A Royal Morning

I'll be the first to admit it, April 29th has been circled on my calendar for months now. I tend to love all things celebrity and all things over the top. The Royal Wedding was the perfect combination of the two, a "Jessica special" if you will. Like the rest of the world, I was looking forward to finally catching a glimpse of the much talked about dress, the hair style, the kiss, the cake.. this list goes on. I know I know, the whole anticipation leading up to the wedding and the wedding itself was a bit much but I couldn't help myself. I really was watching history in the making and it is something that happens only a handful of times in one's life, you just have to embrace it! It only felt right to make a morning of the whole royal affair.

Homemade biscuits with honey and butter.. check.

Homemade paper crown fit for a princess commoner.. check.

(I was secretly thrilled to find a reason to use these ridiculous stickers that I have had for years)

A perfect royal morning on a whim.. check!

DIY Puppy Treats

Judge me if you like (I think I may even judge myself a little).. I've gone completely puppy crazy! Last week I ran into these adorable bone and fire hydrant cookie cutters at Crate and Barrel. I couldn't help myself.. I just had to get them!

Puppy treats for Marshall and his best friend Helo?? Sounds like the perfect baking challenge to me! After doing a little research I decided on a simple peanut butter dog treat.

Biscuit Ingredients-

1 1/2 cups whole wheat flour

1 1/2 cups white flour

1/2 cup peanut butter

1 cup water

2 Tbs vegetable oil

Directions-

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix peanut butter, water and oil (sidenote- these will not mix all that well and make one disgusting looking batter). Next, slowly incorporate dry ingredients into peanut butter mixture until a firm dough forms. Knead dough into a ball and roll out with a rolling pin until 1/4 inch thickness. Cut with your favorite cookie cutters.

Bake at 350 degrees for 20-25 minutes until slightly brown and crispy. The more done the better.. they are dog biscuits after all and will keep for longer if they are good and dry.

These are cute enough on their own but wouldn't a little icing make them just that much cuter?? I thought so.

Icing Ingredients-

1 cup of greek yogurt

2 Tbs peanut butter

1 tsp corn starch

Directions-

Mix all icing ingredients together and separate into small bowls. Add food coloring if desired. Scoop icing into baggies and snip off a small corner of the bag. There you have it- instant and easy piping bags!

Ice those babies 'til your little heart's content. Call me crazy but I find that there is something quite relaxing and therapeutic about icing a cookie, I could do it all day. And trust me, the time spent icing is so worth it.

They turned out sooo cute!

Don't they look delicious? The dogs LOVED them. Myself, on the other hand, thought they were a little Blah.

To top off an already wild day with the pups, we scribbled on the floor with the extra icing. They went CRAZY!

Can you say spoiled?? Good thing they are so adorable!

Bathroom Makeover

We have been slowly making progress in our goal to add bursts of color throughout the condo. Now that it's spring it feels like the perfect time to add a few fresh colors to an otherwise simple master bathroom. Our inspiration was this shower curtain...

I absolutely love the combination of colors in the shower curtain and had fun scoping out the perfect aqua blue and turquoise green accent pieces for the bathroom.

My first find was this cute little raindrop lantern found here at ZGallerie.

My second find was some colorful knobs found here at Ikea. And for $1.99/6 pack you can't go wrong! Such a simple change that you can enjoy for a while and easily change back.

From there, I started looking around our home and found some small aqua glass candle holders and a cute blue frame. Those were added to the mix.

Perfect.

A little color was exactly what our bathroom needed!

Ring Ring

My puppy is so smart.

It's starts with this..

Ribbon

Bells

Needle and Thread

Scissors

And ends up looking like this...
With a little hand sewing, (still too frightened to pull out the ole sewing machine for simple projects) you have the perfect doggie doorbell in no time! I reinforced the bells by sewing them to the ribbon before tying them together. Simple. And sooo worth the $1.75 in materials because...
My puppy now rings the bells when he needs to go outside!!!

