Ride Em' Cowboy!

Oh boy! I just got back from seeing the Pioneer Lady-have you seen her website or cookbook. Well, trust me-she is just as sweet and kind in person. We didn't get a chance to get our books signed cause we were number 344 and well, I was hungry, so to honor The Pioneer Lady, I thought I would tell you about my favorite cowboy movies.

It wasn't until recently that my  husband watched Tombstone. I kept telling him over and over again how amazing this movie was and he didn't believe me. Well, let me tell you-this is now one of his favorites. It  really is Val Kilmer at his finest (unless you count Real Genius and Top Secret). The movie tells the story of Wyatt Earp, Doc Holliday and the gunfight at the O.K. Corral. The very very very best part of this movie-Sam Elliot. I do not need to say anymore, except Sam Elliott.
 

The Wild Bunch may be a little violent for most but Sam Peckinpah's epic about a group of aging outlaws looking for one last score is a force to be reckoned with.The gun fights are volatile, tortuous and body ridden but it is one of the best Western films out there. This movie is not for the faint of heart but the story is solid, the directing is beyond phenomenal and it was nominated for two Oscars. 

I'm not a huge John Wayne fan but when I was growing up my dad and I always watched McClintock on Saturday after movies. This film is a western version of The Taming of the Shrew. The mud scene is one of the best and to this day I can quote this movie at any time, any day.

There are a tons more cowboy movies out there and maybe one day I'll do a singing cowboy theme (hmmm- need to put that one in the file) but in the meantime, hop on that Shetland pony of yours and head on down to the hitching post for a few of these tasty morsels. Happy Trails ya'll!

Scrappy Dog Sunday Gardening Tips

Boy did our yard need some work. Mom and Dad decided to build a new raised bed for veggies. Of course we had to help!

The first thing to do is dig out the weeds from the other bed.

I am very very very good at digging.

Pete is very very very good at laying in the sun

You have to make sure that the bed is level, Dad!

Where's the rest of the dirt?

Sure it looks great but I think it needs more digging! 

So, the Pedersen pup's gardening tips? Digging is the key to a good garden! Next week's installment-walking on the newly planted veggies-it adds extra flavor!

Feel Good Friday!

Can you believe it? It's FRIDAY! Oh yeah! Doing my funky little kid dance! I am ready for some weekend fun. I know-I've been MIA for the past couple of days but I have a good excuse. See, I left my job and decided to go on a new adventure. I'm super excited to see where it takes me and I'll be writing more about leaps of faith. Also...and I know you are gonna be super excited about this but I'm working on a give away and a swap! Who wants to join me in a crafty swap? You know you do! Now...on to more good stuff!

I am so in love with these ladies! I really can't decide which one is my favorite. Yalipaz does such cute work and plus-she is GORGOUS (just like her work!)

I am a sucker for anything with ladies sporting the black bob and if there are puppies involved-I will let out a squeel of delight. My Pink Turtle has the most adorable prints and they are having a sale! Check it out!

Wanna know what's awesome-I mean besides us? 1000 Awesome Things~ This blog is now a book and it delivers just what the title says. 1000 awesome things!  My favorite-#948, Eating the last piece of dessert someone left at your house. It's true-it's awesome.

Are you kidding me? This is the most ridculous thing ever! I love it! Such scrap!

Okay! I am out of here-off to enjoy the sunshine! You better get out there too! Sit in the sun, put your feet int the grass and enjoy the sounds and smells of spring. I'm gonna have OMP cook me up a yummy dinner and tiki drinks-wanna come over? 

Southern Comfort

The passing of Dixie Carter seemed to be a  passing of my youth. I remember watching Designing Women with my mother when I was growing up in the south. Dixie was an icon for the southern woman. She was strong, classy, spoke her mind but did it in such a way that the sugar oozed off of every word and you didn't realize that she just insulted you and your mama. To honor Ms. Sugarbaker herself, I'm gonna take a look at some wonderful southern women and movies.

