Reporter's reaction to a fly...hilarious!

I saw this video on my friend's Facebook page and couldn't resist sharing! This guy's reaction to a fly zooming into his mouth is absolutely hilarious! Bless his heart, I'd probably have the same exact reaction too if that happened to me lol! 


(Pause the music in the right side bar before you press play on the video!)

Happiness

Bless his heart, Lennon sure did have it right! Deep down, I truly believe that all any of us really want in life is happiness. When people get blindsided by the minuscule and insignificant things in their day to day lives, it's easy to forget what's really important: happiness. So my lovelies, I leave you with a challenge: Take a moment today to do something that puts a smile on your face and while you're at it, go out of your way to make someone else smile today too! 

Below is a great list of ideas to spread the smiles and happiness! Give a few a try; I have!

(click to enlarge)

The State of the Union Address 2012

Last week I set aside time to watch President Obama's State of the Union Address. ( I actually typed up this blog post last week and just forgot to post it!) To be honest, I thought he did a fantastic job!  I found that the speech really summed up the President's vision for the future of our country. Now my pessimistic readers (if they exist, right?!) might be thinking well, "what people say and what they do can be two different things sometimes", and that is correct. However, I'm hoping that the President follows through with a lot of the things he mentioned as I think most of them would be beneficial.


At this point you might be wondering about my political affiliation, right? Well, I'm more of a Centrist than anything (Similar to Libertarian, but a bit different). A Centrist is a middle of the road type person and a big fan that both large political parties should meet in the middle on certain issues to try and work out things for the benefit of our country as a whole, instead of being divided. I am conservative on some things (abortion, the right to bear arms) and liberal on others (health care). I honestly just go by what issues strike me more so than the political party with the best propaganda. I definitely enjoy putting in my own research and learning about both sides of each issue; I think doing so makes me a more educated voter. And on the topic of my privilege to vote; I take advantage of that every single opportunity I have though local, state, and national elections! I firmly believe that it all truly adds up and makes a difference. 


Regardless of my affiliation, I find it of the utmost importance to support the brave men and women that fight to ensure and sustain the freedoms I enjoy, as well as the Commander in Chief who oversees our nation. I pray for all of them and try to do the best I can for my country by being a productive member of society through the things I do in my day to day life (volunteering,etc). I also think one of the most important things we can do for our country is to educate ourselves on the issues our nation faces and make smart decisions by taking advantage of our voting privileges and using them wisely during each election. 


....Ok, Stepping off my political soap box now! Have a great day my lovelies!...

In a side note, I thought the most sweet and touching moment of that night occurred before the President gave his speech. It absolutely melted my heart and put a huge smile on my face to see Arizona Congresswoman, Gabrielle Giffords (who had been previously injured in a tragic shooting), embrace President Obama with a huge bear hug. It showed the compassion and kindness that was in both of them and I really thought that was such a wonderful moment! (Doesn't Gabrielle Giffords look terrific?!?!)

Happy Birthday Mykelti (1) & Ranger (2)!

 I'll preface this post by saying that I probably love my pets more than some people love their own children! 

On Friday January 27th, I celebrated the birthdays of two of my most cherished friends: my beloved Australian Shepherds, Ranger & Mykelti! My dogs are there for me through every single up and down,  and always know how to make me smile no matter what kind of day I'm having. Not only do they unselfishly give me all of their devotion and love, I have also been blessed to use Ranger as a Registered Therapy Dog throughout our community to make others smile as well! (And little Mykelti is in training to become a Registered Therapy Dog soon as well!) As if that wasn't enough; they keep me busy every week and give me something to look forward to with their training (obedience, agility, rally, therapy work). My dogs are my best friends and I absolutely consider them to be like my children. Although I do want children, at this point in my life I just don't know if it will happen... So right now, I'm content instead to spoil my dogs rotten and give them the best life possible, and in return, they are such wonderful blessings in my life! 


On the note of dogs, I have three: Macy, Ranger, and Mykelti. I'm not sure when Macy's birthday is (she is my rescued Pit Bull x) so I celebrate the day I adopted her (August 28, 2010). Ranger and Mykelti are from the same wonderful breeder though, so I do know their birthday! (January 27 2010 and 2011)  They were actually born on the exact same day, one year apart! No, the breeder didn't plan that; it was just a funny coincidence. (Ranger is the oldest by one year, and Mykelti is the youngest.) They are also related: Mykelti's mother is the mom to Ranger's father...almost as confusing as my family!


