visit is:

Always make certain you plant crops before you leave the game.  A visiting neighbour can interact even with a mature crop but not with an empty plot!

Try to obtain some cleanable decorations.  The best for the original Seaside Farm are the Blue Box and Gold Box Decorations, but any cleanable Decoration is better than none.  The Cooking Stand Contest will give you a Gold Box Decoration.  Almost every finished Base is itself a Blue Box Decoration.  The timed 11 days Quests give Purple Box Decorations.

Buddies are important in this game.  You can receive more benefits from visiting a Buddy than you can when you visit a Neighbour if you have raised Buddy levels.  Furthermore, you can borrow a Buddy's Pet every day if you do not have high level Pets.

If you have the time, do whatever you can to interact with Buddies as well as Neighbours.  Know, however, that although some high level farmers want little to do with low level farmers, partly because often they do not 'stay the course', there are countless high level farmers that will go out of their way to befriend new players.

One way to let neighbours know that you are active, even if you cannot perform visits, is by sending a free gift on a daily basis.  You can send one free gift to every Neighbour and you can send free gifts to your Buddies that sometimes depend on Buddy Levels.  It really does not matter which gift you choose.  Lately, however, the very basic gifts of Milk, Honey and Cheddar Cheese can prove to be a godsend to other low level players as the Quests have become far more demanding than before.

This once was a simple farming game.  No longer.  It now involves three different farms (Seaside, Island and Sea Resort... and Water Town as a fourth where special baking can be done).

If you need any help, please feel free to contact me on Facebook via familyfarmseaside.blogspot.com.  I will do my best to answer any questions and I hope to have a new small Seaside help Group for beginners in the New Year.

If you are a Member of a Community, try to abide by that Community's rules.  Our own Freyashawk Community struggled, like every other Community in the beginning to try to give equal opportunities and rewards to all members.  Not knowing what the future would bring in terms of updates, we perhaps were a little stricter than we had to be where Members who exceeded their quota constantly were concerned.  I apologise for that but I was trying to create a working just model for others as well as for our own Community.  It is a matter of differing philosophies and attitudes.  In our Community, we try to move forward in Challenges a little slower to allow members with fewer resources to make their quota.  It has worked fairly well, although I know it can be frustrating and members do go over their limits occasionally but NOT deliberately.

Now your Community will pay a penalty of 200 Gems to remove a Member so perhaps leaders will be more careful whom they invite and make certain that the farmer understands and agrees to any rules that Community has.

24 December 2018

A Happy and Blessed Christmas or Yule to All from Freyashawk

(Above, a screenshot of one of the earliest Christmas items in Seaside, 'Santa Claus' on a farm vehicle, pulling Christmas Trees to share with other farms.  The Snow Christmas Tree is behind him, an old Decoration.)

I would like to wish every farmer a joyful and blessed Christmas and/or Yule, with all heartfelt wishes for joy, good health and Peace to you and your loved ones.

Thank you for being my friends and neighbours and for your support of HM. Freyashawk.  I know that I am not the only player who looks to the game for relief from an often difficult struggle in life, whether physical or emotional.  My heart goes out to all of you who do your best to create a haven of good fellowship, beauty and fun in a virtual world that is populated with REAL PEOPLE who need your patience, kindness and compassion.

Bless you all!  I hope to be able to continue to update this site and to remain active in Family Farm Seaside.

A joyful and blessed Christmas Eve to all!

(Above, other old decorations in the form of Saint and Pete, Christmas Sled


(Above, Marie and the Nutcracker Prince when not on a base, this year's premium Base decorations.)

(Other Christmas Decorations, including Christmas Snowman, a Decoration that had to be built, from last year)

14 December 2018

The True Christmas Spirit Quest and Colourful Stockings Collection Mission


(Darryl once again persuades the poor Farmer to do the chores in this 11 day Quest to prepare for Christmas)

Colourful Stockings Collection
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70 Yellow from Cane
50 Red from Wheat Flour
30 Green from Black Bread
10 Blue from Ice Cubes from Ice Tree

The reward is a Stove House Recipe in the form of a Christmas Wreath Salad

Christmas Wreath Salad
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Ingredients:  2 Eggs, 3 Mayonnaise, 5 Spinach, 3 Blueberries, 2 Corn, 5 Power

Place all ingredients in the bowl, setting timer for 23 seconds.   Tap 'Finish' as soon as Bronze Star activates.

Crop List:
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40 Clover
40 Corn
40 Wheat
40 Cucumbers
40 Blueberries
40 Spinach
50 Pumpkins
50 Oats
50 Rye
50 Rice
50 Cactus (Island)

Batch Production List
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49 Eggs
40 Milk
40 Mayonnaise
40 Sugar
40 Buffalo Milk
8 Orange Jam
50 Oat Flour
50 Cheddar Cheese
50 Camel Hair (Island)
50 Rye Flour
50 Rice Flour
10 Reindeer Fur
10 Stetsons (Island) (Requires 3 star Mastery of Hat Machine)

Strategy Tips
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Please be aware that the Zoology 'Wild Hunger' tech will work on tasks that require Animal Products and Mechology 'Out of Nowhere' likewise will produce for Machine Production (but far less of the actual product needed).  Set your Monkey Boost to reduce OP cost for Batch Production.

You may consider sending your Neighbours Milk if some of them are at lower levels.

WARNING: Making Oat Flour is a current Community Challenge so if your Community is not high powered and you try to limit your production, be advised that this will increase your own total by 50.

New Farmers
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These 11 day Quests are released typically every other Friday.  Each Quest consists of a total of 16 parts, divided into four parts.  Each part consists of a set of three tasks.

The Collection Mission is released in tandem with the traditional Quest sequence and runs for the same amount of time.  Once the Collection Mission expires, however, you will be able to purchase the Reward only from the Market and at least at the start, only if you are willing to spend RC.  The traditional Quest sequence, on the other hand, usually is added to the Lighthouse once the time period expires and you will be able to continue it from there if you were unable to complete it during its 11 day run.

