Tie One On Tuesday

How is everyone doing with giving up something for Lent? Are you sticking to your guns? Well, if you gave alcohol up for Lent, I've got a few teetotaler drinks for you.

First up on the mocktail menu is a Citrus Collins. This is just like a Tom Collins but not quite. It's a yummy citrus drink that would be wonderful in the hot summer sun.

Citrus Collins
3/4 cup chilled grapefruit juice
1/2 Tablespoon lemon juice
1 Tablespoon red currant syrup
Crushed ice
Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker and serve in a Collins glass.

OMP's favorite drink is a Mai Tai. That little cocktail packs quite a punch, but he can't drink one at 8am. Well, he could but really-the day would only go downhill from there. Trust me on that one. So, instead of boozing him up so early in the morning, I'll serve him up a Mock Mai Tai. This is an awesome drink for those future tiki aficionados.

Mock Mai Tai
1/2 cup pinapple juice
1/2 cup cranberry juice
1 Tablespoon lime juice
crushed ice
Place crushed ice at the bottom of glass. Pour ingredients, stir, and serve.

 Everyone knows that I LOVE champagne, but drinking it every day would make me a total lush, and although that seems like a great part time job to have, I really should be more responsible. So, to tie me over until I can enjoy my real champagne, I can enjoy Pink Shampagne.


Pink Shampagne
1 1/2 cups Sparkling apple cider, chilled
1 1/2 cups Sparkling cherry-flavored mineral water (or club soda mixed with cherry flavoring syrup)
1 cup Cranberry juice
Mix together and serve.

So, if you're waiting patiently for Easter to arrive in order to pop the cork on your favorite bottle of hooch, these little concoctions should tie you over until then. Until next week my little sober buttercups! Drink up!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

 We have a king size bed, or should I say, OMP has a king size bed. I have an edge of a bed.

Feel Good Friday!

 Look at you....making it to Friday! Yahoo! Was it just me or did this week seeming extra trying? Well, I definitely have a few things to make you feel good all over.

The bow is just killing me. This awesome pillow is made by my very special friend schinders. She rocks! 

Have you ever made outfits with Polyvore? I just love it! I can pick styles, designers or color and make up my own little outfits. It's like fashion plates for adults. 

 

This bag is so awesome. It just cracks me up. I think I need it for my next light house adventure. Dutchsisters create wonderful bags from discarded stitching. 

Whenever I am sad, I watch this video. Lifts my spirits every time. 

There now, don't you feel better? I know I do!

Don't Forget Your Vitamin C!

These patterns have been floating around for a long time but I still love them. How can you not love a stewed pear?

Tie One On Tuesday

Oh my goodness, CMT has Stroker Ace playing right now. I love me some Burt Reynolds and Loni Anderson-her hair is AWESOME! So, since to celebrate Stroker Ace and all things 1980's, here are some of the cocktails of that time.

The best drink of the 80's is one you don't even have to mix up. I'm talking about wine coolers. It said you weren't as hillbilly to drink Boones Farm but you definitely were a step down from a martini. It's the "I'm a girl who likes to party, but I'm not 21 yet" kind of drink. Oh the flavors....those god awful flavors......

One drink that became popular during the 80's and that packed a huge punch was a Long Island Ice Tea. Golly Bob Howdy! That is one strong drink. I'm pretty sure this drink was made up on a bet.

Long Island Ice Tea
1 oz. vodka
1 oz. tequila
1 oz. rum
1 oz. gin
1 oz. triple sec
1 1/2 oz. sweet and sour mix
1 splash cola
Lime slices Mix ingredients together in a shaker and give one brisk shake. Pour into a glass and make sure there is a touch of fizz at the top. Garnish with lime.


Fuzzy Navels...oh Fuzzy Navels...how extremely sweet and deceptive you are. Sure, you taste like a girl drink but after 5 or 10 of them, you are dancing on the table top, kissing every person in sight and making all sorts of new best friends (if'n you can still stand up straight). 