One of my friends recently told me about a cute pet bakery near me that sells items for animals : Dog cakes, cookies, toys,etc. It sounded too cute to pass up, so I decided to order a birthday cake for Ranger and Mykelti's special day! Now I realize to some, that might classify me as "The Crazy Dog Lady". Since I prefer my dogs to most people however, I seriously couldn't care less! (and if you've read this far, my guess is that you like animals as well!) After all, they aren't just dogs, they are my best buddies! It's not every day two of your best friends share the same birthday, so I thought this merited a paw-sitively fun celebration! 

WARNING: Cuteness Overload Ahead!

Ranger as a tinsy tiny puppy! 

Baby Mykelti on the way home with us from Missouri!

Isn't their cake adorable? Three Dog Bakery is the best! 

(left to right) Mykelti on her 1st birthday and Ranger on his 2nd birthday!

Sweet Mykelti on her first birthday!

Macy celebrated Ranger & Mykelti's birthday with cake and a toy too since I don't know her actual birthday! 

My handsome Ranger on his second birthday!

Mykelti and Ranger with their birthday cake and party hats!

3 candles: two candles for Ranger's 2nd birthday and one for Myketli's 1st birthday!

Their cake was peanut butter flavored (with the consistency of a  bran muffin) and doggy-safe; it looks better than some of the birthday cake I've had in the past to be honest lol!

My cute little party animals: Ranger, Macy, and Mykelti!

Mykelti and Ranger waiting patiently to have some cake!

 AKC Brake's Femme Fatale and CGC, RTD AKC Brake's Lone Ranger

Macy LOVED the cake!

Mykelti got the peanut butter icing stuck to her tongue lol

Let them eat cake!

My three loves

I think he approved of the cake! (He lasted about an hour before he took off his hat; I lasted about 10 more minutes before I vacuumed the crumbs they left behind like an OCD mad woman lol!) 

They each got one toy! 

~Thanks for viewing~

Please say a prayer for me...

For those of you who read my blog, I have a huge favor to ask of you. Please pray for me. I received some bad news today during a trip to the Neurologist that another doctor referred me to. The neurologist I saw today was so concerned that he scheduled me for an MRI first thing in the morning and I will be undergoing some more tests this week to see what's going on. Please keep me in your prays and pray that I do NOT have what my doctor suspects, and that things will be alright. To say that I'm frustrated and nervous would be an understatement! I am so damn sick of being a pin cushion and playing the "waiting game". I'm normally a pretty positive person, but right now I'm honestly a bit terrified at the moment. All I can do at this point is pray and put all of my worries in God's hands and hope that my tests come back clear. 

Heidi Klum and Seal to Divorce?

I don't typically go crazy over celebrity gossip, but the news of Heidi Klum and Seal possibly divorcing really saddened me! They have always seemed like such a sweet, happy couple! Granted, everything can appear differently in public vs. behind closed doors. I'm still rooting for them to work it out and hoping the news reports are just some sort of tabloid garbage! Divorce is a hellacious nightmare to say the least! (Been there, done that in order to save my life from my abusive ex.)  Hopefully, Heidi and Seal have just hit a small bump in the road that isn't anything serious, and can work it out (unless of course there's abuse or infidelity involved and it's a bad situation). Let's hope they'll take a little advice from Al Green by staying together!  

Tears For Fears - Shout + lyrics

See what was #1 on the day you were born


I found this particularly amusing today! If you enter your birthday on the link I listed above, it will show you what song was #1 on the day you were born. 


Mine was, "Shout" - Tears for Fears





(Be sure to pause the music in the right side bar before playing this video)

Etta James earned her wings...

Etta James Dies of Leukemia at 73

I was saddened to hear the news of Etta James' passing today. I grew up listening  to a wide variety of music, and her songs were some of my absolute favorite. Every piece she sang had heart and power to it, and that's what makes memorable music that all audiences can appreciate. I have no doubt that her legend and her music will live on for generations to come. This beautiful lady has truly left a song on the heart of those she leaves behind. 