From the Lighthouse, there are four distinct parts to the Quest and the entire quarter must have been completed if it is to be counted there.  In other words, Parts 1 through 4 are the first quarter.  Parts 5 through 8 constitute the second and so on.  If you did not complete an entire quarter, you will be required to begin THAT quarter again.  It is possible, however, to do so and obtain the original final Reward in the form of a Seaside Decoration as well as, in this case, the Reward of the furniture item for Darryl's House given when the first half of the Quest is completed.

In this particular Quest sequence, one of the final tasks is an Island Machine task that requires full 3 Star Mastery of the Hat Machine.  Players who have insufficient Dev points to purchase this Machine or who are unable to make sufficient Hats to upgrade it to Level 3 for the Stetson either can push themselves to reach this goal in the next 11 days or can stop the Quest after Part 12, and begin from the Lighthouse with Part 13 when they have the requisite Mastery to make Stetsons.  The other option is to pay RC to skip the task.

When I began to play this game over five years ago, there was no option to continue any timed Mission from the Lighthouse.  It makes it so much easier for a farmer now, when even partial completion within the time period is rewarded and one knows that he/she will have another opportunity after the Quest expires.

I do recommend, however, that you complete the Collection Mission even if you cannot complete the traditional Quest.  All the Rewards, whether premium Tree, Collectable or Stove House Recipe will be needed in the future and performing the Collection Mission often is the only way to obtain new premium Trees, Collectables or Stove House recipes without using RC.

HM. Freyashawk
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I wish to thank all the farmers who continue to support HM. Freyashawk in the Farm Beauty Contests and I hope to be able to continue this work.  I think that this game can be a little discouraging now to new farmers unless they have some sort of a guide and I always try to provide that on this site.  Even for higher level farmers, the Quests and activities are becoming more demanding, but I still feel it is worth the effort primarily because of the many wonderful friends I have made in the past five years because of Family Farm Seaside!  Blessings to all in this holiday season!

The True Christmas Spirit
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The True Christmas Spirit 1
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Darryl:  Another blessed day on the Seaside Farm and every one watches the snow fall.  Our bones are freezing by this point in December, but we have such reason for joy!  Yes!  It is Christmas!

Harvest 40 Corn
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 40 Clover
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 6 Oranges
  Skip for 6 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 160 XP

Darryl:  Yes, soon it will be Christmas Eve, with the arrival of a jolly fellow from the sky, bringing gifts for all!

The True Christmas Spirit 2
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Darryl:  Are you as excited as I am?  Grandma is beginning to make delicious Christmas Treats.  Cookies for all!  The best part is that Santa is coming soon!

Collect 40 Eggs
  Skip for 10 RC

Collect 40 bottles of Milk
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 40 Wheat
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 160 XP

Darryl:  Holly Jolly!  I have been thinking so much about Grandma's delicious cookies that I forgot to write my list for Santa!

The True Christmas Spirit 3
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Darryl:  Christmas is on the 25th, but Christmas Eve, when Santa actually comes to our house is on the 24th... still have a little time to write the list, but I will need your help, Farmer!  Help me with all the farm chores so I can concentrate on the list, please!

Harvest 40 Cucumbers
  Skip for 10 RC

Harvest 8 Coconuts
  Skip for 8 RC

Harvest 40 Blueberries
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 170 XP

Darryl:  We made it!  Together, we are unstoppable.  Now we must find a way to deliver this letter.

The True Christmas Spirit 4
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Darryl:  Buaa!  Felicia told me that I am far too late.  Santa never will receive my letter this year, although she claims she knows a secret special delivery service that could make a difference.  She is willing to help only if I do her farm tasks.

Harvest 40 Spinach
  Skip for 10 RC

Prepare 8 Butter
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Milk and 1 Milk

Harvest 8 Cinnamon
  Skip for 8 RC

Rewards: 2500 Coins, 170 XP

Darryl:  Felicia can be a bit mean sometimes.  She always finds some way to make me do her chores... but at least my letter will be delivered to Santa in time!

Special Reward: Mission Gift Box containing Farm Aids

The True Christmas Spirit 5
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Darryl:  Farmer!  Farmer!  This is unbelievable!  Felicia handed me a letter, and guess who sent it?  It is from SANTA, addressed to me!  Am I dreaming?  Would you like to read it with me?

Harvest 8 Almonds
  Skip for 8 RC

Prepare 8 plates of Custard
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 3 Milk and 2 Eggs

Produce 40 Mayonnaise
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 180 XP

Darryl:  'Dear Darryl, You have been naughty this year, so I will bring you some lumps of coal this Christmas.'  Wait!  What????

The True Christmas Spirit 6
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Darryl:  Buaa!  Me, a naughty kid???  Am I really on the 'Naughty' List?  I was looking forward to this Christmas so much.  I wanted the new Mechatron Cow.  I cannot believe this.  Do you think I have been that bad this year, Farmer?

Produce 40 Sugar
  Skip for 10 RC

Prepare 8 Condensed Milk
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Milk and 1 Sugar

Prepare 8 Coconut Milk
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Coconut and 2 Sugar

Reward: 2500 Coins, 180 XP

Darryl:  Buaa!  I must stop crying... if I have been bad enough to be on the 'Naughty' List, I can become good enough now to be placed on the 'Nice' List!!!

The True Christmas Spirit 7
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Darryl:  You might wonder about the outfit I am wearing today.  Well, I was possessed by the Christmas Spirit and it works perfectly for my plan.  I am Darryl, the coolest of Santa's Helpers now!  I will redeem myself for my sins!

Cook 3 Christmas Wreath Salads in the Stove House
  Reward from Collection Mission
  Skip for 10 RC

Prepare 8 Milk Cookies
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Condensed Milk and 1 Wheat Flour

Collect 40 Bottles of Buffalo Milk
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 190 XP

Darryl:  I will show Santa that I deserve to be on the list with the other kids who are good!  I really want that new Mechatron Cow!

