Tuesday, January 31, 2012

I'm A Dog Lover


I have always been known as Elly May in my family. I love all animals but especially dogs. Since I was about 5 or 6 I have always had one around. My first was a beagle named Spot. She was so gentle. We live next to a major highway though so typically outside dogs don't stick around very long. My second dog was another beagle named Towzer. He only made it about two years before kicking the bucket. After that something very new was brought to our household...an inside dog! Mom, my sister, and I finally broke Dad down enough to let us get a little yorkie!

He was my pride and joy. We named him Pepper (my Dad actually came up with it!). He stuck by my side through thick and thin for 13 years. He was a surely little fella. Most people who knew him well referred to him as the bear killer. If dispositions could kill bears then he certainly would have slain them! He always tried to protect me from his mortal enemy, Patrick, who always stole my attention. He was my buddy. We were like peas and carrots. About five years ago he was diagnosed with heart failure. Two years later his little heart gave out. We had to put him down and that was one of hardest things I've ever had to do.

Pepper

It's been three years now that I've been without a dog but that may be over sometime this year! My husband has opened his own law office (in our house, haha). Business is starting to pick and once we reach a steady income we're going to get a Weimaraner!! Now, I had never heard of this dog before. Patrick was very set against an inside dog but this one has turned his head. Don't get me wrong, he loves dogs just not ones that live inside. I really got excited about this so I started to read up on them and they sound lovely!


The Weimaraner originated in Germany bred to accompany hunters for large game like deer, boar, and even bears! Hunting for large game declined (hmm, wonder why? Bear attacks?) so these dogs were then trained as an all purpose dog. Not only can they track deer but also squirrels and game birds (perfect for Pat)! They are also great family dogs. They love being part of a family and are eager to obey (so I read). With persistent training they are suppose to be very obedient. Weimaraners are very different to train from other dogs because, get this, their feelings are hurt very easily! I know all about that!

 
I am so excited about getting another dog! Another one will never be able to take Pepper's place but it will make it's own impression on my heart. We've already thought of a name...Gus! I can already tell I'm going to be one of the annoying dog moms. I've been searching for DIY dog beds (those things are super expensive!) and homemade doggie treats! If you're a dog lover check me out on Pinterest. I've got loads of stuff for our four legged friends.

If you have any Weimaraner tips please let me in on them!! Until then, keep your fingers crossed that Pat doesn't change his mind ;)!

Jess

Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Grocery List Holder

So as I said a couple days ago, I'm addicted to Pinterest (if you want an invite let me know). I have found so many good ideas on there including this one. I found free, printable grocery lists from this website. I wanted to keep this somewhere I could get to it easily and jot down things as I thought of them. FRIDGE!

Now my hubby is a little picky about what goes on our fridge. He doesn't want it to get too cluttered and neither do I (but I do love magnets and I have a lot of them...). I decided to make a cute folder to keep my grocery list in that would look pretty. This is what I did:

Materials:
  • Pretty paper of your choice
  • Cheap paper folder
  • Stick on alphabet letters
  • Scissors 
  • Tape
  • Magnet 
  • Sewing machine (optional)
 Step One: I did not want the folder I was using to swing open while it was hanging on the fridge so I cut the front cover off. I wanted to use the front side since it was a solid color. I cut the flap that holds that paper inside the folder out so that I could attach it to the front. Sorry if this part is not making much since.

I forgot to take pictures as I went along...oops

 Step Two:  Cut out the correct size of pretty paper you want. I put some in the back of the folder and on the front flap. (I want my kitchen colors to be blue and yellow someday so I choose yellow paper and a blue folder)



Step Three: Place the paper on the folder the way you want it. There are several ways you can attach the paper to the folder: tape, glue, or even a sewing machine. I decided to go this route because I thought a zig-zag pattern would look really nice and a bit more professional than glue or tape. If you prefer not to use a sewing machine there are plenty of other ways to get a more polished look like a fabric boarder.

* If using a sewing machine be sure to practice on some scraps first and be sure to put tape over where you being and end on the back of the folder so the thread does not come loose.


Sorry it's a bit fuzzy

 Step Four: Once you place the paper one the folder attach the flap to the front to slide your list in.


Step Five: Glue your magnets to the back of the folder (I used a roll of magnets that you could just unroll, cut, and were sticky on the back so you could just stick them to whatever...super easy!)





 Step Six: Attach you letters wherever you like and admire your handy work!

Super Fun

And Super Easy!

