Candyland!

It's no secret that I love candy! Sour candy, gummi candy, chocolate. You name it-I probably love it-except for circus peanuts-those things creep me out. I also love a good cocktail so when I get the chance to combine the two-watch out! I will be on cloud nine for days! Here are a few of my favorites.

Remember Sweet Tarts when you were a kid-the sour edgier brother of smarties? Well, you can now have the alcohol version of it. It is so yummy and definitely has pucker power!

Sweet Tart
1/4 oz fresh lime juice
1/4 oz pineapple juice
1/4 oz Raspberry liqueur
1 oz. vodka
 Shake all ingredients with ice and strain into a shot glass. Another adult version of a candy great.

Oh Orange Creamsicles! How I love thee even though you melted down my arm as I tried to finish you on a hot day.  Well, this version will definitely not cause you to be a sticky mess( unless you have too many of them).

Orange Creamsicle
1 oz. Cointreau
1 oz light cream
1 oz. orange juice
1 oz. vodka
Shake all ingredients with ice in a shaker. Serve in a highball glass filled with ice.

OMP loves Reeses Peanut butter cups! I personally have not tried this drink yet but i think it would be a great after dinner dessert cocktail for all you chocolate peanut butter fanatics.

Reeses Peanut Butter Cups
2 tbsp. chocolate syrup
2 tbsp. peanut butter
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 1/2 oz. coconut rum
1 1/2oz. vodka
Blend until smooth and pour into a cocktail glass. Drink with a straw. This would be a great non alcoholic version for the kids too. Add coconut milk instead of the rum.

Oh my goodness! I'm in a sugar coma from all these fun candy drinks! After a few of these sweet treats, your inner child will be dying to get out and do that little kid dance that you are so famous for.  Bottoms up!

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.