The True Christmas Spirit 8
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Darryl:  This problem really opened my eyes.  Our Christmas this year is in danger!  Nothing is ready.  Felicia has been on Farmstagram all day.  She was supposed to be in charge of all the Christmas lights... and look!  Our Cbristmas stockings are all over the farm!

Harvest 50 Pumpkins
  Skip for 12 RC

Produce 8 jars of Orange Jam
  Skip for 8 RC

Prepare 10 plates of Coconut Pudding
  Skip for 10 RC
  Each requires 1 Coconut Milk and 3 Corn

Reward: 2500 Coins, 190 XP

Darryl:  Fantastic!  Our farm is ready for Christmas!  I wish a very bright and colourful Christmas to all!

Special Reward: Stockings Cabinet for Darryl's House

The True Christmas Spirit 9
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Darryl:  I am so glad you are here.  Mum just received a call from the vet in town.  They have given shelter to homeless animals, but are short on supplies.  We must help with this to save Christmas!  Will you do your part?

Harvest 50 Oats
  Skip for 12 RC

Harvest 50 Rye
  Skip for 12 RC

Harvest 50 Rice
  Skip for 12 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 200 XP

Darryl:  We make the best team!  I wish for a happy and cozy Christmas with a new home and loving family for every abandoned and homeless pet.  We should adopt more!

The True Christmas Spirit 10
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Darryl:  Oh no!  Big problems!  A neighbouring Island has been damaged by a strong blizzard.  Dad has been helping to transport people to our Island.  Let's gather some warm items for them!

Harvest 50 Cactus
  Skip for 12 RC
  This is an Island Crop

Produce 50 sacks of Oat Flour
  Skip for 12 RC

Produce 50 Wheels of Cheddar Cheese
  Skip for 12 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 200 XP

Darryl: Thank you for your help.  I wish every one who is far from home a Happy Christmas!

The True Christmas Spirit 11
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Darryl:  We have another mission!  I heard that my Grandpa is making toys for children in hospital.  We must help him!  Every child deserves a toy at Christmas.

Produce 50 Camel Hair
  Skip for 12 RC
  This is an Island task

Produce 50 sacks of Rye Flour
  Skip for 12 RC

Produce 50 sacks of Rice Flour
  Skip for 12 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 210 XP

Darryl:  I have worked so hard, my hands are badly blistered, but they now are worth hands.  I wish a Happy Christmas to all the children in the world.

The True Christmas Spirit 12
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Darryl:  Phew.  Being Santa's helper is a lot of work.  I think we deserve a break.  Let's have a warm drink and organise the next step in our plan.

Prepare 10 sacks of Cake Flour
  Skip for 10 RC
  Each requires 2 Oat Flour and 2 Rye Flour

Prepare 10 Orange Smoothies
  Skip for 10 RC
  Each requires 1 Condensed Milk and 1 Orange Jam

Harvest 10 Macadamia Nuts
  Skip for 10 RC

Reward: 2500 Coins, 210 XP

Darryl:  My batteries are recharged now.  Let's continue our mission.  I hope I will be taken off the 'Naughty' List soon.

Special Reward: Island Mission Gift Box

The True Christmas Spirit 13
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Darryl:  Oh no!  I have disastrous news.  Grandma has been so busy making sweaters for the whole family that she has made no Christmas Cookies at all!  This is a call for Darryl and his farmer helper to come to the rescue!

Prepare 12 Batter
  Skip for 12 RC
  Each requires 2 Wheat Flour and 1 Egg

Prepare 12 plates of Churros
  Skip for 12 RC
  Each requires 1 Cinnamon and 1 Soft Dough

Prepare 12 plates of Egg Custard in Pumpkin
  Skip for 12 RC
  Each requires 2 Pumpkin and 1 Egg

Reward: 2500 Coins, 220 XP

Darryl:  Cookies are done!  My belly is bouncing with joy!  Christmas is saved!

The True Christmas Spirit 14
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Darryl:  Farmer, I have done so many good deeds... do you think I have been removed from the 'Naughty' List yet?  Let's find Felicia.  I think she ought to be able to help me contact Santa.  It appears that the only way to reach him at this point is through Farmstagram... at least that is what she tells me.

Harvest 10 Mistletoe
  Skip for 10 RC

Produce 8 Orange Ice Cream
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Ice and 2 Orange Smoothies

Prepare 12 Thai Dessert Sets
  Skip for 12 RC
  Each requires 1 Coconut Pudding and 1 Egg Custard in Pumpkin

Reward: 2500 Coins, 220 XP

Darryl:  Oh no!  Felicia says it is too late, that Santa is flying round the world.  I am going to be stuck on the 'Naughty' List.

The True Spirit of Christmas 15
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Darryl:  Do not fret about me, Farmer.  IMe'm a big boy.  I will not cry for the Mechatron Cow.  Do you smell that?  It is our Christmas Dinner.  We must help Grandma with the table.  I cannot wait to try this year's special dish!

Collect 10 Reindeer Fur
  Skip for 10 RC

Prepare 10 bowls of Macadamia Soup
  Skip for 10 RC
  Each requires 2 Sour Cream and 1 Macadamia Nut

Prepare 10 Macadamia Salads
  Skip for 10 RC
  Each requires 1 Cheese Salad and 1 Macadamia Nut

Reward: 2500 Coins, 230 XP

Darryl:  You know, I really don't need new toys.  I just need to be with my family on this special day and have the special Christmas Cookies.

The True Christmas Spirit 16
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Darryl:  I just received a message!  ... It appears to be from Santa!  'Dear Darryl, wishing for the happiness of others and loving your family is the key to being 'Nice'.  Look under the Tree!...'  What?  I see my Mechatron Cow from Santa!  Farmer, I did it!

