Monthly Archives: March 2011

March 4, 2011 · 9:08 am

Spread a little love

Every time I go to the humane society, there are usually one or two dogs that seem to tug at my heart just a bit too much. Every animal in there needs a little extra love, but some more than others. Yesterday, that pooch was Emerald, the sweetest coonhound you’ll ever meet.

Emerald was more than happy to take a walk with me, but she was equally happy just sitting in the kennel with me as I fed her yummy peanut butter infused snacks. If you’re looking to adopt, consider the Dane County Humane Society, or any shelter. Spread a little love!!

For more information on Emerald, click here.

And if you already own a dog and you haven’t already tried it, consider giving your pooch a KONG stuffed with yummy treats like peanut butter, canned pumpkin or mashed bananas. Emerald couldn’t get enough of her peanut butter filled KONG, even despite her cone of shame. Not only is it fun for dogs to work for their treats, but it’s a great way to keep them from getting bored when you’re gone. Check it out here.

[Image via Charm of the Carolines]

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Filed under Dogs

March 3, 2011 · 9:51 am

Comfort at its finest

Every now and then, everyone enjoys a little helping of comfort food. For me, that moment came last night when the thought of macaroni and cheese became a craving I couldn’t ignore. Although it wasn’t homemade or anything special, my box of Kraft mac and cheese did the trick.

I swiped the box from my dad’s pantry and I’m inclined to believe it probably wasn’t his, which means I technically swiped from those who shall remain nameless (insert sordid family drama here), but I feel okay about it; it was only one box.

One day, maybe my sophistication will evolve (and my budget too) and this Rachel Ray recipe of spinach and artichoke mac and cheese I found in my new cookbook will become my go-to comfort food. Or maybe this three cheese ziti and smoked chicken casserole from my Better Homes and Gardens cookbook. The possibilities are endless.

I somehow refrained from eating the entire box:

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Filed under Recipe

March 2, 2011 · 4:58 pm

Life’s necessities

Anyone can go on and on about how all you need in life is a caring family, friends for life and a lovable pooch. And that may well be true, but let’s be real here. What do you really need in life? A decent Internet connection, which I did not have for the greater part of my morning.

I am sorry, but the daily functions of life–life’s necessities if you will–include the ability to easily check your e-mail without having to walk to the Panera down the street (purchase of delicious Asiago cheese bagel notwithstanding), get your news for the day and get on with it.

I suppose no one likes to listen to an endless rant, so suffice it to say, I had my Internet up and running several hours later and all was once again right with the world. I will give Charter this, though–they actually respond to your tweets. Plus one for them.

The cure for a bad case of being crabby? Reading comics!! Here are three of my favorites:

Peanuts — Snoopy is awesome. Enough said.

Love Is… — the best thing to hit the comics page since the Peanuts gang. For a daily helping of Love Is… click here.

Funky Winkerbean — the name alone says it all.

[All images via fanpop, weblogtoolscollection & tech it easy]

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Filed under Random

March 1, 2011 · 9:58 am

5 things to love about March

Each time March comes around, it seems to be the beginning of the end of winter. As all Midwesterners know, winter truly doesn’t seem to end until April, but still, one can hope right?

Here are 5 things I’m looking forward to this month:

1. As mentioned above, the promise of warmer weather. It seems like wishful thinking at this point, but I’m not giving up yet. Technically-speaking there are only 19 more days of winter. YAY!

If only spring in the Midwest looked like this.

2. An upcoming trip to Italy (!!!). Josh and I were in agreement that we both wanted to do some traveling after graduation so it only seemed natural that we plan something together. After realizing–well more like panicking–that a three week sojourn around Europe is kind of expensive, we settled on a week-long adventure to Rome and Florence.

I can only hope Florence actually looks like this.

3. St. Patrick’s Day. I may be Irish (helloo Caitlin Ashleen – can it get any more Irish than that?), but I’ve never been one for beer or excessive amounts of drinking. However, I’m happy to celebrate the luck of the Irish. Now if only some of that luck would rub off on me.

A little luck o' the Irish.

4. The promise of more dogs to walk! January and February are historically slow months in the dog walking business. Which seems odd to me, since if I had a full-time job and a pet and I could afford a dog walker, I would definitely want someone for all those cold, snowy, icy days. I cannot tell you how many times I have slipped on the nasty sidewalks. And yes, the pooches just look at me, as if to say, “Why are you sitting down? We have a walk to take!”

Thank goodness I only have to walk them one at a time. And that I'm a girl.

5. Hopefully “building confidence beyond stature.” Sounds corny I know, but there is a great blog that I follow called Extra Petite. As the name sounds, it provides tips and suggestions on how to find great clothes that fit when you are petite. Sunday’s post was all about looking your best, carrying yourself well and being a valuable contributor. I couldn’t agree more and believe it is something that everyone should work on, no matter what your stature is.