Scrappy Dog Sunday!

*To be sang in the tune of "I'm getting nothin' for Christmas" done by little Petey Pedersen

I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas

Mommy and daddy are mad
I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas
Cause I ain't been nothing but bad!

Mom's friend came over and I snapped at her..
Somebody snitched on me.

A squirrel was in our yard and I chased it out...
Somebody snitched on me.

I went head first into the pond,
I smell like fish and now pond scum
You should have seen the looks from dad and mum
Somebody snitched on me...SOOOOO

I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas
Mommy and daddy are mad
I'm getting nuttin' for Christmas
Cause I ain't been nothing but bad

MERRY CHRISTMAS!


*This has been a true story....all happening within 2 hours.

For the Love of Swapping

I recently participated in a wonderful matchbox advent calendar swap over at A Swap for All Seasons. I have been receiving so many wonderful matchboxes. Here is my advent tree and a few boxes.

Thank everyone who made me such wonderful matchboxes. Each day I wake up to see what surprises the tree holds.

Have Yourself a Stitchy Little Christmas

Ho Ho Ho! MEERRRY CHRISTMAS! Stitchy Santa has a little treat for you. Enjoy!

Bah Hum Bug!

Tis the season for holiday movies...fa la la la...One of the greatest and oldest holiday movie has to be A Christmas Carol. It has been remade year after year and each time there is a little twist.

1951's version of A Christmas Carol is the one that is the most well known and has stood the test of time among it's counterparts. Alastair Sim is classic and his face is what most people know as Scrooge. You feel the loneliness of Scrooge, the pain of Tiny Tim and the hope of Bob Cratchit. This adaptation definitely captures the feel of Dickens' England and the times in which it is set.

Although not called A Christmas Carol, Scrooged with Bill Murray offers a comedic yet thought provoking take on the classic story. There are parts in this comedy that will make you tear up and you will hear your heart break a little but just as you are reaching for your tissue, you are pulled back in with that classic Bill Murray sense of humor. This movie is in standard rotation during our Christmas celebration. When Frank Cross tells the ghost of the future to "Back off, it may work with the ladies but not with me." I nearly split a stitch! It is a light hearted comedy with a wonderful message of hope and redemption.

Okay, I'm going out on a limb here and recommending The Muppet's Christmas Carol. Why, you may ask...well, it 1) it has the muppets in it and 2)there is singing and 3) The closing credits include Rizzo the rat's personal caterer. Oh yeah, I can't forget Michael Cain as Scrooge. I'm not sure how that worked out but he does give an excellent performance along side those cute fuzzy muppets. This film is a wonderful way to introduce children to Charles Dickens.

Three different version, three wonderful movies. No matter how you interpret it-A Christmas Carol is a wonderful story that continues to stand the test of time. Now roast those chestnuts on an open fire, snuggle in for the night and enjoy.

PS-If those aren't your style check out these other versions.

A Christmas Carol with: Patrick Stewart, Gerorge C. Scott and Abert Finney

Or animated versions such as:
An All Dogs Christmas Carol 
Christmas Carol: The Movie
A Flintstones Christmas Carol
The Jetsons Christmas Carol
Mickey's Christmas Carol
Mr. Magoo's Christmas Carol

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Our Scrappy Dog Christmas card to you

Remember, Santa is watching.......

Pete, the  other reindeer.

I think she is trying to catch the snowflakes on her tongue.

Happy holidays to you and your family! May the season be bright and joyous. 

Love, 

Jujube, Pete,and Lola

PS-no dog was harmed in the taking of these pictures, however-dad may have lost a finger or two.

Salivating Saturday

Wow! The holidays have kicked into full gear! The tree is up, the house is decorated and all I have left is baking and crafting. Today was the first day of my cookiefest 2010!

First, I am not a huge Maraschino cherry fan. As a matter of fact, they kind of scare me. They have an interesting toxic glow that is just a little too creepy for me. So, with that being said, the following cookies kick major butt! White Chocolate Cherry Shortbread have become an instant favorite in the Pedersen household. Even though they have those toxic cherries in them-I could eat a my weight in these yummy little morsals.