Now, before you judge me-you know that for so many of you this movie is a guilty pleasure-don't hide. Everytime this comes on The Lifetime Network, you know you sit and watch it. Steel Magnolias is a classic for any woman. It is a story of friendship, family and Dolly Parton. It is a wonderful gem that I strongly suggest you watch with a tub of ice cream and tissues.

Another wonderful movie that started as a book, went to a movie and ended as a TV show is The Egg and I. Starring Claudette Colbert and Fred MacMurray as a couple who buy an abandoned chicken farm. Their trials and tribulations are heightened by the amusing antics of Ma and Pa Kettle-who went on to make several other hilarious movies. The TV spin off was Green Acres-which you can catch reruns on Nick at Nite or GAC.

If you are from the south and don't know how to shag dance than shame on you! If want to learn this elusive dance, then pick up the movie Shag with Phoebe Cates. The movie centers around 4 friends going to Myrtle Beach for some summer fun. Dancing, beauty pagents and summer love all take place over a weekend. This is a sweet coming of age movie with great music and awesome dancing.

Here's a shout out to my southern belles! You know who you are. Your southern twang and sweet dispositions only enhance your strength, perseverance and grace. You are truly a force to be reckoned with.

Feel Good Friday!

It's Friday and it's awesome! Sure it's a little rainy and cold but HELLO! It's FRIDAY! You really should feel as good as I do, really....

Today is a day of videos. The first one was brought to my attention by my friend Alexz. It has to be the cutest thing EVER!

The Indie band concert-HYSTERICAL!

I just discovered the most thoughtful inspiring woman, Jean Baggott. Her website, book and video The Girl on the Wall will make you cry but in a good way. I am totally in awe of her story and her work. She makes me happy.

I'm in love with embroidery on hankies and Lucy Pearl by Spotted Dog Farms is just too sweet. It reminds me of my old dog Millie.

I really love Alice in Wonderland-I have every since I was a kid. Cart before the Horse have wonderful Alice and Queen dolls. The best thing about their work is the Folk art feel with slight twinges of creepiness. 

Are you kidding me? Could this be any sweeter! I am dying for the cuteness!

 I  want to give a special shout out to all of my friends that have been so supportive this week. Without you, I would be nothing. Mark-you are my world-you bring a smile to my face everyday-I love you. Wow, didn't that sound like an Oscar speech?  I'm good! Have a lazy weekend everyone! I hope it's filled with cute little yetis, lots of stitching and silly animals.

Swiss Miss

Normally I would not be caught dead with any kind of little Dutch girl but lately I have been obsessed with Swiss chic. Cuckoo clocks, cute little chalets-anything "Swissy" I am loving! So, when I came across these adorable little girls, I had to share.

YAHOO! SPRING BREAK!

I hope everyone is coming out of their chocolate bunny sugar coma and enjoying a little spring break. Even if you can't make it to the beach, you can still enjoy these great spring break movies.

I have been dying to go to Palm Springs. I know it's miserably hot there but I've heard the architecture is amazing and it is truly the last old school loungey area in the US. Don't think so? Well feast your eyes on Palm Spring Weekend starring Troy Donahue, Connie Stevens, Robert Conrad and Stefanie Powers. This flick is your typical teen/young adult spring break situation. Boy meets girl, drinks are had, kisses are exchanged and everyone goes home happy. The best thing about this movie, besides Troy Donahue, are the buildings. Palm Spring Weekend is a who who's in movie career beginnings that will leave you begging for more. Who cares if it's 103 degrees in June- it's hip, cool and happening!

On the opposite coast we have another Connie, Connie Francis that is, singing about Where the Boys Are. Connie and her friends go to Fort Lauderdale Florida for a little boy watching over spring break. I remember wanting to go to Fort Lauderdale so badly when I was a teenager and all I got was Myrtle Beach. Don't get me wrong, it was fun but it just wasn't scandalous enough for my teenage mind, now where was I? Oh yes, Connie Francis and her friends enjoying a little boy watching. Once again this film, like the one above does not venture off the path of girl meets boy, they fall in love and then go back to college. Ah....young love!