Produce 10 Stetson Hats
  Skip for 10 RC
  This is an Island task

Cook 4 Caramel Almond Pie in the Stove House
  Skip for 15 RC

Ingredients: 2 Almond, 2 Caramel, 2 Milk Cookies, 2 Butter, 6 Powers

Place all ingredients, setting timer for 14 seconds.  Tap 'Finish' when Bronze Star activates.

Prepare 8 plates of Macadamia Lunch
  Skip for 8 RC
  Each requires 1 Macadamia Salad and 1 Macadamia Soup

Reward: 2500 Coins, 230 XP

Special Final Reward: Christmas Angel with Trumpet Decoration for Seaside Farm


Collection Set:
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The Collection Set consists of the Stockings Cabinet, the Christmas Angel with Trumpet and the Ice Tree.  Make certain that all three are registered in the Gallery before the timer expires to receive the bonus reward of a Clam Friendship Flower as well as the usual rewards of 88 Green mystrons and 1 RC.

07 December 2018

The Nutcracker Farm Beauty Contest, new Christmas Guests, Darryl's House Decorations and more

 (Above, Marie on a Horse and The Nutcracker Prince when they are not set on the Snow Base.  Their animations by themselves are wonderful... they change completely when they are placed together on the base as you will see below.)

 (Above, Marie on a Horse and The Nutcracker Prince when they are stacked on the Snow Base.  The new Winter Tree Duo Background when on the Snow Base emits snow.)
 (Above, two of the groups of premium items that can be stacked on the Snow Base.  To the right, Marie and the Nutcracker Prince.  To the left, the Cozy Santa and Bear in a Sock)

(Above, the Festive Angel and Wind-Up Reindeer when they are placed on the Base together with their Christmas Backdrop which actually represents curtains on a stage.  On the base, the Backdrop glows with multi-coloured lights.  The Festive Angel attempts to nudge the Reindeer into action in vain... finally does so by blowing her horn.)


(Above, the original Snow Base premium decorations in the form of the Snow Magician and Bunny Snow Girl.  He removes his top hat with a flourish and produces confetti snowflakes.)

Please be patient with me.  There are quite a few new options in Seaside that I wish to address, but have not had time today.

As of Saturday, 8 December, you will find a complete section for the new Nutcracker Farm Beauty Contest, including Theme list, at the end of this post.  As of Thursday, 12 December, have been able to add the items that now finally appear in the Lucky Wheel.  They were a little late in changing the Decorations available there.

At this point, I simply wish for players to be aware of the new options to merge furniture items in the Factory using Snowflakes gained by inviting the temporary Christmas Guests.  Two of these are Theme items for Darryl's House in the Farm Beauty Contest.  Another is an old Seaside Decoration that is included in the Theme List as well.  There are three star levels of Guests and you invite them by tapping on the little icon on the bottom left of the ordinary Guest Map of Mootopia.  When any passport is used, you can refresh to obtain another by paying 150 TC or wait until reset.  Unfortunately, you receive only one Passport per day, to be used on whichever Star group you choose, unlike regular Passports, where 1 and 2 Star are each issued on a daily basis and 3 Star every week.  I have listed sets of Orders from all three Star Levels below.  Please understand these are the Orders I received on my farm and Orders will vary slightly from farm to farm.  It does give a fairly good idea of the items they will need as well as the quantities, however, which is why I include them.

My instinct would be to use your Passport for the 3 Star Guests once they are unlocked.  Chip gives 8 Orders and four Rewards.. if, however, you are a lower level farmer who struggled always with extra tasks, the fact that the Guests require items that are needed elsewhere at present may make your choice a more cautious one.

Note that the Christmas items that can be merged in the Factory include new items of furniture for Darryl's House but there are Seaside items, including the Xmas Tree.  The old Xmas Tree is really a base for the ornaments that can be merged in the Factory as well.  These were available in the same fashion, through the Factory a couple of years ago.  It is good that they have renewed the option.

The Nutcracker Farm Beauty Contest for the first time in any Beauty Contest is including items for Darryl's House in the Theme List.  Some of these can be merged in the Factory but others must be purchased.

Please note that two of the four Darryl's House items that are included in the Theme List can be created by merging them in the Factory.  The other two are cash purchases from the internet, as opposed to using existing RC.  You therefore can increase theme by 2 votes from each of 3 Characters per day (a total increase of 6 points) by merging the Christmas Armchair and Christmas Table in the Factory.

Xmas Tree
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This is akin to a Base.  Even if you have two of these from the past, the game now will allow you to place a third one if you merge one in the Factory.  (Initially, you could merge but not place it!)

The Xmas Tree requires: 20 Snowflakes

Its decorations are:

Xmas Shooting Star: 18 Snowflakes
Xmas Gingermen: 15 Snowflakes
Xmas Snowman; 15 Snowflakes
Xmas Stocking: 15 Snowflakes
Xmas Tree Baubles: 15 Snowflakes
Xmas Garland: 15 Snowflakes

Another Decoration for the Seaside Farm is:

Christmas Fireplace: 25 Snowflakes
  This is a cleanable Decoration that gives Gold Gift Box and is a Theme item.

Furniture items for Darryl's House are:

Christmas Table: 35 Snowflakes
Christmas Armchair: 25 Snowflakes

The Guests that appear are as follows:

Aaron:
  Difficulty Level: Easy
  Likes Christmas Products

Cassidy:
  Difficulty Level: Easy

Lisa:
  Difficulty Level: Medium

Jane:
  Difficulty Level: Medium

Chip:
  Difficulty Level: Hard
  Chip appears only in the 3 Star Group and gives 8 Orders

1 Star Guest Group:
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Requirements: 10 Paths

1 Star Guest Group Orders:

There are only two guests:

Cassidy: 1 Condensed Milk, 1 Custard, 1 Condensed Milk, 1 Custard

2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 800 Coins, then 2 Snowflakes, 500 Coins

Aaron: 1 Apple Cider, 1 Potato Pancake, 1 Apple Cider, 1 Potato Pancake

2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 800 Coins; 2 Snowflakes, 500 Coins

