{ACK!}

So behind on the pictures! Honestly, I don't know that I will ever mange to post these on a regular basis!

january 17:



january 18:



january 19:



january 20:



january 21:



january 22:



january 23:



january 24:


Just a little explanation on that last photo - obviously, Roxy's riding in the back of the Tahoe. We were actually headed to pick up ....



her new sister! We adopted a rescue Weim on January 24. We missed our Abby so much, we decided our family just wasn't complete without a Weim. Introducing Aspen:

january 25



She and Roxy get along just wonderfully! We couldn't be happier with how this has turned out, and Aspen is an absolute sweetheart!

january 26 (I'd love to say this was "creatively exposed" on purpose, but no, just a total mistake!)



january 27



january 28



january 29



january 30



And two for january 31, 'cause they're my favorite pictures ever :)



Picture overload! February coming soon! Have a great day/night!

... Slacker Slacker, Cheese on a Cracker ...

Or whatever. I'm not even going to give excuses. Just photos.

january 16


january 15 (she's saving this for later!)


january 14 - can't see me ...


january 13 - deceivingly peaceful ...


january 12 - frightfully bored ...

january 11 - loves her ball! (this is my favorite pic so far)



january 10 - feet!


january 9 - couldn't resist this one!


january 8


january 7 - sometimes i put her toy under there just to keep her occupied!


january 6


january 5 - she's obsessed with empty water bottles!


january 4


january 3


january 2


I do have a recipe to share too, but I'll save it for a less photo-heavy day!

{Roxy says ...}

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Spent the first day of 2009 on chores, cleaning up my computer, and playing with my camera - bought a Nikon D90 as a Christmas present to myself. Also dusted off the 50 mm lens today too:



I love that lens ... I really want to do Project 365 this year, so someone keep me on track, okay?

Off to cook dinner ...

{new year, new blog}

Clearly, my attempts at re-starting to blog have failed (miserably), multiple times. I've come to the conclusion that I just don't have a lot to say. I don't consider myself particularly boring, just average. And who wants to come read someone's blog when they don't do anything different than you do? So, rather than totally trash this thing, I'm going to (hopefully) re-focus, and post about my two loves - my dog(s) - more about that below - and cooking. I figure I'll just post yummy new recipes I try and love, and pictures of the Roxster at her finest. I got a new camera, and a bunch of fun new small appliances, so I'm ready to go.

... still have a husband, but just one dog ...

It is with a heavy heart that I must say we lost our sweet Abby Lou in September to lymphoma.


All three of us miss her terribly, and we are considering getting a 2-3 year old Weimaraner from a rescue group, if the right dog were to come along. Our house is just a little too empty with one dog, and Roxy misses canine companionship. If we don't find "the one," we will be just fine, but we would like to bring another Weim into our dog-loving family and give it the home it deserves. We can never replace Abby, but we can certainly expand our little family for another Weim.

So. Look for food and photos in the new year!

{starting over}

I'm going to pretend I never had a blog before. If I start thinking about how long its been since I blogged, and how to get back into the swing of blogging again, etc., etc., then all that does is depress me. So. Fresh start. Brand new blogging from here on out. Although I will say that May to September is pretty lame.

And what have I been doing in the months from May to September?? Oh, not much. Just ... sold my house, quit my job, bought another house and moved five hours away! Seriously. Nothing like making all sorts of life changes at one time to make a girl certifiable. John and I decided the end of last year that if we were going to make the move to the Tri-Cities like we keep talking about, now was as good a time as any. So we listed our house, and waited for someone to buy it. And waited. And waited. And waited some more. And let me just say that having your house for sale sucks. Period. So, we had pretty much had enough of the whole "let's keep our house immaculate 24/7, just for fun" scenario, and were ready to call our realtor to have him pull the house off the market, and we got a couple wanting to come back for a second look. They are the ones who ultimately bought it. Freaked us right the hell out. Because enough time had elapsed we had pretty much decided that the house wasn't going to sell, and we'd spent the last few weeks telling ourselves why moving right now was a BAD idea, and why staying was a GOOD idea, and them BAM! We're moving (which, again, we had decided was a BAD idea). But, we managed to wrap our minds around the whole idea, got ourselves packed up, quit our jobs, and moved our junk to Kennewick. Where? Kennewick! The heart of Washington wine country! Wheee! Wine!

A tour of our new digs:












Voila! There's also a big covered patio out back, and we're currently in the process of finding someone to fence the backyard so the dogs can just be loose without anyone having to monitor them. Roxy likes to wander! The world is her backyard! LOL!

Jobwise, I'm a bit frustrated. I've only applied for two jobs - one as a receptionist at a winery (how fun would THAT be??) and one as a legal assistant. Neither place even called me back! Boo on them. The legal assistant job actually surprised me - it was darn near exactly what I did for my old job, so I was quite honestly shocked that I didn't even get called for an interview, especially since they wanted someone immediately, and I didn't have to give notice to anyone. But, I suppose it all happens for a reason, and there's the perfect job waiting for me just around the corner. I am getting fairly bored though, so I'd like to find something soon. Ideally, I'd like a part-time reception or office assistant job. Something to pay a few of the bills but not stress me out.