Okay...so it pains me a little to write about this next movie because 1-I really hate that the 80's are back and 2-this movie exemplifies every bad about 80's party movies, but yeah-it's spring break and you can indulge in your guilty pleasures. I'm sure this is one of them. We are once again in Fort Lauderdale Florida but this time the story centers around 2 boys who find themselves sharing a room with two "nerds" (see, told you it's bad 80's) and the spring break partying begins. Wet T-shirt contest, lots of beer drinking and over the top bad 80's music makes this movie a 12 year old boy's dream.
 
Now, how am I spending my spring break? Finding that perfect bathing suit? Oiling myself up with Hawaiian Tropic coconut suntan lotion? Naw-I'm gonna go find that well used Class of 88' beer cozy, crack open a cold one and watch some classic "bad" movies. Remember to turn so you won't burn!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Happy Easter Everyone! I hope your day is filled with yummy Easter candy. Don't forget to eat the ears off that chocolate bunny! I had a plan to get little bunny ears and put them on the pups but have you ever tried to hold a Jack Russell or Min Pin down? No, well let's just say that hell hath no fury like a Jack Russell in rabbit ears. So, instead of my three monsters, I bring you a calmer, sweeter Easter pup(and cat!)

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go lie down....I think I've lost a fair amount of flesh and blood. Happy Easter!

Feel Good Friday!

Oh my goodness! What month is this? We are getting hit with a winter storm and believe me-it's not fun! I'm wondering what I can do to take my mind off of 85 mph wind gust....let's see what I can find!

Even though I have to tether the dogs to the BBQ so they won't blow away, I can still be thankful. I owe it all to thxthxthx. This website not only makes me giggle at her thankfulness. From sweet to snarky-she has it all.  I could literally sit here all day and read every post-you should go over there and get lost in the thanks.

Bunnies kissing is just way too adorable and The Tee-shirt Gnome does it up right! I think I may need this shirt and the Yeti fighting Bigfoot -cause it's cool and not too much of a stretch on my pocketbook.

It's true! I love gin and I love tea! If you love these things then head over to Miso Funky and enter her contest. Hurry up! It ends at 3pm today! Even if you don't get in on the contest, you can enjoy lots of sassy stitching!

After the Easter Ferret appearance  last week, the Easter Bunny's relatives are crawling out of the woodwork for their 15 minutes of fame.  They are a motley crew!

Whoa! I'm not sure if that was Pete, Lola or Jujube that just flew past my window! I better go catch them! I'm off! Have a good weekend everybody-try to keep your feet on the ground!

Patterns for a Spring Day

I love cute little things-little dogs, little surprises and these silly little patterns. I haven't been able to find out what year they were made in but I'm thinking 1930's by the shape of the animals. They are just too cute for words.

This little guy flying a kite is perfect for the blustery April weather. 

How adorable are these little guys? The kitten looks very concerned.

Okay-is it just me or does this pup and kitten look like they are up to something?

I really hope someone stitches up these frisky little guys, they are too much to pass up!

Showing Off

I love learning new things-don't you? There are so many great blogs, videos and tutorials out there. These are just a few of my favorites.

I adore Floresita and her owl video is just as cute as she is.

I have been wanting to make a lightbox forever! Indie Icing has a great tutorial. If I knew it was this easy, I would have done it a long time ago.

 I love the blog over at Craftzine.com. They are so inspiring. Right now they have a recipe for  coconut mango pancakes. Do you hear me people? COCONUT MANGO! YUM! I am so going to make these pancakes this weekend.

For a great tutorial thread, check out thelongthread.com for their top 100 tutorials of 2009. So much good stuff!

Well there  you have it! A lot of great ideas and wonderful inspiration. Now get on out there and make something!

