Dear You Know Who

Open letters to a few people in my life:


Dear boss,
While I am a fan of the churro, I don't believe spending 30.00 at one churro stand is healthy.


Dear Jujube,
I've never been so happy to see a dog poop. I'm glad you're on the mend.


Dear EFU,
I love you. Thank you for keeping me insane in a sane world...wait, I think I got that backwards.


Dear OMP,
I wish I had words to express how much I love you, but I don't and I'm too lazy to look them up, but just know that you rock my world.


Dear Universe,
Thanks for letting me have a pity party with cake and ice cream. I'm glad I got to sit on the corner and pout but now it's time for me to cowgirl up, put on my big girl panties and ride into the sunset, so don't be jerky and let me have my rhinestone moment. 


AND LAST......

Dear you-yeah! You!,
You are so wonderful. Thank you for making the sun shine, laughing at my silly jokes and making it worthwhile to get up in the morning. I hope I do the same for you.


Hugs, not drugs....kiss, kiss, bang, bang, Stay in school, Peace out,

Pam 












 

Just Like Chicken

Oh you guys! I wish I had better stories to tell you as to why I've been MIA the past couple of days, but the truth is my wrist was in pain and I'm now wearing a funky brace that makes me look like a professional bowler,which isn't a bad thing.


I was going to tell you that I hurt my wrist in a arm wrestling match and then roll into great arm wrestling movies, but there aren't any. There's Over the Top and that's about it. Sorely disappointed, I decided to go with plan B..Giant animals, attacking our city. Yeah, that's it, I hurt it rescuing Portland from big furry animals (I'm not talking about hipsters with unkempt beards either-that's a whole other post)

I am a huge fan of bacon. I love it! So, when 1984's Razorback showed up on my doorstep, I couldn't wait to sink my teeth into it (Get it, bacon, sink my teeth into it.....hello?) Razorback features, you guessed it, a giant razorback who terrroizes the Australian outback. While you rarely get to see the piglet, you do get a nice Mad Max feel, so that's not so bad.

Everyone loves fuzzy bunnies, right? Well what about a hundreds of fuzzy bunnies that are giant blood sucking, farm eating beasts? Still think those little pink nose monsters are cute? Night of the Lepus is a heartwarming story about giant mutated rabbits. You heard me right, giant, mutated rabbits. I'm not gonna bore you with the storyline, because basically there isn't one. The only thing you really need to know about this is giant mutated rabbits. If you look closely, they change size from scene to scene throughout that movie - and not smaller to bigger either.

So, ever been on a hunting trip up in Canada and ran across a giant chicken? No? Well, you don't know what you are missing! Let me tell you! Food of the Gods is a hysterical romp through a remote land with giant wasps, rats and chickens. It is delightfully bad, even by my standards but it did have me asking the question, when the killer chicken ate the human, "Did it taste just like chicken?"



Some may call these campy  movies, but I call them training films. Yep, everything I learned are from these movies. You might even say, my whole body is a weapon.


 

Feel Good Friday

Weallheartit.com

Who gets a gold star for making it to Friday? Well, I do. HA! Of course you wonderful people get a gold star too, with glitter edges. Oh yeah, cause I'm fancy like that.


Wanna know what else is fancy? This head. Well, that didn't come out like I had planned, but this felted bust is very cool.

You can make your own if you head over (ha! head over...I crack myself up) to The Handwork Studio. They have patterns for all kinds of felty goodness.

As summer winds down, I need to find an indoor activity to replace my hula hooping and swimming pool madness. I'm thinking line roller skating. It will be like line dancing only with roller skates. What? It could work! I've already got half my outfit planned out.

Via threadsdesign on flickr.

Totally unrelated to my line skating fantasy but I need these dishes.

DuPenny has a series of 1950's housewife plates. I'm pretty sure I need the pillows on their site too.