1/2 cup Maraschino cherries, drained and finely chopped
2-1/2  cups  all-purpose flour
1/2 cup  sugar
1  cup  cold butter
12  ounces  white chocolate baking squares with cocoa butter, finely chopped
1/2  teaspoon  almond extract
2  drops  red food coloring (optional)
2  teaspoons  shortening
Preheat oven to 325 degrees F. Spread cherries on paper towels to drain well.

In a large bowl, combine flour and sugar. Using a pastry blender, cut in the butter until mixture resembles fine crumbs. Stir in drained cherries and 4 ounces (2/3 cup) of the chopped chocolate. Stir in almond extract and, if desired, food coloring. Knead mixture until it forms a smooth ball.

Shape dough into 3/4-inch balls. Place balls 2 inches apart on an ungreased cookie sheet. Using the bottom of a drinking glass dipped in sugar, flatten balls to 1-1/2-inch rounds.

Bake in preheated oven for 10 to 12 minutes or until centers are set. Cool for 1 minute on cookie sheet. Transfer cookies to a wire rack and let cool.

I can not believe how easy these cookies are to back and how absolutely tasty they are!  Make this wonderful shortbread and you will instantly be on Santa's nice list!

Tie One On Tuesday

BRRRRRR! It's cold outside...and inside. Our furnace is still on the fritz, but that's no reason for me to worry. I can just whip up a few warm beverages and sit by the fire with OMP and the pups. Let's see...warm drinks...

Ah! The first is a real eye opener. I have to start the day off right. Now, this one doesn't have any hooch in it, but it's still delicious. This recipe comes from Food Network's wonderful super cute Anne Thornton. I can't believe how easy and brilliant this recipe is.
Anne's Spiced Coffee
8 scoops ground coffee
2 teaspoons cinnamon
1 teaspoon nutmeg
1 teaspoon ground cloves
1 tablespoon orange zest
Fill a coffee filter with the above ingredients and brew. SOOOO yummy!

Alrighty then, the day is wearing on and I'm still cold!  A nice hot toddy will take the edge off, but not just any hot toddy-how about a Hot Baked Apple Toddy.
2 oz whisky
1 teaspoon sugar
apple cider
dash of cinnamon and a dash of clove
honey
Coat the bottom of the mug with honey.
Add whisky and then fill with warm apple cider.
Add dash of cinnamon and clove and garnish with a cinnamon stick.

Oh looky! Here comes the furnace repairman! Oh Mr. Repairman-you need a big hug! You need a little Brotherly Love.
1 1/2 oz. gin
3/4 oz Licor 43 or a similar vanilla/spice liquer
3/4 oz simple syrup
4 oz steam milk
nutmeg for garnish
Pour gin, Licor 43 and simple syrup into a mug and stir.
Add steam milk and nutmeg.

Awwww yeah, all nice and toasty from the inside out. A nice warm blanket, a warm puppy and OMP by my side. Who needs that stupid gas furnace-I've got my love to keep me warm.

Feel Good Friday!

Oh my belly! I ate so much food yesterday! I just couldn't stop. OMP and I cooked an amazing Thanksgiving dinner and then crashed on the couch, cuddled up and had visions of little puppies dancing in our heads. Ahhh....bliss...let's see what I can whip up to make you feel the same way.

Our wonderful 60 year old furnace is out right now and it's a little bit chilly at Casa de Pedersen. I really think I need these to keep me warm on those chilly nights when OMP is at band practice. Tiny Toadstool has the cutest hats, mittens and scarves. I want EVERYTHING from her shop.

I love this winter scene. I feel like I could jump right in to the stitching and go for a walk. The textures are so rich. Kayla coo's pieces are rich and beautiful.

My husband told me that I should get use to the cold and a little bit of "roughing it" if we ever plan on having a farm (which we do). Missing Willow Farm is a great blog for checking out what farm life is like. Her pictures are wonderful and the little tidbits of information are so helpful. Plus, she raised hairless cats, one of which was named Turd Ferguson and in my opinion is absolutely awesome. 

  

Okay my tasty little turkey legs. I'm going to warm up some leftovers, throw a blanket over my legs and watch Wizard of Oz for the 900th time. I hope you have a wonderful lazy weekend. I know that's my plan! 