Tie One On Tuesday

Oh boy! Do I have some good stuff for you today! A few cocktails to put in your  Easter basket. These drinks will have you hopping down the bunnie trail in no time.

I do not recommend hiding these Easter eggs in the backyard-unless you want drunk animals and angry adults screaming for their cocktail.

The Easter Egg
Ingredients:
1 oz Blue Curacao
1 oz white creme de cacao
Half and Half
Pour the Blue Curacao and Creme de Cacao over ice cubes
Float the Half and Half on top to taste
The Blue Curacao makes is a wonderful bright blue egg.

I love chocolate Easter bunnies. I love to eat the ears off of them and then I'm done-I've eaten the good part. . If you are sensitive to the plight of the chocolate Easter bunny then mix this cocktail instead.

The Chocolate Easter Bunny
Ingredients:
1.0 tsp Cherry Liqueur
1.5 oz Brown Creme de Cacao
0.5 oz Vodka
1.0 tsp Chocolate Syrup
Shake vodka and creme de cacao with ice. Strain over ice in a cocktail glass. Float chocolate syrup and cherry liqueur.

I love Jelly Beans-except for the black ones. I always pick those out and give them to OMP. YUCK! They make me shiver just thinking about their grossness but because some of you out there like the taste of satan-I give you the Jelly Bean Cockail.

Jelly Bean Shooter
Ingredients:
1/2 oz blackberry brandy or grenadine
1/2 oz anisette or sambuca
1/2 oz Southern Comfort
Pour the brandy or grenadine into a shot glass
Float the anisette or sambuca on top of the first layer
Float the Southern Comfort on the next layer

These Easter concoctions will not only have you seeing little pink bunnies but I'm betting there might be a few pink elephants dancing around your head.   Bottoms up~

Hopping Down the Bunny Trail

What a wonderful time of year. Spring is here! New beginnings are brewing and what better way to celebrate the season than with a few classic movies.

The most noteable Easter classic is Easter Parade with Judy Garland and Fred Astaire. The day before Easter, Astaire's character loses his dance partner and object of his affection.  To prove to everyone and himself that his partner is not important to him, he takes a new protege and vows to make her a star. The music and the costumes are beautiful. It really is a happy movie with happy songs and settings. It's good for the whole family.

Speaking of good for the whole family-Here comes Peter Cotton Tail is a great animated treat that will have you thinking about your own childhood. I love stop motion animation and Rankin and Bass never disappoint. The story is very simple-it's the story of Peter Cottontail and all the goodies that come along with Easter. Danny Kaye and Paul Frees lend their voices to this wonderful classic.

I'm not sure what it is with Chuck Heston and biblical movies but he does a great job at them. Ben Hur is a great example of this , it is without a doubt Mr. Heston at his finest.  Ben Hur is a wealthy merchant who, not by his own fault is sent to the gallows. Time does not heal all wounds and hatred is still in his heart, until a certain day (don't want to spoil it for ya). The chariot scene has been touted as one of the most breathtaking scenes in all cinema history. There is a silent version of this movie and the above scene is equally as moving. I highly suggest both.

If Ben Hur isn't your speed but you still want some Heston, then pick up The Ten Commandments.  This movie is completely over the top but still beautiful and when Moses says, "Let my people go!" I still get chills.

Well, there ya go!  A few Spring holiday classics for your viewing pleasure.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some Easter baskets to raid-those chocolate bunny ears aren't gonna eat themselves!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Have you been by The Scrappy Dog Society group on Flickr? No? Well, here's a little sampling of what you are missing.

Sweet Mia

Eeeep! Lucy! Looks like someone's been in the garden. I'm in love with Lucy-that little face is just too  much to resist.

This takes scrap to all new level. I'm in love!

SPIKE! Those big eyes are so adorable!

If you like what you see, come and hang out at the Scrappy Dog Society. Your little bundle of joy just might be next on Scrappy Dog Sunday! Until next week-Lola says-BARK (which is later gator in dog)