Feel Good Friday!

Can you believe it! The last Feel Good Friday of the year? All I have to say is so long 2010! You have been more than a little trying this year, and I'm being nice about it! There were some highlights of 2010-like forming so many wonderful friendships. I truly believe that the friends I made this year I will have for a life time. So, big ol' smooches to new friends and of course the old ones too. Now, on to some feely good stuff.

This is totally impractical but I love it! It wouldn't last two seconds with the pups but how cute would you be with this on your lap while your warming your hands. This is just one post from Penguin & Fish. She has the cutest puppy patterns! You should definitely check out this amazingly talented woman.

 

Okay, raise your hand if you think this is the cutest thing ever? I have both hands in the air! A puppy with a cape. Are you kidding me? The Storybook Rabbit has so many wonderful goodies at her shop. 

There is absolutely no reason for this picture other than it makes me super happy because I'm sure one just passed gas and the other is wondering what that smell is. Hey, 12 year old humor is fun! Don't judge. 

Okay, so today is short and sweet but hey-I've got some celebrating to do! Time to kick 2010 to the curb. So, I leave you with this...

An optimist stays up until midnight to see the new year in. A pessimist stays up to make sure the old year leaves.

Billy Vaughn

Tie One On Tuesday

 It's time to kick 2010 to the curb and invite 2011 in to boogie down with you in the champagne room. Speaking of champagne, I've got a few cocktails to wet your whistle while you are shaking your money maker on the dance floor. Hollar!

Say you need something to get your boom boom hitting the room room-well this is the cocktail just for you.

Boom Boom cocktail
1 shot sweet vermouth
1 shot dark rum
1/2 shot orange juice
Champagne
Put the vermouth, rum and orange juice into a Champagne flute. Add in Champagne to fill. Toss on a slice of banana for a tropical accent, and enjoy!

Oh my! Is that a sparky pepper in your pocket or are you just glad to see me...oh, it's a sparky pepper,my mistake.

Sparky Pepper
1 oz. Pepper Vodka
Champagne
Pour champagne into a flute glass and add shot of vodka, mix slightly and see the sparks fly!

The clock is ringing midnight and the ball has fallen. It's time to give a sweet kiss good-bye. Oh 2010-let's just be friends. No, you don't need my number...I'm going out of the country for a year...on safari...helping build churches in a land far, far away...don't call me, I'll call you.

A Good Night Kiss
1 drop Angostura Bitters
1 sugar cube
1 splash Campari
Champagne
Add the bitters to the cube and place in the bottom of a Champagne flute. Add a splash of Campari, and then fill it up with Champagne.

Oh yeah! Ringing in the new year-Pedersen style. Whoop! Whoop! Now good riddance to you 2010-don't let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya. 2011, it's your time to shine.

As the old saying goes...Here's champagne for our real friends and real pain for our sham friends and when our journey finally ends...may all of us find peace. Happy New Year!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

This Scrappy Dog Sunday is dedicated to a little Boston Terrier named Petey. I never actually met Petey but I know from pictures and stories that he was one silly scrappy pup.

Petey loved the snow. He also loved to snore when he slept, fart at the most inappropriate times and he gave the stinkiest kisses known to man (I'm thinking Lola could give him a run for his money in that department).

I know that he is in that big dog park in the sky. Chasing squirrels, barking at unknown noises and munching on treats while angels rub his belly.

You will be missed little buddy-you brought great joy to those who knew you and giggles to those who heard the stories. Rest in Peace little man.

Merry Christmas!

From the Pedersens...

and the pups...

Lola

Jujube and...

Pete

We hope your day was filled with love, cheer,and joy. Ours was filled with stuffed animals, doggy treats and A Christmas Story..and all was right with the world.

Feel Good Friday!

 Ho! Ho! Ho! MERRY CHRISTMAS EVE! That's right-it's the day before that jolly man in a red suit comes to visit-no, I'm not talking about your uncle Norm-I'm talking SANTA! Are you stockings hung by the chimney with care? Have you been good little children all year-wait, don't answer that...you might get coal in your stocking.

Are you still wrapping presents? You better get on it! There isn't much time! If you are still wondering about how to wrap those lovely gifts, check out this video with a super cute cameraman!

If you're looking for the best tags to put on those fabulous gifts, check out Creature Comforts. They have a huge selection of the cutest tags. You can print them out right from your computer.  Remember, my name is spelled P-A-M.

Still looking for wonderful Holiday decorations? Kind Over Matter has a link of some wonderful free printables for your viewing pleasure.

I don't think you understand the need I have for this tree. I must have one in every color.

Alright my little kiddles. It's time for me to get the egg nog on as I watch for Santa's sleigh. He's hit Australia and Russia and is heading toward Pakistan. Check out Norad to see if he's close to your house. Merry Christmas everyone! Let cheer, good faith and love shower you during this time. You are the best Christmas present a girl could ever have...well, you and chocolate.

True Meaning of Christmas

Christmas is fast approaching and through the hustle and bustle of getting ready for it, I've decided to take a few minutes to reflect just what this time of year means to me. I decided to do this while at the holiday concert for OMP's students.