 ~Rest peacefully Etta~

10 Things Thursday

In no particular order:


1. Most people dislike vacuuming their house, I'm probably the .1% that actually derives enjoyment from it. I've had my Dyson for four years now, and I still love to vacuum with it. (Maybe that's not a bad thing though since I have pets)


2. Orbit Bubblemint gum...go get you some! 


3. I love sweet tea; I'm partial to Luzianne's decaf tea for making mine. 


4. I decorate for pretty much EVERY single holiday. My house is already decorated for Valentine's and it's still January!


5. I love the way fresh linens smell right when you take them out of the dryer....ahhhh


6. Today's lunch/dinner was homemade Chicken Alfredo and sweet tea...yummy!


7. On the note of Alfredo, this is the recipe I follow: It's amazing! (The cream cheese really make the difference)


8. I really need to to go to the optometrist! I'm on my last pair of contacts, and my "back up glasses" are broken...I hate the eye doctor, but I may just have to suck it up and pay him a visit pretty soon if I'd like to see well!


9. I love high pulp orange juice. Simple Orange (high pulp) is my favorite orange juice.


10. My puppy, Mykelti snuggles as close as she can to me at night to go to sleep; I think it's the most sweet thing ever! 

Kenny Chesney - You And Tequila ft. Grace Potter

This is my absolute favorite song right now, so I thought I'd share it with my lovely viewers today! I absolutely love Kenney Chesney's music, and I think Grace Potter's voice is gorgeous! 


(Before you click the play button, be sure to pause the music in the right side bar!)

Macy takes a bite out of breed stereotypes!

(Not sure why the person who designed this put a Weimaraner on the card instead of a Pit, but it's cute nonetheless!)

This morning I woke up early and decided to take Macy to the park for a nice walk before the rain sets in today. Since I have three dogs, I like to divide my free time up when I have the chance so that I can take each dog out individually to the park or to run errands with me for some one on one time and training. This morning was Macy's turn! While Macy and I were walking, a passing woman paused and made the comment "Oh my God that dog looks so ferocious!" (Mind you that Macy was walking in perfect Heel position at my side, had relaxed body language, a happy tail and a "smile" on her face.) The woman simply deemed Macy as "ferocious" because Macy is a large, black, Pit Bull mix. OH Breed Stereotypes...how accustom I have become to thee! 


I wanted to use the opportunity to change the lady's mind about her uncalled for stereotyping.  As an owner/handler, it is my responsibility to be a good advocate for the breed(s) I own and care for. If you are reading my blog post and you're a dog owner as well, I hope you will use this lesson as an opportunity to become the best advocate for the animal you own, regardless of their breed. My hope is to make a positive impact on my community and to educate people on the responsibilities that go along with being a good pet owner as well as member of the public (you'd be surprised how many ADULTS do not know how to approach a dog properly and safely). Having owned, rescued, and fostered numerous breeds over the years, I am a firm believer that EVERY dog has the potential to be a great dog! One of the biggest determining factors of a dogs behavior is responsible pet ownership and training. 


Since the lady had taken the time to pause and make a comment (vs running far away from my dog), her reaction and body language told me that she might be receptive to what I had to say, so I took the opportunity to talk to her. I proceeded to tell her about how Pit Bulls and mixes can be wonderful dogs, just like any other breed. I told her how Macy had passed numerous training classes and even earned the highest points in the last Advanced Obedience class she was in. I let her know how Macy has two other "siblings" at home that Macy helps me work with (One is a registered therapy dog and the other is in training to become one). I went on to tell her how Macy greets everyone she meets with a happy tail and a kiss (which the lady could clearly see was the case). When the lady asked me how Macy had come to live with me, I told her about Macy's adoption story. (Macy spent over 2.5 yrs living at the Humane Society before I adopted her. Nobody wanted a Pit mix, and nobody wanted a dog that was in heart failure.). The lady then asked if she could pet Macy, to which I replied by putting Macy in a sit stay and then showing the lady the proper way to pet a dog (yes, there is a proper way!). Macy happily greeted the lady with kisses and a very happy tail which put a smile on the once fearful woman's face. The lady then thanked Macy and I for taking the time to talk with her today and to change her mind about Pit Bulls (and mixes). Macy is a happy, well-adjusted, socialized, and properly trained dog; today we were able to use that to our advantage in a positive light!