And with that, I think I will call this a blog post. Hopefully I will keep up with this, and have some scrap stuff to talk about in the next few days. Ciao!

{So I Read This Book ...}

A few weeks ago (longer than I care to admit actually!) I got an e-mail from a woman from Penguin Books asking if I was interested in reviewing a fictional book centered around scrapbooking. Well, I like books. And I like scrapbooking! Perfect! Of course I said yes. The really weird part was in our e-mail exchanges, it turns out that this person from the big city of New Yawk actually went to college right here in my little hometown. How absolutely weird is that? Weird in a good way - weird in a "damn, but this is a small, small world" kind of way. Anyway, I digress ...

The book. A Page Out of Life by Kathleen Reid



In A PAGE OUT OF LIFE, frazzled mother of four Ashley lets her best friend drag her to a meeting of the local scrapbook club, she’s amazed at the way old photos and mementos can bring vivid color to sepia-toned memories. Among the surprisingly diverse group is Tara, a single grad student whose search for love, like her relationship with her absentee father, has only brought her heartache—and some funny dating stories. Then there’s Libby, a semi-retired teacher who thought she’d spend her golden years taking cooking and photography classes—not as a town pariah after her son is charged in a corporate scandal. As Ashley copes with a husband whose love for her fluctuates with her weight, she comes to depend more and more on her scrapbooking sisters. For only together can they face earth-shattering revelations and emotionally unavailable men—and figure out their futures while artfully commemorating their pasts.

Sounds kind of interesting, doesn't it? This was a nice, light-hearted read for me. I didn't have to dig deep into my emotions and deal with any big earth-shattering subject matter. I wasn't forced to think about anything political or how it would affect society (my last two book reads). It was just an easy, entertaining read. A good "throw it in your bag to read at the beach" book. Which was fitting, since I finished it lounging in the sun on my deck last weekend! I think what I really liked most about this book was how open and inviting the scrappers were to a "new girl" in their group, and how they all rallied around each other in their time of need. I have a small group of scrap friends who, if we actually lived in the same town, I just know would do the same. So I saw a lot of us in this book. I did have to laugh at how digital scrapping was portrayed - we all know that most of the time it is so much more than choosing a few pictures to add to a pre-made program. But I wouldn't really expect a book about paper scrapping to understand the nuances of digi. So. If you're looking for a good summer read for vacation, pop into Barnes and Noble, or Borders, or whatever, and grab this one up!

AND ... I'm going to pass on my copy! Leave me a comment, and I'll pick a random winner to send my copy of the book on to. I'll pick someone end of next week - let's say Friday!

... in other news ...

It's been a busy week in Roxy's house! Hosted a baby shower for my bestest friend last weekend. She lives out of town now, and I've really missed her, and seeing her progress in her pregnancy. So it was really nice to spend some time with her and hear all her news. She's due July 2, and I can't wait for Baby Makenna to make her way into the world!

Took yesterday off to enjoy a five-day weekend. Got my nails done, got Abby into the vet for some blood work, did two loads of laundry, vacuumed, hit my LSS for baby album supplies (yes, I am going to solely paper scrap for the first time this century!), and then went to dinner with friends. It was nice to have a short little girls night out - we don't do it often enough, and all three of us admitted to that. So hopefully we can make the time and go out more often.

No big plans for the holiday weekend, which is nice. I get tired of running funning running all over the place. I'm really more of a homebody than I care to admit, and I'm perfectly happy curled up on the couch with Two Dogs and a Husband (Hey! LOL!). Weather isn't going to be anything spectacular, and we haven't replaced our barbecue yet, so really, its just a few extra days off. Fine by me!

... vacation ...

So, we're taking a little trip. Not a major deal, just a chance to hook out of town and relax a little bit. We've gone to Ocean Shores, Washington, quite a few times in the last 10 years or so, but we've skipped the last couple of years because of other things going on. And Roxy's never been (so I guess its been at least three years since we've gone). It's just a quaint little town on the Washington coast, with lots of beachcombing and sand in your shorts! Hopefully we'll have nice weather, because it can get pretty chilly on the water. It's always hard finding hotels that will take dogs, especially when the majority of the day is going to be spent in the sand and salt water. But we snagged one of the few dog rooms The Shilo Inn has:


I love that its right on the beach - the place we've stayed in the past is considered "on the beach" but its further up the coast, and there's a large expanse of grassy dunes in between the hotel and the sand. Here, we can practically step right out from our patio and be on the sand. So I'm excited. Roxy's going to have a BALL. I need a bigger memory card :)


... scrap stuff ...

Pages! I have pages!

Natalie's got the cutest, most vibrant kit ever out today -
ribbon in the sky:


That girl just does amazing things with her elements -this has the cutest stuff in it! I opted to go clean and simple, and stick with just a couple of colors:

puppy parts


Aaaaaannnnndddddd ... in other scrap news, there just might be a new designer in town! I had the privilege of working with a new kit by a great gal who's dipping her toes into the scrapping pool. She's got a great eye for color, her papers are really nicely textured, and she's just an all-around good person. Plus, she gets my sense of humor, which is both scary AND comforting, all at the same time! Here is my take on her kit A Man Named Brady (cute, huh? Can't go wrong with anything Brady in my book!)


