Dog Days

Are you all pet people? I grew up with having many. My parents were ones that always let any stray stay and me and my sisters took full advantage. This pup we have had for 5 or 6 years now. He was in need of a home and my parents asked if we could hold on to him for a little while. Well if you could have seen the kiddos faces you would have instantly known that he was destined to be our dog for they would not give him back without a heartbreaking fight. I think the Mr, who is not a pet person in any way, still regrets that decision to this very day. The Mr is a good man and will forever put the kiddos first hence our short lived life with dwarf hamsters that got out of the cage to never be seen again. Oh the heartbreak. Our pup has lived on though and is 7 now and his eye sight is hit and miss. He has learned recently that he can jump on furniture which is something that drives us all a little insane. Yes it took him seven years to learn how to propel himself with his short little legs.  He learned this new trick at night and he still hasn't quite got it fully down and it takes multiple tries. Loud tries. Can I tell you how disturbing that can be in the middle of the night when you are startled awake by loud thumping and things falling over? Heart stopping, breath holding, type of fear can envelope me so quickly and so quietly in those late hours. Our pup is now a proud owner of a new doggy kennel due to his new found high jumping skills. This pup of ours loves the kiddos dearly. He is protective and loving. He shouldn't be though. He is a pekingese and we were warned that he may not be meant for families with small children, but he needed a home and I believe he wanted a home too. He eventually outgrew his skittishness and occasional nips here and there. He now trots around like he is their big brother. He endures being dressed up and rough housing with KJ. He let's Ellie carry him around like a baby doll without even a fight. My kiddos truly adopted the sense that he is theirs and I truly think our pup thinks they are his. This will probably be our only stint with us being dog caretakers and I am grateful he is it even if he can send my allergies into orbit and drive us all up the wall his barking and scratching.

* I found this kennel at Target while strolling through one day. I like the way it blends into our decor more than the metal wire ones and its collapsible so if need be I can hide it away.  The best part is that he actually loves it. He has always been a fan of hiding places and thankfully this one is up to his standards. This one is a medium, but I could not find it online. Here it is in large though for reference. The insert is a doggie bed found at Home Goods awhile back.

going modern

I am dreaming big time about getting outside, soaking in the sun and getting my hands dirty. Maybe it's all this dreary cold weather that has me wanting warmer days. In our last house we had a sort of wild English garden with hydrangeas, climbing roses, and lambs ear taking center stage. This old home I am thinking of going a bit more modern. The back has a large concrete patio, and even larger concrete parking pad, and a strip that I only assume had grass at one time. I can't go overboard since this is only a rental house, but knowing we will be for quite a few years makes me not mind going out and putting in the work. This space and this one have me inspired! First thing on my list is a firepit. We miss our old one. Some of my favorite nights have been around the firepit roasting marshmallows and telling old stories. Oh, and the last one is only a pipe dream due to the pricing, but isn't it a beauty! I am even contemplating a DIY version.

ONE | TWO | THREE | FOUR

In the Kitchen

The iphone 6 may have changed the way I blog. I was hesitant to get it since I do battle with the phone in general, but the Mr insisted that I would love it for the camera alone. He was right. Granted they will never surpass our pro cameras, but the ease will most definitely help me keep on top of posting. So here is my life in the kitchen as of late through the lens of my iphone...

I have made this fruit crisp three times in the last two weeks. I am obsessed. The recipe is from the book Bread & Wine. It's gluten free and fairly healthy. I eat it as a breakfast and a dessert when topped with my version of ice cream.

recipe: {from Bread & Wine with my additions}

4 cups of fruit, any will do really, but here I am using a frozen mix of blueberries, blackberries, and raspberries.

crisp topping:

1 cup of old-fashioned oats {I used gluten free}

1/2 cup raw, unsalted pecans, halved or chopped {I take mine for a fine chopping in the vitamix, which we bought at a fraction refurbished}

1/2 cup almond meal {this is my favorite to bake with}

1/4 cup maple syrup

1/4 cup olive oil

1/2 tsp salt {I used kosher, and eyeballed a little less than recommended}

Mix together crisp ingredients. Pour berries in 8x8 pan and layer the crisp topping over it. Bake at 350 35 to 40 minutes, or up to 10 min more if it's frozen, until fruit is bubbling and topping is crisp and golden. {takes me 45 min}

This little space above the microwave makes me happy. It's also the view I see from the sofa in the tv room.

{little vase found locally from AT HOME, frame bought locally {similar}, black pot {old target, but I like this one too} , cow print, beads I made, tray}

Have you ever made your own pesto? I have not, but found it so easy! I adapted this recipe from Little Dixie Cook. I used what I had on hand since we were sick and was not fit to run to the store. I used arugula in place of the spinach and left out the cheese all together since dairy tends to make me feel bad at times. I used gluten free corn/rice noodles, but can see using it over out trout tonight for dinner. YUM. KJ was a fan too, but the Mr and Ellie would not touch it since it was green. Monkey see monkey do.