Once again, my Macy girl has taken yet another bite out of outlandish breed stereotypes and converted another person to see the true beauty that can lie in every breed! Way to go, Macy!  

(Macy is on the right; ferocious? I think not!)

Wordless Saturday

Julep Maven

By now, I'm sure that most of you have heard about the monthly beauty subscription services. If you haven't, it's a rather simple concept. You register with the beauty company of your choice, pay a small fee, and once a month you receive a small box of deluxe beauty/lifestyle samples to try out. This way you can see if you like a product enough to purchase the full size samples and you have something to look forward to every month. Most companies give you a little quiz to take to help you find the best products suitable to your skin type and taste. From BirchBox to GoGoGlam, Beauty Test Tube, to My Glam Bag, there are tons of boxes to choose from! 


One company that I discovered recently was Julep. Their monthly subscription service is called, Julep Maven and starts at $19 a month (they're on the pricey end of the spectrum). Recently they had a promotional deal however where they offered your first month for only $5 (you can cancel at any time without incurring a fee)! What a steal! For $5 you would receive two full sized polishes, a lotion, and other samples (That's about $40 worth of things for only $5, shipping and tax already included). My initial response is that I would never pay the $20 for a box like that when I could buy 3-4 OPI/Essie polishes for that price, but for only $5, I thought I would at least give it a try!

Instead of receiving makeup or lifestyle products, their focus is on nail polish and hand care. Being the polish junkie that I  am, I couldn't resist giving it a try with such a terrific promotional sale they had! One thing that sets Julep Maven apart from other delivery services is that if you dislike the choices your quiz results give you for your monthly box, you have the option to go and choose your own. That's what I did! I chose one with a pretty emerald green and pink. In my box came two full sized Julep nail polishes, several samples of hand creams/washes, as well as a full sized Julep hand lotion (which smells divine!) I paid $5 for my box and it arrived within 4 days of my initial order. Julep normally retails their nail polishes for $14 each (all are environmentally safe). 


So here's my opinion: For the introductory box at a rate of only $5, it was a steal! The quality of the polishes was nice, and since I will get lots of uses out of the polishes and the moisturizers, it was $5 well spent. HOWEVER, based on their original pricing of nearly $20 a month, there's no way I'd spend $14 on a nail polish when I can buy the same quality in my favorite OPI and Essie polishes for almost half of that price. If their monthly subscription service were $5-12...it would be worth it. It's definitely not worth the $19 a month though, sorry! (The color pigmentation in the polishes is good, but I still prefer Essie and OPI for the price and quality...also, you get more product out of an OPI bottle than you do ounce for ounce from a Julep bottle) If you'd like to try out Julep Maven, now is the time to do it! If you google the promotional codes and use them during check-out, you too can get your first box for $5! This is the link to try out their service at the discounted price of $5...give it a shot if you love nail polish! http://www.julep.com/great-gifts/bloomspot-50-off-first-month-of-maven


Next month I will be doing a review on EcoEmi when I receive my box from them! They have environmentally friendly lifestyle boxes that include everything from samples of gourmet teas to make up products...I've seen rave reviews all over YouTube for their box, so I can't wait to try it out and let you guys know what I think! www.ecoemi.com

These boots were made for walkin'

Boots...come on girls, we all love them! It dawned on me recently though that I was LONG (as in several years) overdue for some new ones (my friends had noticed too). The only pair I had was a size- too- big hand-me-down that my mom gave me several years ago. While I was grateful to have a pair at all, the blisters it gave me (they were too big) were no fun! 


Thus, I went on a quest for the perfect pair! A bit of background: it's been years since I swam/danced, but nonetheless I still have muscular calves, so I needed a pair that would be friendly in that department and flattering in all other aspects. I didn't want much of a heel to them since I wanted them to be appropriate for everyday wear (including a lot of walking). The biggest dilemma I faced however was finding a pair in my size! I have small feet, so sometimes it becomes a pain in the neck trying to find a pair that is small enough to fit my feet well, yet wide enough to accommodate my calves. After trying on pairs at three different stores, I found a pair that I just couldn't live without at Dillard's. They looked amazing! They were stylish, and they were awesome...BUT there was a problem: they were two sizes too big on my feet, and that was the smallest size they had in stock! Sadness! They were also $149.99 which I thought was a bit pricey. Since I didn't have any luck with other stores though, I decided to order them online. Well low and behold, they ran out of my size and the color I wanted, so they cancelled my order! I was upset, but still determined to find a good pair. So, off to other stores I went in the quest to find the perfect pair! I forgot how many stores I went to, but out of all of those trips, I only wound up with two pairs on clearance. (I think I tried TJ Maxx, Target, Payless, DSW, and several department stores). Of the two pairs I got in stores, I found an adorable brown leather pair that was perfect for everyday, and a zip up black fabric-y pair to wear with dresses/etc; since both were on sale, they were insanely cheap. Yay! Gotta love the after Christmas sales! 


