Halloween Wreath

The temperatures are dropping and my candy cravings are starting to increase. That can mean only one thing…it’s time for the holiday season to begin! To me October signifies the beginning of the magic—Halloween, pumpkin treats, turkey, and of course Christmas delight. We finally made it, so I decided to do a Halloween wreath to kick things off.

All you need for this spooky wreath is:

• Grapevine wreath
•  Black spray-paint
• 3 sheets of orange felt
• Ribbon
• Glue gun
• Raven or spider
• Black jewels or beads (optional)

I spray-painted the wreath black and then used this tutorial to make the felt flowers.  Once I created all the flowers, I positioned them on the wreath and then glued them on with hot glue. Easy as pie! The raven and jewels were just a little touch that helped bring it all together. I love it!

Throw Blankets

I decided to work on my crochet skills so I attempted a few afghans blankets. They were really fun to make. I made the blue and white blanket for my dear friend, Angela’s baby boy, and I made the grey and yellow afghan to match the color scheme in my master bedroom. I decided to go with wide stripes to make it a bit more modern. Now I just need another reason to make one. Anyone need a new blanket?

Fearless and Lone Survivor

I read two books recently that I just can’t stop thinking about. They are powerful, heartbreaking, and make you oh so proud to call yourself an American. Both books are about Navy Seals and their experiences in training and combat. These men (and their families) are incredible. I am amazed at their strength, perseverance, and dedication to our country. I’m so grateful a friend recommended these books to me, and I just had to share. Both of them are a must read!

Fearless by Eric Blehm

The story of Adam Brown is truly inspiring. The book takes you through Adam’s early life, personal struggles, and eventual triumph to become a Navy SEAL. I enjoyed that the book included perspective and insight from Adam’s wife and family. The sacrifices they made and the support they gave him are incredible, and his devotion to faith, family, and country are inspirational. Keep the tissues close at hand when reading this one. An inspirational and touching story!

Lone Survivor by Marcus Luttrell and Patrick Robinson

An amazing story about amazing men. I’m in awe of the Navy SEAL’s—all they do and all they sacrifice to protect our country. The book includes a thorough description of the training to become a Navy SEAL. It was really eye opening and made me realize how much these men go through to become the best. The description of the mission is heartbreaking and inspiring. If you aren’t already obsessed with/in awe of the Navy SEAL’s, you certainly will be after reading this book. 

Bunny Book Club

Gigi loves bookshelves. She enjoys hanging out on or under the shelves. I like to think it’s because she loves books as much as her mother does, but it probably has something to do with the burrow-esqe qualities of the bookshelf.

However, the other day I walked into the office and she had taken a book off the shelf and was investigating it on the floor. Now remember, she doesn’t have thumbs, so I was quite impressed. And it’s not like she just tore all the books off the shelf, but she picked just one. She was just sitting there, turning the pages with her mouth and doing some nibbling on the edges. What was Gigi’s first book selection, you ask? To Kill A Mockingbird—a classic! Oprah would be so proud! After I got over the fact that she was eating my book, I was so proud of her for choosing such a great read! Luckily it was just a paperback, so I’ve let it become her new “toy.” It’s hilarious to watch her turn the pages. I think next I’ll “introduce” her to Alice in Wonderland or Watership Down...something she can really relate to.

A Carb Lovers Dream

I love a good sweet treat, but my true weakness are the carbs. I’m a sucker for bread, pasta, and more bread. Is it a coincidence that Italy is my favorite place? I think not!

Well, ever since I got this beauty for my birthday last year…

 I’ve been obsessed with making the perfect homemade bread. I tried out several recipes over the past couple of years, but I really like this one I found on Allrecipes.com. I now try to make homemade bread as often as my time and waistline will allow. Oh, and did I mention I like to pair it with homemade cinnamon-honey butter? It’s pretty much a mouthful of heaven. I had to share the recipes. Carb-lovers unite and enjoy!