2 Star Guest Group:
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To unlock, you will need:

5 Telescopes
Reach Level 27
Earn 500 Coins

Requirements: 35 Paths

2 Star Guest Orders:

Aaron: 1 Apple Cider, 1 Potato Pancake, 1 Apple Cider, 1 Potato Pancake
    1 Snowflake, 500 Coins; 2 Snowflakes, 800 Coins

Jane: 1 Fruity Christmas Tree, 1 Roast Turkey, 1 Eggnog, 4 White Wine
  1 Snowflake, 400 Coins, 2 Snowflakes, 500 Coins

Cassidy: 1 Custard, 1 Condensed Milk, 1 Custard, 1 Condensed Milk
   1 Snowflake, 400 Coins; 2 Snowflakes, 600 Coins

Lisa: 1 Gingerbread, 1 Mulled Wine, 1 Macadamia  Chocolate Nuts, 1 Gingerbread
  1 Snowflake, 700 Coins, 2 Snowflakes, 600 Coins

3 Star Guest Groups:
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To unlock, you will need:

10 Telescopes
Reach Level 30
500 Landscape Points
1500 Coins Earned

Requirements:  50 Paths, 10 Water Paths

Actual 3 Star Guest Orders:

Lisa: 3 Roast Turkey, 3 Macadamia Chocolate Nuts, 1 Christmas Stollen, 3 Macadamia Chocolate Nuts
2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 400 Coins, 2 Snowflake, 400 Coins

Cassidy:  1 Custard, 2 Turron, 1 Custard, 3 Condensed Milk
  2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 700 Coins; 2 Snowflake, 800 Coins

Chip: 1 Christmas Indulgence, 1 Chocolate Gingerbread, 1 Christmas Indulgence, 2 Mulled Wine, 1 Chocolate Gingerbread, 1 Christmas Indulgence, 2 Mulled Wine, 1 Chocolate Gingerbread
  4 Rewards: 2 Snowflake, 800 Coins; 1 Snowflake, 600 Coins; 1 Snowflake, 600 Coins; 2 Snowflake, 700 Coins

Jane: 1 Christmas Stollen, 2 Eggnog, 1 Fig Mousse, 2 Eggnog
  2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 600 Coins; 2 Snowflake, 500 Coins

Aaron: 1 Apple Cider, 2 Potato Pancakes, 11 Cranberries, 1 Apple Cider
  2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 700 Coins; 2 Snowflake, 800 Coins


Another 3 Star Order:
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Aaron: 1 Apple Cider, 2 Potato Pancakes, 1 Apple Cider, 2 Potato Pancakes
  2 Reward: 1 Snowflake, 700 Coins;  2 Snowflakes, 600 Coins

Jane: 1 Churros, 1 Fig Mousse, 7 Chestnuts, 3 Fruity Christmas Trees
  2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 600 Coins;  2 Snowflakes, 500 Coins

Chip: 2 Mulled Wine, 1 Christmas Indulgence, 7 Chestnuts, 3 Macadamia Chocolate Nuts, 1 Christmas Indulgence, 2 Mulled Wine, 1 Christmas Set, 1 Stuffed Turkey
  4 Rewards: 2 Snowflakes, 400 Coins; 1 Snowflake, 600 Coins; 1 Snowflake, 700 Coins; 2 Snowflakes, 600 Coins

Cassidy: 1 Custard, 3 Condensed Milk, 1 Custard, 2 Turron
  2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 500 Coins; 2 Snowflakes, 800 Coins

Lisa: 7 Chestnuts, 3 Fruity Christmas Trees, 2 Mulled Wine, 1 Gingerbread
  2 Rewards: 1 Snowflake, 800 Coins; 2 Snowflakes, 700 Coins

The Nutcracker Farm Beauty Contest
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Introduction
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This post is designed to allow you to gain as many Votes as possible from the four characters by maximising your own Farm to achieve the highest number of Votes in every Category.

The Farm Beauty Contest can be confusing and difficult for new player.  Often, they are unaware of their own ability to increase the Votes from the 4 Characters to the point where they can obtain the Reward Decoration without any votes from their Neighbours.  It requires a little planning.  This post was created to show you how to do precisely that.  Every aspect of the Farm Beauty Contest as well as the rules by which each Category operates is covered here.

Remember ALWAYS that the votes you receive from the Characters are based on your current 'Snapshot'.  If you change your farm to obtain more votes, always take a new photograph or Character votes will not change!  You do not need to take a photograph more than once, however, if you set up your farm for maximum Character votes at the very start.

One more point about the 'Snapshot'.  If you play on more than one device, you may see your Photograph only on the device you were using when you submitted it.  Do not fret about this!  It remains valid for the duration of the Contest, even if you do not see it on your other devices.

Working now on the Theme List with values in terms of Theme Votes as well as where and how to obtain each.  This Contest gives multiple vote values to many old Decorations and each of the new premium Decorations always give multiple numbers of votes for Theme.

The quickest way to maximise theme votes, therefore, especially for a new farmer, is to pay cash for one of the new premium decorations.  They can be expensive, however, and for many farmers, earning the Reward Decoration for 4000 Votes in the Farm Beauty Contest is a long process that requires patience.  Do be aware, however, that the premium Decorations not only count for multiple votes, but give special Rewards often in the form of RC, Yellow or Blue Mystrons as well as giving the best Gift Box both to the host and to the visitor when cleaned.  Sometimes the judicious expenditure of cash in a 'free game' is worthwhile.

For a new farmer, the easiest way, however, to raise your Character vote total probably is by obtaining a couple of farm expansions and by raising your Landscape Point total to at least 2100.  I need to confirm the precise number of points now required to maximise your Landscape Point votes, but it really is worth the effort and you need not spend any premium cash to do this.  There are coin paths that will do the job.  See my section on Landscape Points below.