I was still left with a dilemma though; I needed the perfect pair of comfortable black boots since the majority of what I wear clothing wise has black in it. So, my mind kept going back to the pair I loved at Dillard's. On a whim, I decided to check their website again a few weeks later....guess what was on sale for $79.00 and in stock in the color/size I wanted...that's right! I wound up getting the pair I had originally fallen in love with and I couldn't be happier with them; they fit like a glove! I was also pleased with how quickly they arrived (It literally took two days from the time I placed my order, and I only signed up for regular delivery.) Needless to say, I was a happy camper. Oh, and a little tip ladies....if you shop online, there is never an excuse to pay full price: ALWAYS use promo/coupon codes before you place your final order! I wound up getting the pair that I loved for around $59 because of some amazing sales and promo codes (That's nearly 1/3 of the original price!). So lesson learned, be patient when you're shopping for the perfect pair of boots! 

Now I feel like a Country Cinderella with new boots! 

My New Years Resolution

I'm a bit behind on posting my New Year's resolution, but nonetheless I wanted to share it with all of you! I find when I make more meaningful resolutions vs frivolous ones, I tend to stick to them and really try. In previous years I've had the same one because I felt it was what I needed to strive for at the time, "Survive and Thrive". I really felt like I strove to do that regardless of the curve balls that life enjoys throwing out at me (the past few years I've been through a lot. I'm happy that for the most part, I try not to let things get me down and I usually keep a good attitude and trudge onward though.) This year I felt that this new resolution really spoke to me in so many positive ways! This year I resolve to "Laugh when I can, Apologize when I should, and Let go of what I can't change." 

What's your resolution?

Mykelti, the puppy, goes pine cone hunting

Today I thought I'd share a cute little video of Mykelti when she was a little puppy! She still has a thing for pine cones! :)


(Be sure to pause the music in the side bar before playing the video!)

Lydia's spin on Garlic Cheddar Drop Biscuits!

(Don't they look yummy! You get a bonus point if you can find the "Zombie Face" in one of the biscuits!)

I saw a link to this recipe on Pinterest recently, and had to attempt it! I am oh so glad I did! 
Since I never follow recipes exactly, I decided to put my own spin on it and change it up a bit. 


To start with, I made mine in a cast iron skillet (drop biscuit style). If you've never made biscuits in a cast iron skillet before, well you're missing out! Give it a try!


Instructions:
*Preheat oven to 400 degrees. 
*Lightly mist medium-large sized cast iron skillet with Canola Oil Spray/Pam


Ingredients: 
1 1/2 cups Bisquik (I use the "Healthy Heart" one, but you could use anything really)
2 cups milk
2 cups shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/3 stick of butter (melted)
1/2 tsp Black Peppercorn
1/2 TBSP Garlic Salt
1/2 tsp Basil
1/2tsp Tony Chechere's Origional Cajun Seasoning


Directions:
*Mix together Bisquik, milk, and cheese. Use a large tablespoon or ice cream scoop to scoop the dough with and place in cast iron skillet. Try to keep them in a bit of a round shape (It's ok if they touch).


*Bake at 400 degrees for 7 minutes 


*While biscuits are baking, mix together melted butter and seasonings.


*Change oven temperature to 350 degrees


*Carefully pull out biscuits and baste with butter mixture. Place them back in the oven (don't forget to lower the temperature to 350 degrees). 


*Bake biscuits for another 5-8 minutes depending on the thickness of them (you'll need to keep an eye on them).


*Once biscuits look done, place the oven on Broil and allow the biscuits to broil for about 1 minute under supervision. Once they look golden brown, pull the skillet out and allow them to cool for about 5 minutes. 
(Use your leftover butter mixture to baste the top of the biscuits while they cool.)