Homemade White Bread

Adapted from Allrecipes.com

Ingredients:

•  3 cups warm water
• 3 tablespoons active dry yeast
•  3 teaspoons salt
• 4 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup white sugar
• 8 cups bread flour

Directions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine warm water and yeast and let yeast dissolve.
2. Add salt, oil, sugar, and 4 cups flour to water and yeast mixture. Mix thoroughly, and let sponge rise until doubled in size (about 30-45 minutes).
3. Gradually add about 3 - 4 cups flour, kneading until smooth. Place dough in a greased bowl, and turn several times to coat. Cover with a damp cloth. Allow to rise until doubled.
4. Punch down the dough, let it rest a few minutes.
5. Divide dough into three equal parts. Shape into loaves, and place in three 8 1/2 x 4 1/2 inch greased bread pans. Let rise until almost doubled.
6. Bake at 350 degrees F for 35 to 45 minutes. The loaves may need to be covered for the last few minutes with foil to prevent excess browning.

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 Cinnamon-Honey Butter

(copycat Texas Roadhouse butter)

Ingredients

•  2 sticks of butter softened
• 1 cup honey
• 1 cup powdered sugar
• 2 tsp. cinnamon

 Directions

• Combine all ingredients.
• Whip together in a mixer or with a hand-mixer until it’s smooth like butter. :)

Pineapple Lemonade

I love all things lemon. I don’t care for soda, so lemonade is my fountain drink of choice. It is oh so delish to me! Imagine my delight when I found a tropical version of lemonade. Introducing…Pineapple Lemonade! Ta da! I made this for my sister’s baby shower, and I’ve been loving it ever since. It’s incredibly refreshing, and it makes me feel/wish that I was sitting on a beach in Bora Bora.

Pineapple Lemonade 

·         2 cups Country Time lemonade mix*

·         1 (64oz) bottle Pineapple Juice, chilled

·         3/4 of a 2 Liter bottle of Sprite, chilled

·         2 cups cold water

·         lemon slices and ice (opt)

Combine all ingredients together in a large punch bowl. Add lemon slices and ice. Serve!

This is the recipe for a larger group, but you can also make a glassful for yourself by using ¾ of a glass of lemonade, a quarter cup of pineapple juice, a dash of Sprite, and lots of ice. I know you will love it!

* P.S. I highly recommend the lemon-lemonade kind, and not the pink lemonade. As a very wise fellow lemonade-lover once told me, “When’s the last time you saw a pink lemon?”

AZ Bloosoms

Number 33 on my travel bucket list is visiting the cherry blossom festival in Washington D.C. I just missed it this year, so instead I’ll have to just enjoy the Arizona equivalent—palo verde bloosoms—from my back yard. They aren't cherry blossoms, but I still love them!

Happy Easter

Today is Gigi's big day! It's Easter--"The Big Dance" in Bunnyland. We had her first Easter Day photo shoot. She is quite stunning. I think she might have a shot at being America's Next Top Bunny Model. Happy Easter! 

 

Look What I Can Do!

Did you know that bunnies are really smart? Well, Gigi is one smart cookie. Not only is she doing great at being litter box trained, but she is also learning some new tricks. Here is a video of her first trick. She picked it up in just a couple of days! (It helps that she is addicted to oats and will do just about anything for them.)

Introducing…Gigi the Magnificent! If she gets good enough I may have to start a bunny circus (insert circus music)! Way to go Gigi! Apparently tricks are not just for kids.

Bringing Up Gigi

I’d like to introduce you to the newest addition to the family…Gigi! Gigi is a six week old Holland Lop and she is basically the cutest thing I’ve ever seen. I know-- I’m probably the last person you’d think of getting a pet, but I’m totally in love with her. Here is how little Gigi became my new favorite girl.

Several months ago one of my doctors at Mayo Clinic asked if had a pet. When I told her no, she suggested I should consider getting an animal for a little pet therapy. I did some research and learned that pets are a calming influence. They can lower your blood pressure and elevate your mood. One doctor said, when you pet an animal “you experience a surge of healing hormones (oxytocin) and chemicals that produce feelings of peace and serenity.” Serenity now! I’m pretty desperate to find a cure for my constant headaches/migraines, so I started considering getting a pet. I’m definitely not a cat person, so that was out. Fish and turtles don’t make good cuddle friends. I considered a dog, but it seemed like a lot of work. Then I imagined cuddling up with a cute, fluffy, adorable bunny. Bingo! The search for the perfect bunny began.