Love the retro feel to her elements, and I'm just giddy over the colors! I predict wonderful things to come from her! Who might this be? Well, I'm not at liberty to come right out and spill the beans, but there might be a hint right here. And I have it on good authority she'll be working on a collab with another of my favorite designers. so stay tuned!

I think that is it for news that's worthy of sharing! Thanks for popping in, and don't forget to leave me a comment if you want to snag my book!

{Title-less Sunday}

I've spent 5 minutes trying to think up a title, and I give up. Seriously more important stuff to do! Like actually blog!

... Sunday ...

It was a good day today! Busy, but I feel very accomplished. Laundry took center stage - I folded a load in the dryer, and then did 5 more loads - dog blankets, sheets, dog bedding, garage rags, and towels. Not necessary laundry, but it needed to get done. I also ran a load in the dishwasher, cleaned up my kitchen, remade our bed, took the dogs for a walk and finished up a hybrid project. I love the colors of this album!



I used the Gina Miller/Kate Hadfield/Rachel Young collab, Caribbean Sunrise, and then a few little things from the MSA NSD collab kit. And then buttons, brads, flowers and ribbons from my LSS. I'm having a blast with all this hybrid stuff! I can't wait for the new goodies Corina keeps putting into FPD's hybrid shop!

... Yummy Casserole ...

So, I'm a self-admitted cookbook junkie. I LOVE new cookbooks! Owning them, that is. Reading them. But actually cooking from them? I end up sticking with my tried and true meals and rarely branch out. Which is fairly boring. So I've vowed to start trying new recipes for kicks. Saturday we had Chicken, Artichoke and Parmesan Baked Penne from Dishing with Kathy Casey. She's a Seattle-based chef, and I really like getting cookbooks from local chefs. Anyway, Chicken, Artichoke and Parmesan Baked Penne gets big thumbs up from our household!

Chicken, Artichoke and Parmesan Baked Penne

4 T. (1/2 stick) butter or margarine
2 T. olive oil
1 lb. boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into 1" pieces
1 1/2 tsp. salt
1/8 tsp. pepper
2 C. sliced crimini mushrooms
2 t. minced garlic
1 T. fresh thyme, chopped
1 tsp. dried oregano
1/8 tsp. cayenne pepper
6 T. flour
5 C. milk
1 lb. dry penne pasta
1 can artichoke hearts in water, drained & coarsely chopped
1/2 cup pitted chopped kalamata olives
1/3 cup sliced green onions
1 cup grated parmesan
2 cups grated mozzarella

Preheat oven to 375. Lightly grease a 9x13 baking pan or deep baking dish. In a large heavy skillet, melt the butter and olive oil over medium-high heat. Add chicken, season with salt and pepper and saute for approximately 3 minutes, or until opaque. Add sliced mushrooms and cook an additional 2 minutes, until mushrooms are limp. Add garlic, herbs, and cayenne and stir for about 20 seconds - do not let the garlic brown. Stir in the flour and cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly. Add milk and whisk vigorously. Bring to a simmer and whisk occasionally until sauce is thickened, about 6-7 minutes. Remove from heat and set aside.

Meanwhile, bring a large pot of water to a boil and cook the penne to al dente.

In a large bowl, mix the pasta and sauce. Fold in artichokes, olives, green onions, 3/4 cup parmesan and all the mozzarella. Place the mixture in the prepared dish and sprinkle with the remaining 1/4 cup parmesan. Bake for 25-30 minutes until heated through and the top is golden brown.

Whew! It IS a bit time consuming, but well worth it. The sauce can be made ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days. A couple of side notes: I skipped the olives and green onions, because we don't like either. AND ... the recipe doesn't specify on the artichoke hearts, but I grabbed the marinated kind, and the tanginess was a bit shocking with the rest of the tastes. So the next time I make this, I will make sure I get the non-marinated artichoke hearts. Enjoy! If you make it, let me know what you think!

... Jodi Picoult, my new favorite author ...

Wow, can this woman write! I'm not sure where I first heard of her - probably somewhere on the forums. i've read My Sister's Keeper and The Tenth Circle, and then my latest read, 19 Minutes. Holy moly, what an amazingly emotional book! It's about a small town that is rocked by a high school shooting that kills 10, how it affects the survivors, and what caused the shooter (who survived) to do what he did. I won't say anything more, other than Jodi Picoult is the queen of shocker endings. Go. Get it. Read it. And again, tell me what you thought.

My next read is (amazingly) about scrapping, called "A Page Out of Life." It's about a woman who starts scrapping, becomes friends with a few fellow scrappers, and the various issues they deal with in their lives. I'm starting that tonight, so hopefully I will have a review on that soon. Whodda thunk we scrappers would have our own little fiction novel?

I swear I had other things to talk about, but none of its coming to me at this point. Have a fantastic week - our weather is supposed to be GORGEOUS toward Thursday and Friday. I'm hosting a baby shower on Saturday, so hopefully the nice weather will hold out until then. Ciao!