Well, it's time for me to get back to working on my skates. I'm going to the rodeo tomorrow and if I play my cards right, the big money Texans that are going to be there will snatch up my line skating idea and it will be the next big thing. What? It could totally happen.

Have a great weekend!

looseleashes.com

xoxox

I'm So Sorry....

AGHHH! I've been so bad! I know it's been a few days since I've been around. Luckily, it's not because I was stressed or sick. Monday I had cocktails with friends and Tuesday, well, Tuesday I was just too tired and Pheneas and Ferb were on. I'm addicted to that cartoon. I'm pretty sure it's all OMP's fault.

So, to make up for not writing, I'm giving you this sweet puppy.

Now doesn't that make it all better? No? Okay, how about this?

Now that man makes me very happy!  Holy hotcakes!

I hope you are having a cute puppy, handsome hotcakes kind of week because you deserve it!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Pete has a girlfriend and the girlfriend has a puppy and that puppy had  a birthday. Betty turned 1 year old this weekend and her mom, Tara, Pete's girlfriend, celebrated in style!

Happy Birthday Miss. Betty! From your first day...

To sneaking snacks in the kitchen...

You have developed into a woman of the world...

I can't wait to see what the future holds for Betty! I'm betting it will be more sneaky snacks, more sticks destroyed in the house and more snuggles with mom!

Oh wait, there is one more thing. Betty wants to remind everyone about adoption! She says it's a wonderful way to give a pup, kitty, rabbit, or bird a chance at a forever home. If you can't adopt, then please donate to your local shelter. Time, food, cash are always helpful!

Now, if you will excuse Betty, it's been a very busy weekend and she needs her beauty sleep.



You can see all the details of Betty's birthday on  Craftster and basically die from the cuteness!

Feel Good Friday!

via always censored on pinterst

I am surprised I'm not an action figure by now. Someone needs to get on that. While I'm on the phone with Mattel Toys, enjoy these awesome Friday goodies.

I know that it's still summer out there but I'm betting a lot of you are thinking of fall and winter. This embroidery is probably the most adorable clever piece ever. Septemberhouse is brilliant.

See these ladies? They are my buds and I get to see them in September. I heart them more than words can say. We talk almost every day, can say a certain word or phrase and crack up because it's some sort of inside joke. Close friends always make me feel good.

I really need a circus ring, like need it now! Oldgoldboutique.com has great jewelry at reasonable prices. I'll just take one of everything please.

It taste just like chicken...

Oh yeah! Get yer Friday on! Get out there and conquer the world but take a friend with you-conquering the world can get kind of lonely.

How to make a t-shirt rug using a hula hoop!

I have been dying to make a hula hoop rug out of old t-shirts. Ya know, I can't just hula hoop, I need something to lay on, I mean, Lola needs something to lay on.

Of course, I had to make a video. Cha Cha Check it out!

Tie One On Tuesday

Do you hear that? It's called silence...followed up by millions of mothers cheering. School is back in session for kids all around the world. It's Christmas in August! Let's all celebrate the return of the school year with some back to school cocktails.

Loved by college girls and moms alike, I give you the Green Apple Martin. It's like a jolly rancher but with a punch. Just like your 2nd grade crush.

Green Apple Martini
Cinnamon and sugar for rimming glass
5 tablespoons vodka
5 tablespoons sour-apple schnapps
5 tablespoons lemon juice
5 tablespoons lemon-lime soda (such as 7-Up or Sprite)
In a cocktail shaker filled with ice, combine vodka, schnapps, lemon juice and lemon-lime soda.
Cover and shake.
Dip rim edge of martini glasses in a shallow dish with 1/4-inch water, then in a shallow dish with 1/4-inch of equal parts sugar and cinnamon mixture.
Strain shaken mixture into glasses and serve.

Okay, fine, your kid is an overachiever. Big deal, what do you want? An award? Well too bad-you get a cocktail.