Fuzzy Navel
2 oz. peach schnapps
3 oz. peach brandy
1 1/2 oz. triple sec
Orange juice
Cherries
Mix schnapps, brandy and triple sec in a highball glass. Fill with orange juice and ice to taste. Garnish with cherries.

Now that everything old is new again (you do know the 80s is retro right?) - get out there, put on your leg warmers, put on your skinny tie make yourself up some kick in your ass drinks of yester-year!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

So many puppies write into the Pedersen pups, asking advice, asking for autographs, wondering what makes them tick, that today I thought I would let the pups answer your burning questions.

Dear Pete,
First off, let me just tell you how cute you are. You are my dreamboat and I hope one day to meet you. Now, on with the question. My owner never forks over any treats or scraps or anything good. How do you get your owner to hand the treats over?

Signed,
Starving in Seattle

Dear Starving,
Thank you so much for the compliments. I am currently single and always looking for new ladies to love, maybe a little play in the park? We'll talk about that later.  Now, on to my answer. I have three words...Little boy face. Yep, every time I want something, I just flash mom and dad that little boy face. Gets me anything I want. It's a well known fact that humans love to give little puppy faces food. Have you ever seen a skinny baby? I didn't think so. It's something in their DNA. They love feeding the cute. Show your puppy face and you will get treats pelted at your head.

xoxo,
Pete

Dear Jujube,
I just love your style, what are the current trends in doggy fashions? Please help me! My owner only lets me wear one fleece coat that looks like it's been licked.

Signed,
No Fashion in Nebraska

Dear No Fashion,
Awww, you are so sweet! This season is all about dinosaurs and pink sweaters with skulls. You can NEVER EVER EVER go wrong with pink. Try out what works for you, don't follow the crowd, i know i don't - ever! (except when it comes to chasing squirrels)! Also, if you see my dad, tell him I'm still waiting for my ipod.

kisses!
Jujube

Dear Lola,
I live with a pack and I want to become the alpha dog. Any suggestions?

Signed,
2nd rate in San Francisco

Dear 2nd Rate,
Here is my patent pending secret weapon to becoming the alpha dog.
1-Win over the humans with love, kisses, cuteness. This is a no brainer and super easy for me.
2-Win over the other dogs in your pack. This requires compliments. Let me give you an example.
   Pete, looking good buddy-have you been working out?
   Jujube-Is that a new hairdo? It really brings out your eyes.
   Once you've won them over with compliments, they are putty in your hands.

Signed,

The Supreme Overlord,
Lola


Well, there ya go! All your burning questions answered. Keep those letters coming! 

Feel Good Friday!

Oh my goodness! Today has been CRAPTASTIC! I mean, I didn't end up in jail and I'm still alive and have all my limbs but it definitely tested my level of niceness and nerves. Luckily for mama, OMP had a cocktail, sushi and a kiss waiting for me when I got home today. Did I mention how much I love my friends too? They rock my socks and always talk me off the ledge.

Keeping with the St. Patrick's Day theme of yesterday and because I know some of you are still feeling a little green, so to celebrate that special feeling,  I give you Feel Good Friday, the green theme.

 I like green and I like turtles....Pattern girl can stitch up some cuteness.

Have you seen Elizabeth Holcomb's blog before? Oh for the love of all things cute. A Terrier pin cushion! I am DYING! DYING! I wonder if she wants to swap some embroidery for a pin cushion? You can also check out her main website here.

 

This Christan Dior bag is over the top and way out of my price range but I love it. 

I could totally use a green dress like this. Digforvictory has the cutest vintage dresses.

Ahhhhhh,,,,smell the flowers and blow out the candles....smell the flowers and blow out the candles.....I feel so much better! Nice breath in and out, a Friday night cocktail in hand, lots of stitching to do and great green thoughts to satisfy even the grouchiest OLP (that's me! ). I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Why Do You Stink?