Jess

Monday, January 23, 2012

Fashion Forward

Fashion has never been one of my strong suits. Throw on t-shirt and some jeans and I'm ready to go. Now that I'm married and have a steady job I feel like this look is a bit immature for me but I'm stuck in my college threads.

I've lately become addicted to Pintrest which has opened a whole new world of fashion to me! I stumbled onto some fabulous style blogs. These have become my new inspiration for a new, fashion forward wardrobe:
Kendi Everyday
Sterling Style
9to5 Chich

Kendi gives some great tips on creating a working closet. I'm going to use these tips (and a few others such as these wardrobe essentials from Real Simple magazine) to create a more grown up style for me. I also plan to use the oh-so-fabulous advice from fashion gurus Stacy London and Clinton Kelly of TLC's What Not To Wear. I've already picked up on a few things from them: neutrals will match everything (navy, gray, khaki, denim, black), wear just one print at a time, don't be too matchy-matchy with your jewelry, and if you're a busty girl (defiantly me and not all it's cracked up to be) v-necks and wrap around tops are a good choice.  

Even with these great tips I still have trouble putting outfits together so this is my plan. By looking at all the things on Pintrest that have caught my eye, I've discovered that I love botton-ups under sweaters. I also really enjoy classic looks inspired by the amazing Audrey Hepburn. I completely admire the fashion sense she had (who doesn't?).  I'm going to for basics and staples and then find things I can play around with. Keni suggests spending time to think about what you can mix and match the piece of clothing you are thinking of getting with. I usually just grab it and if it fits it's bought. I usually don't take time to think about what I already have that it could go with. Then I run into a problem of not having anything that matches and never wear it. I will most certainly start doing this before I buy stuff.

Hopefully all this fashion advise I've collected will help me create a more grown up and sophisticated style. Do you have any style tips that have worked well for you? I'll take all the advise I can get!


Jess

Monday, January 16, 2012

Our Healthy Living Plan

Like just about everyone else this past January first Pat and I too made a resolution. Patrick's Dad's side of the family has a strong history of heart disease. While he has had no problems so far we want to do all we can for him to keep a healthy heart. We wanted to be the couple who instead of gaining ten pounds after we got married we lost ten pounds (I have gained about 15 so far...that didn't go as planned).

Whenever you hear of people who has successfully lost weight they didn't take some magic pills, only eat carrot shavings, and waited for the fat to start melting off. They incorporated a lifestyle change. You can't exercise hours out of the day then go home and pig out on tacos, fried potatoes, and other of life's most delicious treats (tacos and fried potatoes are some of my very favorites!). Neither can you expect to loose a pound by eating only salads but vegging out on the couch. You have to do both. You need to eat right AND exercise if you want any results. I've been on both ends of the spectrum here. I tried eating right but not getting much exercise and then I've tried exercising a lot but eating whatever I wanted. Nothing happened. I stayed the same. Finally, my light bulb flipped on about two or three months before my wedding. I started eating better and exercising in the morning before I went to work. I hadn't noticed any results in the past three months that I had been exercising but when I tried this combo I started noticing a difference in only a couple of weeks. I lost five pounds in three weeks!!

Knowing that this will work, Pat and I have started eating right and try to exercise every morning through the week. I bought a healthy recipe book before we officially got started and it has been great! The book is So Easy by Ellie Krieger. I have really enjoyed it because no matter what I pic to fix I know that I will not be regretting it later! It's broken down into breakfast, lunch, dinner, and dessert. Then it is broken down even further by meal that are quick and then some that take a bit more prep time for when you are home.


We are trying not to burn ourselves out by eating so strictly, so we decided that we would treat ourselves on the weekends (in moderation, of course). This way we'll have something to look forward to and will be less likely to give up.

Another way we a trimming down is exercising five days a week. We got an exercise bike at the beginning of the year (love sales!) that Pat has been using. He really likes it. We got the ProForm 110 R Bike from Sears. Instead of sitting directly over the peddles you sit back in a seat. This is suppose to be low impact for your knees (Patrick really needs that) and is easier on your back. Also, it is super quiet!! It makes practically no noise. You can plug your iPod into it listen to some rockin' tunes or an audio book. When I used it I read a magazine! It has different training programs that vary in difficulty so you get a great workout. It will track how many miles you have biked, calories burned, and your heart rate!


I tend to do best with workout videos. I have several Denise Austin DVDs. A great DVD of her's to get started with is her Personal Training System. You start out slow and work your way up as you get stronger.

Denise's Boot Camp - Total Body Blast really whipped me into shape for the wedding.


I am currently trying out Jillian Michaels' DVD 30 Day Shred. I've just got started but hopefully I will start seeing results soon. It is hard!!