With a little training and lots of persistence (we take him out EVERY time he rings the bell.. no matter what!) we are well on our way to mastering this little trick. This should help keep the whining at the door to a minimum and is a beginning step in Marshall learning how he can communicate with us. Plus, it's adorable watching him ring his little bell.

Gotta go... bell's ringing!

Field Trip

There's nothing like a day at the zoo to make you feel like a kid again.

Zoo going has no age restriction. It's something you first do as a child and then over and over again throughout your life. I remember field trips to the zoo with my teachers when I was in grade school. Crowded trips to the zoo with my parents, aunts, uncles and cousins. I remember sleeping in the underground dolphin observatory with my girl-scout troop (don't ask- I still have nightmares). Chaperoning my squirrelly preschool class on a much anticipated trip to the zoo each summer. I fondly remember a date at the zoo with Jakob right after we first met. The list goes on and on. Heck, last year Kirsten and I stopped by the zoo one afternoon to simply walk around and enjoy a sunny Chicago day outside. Ahh the zoo- there aren't many other timeless activities you will experience in life.

A few weeks ago we went to the Lincoln Park Zoo with the Johnson's. We were all really excited to see Sawyer react to all of the zoo animals for the first time. In the end, I think the adults had just as much fun as he did- if not more! Sawyer was just as interested in people watching as he was animal watching. You can't blame him, people watching can be just as entertaining!

It was a short trip to the zoo. We took a quick trip around the perimeter and spent most of our time at the primate house.

Call me crazy but I could watch a swinging monkey all the livelong day. So fun!

Next we headed over to the barn to see some of the world's most exotic animals like the common horse, simple cow, and American pig. Say it with me now, "Oooohh..."

I kid. I kid. There truly is something so sweet and innocent about watching kids stare so excitedly at an average duck swimming in a pond. It's as if they are staring at a unicorn riding fairy and cannot possibly look away. Adorable.

And to be totally honest, sometimes I stare at the animals with just as much excitement as I did twenty-some years ago when I took my first trip to the zoo.

Junk Mail Woes

Jakob's annoyed.
Just the other day we got THREE pieces of junk mail from the SAME place. What a waste.

Jakob's junk mail solution.

Step 1. Shred junk mail.

Step 2. Fill prepaid envelope with shredded junk mail.

Step 3. Write a sweet love letter to the junk senders.

Dear Junk Mail Headquarters,

You send me junk. I send you junk. Please take me off your junk mail list.

Sincerely,

Junk Mail Hater Jakob

Step 4. Mail junk senders some lovely junk mail.

Will this make any difference in the amount of junk mail we get? Doubtful. Does it feel good to send the letter back to them? Absolutely!

On a side note, don't ya just love the word junk? I don't think it's used enough. Junk junkity junk junk junk. There, I feel better!

Marshall's Report Card

Longest puppy post in history.. comin' right up!

How did Marshall come into our lives?

Two weeks ago, with spring around the corner and a slightly less crazy school schedule for Jakob ahead we thought the time was right to discuss getting a dog. After only chatting about it for a few minutes and stalking a few cute puppies on a website or two we quickly closed our laptop and figured we would re-address the topic in a month or two once life was a little less crazy. Less crazy.. ha! Right now was just not the right time. If it was meant to be there would be a sign right?

Three days later, I received a call from Rachel- I call it sign #1. She was calling to let me know that one of Joshua's coworker's friend's was watching a dog that just had 6 puppies. I texted Jakob to let him know about the news. He responded back with a "squeeeee" or as I like to call it- sign #2. To say that he was sooo excited is the understatement of the century. We set up a time to go and meet the puppies. Since I was working the next few nights Jakob planned to go alone.. "Just to meet them and see if I like them." Hah! Who goes to look at puppies anyway?.. I knew he was coming home with one.

