Preparing For Spring

I know it seems crazy to plan for spring when it's still summer, but you really have to if you're interested in having spring time blooms. Blake and I moved into our new house only a month ago, and the yard was the furthest thing from my mind. Now that we've settled, I've been more eager to tackle the garden... or lack there of.

I'm pretty sure pulling out someone else's crappy garden is the worst thing about moving. We had to do it in our first house too. This time around, there are a lot of bushes that need to be ripped out, which is absolutely exhausting. We drew up a plan (seen above) for our front and side yards. Most of this is attainable, but the pond and walk way will most likely take far more time next summer than we think.  Unfortunately, it's very easy to dream up a plan, but not so easy to actually get it done. Fingers crossed!

Exploring Pittsburgh {We've Moved!!!}

If you haven't been to Pittsburgh, you wont understand. If you have, you know this is a completely accurate picture of the city. With an estimated 446 bridges, it's impossible to avoid crossing them.  If you have Gephyrophobia, this city is not for you.

Lets Raise Awareness!

This is Emmy. She is my (almost) 1-year-old Yellow Lab. She is turning one this week, and Blake and I can hardly believe it. She has brought us so much joy .... and sometimes anxiety into our life. Emmy might be the sweetest dog I've ever met. She loves belly rubs, and spends most of her day sleeping. People often don't believe us when we say that she is lazy, but trust me she LOVES to sleep!

In honor of Emmy's birthday, we are pledging her big day as a way to raise money for individuals with disabilities.

I have worked with children diagnosed with Autism for many years. Each individual I've worked with has touched me in some way or another. I have learned more from them than I could ever express.  Autism awareness has grown tremendously since I graduated from school, but it could grow even more.

A Michigan Based Organization called Paws With a Cause provides Assistance/Service dogs for those with disabilities. They provide these dogs to those with many different needs, but one of the Service Dogs they provide are those for Individual's with Autism. I know the love, affection, and companionship I have been given by my beautiful Emmy, and I want other's to have that as well. These service dogs can bring these individual's independence they may not have had otherwise.

It costs upwards of $30,000 dollars to train/raise a Service/Assistance Dog. Paws With a Cause place 60-90 Assistance Dogs per year, but get about 2,000 applications annually.

Click the link here to donate in Emmy's name! Even $2 can help! Let's work together to make someone's life easier and better!

Winter Blues

Now that Christmas is over, I'm beginning to feel that cabin fever coming on...

It was only a few weeks ago that I was wishing for snow to finally arrive so that Emmy and I could play outside. I was very excited to see whether she enjoyed the snow or not. At first, she wasn't sure what to do with it, but I think she actually enjoys it more than the summer. I practically have to beg her to come inside.

I don't know about you, but I'm already ready for spring. The days of not pre-heating my car, seat warmers, gloves, or winter boots. I look forward to walking the dog without worrying about slipping on ice as she pulls me down the street (we're working on that...).  Thankfully Blake and I are headed to warmer climates for a few days at the end of the week. I could not be happier!

Thankfully, her cuteness overload makes it easier to deal with. She absolutely LOVED our trip up north for New Years as you can tell in the pictures below.

I also love her enjoyment in this video ...

Fall Brussel Sprout Salad

Save some room in your oven with this raw brussel sprout salad. Most likely, you have about 5 different side dishes plus a turkey that all need to be cooked in one oven.  Instead of adding another dish to your list, why not make a no-cook side featuring brussel sprouts?

Puppy Approved: Camp Bow Wow

I've been waiting to take Emmy to Doggy Day Care since we got her. I love the idea of her socializing with other puppies and wearing her self out a bit. I always feel bad during the week when Blake and I have to leave her alone for hours at a time.  Finally, she has met all of the criteria to start going (shots and being fixed), and I'm so excited for her! We are lucky because we have a Camp Bow Wow right down the street from our house, and off she went this Wednesday for her first day of camp!

Pot Roast

It is time for me to come clean about my addiction. Food Network ... I seriously cannot get enough. I actually look forward to Saturdays so that I can watch morning television with my cup of coffee. There used to be a time, not long ago, where I was looking forward to tailgating and drinking on Saturday mornings. Oh how things have changed since college.  I must admit, my addiction could be far worse. Honestly, it's made both mine and Blake's life a lot better!  Blake's been wanting me to make a pot roast for a few weeks now, and so of course I turned to my favorite leading ladies, The Barefoot Contessa and The Pioneer Woman.  I liked different aspects of each recipe, so I basically blended the two to make my own. Keep reading to see the steps I took to make this perfect cold weather dish.