I did some research and found that Holland Lops are small and make really great pets. Next, I found this great breeder, The Bunny GardenRabbitry, in Prescott, AZ. Luckily the Bunny Garden was expecting some new bunnies. I visited Gigi when she was only two weeks old, and as soon as I held her I knew she was the one--and I knew her name had to be Gigi! I've had her for a week now and she has stolen my heart. She is sweet, playful, smart, and a little sassy. She loves to explore, cuddle, and jump. She will sit with me for hours and just rest, sleep, and help me relax. She is perfect! She definitely help calms me down and helps me not worry about all the things I my to-do list. Work and laundry don’t seem as important when I know that Gigi needs some cuddle time. 

Here are a few pictures of my new best gal pal. Meet Gigi!

I bought her a pink cat bunny bed for when she is hanging out in the living room. 

She likes to hide in the corner of the bed and stretch out. 

When you place her on her back she becomes completely still. It's a bunny trance!

Look at that face!! 

When I work from home I hold Gigi on my lap. Sometimes she likes to jump on the keyboard and help me answer emails. 

Welcome home Gigi!

Die Another Day Red

 I’m completely in love with OPI’s Skyfall collection. Are you surprised? Colors inspired by my favorite spy—yes please. I’ve quickly fallen head over heels for the bold, red color of “Die Another Day,” and the mysterious, sassy color of “The World is Not Enough.” This might be the closest I’ll ever get to Daniel Craig and being a Bond girl, so I’ll take what I can get. 

Trust me--if you are looking for a fun new polish, just say Bond...James Bond. 

Macaroni Paige

It’s the beginning of the year, and that means it is award season. During this time of the year the media is constantly talking about “The Best” - the best actors, the best singers, the best football team, and even the best dressed. Sometimes I like to dream about what it would be like to win a prestigious award, and then I remembered an “award” I received a few weeks ago. My niece, Eden, made a portrait of me—out of macaroni. Here is a picture of her sharing her art with me via video chat. I felt like I had just won an Oscar. My nieces and nephews are my pride and joy! I have officially been immortalized in macaroni…and it doesn't get much better than that. 

Green Smoothies and Donuts

I recently watched a documentary titled Fat, Sick, and Nearly Dead. It was a great documentary, and very inspiring. If you haven’t watched it, I highly recommend it. It’s an interesting look at what we eat and what it does to our bodies and health. In the film, a woman with chronic migraines tried out a juice diet for a couple of weeks, and it really helped her migraines. I’m pretty much open to trying anything to stop my migraines, so I have decided to jump on the green smoothie bandwagon. I haven’t decided to give up all food and only drink juice just yet, but I have committed to drinking green smoothies and increasing my fruit and veggie intake. I am already a fruit and veggie lover, but I'm talking about drinking spinach for breakfast here. The only trouble is that I work in an office where green smoothies are unfortunately not the new breakfast of champions. If I drink a green smoothie for breakfast and then go to work and eat a donut that someone brought in to celebrate a birthday…do you think my green smoothie will find out? I know it’s cheating, but hey, baby steps people...baby steps. 

Casters the Cat

My darling niece, Claire Bear, recently broke her arm. The poor thing! As a fellow broken arm girl, my heart went out to her. Having a broken arm is no fun. She lives far away, so I wasn’t able to hug her and love her in person, so I decided to send her my love in the mail. I found this cute little kitty cat and made her a pink cast to match Claire’s pink cast. I pretty much love it! It cracks me up. We named her Casters the Cat. 

My sister sent this picture once Casters arrived in the mail. This picture pretty much made my day! Hang in there, sweet Claire! Hugs and kisses to you! Get well soon. 

Up, Up, and Away

During the holidays I went to the AZ Hot Air Balloon festival with my sister and her family. It was really fun to watch the balloons get filled up so up close. We got some yummy treats and then sat down and watched the balloons light up the sky! I had so much fun with them. I sure do love these guys!

My sister and I also happened to show up in matching outfits--totally unplanned. That's how you know we are really tight sisters!