The Overachiever aka Teacher's Pet
1 1/2 oz blended whiskey
1/2 oz dry vermouth
1 tsp sweet vermouth
3 dashes bitters
Pour the whiskey, vermouth and bitters into an old-fashioned glass almost filled with ice cubes. Stir well. Garnish with a maraschino cherry and a slice of orange, and serve.

Sometimes you just don't have enough time to spend mixing up a cocktail. That's fine, you've got juice boxes right? Well, throw a little vodka in that juice box and viola'! You've got a super summer berry crush cocktail!

 Whoop! Whoop! Give those teachers a hug and kiss and thank them for taking little Timmy (or Tammy ) off your hands. Make sure those teachers have their shots, Timmy can be a biter. As for you, well, kick back, put your feet up on the table and enjoy the silence with your yummy beverage.

Salivating Saturday

It's been some time since I have posted any new recipes or treats so in order to make up for the absence, I'm posting not one, but TWO recipes. Oh yeah, they said it couldn't be done, but I did it and now I'm passing the flavor baton on to you.

I know I mention from time to time how much I love pinterest. I am always pinning the best recipes and I refuse to just let them sit there. This first dish is from Six Sister's Stuff. It's easy Hawaiian BBQ chicken. There was only one catch-I am not a fan of pineapple in my food-unless it's a cocktail or certain cakes. So, I tweaked the recipe a little bit and spiced it up.  Oh yeah, I renamed it, because it gives your belly a slap when you eat it!

Who's Your Mama Chicken
4-5 frozen chicken breast
1 jar of Soy Vey Island Teriayaki Sauce
1/2 to a whole jar of Stubb's honey BBQ sauce
1/2 to a whole jar of Stubb's original BBQ sauce (warning-this has kick to it)
Before turning on your crockpot, spray it with cooking spray so the sauce doesn't get all gummy and stick to the sides.
In a large bowl, combine all the sauces and mix together.
Throw frozen chicken in the crockpot and cover with the sauce.
Cook on high for 3 hours, or until chicken is done. If on low-cook for 4-6 hours
Take the cooked chicken from the crockpot and with two forks shred chicken
Put the shredded chicken back into the crockpot with the sauce, turn the crockpot off and let the chicken soak while the rice is being made ( I assume you all know how to make rice, right?).
Serve up the chicken over the rice and enjoy the goodness.

The left over chicken is great for burritos, BBQ sandwiches, tortas, nachos....OMP even made the suggestion of adding a little bit of Kahlua to sweeten the mix.

I knew I needed to make a dessert that would stand next to the awesome chicken I made. Well, I went back to pinterest and found the recipe. Once again, I tweaked the recipe a bit to make it my own. The original is from Sprinkle Bakes. I love coconut candy and when I saw how simple it was to make, I knew I had found my dessert for the night.

Coconut Ice
4 1/2 cups sweetened coconut
2 cups confectioners sugar
1 can condensed milk
1 tablespoon chocolate powder
Pink food coloring

Combine coconut and milk together, blend well with a fork.
Add one cup of sugar at a time and blend well.
Separate mixture into 3 bowl. The first bowl will be left white, the second bowl, add a few drops of pink dye and mix and the third bowl add the chocolate powder.
In a small baking pan, layer the three colors, spreading out the mixture.
Let it set up in the fridge for 2-3 hours, slice and store in a container. I put mind back in the fridge.

A couple things I would have changed again on this recipe. I would have shredded the coconut more to make it a bit more fine and I probably wouldn't have used as much chocolate powder, I would have started smaller and added more for taste. Also, don't leave it unwrapped in the fridge for too long-it will take on the taste of your fridge. You can also experiment with different flavorings for the three different colored layers.

I can not believe how awesome each of these recipes turned out. They will definitely be in heavy rotation at Casa de Pedersen!

Feel Good Friday

 via Kate Spade Tumblr.

It's Friday, doing my happy dance, Whoop! Whoop! Go Pam, get funky!

Could this embroidery be any sweeter? Onyxnox at Craftster stitch this up for her craft room. It makes me so happy.