Conversation with OMP:

Me: Why do you stink?

OMP: I don't stink, lady

Me: Yes you do, I can smell you from here.

OMP: That's you!

(pause for a moment of right pit smelling)

Me: No it's not! It's you!

OMP: Did you smell your other pit?

(pause for smelling of left pit)

Me: Shut up!

Apparently, all day long, I wondered why my boss and my husband smelled so bad. I only put deodorant on one side.

Tie One On Tuesday

Yahoo! It's almost St. Patrick's Day and I'm ready to get my green on. Now, I'm not a fan of going out on St. Patrick's Day. Too many amateurs out there not really enjoying the process or the taste of the cocktail. Their only purpose is to get drunk and be obnoxious. Now, I'm all for being obnoxious, just not as a drunken mess. A cocktail should be savored.

Irish eyes are smiling all the way back to the Emerald Isle. This is a very simple green drink with an interesting twist.

Emerald Isle
1 oz. gin
1 tsp green creme de menthe
2 dashes orange bitters
Fill shaker with ice and pour in ingredients
Shake well and pour into a martini glass.

I've have not seen this drink before but it sounds really interesting and looks pretty cool. Don't pour too fast or the alcohol won't "set up"

Irish Flag Shot
3/4 oz green creme de menthe
3/4 oz Irish cream
3/4 oz Brandy
You want to pour each shot over a spoon so it will retain separation and pour slowly. The green creme de menthe is the bottom layer and then work you way up. Now shoot it! 

This last cocktail sounds SO yummy, and why shouldn't it. It taste just like candy. It would be a wonderful after dinner drink to wash down that stinky corned beef and cabbage. On a side note, I would like to think that this is what The Dude's girlfriend would drink. Something a little sweeter than a Caucasian.

Irish Candy
3 oz. Baileys Irish Cream
1-1/4 oz. Chocolate Raspberry Liqueur
1 oz. White Creme de Cacao.  Mix together over ice and serve.


Well my little leprechauns-there ya go, a few cocktails to sip while you're pinching everyone's booty.

Here's to health, peace and prosperity. May the flower of love never be nipped by the frost of disappointment, nor shadow of grief fall among your family and friends.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

 

See these punks, they are my whole world. They are: bark at nothing, take up a whole king size bed and nip at small children beasts and they have me wrapped around their little paws.

A lot of people ask me why I take so many pictures of the dogs sleeping.

I reply, have you ever tried to slow down a Jack Russell? Have you ever tried to get an action shot? It looks a little like this...

I'm not really what that white blur is.

So, until I can get a camera that can keep up with a Jack Russell and a monster Min Pin, you'll keep seeing this.

Feel Good Friday!

I'm feeling good on this Friday! So, Lent started on Wednesday and even though I'm not Catholic, I always give up something. This year was no exception and I gave up watching and reading the news. I am a news junkie so giving it up is hard. Especially with what has just happened in Japan. I also gave up sitting my butt on the couch so much. I am planning on walking more and getting the pups out. Now, there are some things I just can not give up...

I can never give up my stitching

 

 

 

Or anything sweet. I am baker satisfies my sweet tooth.

Oh, I could never give these up. EVER...

And you must be crazy if you think I'm giving up this beast any time soon. 

 

 

 

Hippty Hoppity

It's time to start thinking of spring and Easter. What better way then with these patterns.

Is it me or does this bunny look very evil. Run chicky! Run!

Winner! Winner! Chicken Dinner!

I've always wanted to say that. It just cracks me up and now I want fried chicken for dinner. Dang! You win again chicken dinner!


And the winners are....drum roll please......

First winner for Scandinavian Stitches is....

Giddy99! Yahoo! Go Giddy99! Get funky!



And the second winner for Scandanavian Needlecraft is...