Winter is the time for comfort, for good food and warmth, for the touch of a friendly hand and for a talk beside the fire:  it is the time for home.  ~Edith Sitwell

Giving Thanks

Let me tell you something, these past couple of weeks and especially these past couple of days have been very trying on the Pedersen household. Work is crazy and our furnace went out in 20 degree weather. Needless to say, I was wearing the dogs as shawls. During this time, I really began to question my outlook on life. Let me give you a little bit of a background.

I'm not sure if you know this or not, but I work with some pretty bad people-the past couple of weeks two cases of murder came across my desk. It is up to me to grade mental health test and type up a  report. Although it doesn't sound very taxing, listening to the horrible graphic details of what people can do to you can wear very thin on you sometimes. It makes you question your own life choices and thoughts about people. One thing that I took from the past couple of weeks is how precious life is. How, in a split second, it can be taken away from you. In a matter of minutes you being gone can leave someone's heart very heavy. I also thought about the person committing the crime. Their life-no matter what you think should happen, is gone too. Two lives that could have been saved in some way, changed in less than a hour. I went home these past couple of weeks and wept for the loss and for the people in their lives.

The more I concentrated on these cases, the more I began to think of how absolutely precious life, every little detail of it, is extraordinary. How nothing should ever be taken granted. Even our hardships should be celebrated. They make us stronger and wiser.

I'm not gonna say that I will always wear rose colored glasses or that I'm not going to get down-cause I know I will. I will get wrapped up in my own world and forget the lessons that life is trying to teach me. I know myself too well. What I am going to try to do is be more thankful for the people and situations in my life. I will learn to cherish them more. I will hug and kiss my family and friends more. Let them know that I care and make the best of my situations.

Now, I know what you are saying....great Pam, super, what's the lesson from your broken furnace? Well....be prepared and be thankful for what you have, but really, really be prepared. It's friggin' cold outside. And snuggling is the key to warming the body and the heart. So see, smarty pants. I did learn something mind blowing from the broken furnace. HA!


Well, now that I have talked your ear off and given you some food for thought, I will end with this....Happy Thanksgiving and give thanks and love to those around you. Be happy and feel warm and fuzzy because you are loved. 

Feel Good Friday!

 Whew! What a crazy couple of weeks it has been. Life can be so chaotic sometimes that we forget to stop and be thankful for what we have around us. I am so thankful that you have decided to stick around for the ride,even when I seem to go MIA for a few days. That makes me feel GOOOOOOD!

I really think this banner needs to be left up all year round, not just at Thanksgiving.  Head on over to
At Second Street and download this free printable banner.

I am always thankful for great ideas from wonderful blogs. Dutch Sisters is a super cute blog with tons of inspiration. It makes you feel all sweet and happy. Check out their great tutorials and awesome shop.

 

Heading over the hills and through the woods to Grandmother's house can be quite a chore-so make sure you are bundled up. This adorable coat would look SO cute on you (and me)! ModCloth has the best clothes and it's never too expensive. 

 

Thanksgiving is less than a week away for us in the United States. I truly believe that every day we should be thankful for what and who we have in our lives. You make me happy. Have a fabulous weekend like only you can. 

As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them.  ~John Fitzgerald Kennedy

America's Favorite Leading Man

I can not think of one person who does not like Jimmy Stewart. Not one! He was the man we wanted as our neighbor, our go to guy, our father. Never to be pigeonholed into one certain role-he branched out to mysteries, westerns and great Amercian heros.

One of my favorite Jimmy Stewart movies is The Glenn Miller Story. I always get weak in the knees for a good swing tune and this movie has it! Wonderful songs and a great story make this a must see. Jimmy Stewart plays band leader Glenn Miller. This biopic begins with his life as a small child and ends with his death in 1944. You can see many of the original members of Miller's swing band in this film. It is simply amazing. See  if you can spot Louis Armstrong and drum legend Gene Krupa-yeah, it's that cool.

My absolute ALL TIME favorite Jimmy Stewart movie has to be Bell Book and Candle. LOVE LOVE LOVE this movie! It has saucy Kim Novak playing a good witch who puts a spell on publishing head Stewart. The real star in this movie is Pyewacket the cat. I want that kitty but don't tell the pups! This is a quirky love story for people who don't like love stories. You will laugh and cheer for the budding "romance".