Yesterday I posted 3 dog videos on Facebook. I was going to save this one for Sunday, but I just couldn't wait. The little head tilt reminds me of Pete. Warning-you will have happy tears.

Oh, you know it's true. southern food did save my soul and my marriage, cause OMP loves my southern cooking. Junk Gypsy has the best stuff for the rebel cowgirl in you. I think I will have one of everything please. Cowboys, rhinestones and sassy quotes-throw in dogs, a few cocktails and you have my life, or at least my dream world.

Kittens are very good at karate. It's a well known fact.

Oh my little cats and kittens, it's time for me to go out into the world and enjoy some sunshine! The pups and the pool are calling my name. I can't let either one of them down, can I? I knew you would understand.

 
Ever since happiness heard your name, it has been running through the streets trying to find you.

- Hafiz of Persia

When Crafting Goes Wrong

Ya know, sometimes the way I picture things in my head, it doesn't always work out that way. I had this image of this perfect little picture frame. I followed the directions to the letter and still came up with something that looks like a preschooler, who was high from a pixie stick binge, created.  I had been dying to make a cute fence inspired picture frame. It is suppose to look like this....

From Craftberry Bush

Instead, it turned out like this....

I'm not even going to show you the starfish I made.

Trival Pursuit, Kitty Style

Sunday Morning, the scene - OMP and and I sitting in our local diner waiting for our breakfast. Out pop the Tivial Pursuit cards:

OMP: What board game did Humphrey Bogart excel in?
Me: Monopoly!
Long pause....
OMP: Really?
Me: What? I bet he was really good at it.
Another long pause...
OMP? You're kidding right?
Me: I would think a man like Bogart would love Monopoly, and he was smart so I bet he had all the hotels and Park Place.
Another long pause...
OMP: Chess, he excelled at chess.
Me: Really? Hmmmm..would have never thought that. He doesn't seem like a chess man, maybe Life, or Risk but not chess.
OMP: We're done playing this game.

Tie One On Tuesday

Day three in the pool, OMP keeps telling me to get out, that I am beginning to grow gills, I tell him, that's not such a bad thing and demand another cocktail. Mama has to stay hydrated and I'm building a giant parasol from all the little parasols from my cocktails. See, I can be crafty in the pool.

I have also started demanding to see a drink menu, OMP isn't liking this too much either, I tell him if he makes my drink extra special, there will be a big tip for him. He brought me a menu.

So, let's see what the specials are at Casa de Pedersen (aka Rancho Relaxo):

The Manizer (Originally called the Womanizer, but since I've become a little demanding, OMP changed the name)

1/2 flute of champagne
1 quick dash of vanilla liqueur
1/2 flute of orange juice
Take a few pieces of crushed ice and place on the bottom of the flute, next pour in the champagne and the vanilla liqueur.
Top off with orange juice, add an umbrella and serve

A drink that is so refreshing, and probably one of the easiest in the world to make, is the Santo Libre. The best part about this drink, aside from the rum, is the name, it just rolls off the tongue.

Santo Libre
2 ounces white rum
1/4 ounce of fresh lime juice (you can add more to taste if you need)
5 ounces of 7-up or Sprite (I prefer 7-up, it's not as sweet and is more crisp)
Pour lime and rum in a glass filled with ice, add 7-up and serve.

Oh my goodness! I think OMP is trying to get me tipsy with fruity girl drinks. The last one is an easy cocktail too and it is fun to say! Woo! Woo!, I'm not just excited, that's the name of the cocktail.

Woo! Woo!
1 ounce vodka
1 ounce peach schnapps (I know this brings back memories of college)
4 ounces cran-raspberry juice
Mix all three ingredients in a shaker and pour over a glass with ice.

I love that OMP is catering to my poolside whims, I just wish he hadn't brought me a bill.