Denise! Oh yeah! Denise! You rock!


Big thanks to everyone that entered and for reading my silly blog. You guys rock my world!

Stay tune for more crafts, words of wisdom and contests. I have a lot more goodies to give away.


*I will email the winners to get your mailing addresses.

Tie One On Tuesday

Yahoo! It's Mardi Gras time! Fat Tuesday is here and what better way to celebrate than with a beverage or two, or five or six...who's counting.


Let's start with a cocktail that is a signature of New Orleans, but with a big drunk twist.


The Storm of the Century Hurricane

1 cup ice cubes

1 ounce light rum

1  ounce dark rum

1 ounce coconut rum

1  ounce vodka

1 ounce gin

1 ounce Chambord (raspberry

liqueur)

1  ounce triple sec liqueur

3  ounces orange juice

Fill a hurricane glass with ice. Add light rum, dark rum, coconut rum, vodka, gin, raspberry liqueur, triple sec and orange juice.
Shake gently, and serve that monster up.


Maybe you're not ready for a cocktail with that much punch (wuss), how about a New Orleans classic that can be found in just about any bar in the French Quarter.

Timmy's Brandy Milk Punch
1 cup Brandy
3 cups Milk
3 tbsp Powdered sugar, plus more to taste
1 tsp Vanilla extract
Grated nutmeg, to taste
Add all the ingredients to a blender and fill with ice.
Blend for 20 seconds.
Taste, and add more sugar if desired. Strain the mixture into four tall glasses filled with crushed ice.

There ya go, you enjoy your nice baby milk drink...

Okay, fine, so you are not ready for the Storm of the Century but you are way to wild for the Milk Punch, how about a Sazerac. I've been told this is the official drink of New Orleans. Who knew?

Sazerac
2 oz. rye whiskey
1/2 oz. simple syrup
2 dashes Peychaud's bitters
Absinthe or Herbsaint
Ice cubes
Give chilled glass an absinthe or Herbsaint rinse and set aside.
Stir other ingredients in a mixing glass, strain into the chilled glass

All right my little drunkies! Enjoy Fat Tuesday cause tomorrow not only will you be nursing a bad hangover, but you will be giving up at least one bad habit for Lent. Maybe it will be cocktails, maybe it will be chocolate,or maybe you'll just sleep and stay in bed until Easter and avoid the whole dang thing.

Let the good times roll!

And the Oscar Goes To...

My friend June (do you know June? If not, you should cause she is RAD!) said that she would love to see my picks for the Oscars. Well, that got me to thinking. What if I could pick the Oscars? Of course there wouldn't be any current movies cause, honestly, I haven't seen a lot of current movies. I will however, keep it fairly current and fresh and not too obscure. Anyhoo....If I could pick the Oscars, it would go to the following


Best Actor:
I did say that I would keep it current and since that means not picking William Powell, my pick for best actor is Jeff Bridges. There is only one reason-The Big Lebowski. Still not convinced? This man can play everything from the Dude to Rooster Cogburn. I'll forgive him for Tron 2 strictly because of True Grit.


Best Supporting Actor:
The Pamcar (they are MY picks, so they get Pamcars) goes to Sam Elliott. Reason why? See Big Lebowski, oh and Road House, can't forget that one! This man could read the phone book to me and I would melt like butter. 

Best Actress:
I can honestly say that there is not a current actress that I would consider as the best. So, no Pamcar for you.

Best Supporting Actress:
See above

Best Director:
I would have to say that The Coen brothers get my top vote. See Jeff Bridges...are you catching a theme here?

Best Soundtrack:
Every day for a solid year I listened to the soundtrack for O Brother Where Art Thou. T-bone Burnett is a genius with music as a producer and a musician. Once again, another Coen brothers movie.

Best Movie:
And the last Pamcar goes to....The Big Lebowski, or maybe O' Brother Where Art Thou?...dang Roadhouse is a great one too. You can't go wrong with True Grit either. Oh, they all are winners, a Pamcar for all of them!