Knowing where you can capitalise on your own Character Votes is key to success.  For a farmer not to improve his/her farm for the Contest and then beg for votes from Neighbours ultimately is not the best strategy.... why not make the most of your own farm first?  At least then you can guarantee that you win the Reward decoration in EVERY Farm Beauty Contest as Landscape Points remain constant as do Farm Expansions.

Note from Freyashawk:
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I created this site 5 years ago shortly after the game first was released.  I maintain and update it with all new Quests and new options, as well as posts like this to help players with every aspect of the game.  I may not be the best farmer in the world, but if this site is useful to you, please vote for HM. Freyashawk in the Farm Beauty Contest.  Your vote for the farm is a vote of confidence for the site.  It is not a matter of personal ego but rather the desire to make players aware of the site.  When HM. Freyashawk places in the top ten in the Farm Beauty Contest, it reminds players that both this site and my Facebook familyfarmseaside.blogspot.com page for this game exist and, one hopes, can help them with any aspects of the game when needed.  Every vote counts for rank and I appreciate your votes greatly.  I know that it requires an effort on your part to vote for HM. Freyashawk each day.  I only hope that this post helps every farmer attain the total needed for the pretty Reward Decoration. bu

I had to archive my two original Facebook Family Farm Seaside Groups because of some unpleasantness.  Dealing with Stage 3 cancer has forced me to make my own health a priority and it is not worth fighting certain battles at this point in time.  I remain dedicated to my original goal to help as many farmers with this game as I can and to remain as active as possible in the game but I find hostile confrontations neither amusing nor satisfying.  I have no desire to 'win' a confrontation with any individual and would rather simply withdraw to a safe place to continue what work I can.

Old Decorations Reissued
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The current Christmas Rush Activity Stage activity is offering the Candle Decoration, an old Calendar Reward, and now a Theme item in the contest.

The current Christmas items that can be merged in the Factory with Snowflakes earned from the Christmas Guests include the Christmas Fireplace Decoration as one of its rewards.  As this was the Reward from the 29th Farm Beauty Contest long ago, this is a great opportunity for newer farmers to obtain one of the classic Farm Beauty Contest rewards.

Purchasing the new Theme Decorations
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The three new Premium items offered in special sales bundles are Marie on a Horse, The Nutcracker Prince, and the Winter Tree Duo Background.  These are all stackable Decorations for the Snow Base and give multiple votes each day for theme.

Marie on a Horse gives 3 Votes from 3 of the Characters each day, a total of 9 votes for theme if you have not reached the maximum for Theme. The Nutcracker Prince gives 2 Votes from each of  three Characters for theme each day, which makes a total of 6 votes for theme if you have not reached maximum.   The Winter Tree Duo Background likewise will give 2 Votes from each of 3 Characters daily for theme.  All three therefore are worth a total of 21 votes daily for theme.

The Snow Base on which they can be stacked can be purchased unfinished in the Market for 3000 Coins.  You can own a total of 4 Snow Bases, but duplicates of an item do not give more Theme points.  The Snow Base is worth 1 Vote each from the three Characters daily but what this means is a total of 3 Votes.  If the developers worked this out correctly, the three new premium decorations with the Snow Base should give you maximum points for Theme without any other Theme items.

I have included photographs of all four sets of premium animated Decorations on Snow Bases above.


Note to new Farmers
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I believe that the Farm Beauty Contest still is unlocked at Level 30.  Even at that Level, it IS possible to maximise your Farm to obtain enough votes from the Characters to receive the Decoration Reward for having 4000 Votes.

You must start on the first day, however, with the best possible configuration, if you are at the lower levels and have not played long enough to have acquired many of the Theme items.

Even if you are not that concerned about your own results, you can register and help other farmers with your votes.  Even if you feel you cannot obtain a total of 4000 or 6000 votes, do your best to organise your farm for maximum votes to practice for future Contests.  If you are a low level farmer but are willing to spend a little money, purchase of the new theme decorations should make a big difference in theme totals, which could make all the difference in terms of reaching the goal of 4000 votes by the end of the contest.

COUNT YOUR TOTAL EACH DAY.  Most important are the Character Votes.  If you are reaching a total of 200, you will obtain the Decoration.

Tips:  Where Landscape Points are concerned, try to find a Buddy who is at a high level who will send you paths as Gifts.  If you are able and willing to spend RC, the Macaron Path and Pebble Paths can boost Landscape Point totals faster with less effort, but if you can place enough of the other Paths and make certain that your Decorations are within their sphere of influence, you can reach the necessary total for maximum votes in that category.

The theme list is to be found in the little red book in the Farm Beauty Contest Menu.  I publish a list of all Theme items in my post with details as to where and how they can be obtained.  Some Theme items originally were released as Mission Rewards.  In many cases, these old Missions can be activated from the Lighthouse and you can obtain the Decoration without paying RC for it.  Others can be purchased directly from the Gallery using Blue or Yellow Mystrons.  Try to do it at the start, however whenever possible and make certain that, should you improve your farm's configuration, you take a new screenshot immediately!  You do not have to take more than one screenshot during the course of the contest UNLESS you obtain items that improve the Character vote totals.

Every day counts!  Count the total number of votes you receive from the four Characters at the end of the first day of the Contest and then see how you can improve this number if, multiplied by 20 (days), you do not have 4000 Votes as the projected total.


OBTAINING THE REWARD DECORATION
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You need a total of 4000 Votes by the end of the Contest to receive the significant reward which is the Decoration.  Almost any farmer should be able to maximise the Votes of the 4 Characters to obtain this even without a single vote from a Neighbour.  You basically need a total of 200 Votes per day, although the Contest is giving an extra voting period and that reduces the total needed per day.

If you care about this, register your farm on the first day with maximum votes from the 4 Characters using the guidelines below.

For the Avatar, you need 300 votes per day, but with the recent changes in Character Votes, it is not impossible by any means to reach these totals from the Character votes alone.  If you are receiving 300 votes per day from the four Characters, you will obtain the Avatar by the end of the Contest.  To obtain 300 Votes per day from the Characters alone, you need to have reached Level 90.  If all other categories give you the maximum number of votes, Level 80 - 90 will leave you short of 300 by only 1 Vote per day, however.