Pool Passion

I mentioned yesterday that we just got a pool. It's not the kind you can really swim in (unless you are a 12 pound Jack Russell) but you can have a nice soak after a long day. Although I can't dive or swim in it, that doesn't stop me from practicing my water ballet maneuvers. Who better to take lessons from than Esther Williams herself, so I pulled out a few of my favorite Williams movies and began practicing my moves.

Let's see, Bathing Beauty will definitely help with my leg kicks and splits, I'm sure of it! Esther and Red Skelton star in this delightful movie about a songwriter and a gym teacher in love but outside forces try to split them up. I'm still not sure how they got all of those wonderful costume changes and fancy lights in a school swimming pool, but hey, if they can do it-so can I.

Next up is Neptune's daughter. There are several reasons I picked this. 1-great bathing suit inspiration 2-Ricardo Montalbahn stars in it (KAHN!) and 3-the water ballet in this movie is to die for! Now, this movie isn't going to win any major awards for acting but it is silly and will take your mind off life for a little bit. Once again, Esther and Red team up and love is found, lost, and found again but this time, it involves an Oscar winning song, Baby It's Cold Outside.

Last up for my training videos, ummm, I mean entertaining films is Dangerous When Wet. Esther, plays a young woman who plans to swim the English Channel. And guess who her co-star in this movie, Fernando Lamas! I know! I squealed too! The absolute best part of this movie is her routine with cartoon cat and mouse, Tom and Jerry.
Okay, I think I have her moves down, I sent OMP out to set up the gel lights and the underwater cameras, Lola, Jujube and Pete are dressed up like spouting fountains and I am ready for my close up. I mean, I saw it in a movie once, I'm pretty sure I can pull it off.

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

This week has been pretty good to us, so we decided to splurge a little bit an buy a pool. It's not a very big pool but it's good for us to lounge around in. Pete and Jujube do not like the pool. Lola loves it! Well, she loves having me hold her so she can dangle her little paws in the water.

My arms were getting very tired of holding my little Lola Mae, so I got her this.

Now she can lay in her floaty while I lay back with and work on my tan. She loves this thing. Every day she has been barking at it, then at me, then at her floaty, until I pick her up and put her in for a little bit. She lays backs, demands a doggy cocktail, sunglasses and sunblock (she's doesn't want to burn her little pink belly). I love that she can be next to me in the pool. Now, if you'll excuse me, she is demanding I rub sunscreen on her back. Happy Scrappy Dog Summer!

Feel Good Friday

 Unfortunately, I do not know who this belongs to, it was on etsy and now it's taken down. So, if you did it-you're awesome.

My oh my! I have a lot to be happy about this week! I am just bursting with that feel good feeling. I bet I can make you happy too!

I just love this so much! Loveandasandwich posted this on Craftster and I squealed with delight. So stinking cute!

So many times I am looking for the perfect pattern, well, over at Craft Gossip, Denise has got me covered. Not only does she feature amazing artist but she also scours the internet for the cutest cross stitch and embroidery patterns around. I would definitely set aside several hours, once you start reading this blog, you will not stop. It's not just needlework but other crafts for you to swoon over.

I am in love with everything from this shop. Illustratedink's Day of the Dead illustrations and their paper dolls are just too rockin'. The colors are vivid and the style is definitely old school. I'll take one of everything, please!

Ducks and Geese are excellent at photobombing.

Yahoo! It's time to get out there and make the best of the day! Get your smile on and conquer the world! Have a great weekend!



Oh, you're welcome. 

Did That Just Move?

Looking at the things we collect, I often wonder...

Is this four foot tall Frankenstein going to eat me in my sleep or will the evil Krusty doll get me? Or the two foot tall Rat Finks? Hey did that just move.....

 Am I surly like a caveman or crazy like a luchador.

Naw, it's all good - I think I just need another Cocktail.

Tie One On Tuesday

It's been a few years since I have made Sangria, so I pulled out my old recipes and found some that I haven't had a chance to share with you. Shame on me!