So there you go, a little insight into my madness, or at least what the movies and actors that drive me crazy!

Feel Good Friday

Well, look at you...made it through another week. Aren't you the bright one? Since you did such a good job by making it to Friday, I've got a few little treats for you.

How can you not love this pillow by Fiber Artsy...get it, love..Hey! That's a good one. Anyway, this pillow is amazing and Fiber Artsy is so awesome. I'm pretty sure I would have gone blind trying to stitch this up. 

 I have been obsessed with Just Something I Made. So many projects and not enough time. Cathe has just about any project for any level of skill.

It's a little Pam doll! Momiji makes cute little dolls that you write little messages and put them in the doll. They come in a variety of styles. They are just too adorable and I see a new collection in my future.

And because it's been some time since I've posted cute puppy pictures, here ya go. I can not stand the cuteness! Thanks Barry for posting such a cute picture of Bella

Alright my little pets, there ya go. A few things to brighten your Friday afternoon. I am off this weekend to finish up some stitching projects, enjoy family time and maybe even catch up on my sleep.

Always be a first-rate version of yourself,
instead of a second-rate version of somebody else.
-Judy Garland

You Could Be A Winner!

It's true! I've finally reached 200 readers and my gift to you is a contest! Now, this just isn't any crappy contest-there will be TWO winners! You heard me right-TWO WINNERS! Let's see...what could you win? Well, you could win a .......

Scandinavian Stitches. This is a super cute book and it could be yours. Yep, it's true!

For even more Scandinavian love, the second person will will Scandinavian Needlecraft.

Now here's the details on how to win. Simply leave a comment about how you stumbled upon my blog. Did you find me via a friend's suggestion? From another blog? Are you related to me and I made you follow? Just let me know how you found out about me. Winners will be announced next Wednesday March 9th. Only one entry per person.


Thanks for helping me make it to two hundred-let's see if I can double that in the coming years.

xoxoxo

Tie One On Tuesday

 Image courtsey of Picnic by Ellie

It's the first of March which means that Mother Nature better step on it cause spring is just around the corner. My daffodils are already peaking their little heads up and the birds are getting a little frisky. I'm sure there are a few beverages I can dig up for you that will make you feel a little frisky too. WINK!

Remember those little birds that I was telling you about? Well this little bird packs a punch.

Yellow Bird
juice of half a lime
1 1/4 oz of orange juice
1 ounce light rum
1 ounce dark rum
1/4 oz Galliano
Squeeze the lime juice into a cocktail shaker with ice
Add the remaining ingredients
Shake well and strain into a Collins glass with crushed ice
Garnish with a cherry

I'm not sure why we think of mint when we think of March-maybe it's a green thing or maybe it's because we want fresh breath when we are smooching our honeys.

Mint Fizz
3/4 tsp sugar
3 fresh mint sprigs
1 oz fresh lime juice
Ice
2 oz vodka
Champagne
Berries for garnish
Combine the sugar, mint, and lime juice. Muddle with a spoon.
Add ice to a drink shaker along with vodka.
Shake vigorously and strain into a flute.
Top the glass with champagne; garnish with a few fresh berries and a sprig of mint.

I really think that you need to have a huge party to celebrate the beginning of spring. You know, invite the birds, the bees, that cutie from across the hall.

Spiced Spring Punch
1 oz Spiced Rum
1 part Lillet Rouge
3/4 part fresh pink grapefruit juice
1/2 part Licor 43
1 part soda water
strawberries and fresh sage leaves to garnish
Combine ingredients in a large punch bowl over a large block of ice. Add garnish and allow for self service


Yummy! Three drinks for three different parties.Pull back those curtains, open the doors and let spring arrive! I refuse to let the chill and rain in the Pacific Northwest get me down-it's spring, no matter what the thermometer says!