I think one of the reasons I like exercise DVDs so much is that I have someone pushing me along. If I feel like I can't do another bicep curl or crunch the trainer is there edging me on. Also, it gives me a chance to watch the pros to know the correct way to do these exercises so that I can maximize my results. If I am left to my own I will dilly-dally until I have wasted thirty minutes standing around just trying to figure out what to do! I like being able to turn my DVDs on, have someone show me what I need to be doing, and be done with it.

So far, this has been working well for us. We're starting our third (consecutive) week of our healthy living plan. We both can already tell that our cloths are fitting better! That is great motivation to keep going for good! We want to set a good example for our future children and live healthy enough to enjoy each other's company for years and years.

Wish us luck!

Jess

Friday, January 13, 2012

Catch Up!

So as promised many moons ago, here is a picture from Thanksgiving with all the kids and the items I made for them (to keep them busy). It worked like a charm! They loved the Indian headdresses!
Back Row: Christopher, Connor, Brandon. Front Row: Hannah, Jackson, Emily, Colton    
As for Christmas, it was delicious! My sisters and I all gathered together and made the awfullest bunch of candy and then my Mom and I made even more the next weekend! No, we didn't it all, although I definitely could have and my husband did try his darnedest. Most of the candy was given away to family and friends as Christmas gifts.
I did not try the sandwich cookie pops I had posted about but I did the other three. The Oreo truffles and almond sweets were great! The mock toffee didn't turn out too well, so I probably won't try that one again. Here are some of my favorite recipes we used:

Cinnamon Pecans
·       1 egg white
·       1 tbsp cold water
·       1 cup granulated sugar
·       1 teaspoon cinnamon
·       1 teaspoon salt
·       1 lb. pecan halves

Whip egg white and cold water until foamy, but not stiff. Fold in 1 lb. pecan halves. In Ziplock back mix sugar, cinnamon, and salt. Add pecans to bag and shake. Bake separately on a cookie sheet. Bake 225 degrees for 1 hour or until browned.

English Toffee
·       7/8 pound creamery butter (or 1 pound margarine)
·       2 cups granulated sugar
·       ½ teaspoon lecithin
·       1 tbsp light corn syrup (Karo)
·       ¼ teaspoon salt
·       1 cup chopped toasted almonds

In a saucepan melt the butter or margarine over low heat. Add the sugar and lecithin and stir constantly with a wooden spoon over medium high heat, until mixture comes to a boil. Then add corn syrup and continue to cook over medium heat, stirring constantly to prevent burning in the bottom of the pan, until temperature reaches 295 degrees.
To the cooked mixture, add salt and nuts and gently mix in. Then pour into a well buttered shallow pan. Smooth out with a spatula or knife to a thickness of about ¼ inches. Before toffee sets and becomes firm, score into uniform rectangular pieces. Toffee can also be left unscored and covered with melted stored in an airtight container or plastic bag to prevent softening.



Ritz Cracker Cookies
·       80 Ritz crackers (1 box)
·       ¾ cup creamy peanut butter or Nutella
·       3 (14 oz.) bags white chocolate candy melts
·       1/3 cup miniature M&M’s chocolate candies

Take two sleeves of crackers and top each cracker with enough peanut butter or Nutella to coat gently. Then top with remaining 2 sleeves of crackers which makes cracker sandwiches. Microwave candy melts according to package directions. Drop cracker sandwich into melted chocolate, coat completely and remove with fork shaking off excess chocolate. Top immediately with mini M&M’s or sprinkles, or colored sugar. Cool completely before serving/storing. 

 
Fantasy Fudge
·       3 cups sugar
·       ¾ cup butter or 1 ½ stick
·       2/3 cup evaporated milk
·       2/3 cup peanut butter or 1 (12 oz.) package of chocolate chips or ¾ lb. white chocolate, red and green candied cherries and pecans
·       1 (7 oz.) jar marshmallow cream
·       1 tsp vanilla
·       1 cup nuts (if desired)

Combine sure, butter, and milk in a 5 quart heavy saucepan. Bring to a full boil, stirring constantly. Boil 5 minutes over medium heat or until candy thermometer reaches 234 degrees stirring constantly to prevent scorching. Remove from heat; stir in peanut butter (or chocolate) until melted. Add marshmallow cream and vanilla. Beat until well blended. Pour into greased pan (13X9-inch). Cut into squares.
 
 
These are some of my absolute favorite Christmas candy recipes. They are delicious!! 
 
Hope you all had a wonderful holiday season! 
 
Jess