Traditionally Sangria would be made with red wine but I'm gonna lighten it up a little bit with white wine. I know, I know...white wine isn't exactly loved by everyone but c'mon-give it a chance. It's not like I'm pouring it out of a box.

White Wine Sangria

1/2 cup peach schnapps

1/2 cup cognac

1/4 cup white sugar

4 oranges, sliced into rounds

2 mangos, peeled and sliced

1 pint of strawberries

4 (750 milliliter) bottles dry white wine,chilled

1 liter ginger ale, chilled

In a pitcher, combine peach schnapps, cognac, sugar, sliced oranges, strawberries (can be whole or sliced) and sliced mangos. Chill for at least an hour.
Pour fruit mixture into a large punch bowl. Stir in white wine and ginger ale.

If you aren't into super sweet how about tart and spicy? Oh my! I think I just described half of my friends (you know who you are!) This recipe is from Allrecipes.com and looks pretty labor intensive but believe me, it's worth the work.

Cranberry Sangria
1 cup white sugar
4 cranberry-flavored tea bags
4 slices fresh lemon
6 whole cloves
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg

1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
1 1/2 cups water
2 bottles white wine
4 apples, cored and cut into chunks
1 1/2 cups dried cranberries
2 ounces apple brandy
Place the sugar, tea bags, lemon slices, cloves, cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, and water into a saucepan, and stir until the sugar has dissolved. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and simmer for 10 minutes. Remove from heat and let mixture cool. Strain out and discard the spices, lemon, and tea bags
Pour the white wine into a large jar or covered container, and mix with the tea mixture. Stir in apples and cranberries; mix in the apple brandy. Chill in refrigerator 24 to 48 hours. Serve cold.

Let's say that you want something non-alcoholic for your younger and sober friends. Well, I have you covered there too. 

Non-alcoholic Sangria
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup orange juice
1/2 fresh lemon, sliced
1/2 fresh orange, sliced
1 sm. apple or peach, cut into wedges
4 cups club soda or seltzer water
4 cups grape juice
In large pitcher, combine orange juice, sugar, and grape juice. Add cut fruit and stir until sugar is dissolved. Refrigerate until cool and add seltzer water or club soda just before serving.

Okay my little cocktail kiddies-go mix up a pitcher of sangria and bring it  to mama-I'm laying by the pool and my glass is empty. Thanks, darlings!

It's A Small World

I have a confession to make (yes another one) , I like Disney movies. There, I said it. Don't judge! You know there are one or two that you like. Yes, I know, I've heard all the talk about Disney movies-they are unrealistic, their portrayal of women is less than stellar...blah, blah, blah. The way I think about it,  there are a lot worse things your kid could be watching, trust me on that one. So, Disney wants to take over the world, they can go right ahead as long as they fork over those yummy Mickey ice creams and overgrown turkey legs.

I first fell in love with Disney when I saw Snow White. I remember how beautiful the animation was and how I really wanted her hair and dress. This movie is Disney animation at it's pinnacle. The colors, the movement-everything about it is breathtaking. When Snow White sings about her prince coming, I don't read in that she needs a man to complete her, she just wants some loving and doesn't everyone want that?

Another one of my favorite animated films from Disney is Fantasia. Once again, the animation is breathtaking and each piece of music shows off a different style of art work. From the playful (alligators and hippos in Tutu's) to the down right scary (Night on Bald Mountain). You are swept away with incredible music with animated interpretations that only Disney and his creative force could come up with.

I remember going to the theater and seeing Jungle Book. It sparked my love for the Latin feel of Louie Prima. Why, just a few days ago, I was singing I Wanna Be Like You from this wonderful movie. Delightful characters, silly songs and Louie Prima as King Louie, you can not go wrong. I loved that the snake could hypnotize everyone. I have tried his technique on numerous occasions but it hasn't worked - YET. 

There really is a Disney movie for everyone, young and old. From Bambi to Toy Story-there is something that will tickle your funny bone and leave a smile on your face.