Jakob went over to meet the puppies and fell in love before he even walked through the door. After calming himself, he spent some time learning of their history. The last one born on February 8th (Jakob's birthday- or as I call it- sign #3) to a black & white pointer/lab mix, sweet Mashall was the only yellow puppy in the group. The owner told us that he was the snuggler of the group and absolutely loved being with people. He followed Jakob around the room and looked at him with those sweet puppy eyes. Jakob was sold.

This center photo of Marshall and his siblings all crowded around a dish together is what sold me...

Isn't he so cute?! There are no words. We picked him up the next afternoon. The rest is history.

How did we come up with the name Marshall?

As previously mentioned in earlier posts, we have been watching a lot of How I Met Your Mother over the past few months. And by "a lot" I mean we have watched every single episode of the now 6 season show in the past month.. twice. It has quickly become a favorite. One of the main characters is a sweet, sensitive, lovey, goofy guy- named Marshall. It was perfect. We said it once and it stuck.

How is he doing? How are we doing?

We have had our Marshall for 6 days now and are starting to settle into the puppy routine. I have been so impressed with our little dude. His first week report card is as follows..

Bathroom Behavior: A-

He has had only a few random accidents in the condo and has politely taken those accidents to the puppy pads. I can't really complain since that is exactly why the pads are there and exactly where I would like him to go if he has to do it inside. There is still plenty of room for potty improvement but he is doing very well for an 8 week old pup.

Crate Life: B+

He has been doing super well with sleeping in his crate and besides a few whimpers at the beginning of the night has kept his night time whining to a much appreciated minimum. The neighbors and I thank him greatly. However, day time in the crate is still a challenge. He would really prefer to play rather than nap in the crate. He's a tricky guy and likes to pretend that he's sleeping when you are in the room with him and promptly begins a bark-a-thon the moment you step out of his sight. Since the barking has been a daytime only phenomenon thus far he earns an honorable B+ this week.

Walking on a leash: C-

You would think that his leash is attached to 50lbs of bricks by the way he acts when you strap the darn thing on- he.will.not.move. What we had been doing the first few days could not possibly be called "walking". We were simply dragging the poor guy around the block and rewarding a few steps forward with more treats than kid on Halloween. Things turn a strong turn for the better this weekend when we started watching Helo. Marshall was so excited to be following Helo that he forgot all about the paralyzing leash around his neck and just followed Helo's lead. We were able to go for a long walk (ie: to the Starbucks 3 blocks away) this afternoon and it was great!! Having earned a solid F in the first few days he has now worked his way up to a C- with plenty of room for growth.

Interactions with humans: A-

He has become such an outgoing pup in a matter of a few short days! We were told that he was the shy one in the group and a little more timid than his brother's and sister's. He has been anything but shy since we took him home. He absolutely loves people. Happy to walk up to a familiar face or complete stranger, he will love on anyone who needs a puppy petting fix. And seriously, who doesn't? He even kindly allowed sweet Matilda to lay next to him on his puppy bed while he posed ever so cutely for pictures. However, the following day he thought he would try out her sweetness by nibbling on the poor babe's tiny chewable little finger. It is for this reason alone that he was docked a few points and earned an A-.

Interactions with other dogs: B+

Marsh LOVES playing with other dogs. Like most dogs, he will stop and stare whenever another pup crosses his path and wait for the perfect moment to jump out and ask them for some lovin'. He adores Helo and so badly wants to do whatever he does. Helo is the cool kid and Marshall is the clarinet playing, flag-twirling, dork in braces that desperately wants to join the cool kid club. (Wow! Highschool flashbacks are rough.) Since we have been dogsitting and watching Helo they have been spending lots of time together and really seem to be having quite the all boy's school love affair. Other than a few glimpses of the dreaded H word (humping) he has been nothing but kind to all of his canine friends. Well done Marshall, you get a B+.

Cuteness factor: A+

There are no words. Only this...

Overall personality: A+

Marshall is such an adorably sweet puppy. He is always good for a cuddle and look so darn sweet curled up in your lap. He has just enough feisty energy to play and then prompty take the world's longest nap. A new puppy owner's dream dog I tell ya. I think we will keep him!