Enjoy, my lovelies! 


Ingredient side note: I think these biscuits would taste delicious with corn, sausage, ham, or even chopped up bacon in them!

(Another view)

Feng Shui Dogs

There is never a dull moment with these two little monsters of mine! They decided to try out "Feng Shui" and re-arrange the pillows on my couch to their liking while I was out of the room...


(Be sure to pause the music in the side bar before playing the video)

Florence + The Machine

If you've never heard of Florence + The Machine before, then it's about time I introduced you to this amazing woman's striking vocal work! She reminds me of a cross between Mazzy Star and Adele...ahh I love her voice! Hope you enjoy today's video, my lovelies! 


(Be sure to pause the music in the side bar before clicking the play button)

Lydia's Oven Baked Ranch Chicken

For all of you chicken lovers, this recipe is for you! It's my spin on oven-baked ranch chicken. Enjoy, my lovelies!

Ingredients:
(Since I usually "eyeball" my ingredients and don't measure, I've included a rough estimate for everything I used!)


4 Boneless, skinless chicken breasts (thawed or frozen; mine was frozen, just cook it longer!)
1tsp Crushed red pepper flakes
1tsp Tony Chachere's Origional Creole Seasoning (green container)
1Tbsp Chili Powder
1 tsp Black Peppercorn
1 tsp Sea Salt (Optional; most Ranch seasoning packets have a bit of sodium in them already)
1 tsp Fresh Dill
1 tsp Fresh Basil
1tsp minced Garlic
2 large eggs
3Tbsp melted butter
Japanese style Panko bread crumbs
1/4 cup Parmesan
1/4 cup Shredded Mozzarella
1 packet of Ranch dressing mix 

*Preheat oven to 450*


Directions
-Lightly mist a glass baking dish with Pam or EVOO spray-


In a bowl, mix together eggs, butter, Dill, Basil, garlic, and all other herbs and spices


In another bowl, mix together Panko bread crumbs, Mozzarella, Parmesan, and Ranch seasoning,


- Dip chicken into first bowl of mixed liquids and dredge. Let chicken sit for about two minutes and then repeat by flipping to coat the other side. Once you've dredged your chicken, dip into breadcrumb mixture and allow to sit for a minute before you flip sides and repeat. When you've achieved a nice breadcrumb coating, place chicken into baking dish.


-Place chicken in 450 degree oven for 30 minutes (thawed chicken) or 50-65 minutes for (frozen). Once chicken is cooked all the way through, set to a low broil for 1-2 minutes to make coating golden brown.


Enjoy! 


*Lydia's tip: If you have thawed chicken and want to make sure that it coats more easily, place chicken on a cutting board and beat the daylights out of it with a meat mallet! Not only will your chicken hold a coating more evenly, it's also a great way to deal with a stressful day! ;)

December Catch-up

My beloved bloggers, it seems I've fallen a bit behind! So, let's play a little game we'll call "December Catch-up" complete with lots of pictures! Enjoy, my lovelies!

We started off December with a little bit of snow!

My girlfriends and I got into the Christmas spirit with a little shopping and decorating

(Abby, Me, Susanna)

My niece celebrated her 17th birthday!

(Taylor about to blow out the candles on her birthday cupcakes!)

The puppies got into the Christmas spirit too!

(Ranger, Myketli, Macy)

(well, at least one of them smiled lol)

(My sweet pups on Christmas day waiting for permission to have their presents!)

On Christmas, Mykelti especially loved one of her presents to death...quite literally lol!

A few of my Christmas Decorations:

We had a fun-filled cookie bake at my Aunt's house!

(all the kiddos decorating)

(my great niece, Alex did a good job on her cookies!)

On the 23rd of December:

Ranger and I took goodies from our therapy group to pass out at one of our favorite facilities; he was all smiles that day!

On Christmas Day, everyone came over to my house to celebrate!

Christmas night, I made these nifty little ornaments! 

 (left to right: Ranger, Mykelti, Macy)

On the 27th of December, Ranger turned 23 months and Mykelti 

turned 11 months

(they have the same birthday exactly 1yr apart...next month I'll have to do something special for them...doggy cake?!)

On New Years Eve, Ranger had a "play date" and agility practice with his "girlfriend", Liebchen! 

(more pictures to come!)