The Girl and Her Dog

March 9, 2011 · 5:24 pm

Pack light, pack right

Packing for a trip, or packing in general for that matter, is most definitely not my strong suit. My problem is that I try to be prepared for anything and everything, even if that means toting along my entire wardrobe.

My other problem is that I’m terrible at making decisions and I like to have a lot of options, so I pack everything. But when you’re trying to avoid an annoying baggage fee and you’re stressing about transferring flights, you have to learn to pack only what you need.

So in honor of the inner fatalist in me (and also of my one-week trip to Italy beginning on Friday) my new motto is “Pack light, pack right.” We’ll see if it actually sticks.

[image via Getty Images]

The new pancake

For me, pancakes always seem to be a weekend breakfast treat, mostly because they can be kind of a pain to make. In fact, I rarely, if ever, make them on my own. I either eat them out or eat them when my mom makes them.

However, thanks to Organic Batter Blaster–ready to cook pancake and waffle batter–pancakes have suddenly gotten a lot easier and a lot healthier. With this pre-made batter you simply need to shake, pour and cook. It could easily be done in under five minutes. Which means extra sleep, little effort and pancakes Monday through Friday.

Heat your griddle.

Blast the batter.

Cook your pancake.

The pancakes are light and fluffy, one serving size has only 80 calories and in addition to the original flavor, the batter comes in whole wheat, buttermilk and double chocolate.

Enjoy!

Nothing will ever replace my coveted bagel and cream cheese, but pancakes are fun again!

5 Comments

Filed under Recipe

March 7, 2011 · 9:06 am

Weekend delights

I was lucky enough to have my mom come up to Madison for a visit on Saturday. She stayed the weekend and we had the ultimate girl’s weekend, complete with yummy treats, shopping, a sad movie and pedicures.

Our treats for the weekend (a sort of random assortment, but delicious nonetheless):
Green River. A bright green, lime-flavored soft drink that originated in Chicago in 1919. It’s kind of a mix between Mountain Dew, Mello Yello and yummy lime flavors. Back in the ’60s this fountain drink was available in some drugstore fountains. Total throwback.

Enchiladas. Tortillas rolled around a delicious cheese filling and covered with a spicy(ish) chili pepper sauce. Enough said.

Mini brownies. We were all about these little brownies last month; so good we had to have a repeat session. Store-bought, but totally worth it.

The movie that will make you cry no matter what, whether you’re a dog lover or not:
Hachi: A Dog’s Tale. With Richard Gere and the cutest little Akita–a Japanese breed of dog–you’ve ever seen, this movie is a can’t-miss. Tissues? Mandatory.

Spa pedicures, including a paraffin treatment:
If you’ve never been to Envy Nails on University Avenue (halfway between Hilldale Mall and Campus Drive), you’re missing out. Good service, awesome massage chairs and OPI. My color of choice? OPI Coney Island Cotton Candy.

[images via m.beautylounge.com and thefilmyap.com]

7 Comments

Filed under Recipe, Uncategorized

March 5, 2011 · 11:29 am

Pardon the dust

I hope you are enjoying the new layout. Cheers to experimentation!

3 Comments

Filed under Uncategorized

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.