If you have never been to a kid's concert or choir, then I highly suggest that you take some time and do it. It will renew your faith in humanity and give you a giggle or two. I sat in the audience like a proud parent, watching OMP instruct his students on how to drum as the choir sang slightly off key. Tears welled up in my eyes as I listened to the bows painfully run across violin strings. It brought a joy to my heart that could never be measured.

As I sat and looked around at all the proud parents video taping their children and not giving a care that the choir sang off key or their child was making goofy faces while playing jingle bells, I recognized what was important about this season, about life in general. See, it doesn't matter how good you are at something, it's just the fact that you are taking that chance. That you are willing to sing off key and do it at the top of your lungs. I smiled at the little girl whose voice was shaky during her solo, I gave her a look  as if to tell her, " Go Girl! You can do it!" She smiled back and belted out Up on the Roof Top.

The crowning point of the night was when everyone was asked to participate in singing Christmas songs. Grandparents, parents, and siblings all joined in to sing Frosty the Snowman. It was at that moment that I felt the true meaning of Christmas. It wasn't about presents, or making sure I made it to church or even the perfect cookie. It was about family-in whatever capacity that meant. It was about coming together with your neighbor and for those three minutes, forgetting everything that is different about each other and embracing the person.

After the concert was over, everyone went back to their lives, but for that one night-people from different backgrounds came together to sing silly songs, to show brotherly love and to give a little of themselves and that my friend, is what Christmas is all about.

Merry Movie-Mas

I can't believe that Christmas is this Saturday? What? Where did the time go?  It was only yesterday I was putting out the Halloween decorations.Who stole my months? I have so many holiday movies to watch before Saturday. I have to get on it! These are ones you should be watching too. No exceptions!

A Christmas Story-I'm not even going to explain this one again. Just rent it, or go out and buy it. If you can't get it anywhere else, watch it in on TBS on Christmas day, where it is played for 24 hours straight. Seriously people, I can not stress enough how valuable this movie and how much you need to see it multiple times.

White Christmas-Again, not going to explain this one for another year. I'll just say-Bing Crosby,singing &  dancing, and a great song about snow that will stay in your head until next year.

Miracle on 34th Street. Can I please have Kris Kringle as a grandpa? Natalie Wood is too adorable in this wonderful romp about Macy's and Santa.

Elf-SANTA! I KNOW HIM! Buddy the elf, what's your favorite color? Yeah, I've watched that movie a few times too many. 

Better Off Dead-CHRISTMAS....CAN YOU SAY CHRISTMAS...DO YOU HAVE CHRISTMAS IN FRANCE? I don't think I need to say anymore.

Okay...so those are a few flicks playing in heavy rotation at the Pedersen household. If you will excuse me, I have to finish wrapping presents, making a million more cookies, dancing around the Christmas tree and preparing the house for Santa's arrival. Merry Christmas all! Lots of movie love to ya'll!

Feel Good Friday!

This Feel Good Friday is dedicated to my sweetie. My man around town....OMP. Old Man Pedersen! It's his birthday today! YAHOO! Happy birthday, get funky! Whoop! Whoop! Oh yeah!

I am so blessed to have OMP in my life. He is my rock, my biggest fan, and my best friend. I can not imagine life without him. Sure he's grumpy but that's just the tough exterior. Inside he's a big ol' marshmallow and anyone that knows him well, knows this. He is the most giving person you will ever meet. I love him more and more each day.

So A big ol' HUZZAH to you Mr. Pedersen! Here's to another 46 years! I love you!

Tie One On Tuesday

  It's been so long since I've written a TOOT. I've been a busy little elf this season-baking, crafting, trimming the tree...keeping Pete away from the tree.

Anyhoo, it's time to sit back and relax with a few beverages as Johnny Mathis croons his way through a winter wonderland.

You've got the tree all decorated and now you want to reward yourself and bask in it's beauty, well Angel's Delight is just the drinky drink for you.

Angel's Delight
1 oz cream
3/4 oz triple sec
3/4 oz gin
2-3 dashes grenadine
Pour ingredients into a shaker over ice
Shake well and pour into a martini or cocktail glass

Maybe you want something a bit fancier and a little more French. La Vie en Rogue is just what Santa ordered. I heard he gives these to Mrs. Claus on those cold North Pole nights.

La Vie en Rogue
1 1/2 oz.Grand Marnier
1 1/2 oz. >cranberry juice
1/2 oz. fresh lemon juice
1/2 oz. simple syrup
Rosemary needles
In a tall mixing glass, muddle 10-12 rosemary needles lightly with simple syrup.
Add remaining ingredients then add ice and shake well.
Strain over fresh ice into a glass.
Garnish with rosemary needles.

Everyone has one in their family, a Grinch. Someone who hates Christmas and tries to ruin it for everyone else. Well, serve this little number up and put them to bed so you don't have to hear their constant complaining. Your family and guest will thank you. It will be your own silent night.

The Grinch
2oz. Midori
1/2 oz lemon juice
1 tsp. simple syrup
Pour ingredients into a shaker over ice
Shake well
Pour into a chilled cocktail glass


Ahh......I'm toasty both inside and out. I've got my sweetie by my side, my pups at my feet and a wonderful beverage in my hand. The Christmas lights are twinkling and Nat King Cole is telling me about chestnuts roasting on an open fire. Life is pretty close to perfect.

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.