VOTE CATEGORY CHANGES
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There are two significant changes from former Contests that became active in recent Contests.  The first is the addition of Pets as a Vote category for Grandma in the form of 'pets with fancy equipment'. The second is a decrease in the totals for the Levels required for Dad's Vote for 'high level farm'.

Pet Category
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The total number of Votes that can be given by Grandma for Pets is 12.  Equipment (the collars, scarves and bow ties and so on) that you forge in the Factory each count for 1 Vote.  Apparel counts for the other Votes and it does not matter if it is premium Apparel or Temporary Apparel or even duplicate Apparel.  All will count equally.  A Buddy Pet does NOT count.  That was a glitch.

PETS MUST BE OUTSIDE THE PET HOUSE TO COUNT!

In other words, to gain 12 Votes from Grandma each day for the Pet Category, you need a total of 4 Pets, each wearing a piece of equipment and 2 pieces of apparel.

Some Pets cannot use three accessories.  For example,  the Kangaroo, although you can dress them in hats, do not have the second accessory and the Kangaroo cannot be equipped with any collar or other accessory that can be forged in the Factory.  You therefore need to make certain that the four active Pets do not include a Kangaroo at the point in which the photograph is taken.

For players without premium accessories:  First make certain each has equipment.  Go to the Apparel Menu and find the 7 day hats and accessories for each pet that can be purchased for 100 TC each.  Equip four Pets each with a Hat and whatever other accessory that Pet can use and then let them loose outside.  Take your snapshot for the full 12 votes from Grandma!

High Level Farms
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This has changed a few times through the years but I only know for certain that Freyashawk at Level 117 received 15/18 votes for 'high level farm' from Dad.  At Level 120, HM. Freyashawk received 16/18 votes from Dad for 'high level farm'.   At Level 129, received 17/18 votes...  but maximum is not reached now at 130.   At Level 145, another player received 18/18 but I believe the actual level requirement for maximum votes in this category may be lower.

Basic Rules
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It is your current photograph of your Farm or 'snapshot' that determines the Votes from the 4 Characters in the game every day.  In previous Contests, a Theme decoration often would be counted if it had been placed on the Farm, even if it had not been registered yet.  I believe this still is true, although it is a good idea to register all theme items as quickly as possible as you do receive rewards for registration.

Balance and variety always is the key in these contests.  You need a variety of Crops, Animals, Trees, Machines and Theme Decorations on your farm to maximise the votes from the 4 Characters.  If you design your Farm for maximum votes from the 4 Characters, you should not need ANY Votes from your Neighbours to obtain the Theme Decoration Reward that requires a total of 4000 Votes by the end of the Contest.

Duplicates never have counted where Crops, Trees, Animals, Machines and Decorations are concerned.  I doubt that has changed.  The only change really is that duplicates of Pet Equipment and Apparel DO count.

Crops
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Have at least 16 different Crops on your Farm to obtain maximum Votes from Darryl for 'variety of Crops'.  You may need less but Crops are easy to plant.  They do not have to be mature when you take the photo to count.

Trees
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Try to have 16 different types of Trees ON YOUR FARM when you take the photograph.  Trees in the Tree Nursery will not be counted.  Again, you may need fewer than 16 types but it does not hurt to be safe to obtain maximum votes from Grandma for 'enough Trees'.

Animals
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Beehives and Butterfly Houses as well as the Bat House are considered Animals so every different TYPE of Beehive or Butterfly House counts but duplicates of any type of Animal do NOT Count. You should not need a total of 16 different types of Animal to obtain maximum votes from Felicia for Animals but again, if you have 16, use them.

Machines
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In Contests in the past, you only needed a total of 12 different machines to obtain maximum Votes from Dad for Machines but this may have changed.  Players claimed that the Salad Machine gave 2 Votes instead of 1, but never confirmed that.  In any case, duplicates do not count and if you can cram 16 onto your Farm before you take the photo, better to be safe than sorry.

Expansion
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Both Felicia and Dad give Votes for 'Big Farms'.  The good news is that you do not need many expansions on your original farm to obtain 16/16 from each of them.  A farmer who does not have even the 23 x 23 Expansion will obtain maximum 16/16 votes in this category!

Theme
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Only Grandma does not vote for Theme, so you have Theme Votes from three out of four farm characters.  The Theme List always can be found in the little Red Book in the Farm Beauty Contest Menu.  I will include a list below as well with the price of each Decoration if you can purchase it and how to do so in each case.

As I wrote in an earlier part of this post, it appears that purchase of the three new theme Decorations, with the addition of a Snow Base, should give ANY farmer maximum votes for Theme.  At least that is how it should be, based on the value of these new Decorations.

Gallery Registration
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Register as many items as possible BEFORE you take your photograph to maximise this Category.

Both Darryl and Grandma give Votes for Gallery... furthermore, you obtain rewards from the Gallery when you register any item.


Landscape
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'Beautiful Paths' is the term for your Landscape Point total.  As three of the four Characters vote for this Category, it is a very good idea to have Paths on your Farm and place as many Decorations as possible within their 'sphere of influence'.  I have covered the details of Paths and Landscaping elsewhere on this site.  The better the Path, the more points you receive when Decorations are placed next to it or near it.  The Macaron Path, Pebble Path and Snow Path each are worth 50 Landscape Points.  The Snow Path no longer is available but the other two can be purchased in the Paths Menu for 1 RC each.  The Wooden Path is worth 35 Landscape Points and costs 50000 Coins.  Next best is the Forest Path worth 25 Landscape Points with a price of 15000 Coins.  If you have Buddies, however, they can send Forest Paths and Stone and Flower Paths to you.  To send, go to the Special Gifts Buddy Menu.  You can send a Stone and Flower Path to a Buddy for 4000 Coins and a Forest Path for 12000 Coins.  You actually can send a Macaron Path to a Buddy for 1 RC.  There are Buddy Level requirements for sending some of the Special Gifts.