I'm not a huge western fan but when you have Jimmy Stewart and John Wayne together in The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance, you can't go wrong. The story centers around a senator, who became famous for killing a notorious outlaw. He returns for the funeral of an old friend and decides to come clean about his deed.

A wonderful aspect of Jimmy Stewart was that he wasn't a sex symbol. He was an actor, a guy we could relate to, and  that was his appeal. His roles have staying power. He left behind a legacy of humble strength and brilliant acting that can never be duplicated.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

I know a lot of people have a big problem with dressing your dog up in sweaters and coats. I am not one of those people.

 

 Help me Rhonda! I can't help but giggle whenever I see Jujube in this outfit.

 

Mother and daughter matching sweaters. It's a must! 

Going all natural might be the best, but please-do it with a little sophistication.

Feel Good Friday

Friday is here! We are getting funky! In the good ol' Pacific Northwest we are heading into our rainy season. Sure we might see the sun soon-like May, but we can still be happy stomping around in the rain.

The rainclouds on the west coast are very sophisticated. Lillyvanili72's stitching is so clean and beautiful.

A rainboot with Jack Russels and they are pink and black. Did I just die and go to heaven? Rainbootsonline.com have these and other great styles to keep your feet dry.

Since it's raining,  there are a lot of indoor activities to do-keep your minds out of the gutter! What better indoor activity than a little cooking (besides crafting). The Recipe Girl has got ya covered. You can search her recipe database, read the blog and even get a menu for entertaining.

Make sure that your little babies are covered while strutting around in the rain, especially the ones with little or no fur. What-I do not see a problem with this outfit. Who wants a wet dog smell in their house?

Okay my little buddies! I'm off to snuggle into a good book, maybe some stitching and enjoy listening to the rain fall on the roof. Whatever you do this weekend, make sure you stay bundled up and dry.

And when it rains on your parade, look up rather than down. Without the rain, there would be no rainbow.
Gilbert K. Chesterton

Tie One On Tuesday

 You're just gonna have to face it, the holidays are upon us and it's time to spread the joy and pass the bottle. HA! Anyhoo....in order to keep your sanity, here are a few cocktails to either give you a little wake up or put that pesky family member to sleep so you don't have to listen to the questions, "When are you getting married, having children, getting a real job". Trust me folks-I will save you.

The Sleepy Head cocktail is perfect for putting that annoying guest to sleep so you can have a little peace and quiet. I may actually have to mix one up tonight. I think it would be wonderful for those nights I have a little insomnia.

Sleepy Head Cocktail
6–8 mint leaves
1 1/2 ounces of brandy
1/2 ounces fresh lemon juice
Ginger ale
2 slices of orange
In the bottom of a mixing glass, muddle 2 slices of the orange and the mint. Top with ice, add brandy, and lemon juice. Shake Well. Pour into and ice-filled glass, top with ginger ale.

Okay so you have grandma knocked out with the above cocktail. Time kick it up a notch and get your groove on. This little beauty will have you bouncing off the walls.


Cafe Con Leche Martini
2 ounces coffee flavored vodka
2 ounces cream liqueur
½ ounce of crème de cacao
Pour ingredients into an ice filled shaker, pour into a martini glass and top with ground cinnamon and a couple of coffee beans.

Oh my goodness! We need a nice little nightcap to end the evening.  Time to wind it down and snooze along with granny. This one is perfect to snuggle into.


The Nightcap Cocktail
4 ounces warm milk
1 tablespoon simple syrup
2 shots dark rum
Pour rum and syrup into a heated coffee mug top off with milk and then grate nutmeg on top.

There ya go! A great pick me up and two  ways to put your outlaws, I mean inlaws out without going to jail. I'm glad I can help families come together. That' what I'm here for.

Feel Good Friday!

Yahoo! Friday is here! I am so happy! Life is good-there is a chill in the air and I have a big smile on my face.  You should have one too!

I am in love with Inspire Co. They just put out their holiday e-magazine and it is chocked full of great ideas.