Ahh puppy love... Don't I sound like such a proud mother? I am.

Marshall Love

Meet Marshall

It has been about 8 hours since we picked up our sweet Marshall and we are just getting to know him. These are the facts so far...

1. Marshall loves to eat. His bowls have only looked like this so far...

2. Marshall love to sleep.

...I mean really loves to sleep.

3. Marshall loves kids.

and kids seem to like him too.

4. Marshall loves his new family.

and we are beyond happy to love him right back.

Details of how Marshall came to be, the scoop on his name, and how we are holding up will be coming soon. Although we are still adjusting to the new little guy and my nerves are still getting the best of me, I think we are going to be very happy together. How can a puppy with a sweet little bow be so intimidating?!

He's so adorable he has to be perfect... right?! A girl can dream! I am fully aware that I may be singing a different song tomorrow morning after a l.o.n.g first night but for now I remain blissfully naive...

Blood Orange and Olive Oil Cake

I give you the final result of baking challenge 2.0...

..and I swear it tastes just as good as it looks!!

Let's start from the beginning shall we?

Feeling up for more of a challenge after our scotcheroo warm up, Kirsten and I went back to the cupboard. What's left you ask? Nothing. Nothing but endless sprinkles. Sprinkles in every shape and color imaginable. Christmas sprinkles, heart shaped sprinkles, bunny sprinkles, Hanukah sprinkles (a girl can't pass up a good deal- don't judge).. you get the picture.

Things were looking bleak until we spotted a basket full of blood oranges. Ah ha! Inspiration. We quickly decided that trying out a new recipe with blood oranges sounded a little more exciting than making a delicacy only out of candy sprinkles. The second part of the challenge was finding the perfect blood orange recipe to attack. Inspired by Smitten Kitchen's raving reviews and edible photos, we decided on challenge 2.0- Blood Orange and Olive Oil Cake with Honey Blood Orange Compote. Doesn't it sound delicious?

The Ingredients-

1 Tbs butter

3 blood oranges

1 cup sugar

1/2 cup buttermilk

3 eggs

2/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

1 3/4 cup flour

1 1/2 tsp baking powder

1/4 tsp baking soda

1/4 tsp salt

Compote-

3 blood oranges

2 Tbs honey

Directions-

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Butter a 9x5 loaf pan.

You will have 6 oranges to work with. First, zest 2 oranges and mix zest with sugar until you get the most beautiful, wonderful smelling, delicious sugary mixture of all time. Set aside.

Next, supreme the already zested oranges (cheesy step by step instructions here), cut into small 1/2 inch pieces, and place in a bowl.

Lastly, halve and juice one orange (should equal 1/4 cup total). You know you did it right when you have bright purple fingers. Add freshly squeezed orange juice to buttermilk.

Add your yummy purple milk to the sugar and stir until dissolved. Slowly add eggs. Whisk in olive oil and set aside.

In another bowl mix flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt together. Add dry ingredients into wet ones. Fold in orange pieces. Pour batter into buttered pan.

Bake for 50-55 minutes until the cake passes the toothpick test and looks golden brown. Let cool for a few minutes before removing from pan.

While baking, prepare the compote by slicing the remaining 3 oranges using your fancy new supreme technique and mixing with honey. Allow to sit for a while so the honey can really break down the oranges resulting in a sticky delicious mess.

Slice cake and serve with compote.

The baking challenges around here have become so fun! Okay okay.. I know we have only done a few and scotcheroos barely count as a "challenge" but I foresee some more creative baking in our future and am excited to continue on this journey for a while.

Jakob and Joshua will be doing something similar with grilling this summer. They are currently brainstorming up the last details of what exactly their meat extravaganza will entail but with words like "mystery ingredient" and "bacon wrapped bacon infused burgers in a bacon marinade" flying around here things are sure to get crazy this summer. Crazy and calorie infused! I'll take my bacon heart attack burger with a Lipitor thank you.

Until the next challenge...