Remember that Landscape Point total is the total of the value of ALL the Paths PLUS the Decorations that are close enough to those Paths to boost Points.

In the past, you needed less than 2300 Landscape Points to achieve maximum... not certain what the current requirement is but here are some farmers who have less than that and their results in the current contest:

1059 Landscape Points: 16/24 Votes

1421 Landscape Points: 19/24 Votes

1484 Landscape Points: 20/24 Votes

1720 Landscape Points: 21/24 Votes


How to Maximise Landscape Points
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First of all, you will not be able to move any Paths or perhaps even set any new Paths now if you have Pets roaming about your Farm.  You must place all of them in the Pet House before you can set new Paths or move existing Paths, including Water Paths as well as those on the land.


Remember that placement of Decorations and Bases is everything.  A Decoration or Base will give additional Landscape Points only if it is placed near a Path that has not used its maximum number of Points yet.  For example, the Macaron Path can give a boost of 50 Landscape Points when Decorations are placed close to it.  Once that amount is reached, however, piling more Decorations or Bases near it counts for nothing.  Use the Move Tool to hover over various spots to see how your Landscape Points will be affected.


Pet Category
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This is a fairly new Category and only Grandma votes for it.  To gain 12 Votes from Grandma each day for the Pet Category, you need a total of 4 Pets, each wearing a piece of equipment and 2 pieces of apparel.  A Buddy Pet on your Farm at the time you take your photograph will NOT count.  That was a temporary glitch.

You can purchase apparel for a temporary period in order to take a snapshot that will give you more Votes for this category.

High Level Farm
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Only Dad gives votes for a 'high level farm'.   At Level 130, HM. Freyashawk receives 17/18 votes for a high level farm.


Here are some recent results:

Level 40: 6/18 Votes
Level 47: 6/18 Votes
Level 48: 7/18 Votes
Level 63: 8/18
Level 76: 10/18 Votes
Level 79: 10/18 Votes
Level 129: 17/18 Votes

(Thanks to my neighbours who sent this information to me about lower levels)

Theme List:
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This is a work in progress.  Note the new addition of items from Darryl's House that give one vote each in this contest.

Animals:
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The Reindeer is a theme item, giving 1 Vote each from 3 Characters per day.

Trees:
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The Mistletoe Tree is a Theme item, giving 1 Vote each from 3 Characters per day.

Collectables
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Santa's Legs is a Theme item, giving 1 vote each daily from 3 Characters
  From past, now available in Lucky Wheel for 15 RC
  Santa's Legs gives Mistletoe on a timer, like any Collectable and can be stored in the Collectable House where you can harvest all items stored there at once

Decorations:
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Snow Base
  From the past.  Can be purchased again for 3000 Coins unfinished in the Decoration section of the Market.  You need to purchase a Snow Base bag for 20 RC to complete it.

Gluhwein Cup
  From past, now available in Lucky Wheel

Singing Elves
  From past; now available in Lucky Wheel for 15 RC

Gingerbread House
  From past; now available in Lucky Wheel for 15 RC

Candle Decoration

Christmas Wreath Fence

Mini Christmas Tree

Christmas Fireplace

Christmas Candle

Christmas Cake

Christmas Tree

Old Premium Decorations
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Bunny Snow Girl: 2 Votes each from 3 Characters

Festive Angel: 2 Votes each from 3 Characters

Bear in a Sock: 2 Votes each from 3 Characters

Snow Tree Arch: 1 Vote each from 3 Characters

Christmas Back-Drop: 1 Vote each from 3 Characters

Cozy Santa: 1 Vote each from 3 Characters

Snow Magician: 1 Vote each

Christmas Train: 1 Vote each

Christmas Sled: 1 Vote each

Wind-Up Reindeer: 1 Vote each from 3 Characters

Christmas Crystal Ball: 1 Vote each

Christmas Arch: 1 Vote each

Tree Reindeer: 1 Vote each

Contest Reward
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Winter Cake Dessert: Earned with 4000 Votes

Darryl's House Items
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Please note that two of the four Darryl's House items that are included in the Theme List can be created by merging them in the Factory.  The other two are cash purchases from the internet, as opposed to using existing RC.

Christmas Armchair: 1 Vote each
  You can merge this in the Factory using Snowflakes.

Christmas Table: 1 Vote each
  You can merge this in the Factory using Snowflakes

Christmas Wardrobe: 1 Vote each
  This is a cash purchase from the internet.

Darryl's Christmas Tree: 1 Vote each
  This is an Exhibition Item.  You will find it in the second tab when you access the special Darryl's Christmas Menu.  It requires a cash purchase from the internet.


Christmas Rush Activity
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As of Tuesday, 4 December, there is a new Activity Stage Activity, which is to collect Christmas Socks.  You can do this by making or collecting the following:

For the new Activity Stage activity, as usual, there are four items that earn points: Love Cake (1), Mistletoe (4), Christmas Stollen (5) and Christmas Ham for 30. You can use the bronze star version of the Christmas Ham recipe which means: Place 5 Oranges, 5 Carrots, 1 Grilled Flank Steak in the cooker and set timer for 10 minutes. The Bronze Star will activate but you need to add the 3 Apple Juice before you can tap 'Finish'. So it takes a total of 10 minutes to make this dish.  If you wish to make the Blue Star version, simply set the timer for 15 minutes after placing the first three ingredients.  The Blue Star will activate, and you can add the Apple Juice and tap Finish instantly.

If you make an error and place ALL ingredients in the cooker and set timer for 10 minutes, the Apple Juice will burn, but as long as you tap 'Finish' when the Bronze Star activates, you will have a successful Christmas Ham.

The final Reward is a stocking that hangs on the wall of Darryl's House.  The Christmas Candles Decoration is a theme item in the new Farm Beauty Contest.