Xperimentl's embroider of a nice turkey dinner is just too much. I love the cranberry sauce.

Thursday was our 4th wedding anniversary. OMP knows me too well, he didn't get me jewelry, or a shiny new car...nope, he got me footie pajamas. Pink footie pajamas with puppy dogs for feet. You can squeal with delight right now. If you want to be like me, a cool kid, you need to check out Nick and Nora's line of stylish footie PJ's.

Okay my lovelies, time to snuggle in for the night and do some stitching. I hope you have an absolutely wonderful weekend. Enjoy the leaves changing, the crisp air against your face and the friendship the world has to offer. Muwah!

My Love for TCM

I have a deep love for something other than OMP. My love is for TCM, Turner Classic Movies. If you are a movie buff, like I am, then you should always tune in to TCM. If you don't have the channel then still check out the website. Turner Movie Classics not only show amazing movies but right now they are running a 7 part documentary on the history of Hollywood. It is 3 years in the making and with Christopher Plummer narrating, you will be in movie heaven.

This month's feature artist is Ava Gardner. Va Va Voom! She was one smart sex pot! Every Thursday in November they are featuring wonderful movies from this great actress.

Another great feature this month are movies from Fritz Lang. For any budding film aficionado his movies are a must see. M is haunting and Metropolis breathtaking.

Towards the end of the month TCM offers up British Crime (November 28th). I can not wait for this one! I have been wanting to see No Orchids for Miss. Blandish. I will be snuggled up on the couch, faking my best British accent on this one.

Oh TCM, thank you for transporting me to another time, sometimes bright and hopeful, sometimes gritty and real. You are a true champion in our history. You allow us to have a wonderful escape and teach us about ourselves and the world around us.

Scrappy Halloween!

Was there ever a doubt that I would dress up the pups for Halloween? We found out that Pete really loves a good costume and the reason why-he thinks he's going for walk. I could never deny my little monsters so OMP took them out trick or treating.

At first Pete wanted to be Frankenstein

Everyone thought Lola looked best as a Dinosaur. I think Pete wanted to eat the caveman.

Everyone loves a clown, except Jujube....

Pete finally settled on being a bumble bee. C'mon dad! There are tricks to be done and treats to eat! Let's go!

Scrappy Halloween everybody! I hope that it's full of scrappy goodness, lots of treats and a few tricks.

Salivating Saturday

It's soup season and I love a good chowder. I've always been afraid of making them from scratch but I found the easiest bisque/chowder recipe known to man.

Shrimp and Crab Bisque
2 tablespoons butter
2 tablespoons all purpose flour
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon pepper
1 teaspoon chicken bouillon granules (this is one cube, crushed)
2 tablespoons finely chopped onions
garlic to taste
1 1/2 cup half and half cream
1/2 pound shrimp
1/2 pound crab
1/2 cup white wine

In a saucepan, melt butter over low heat. Stir in flour, salt, pepper, bouillon granules, onion and garlic.
Blend in 3/4 cup of half and half into the mixture.
Mix in shrimp and crab
Turn temperature to medium/medium high heat, stirring until mixture thickens
Blend in the remaining half and half (the other 3/4 cup) and wine into the mixture. Allow to thicken a little more. The whole process takes about 15 to 20 minutes.

We made bread bowls and served it up. It was so amazing! If you don't like seafood you could make a vegetable bisque. I now have a new favorite soup.

Feel Good Friday

 Booooooo! Scary Feel Good Friday! You made it to Friday without any spooky ghosts chasing you down. Now it's time to party like a the cool ghoul you are!

Flossbox rocks my socks!

I love a good ghost story. I can't think of a better way to spend a night, then by the fire, hearing a wonderful spine chilling story. American Folklore has every story you can imagine. There are some you can read and others are told via podcast. Just make sure you listen with the lights on.

 

I NEED these! Or can someone can teach me how to tat? TotusMel has so many beautiful creations.  The rings are stunning and I love the necklaces. Everything is so delicate and spectacular. 

Who's the happiest Halloween cat in the whole world? C'mon, give mom a kiss!

Okay my little beasties! Get out there and get your candy on! Beware of bumps in the night-you might fall over them-HA! Happy Halloween!