Tie One On Tuesday

Remember when it was totally acceptable to give your neighbor, coworker or boss a bottle of alcohol for Christmas? I remember my parents going to the liquor store and buying a nice bottle of whiskey for our neighbor every year. I wonder why people don't do that anymore. How did we get away from the prestige of home bars to drinking our wine out of jelly glasses? (it's not hip or ironic-it's kind of embarrassing) I say we bring back the pageantry of the home bar with these little goodies.

Remember that neighbor I was just talking about? The one that loved whiskey? Well, for the whiskey lover in your life, why not surprise them with these whiskey stones. The stones are non porous soapstone that you put in the freezer then pop in your glass. The wonderful thing about these stones is that it won't diffuse the whiskey. The last sip across your lips will taste just as sweet as the first.


I swear by the Rabbit corkscrew. It is the best invention in the world of wine. A good one can be a bit expensive but trust me, it is worth it.

When I found these handpainted pilsner and martini glasses, I squealed with delight. They are SOOO cool. I would never drink out of them but how great are they for a conversation piece in your homebar.

These are just a few ideas for your bar loving, whiskey swigging friends and family. Turn up that Dean Martin Christmas album, shake that cocktail and serve up your best holiday cheer. It's time to bring back the holiday happy hour.

Helping Hank

 Normally, Mondays are my movie days with you but this Monday is all about Hank and how you can help him for the next few hours (until midnight tonight).

I am stealing this from my friend Krissi's blog page so you will have the 411 on Hank.

To all my friends who love animals (as well as music and lifting heavy things)...Allyson Seconds was my first trainer at BodyTribe and she rescues animals. In fact, she was late to our first session because she was rescuing a squirrel. Her most recent rescue (that I know of) is Hank, a very sweet black lab whom she has had for about a year. He has come down with Leptospirosis, and has had some vet bills this past week that are tough for Al to handle. Her other dog, Lulu (also a rescue) had two vet incidents this month too, and Al makes her living making music and making people strong, so her financies are limited. There are a couple of ways to help. You can buy something (and support a local artist) from Krissi Sandvik through Monday, or donate directly to Al via PayPal. See both options here: http://krissisandvik.blogspot.com/2011/11/hank-dog-and-sale-update.html

Just think of it, you can get some great art and help a great cause! How cool would you be? People dig kind hearts. It's true. As an added bonus, if you help, I'll give you a hug next time I see you. That should be incentive right there. A hug and helping out. They might make you a saint.

Remember, you have until midnight tonight, so get on it!  

Happy Thanksgiving!

 Happy Thanksgiving to all of my wonderful family and friends. Without you, I would be nothing.  I am so thankful for all aspects of my life, even the rough spots-for without those, would I truly know the meaning of life,the meaning of friendship and the meaning of a smile? I don't think so. Just in this year, I have been through so much, both happiness and sadness, triumph and tragedy and the one thing that has remained constant is love. When it comes to the end of the day, and I count my blessing, I count each of you, for all of you are a blessing in my life, a giggle across my lips and a warmth that surrounds me.

Much love, peace and lots and lots of pie on this holiday. I hope your belly is full of yummy goodness and your heart heavy with the abundance of happiness.

31 More Days!

Oh my GAWWWDDDDD! 31 more days! I can't believe it! Now,  I'm not gonna get into the whole Black Friday thing because really, do you need to get up early to get that glow in the dark chia pet? No you do not! You need to get online and support your indie artist!

One of my favorite saucy stitchy artist is Schnidermania. She is sweet and yet very naughty! What a combo! Her pillows are just stunning.  Guess what? She also just launched a new line of hankies. Did I hear you squeal with delight? I thought so! (there are a few NSFW images, so it might not be a great idea to have your six year old on your lap while cruising around)

I would love to give this one up but you'll have to pry it from my cold dead hand. Can you figure out what it says? Hee hee!

My friend over at Bubble Off Plumb Production Inc. rocks my socks! She makes creepy zombie teeth, voodoo varmints and cute dog collar cozies. I really think I need to get the pups some collar cozies. They are reversible and washable, which is good if you have a drooler. Don't you want your pup to be stylin' and profilin', if you said no,  then what kind of parent are you. Shame on you! I demand that you go and buy a cozie now-your dog demands it.

Don't have a dog, then get a voodoo varmint to ward off what ails ya. Right now, I think I need this.

So, skip those big box stores and support your local and indie artist and shops. It will add lots of goodness to your karma bank. Can you really buy this kind of love at Walmart-I didn't think so.

I'm Thankful For...

To kick off the Thanksgiving week festivities, I decided to list a few movie related items I am thankful for.


I am thankful for Carmen Miranda.

I know what you are thinking, Pam, really? Carmen Miranda? Yep. She is sassy, had great jewelry and could dance her butt off in 5 inch high platform shoes. Plus, she was hysterical!  When Carmen was on Broadway, she insisted that her back up band be Brazilian, to keep her music authentic. In  movies such as A Weekend in Havana, Something for the Boys and The Gangs All Here, she showcased her singing, acting and comedic abilities as well as supporting the US Troops by asking theater patrons to buy war bonds.


I am thankful for the new Muppet Movie

Whoa! Where did that one come from? Yes, I am thankful for a new Muppet movie. I just can't wait to see the gang back together and reconnect with my childhood heroes, Kermit and Ms. Piggy. I'm not 100% sure what this movie is about, but who cares! It's the MUPPETS!

Last, I'm thankful for Sam Elliott.

I really do not need to elaborate here, do I people? Sam Elliott, c'mon....

Yep, just a few things I'm thankful for. I'm sure I could think of a million more , but I have to check on my turkey. The pups have began circling it. 

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Last weekend we took the dogs to the beach. It was Pete's first time, he was a happy dog!

 

Did I mention he was happy? The blue blur...that's Pete, jumping for joy.

To the girls, the beach is old hat, but that doesn't mean they don't love it.

Did I mention Pete loves the beach?

Did I mention that I love OMP?

 

Even after a day on the beach, Lola looks as beautiful as ever. I wonder what her secret is?

Feel Good Friday!

 Courtesy of Neil Van Neirkirk. Please check out his site and other pictures.

Whew! Am I ever glad Friday is here. Seriously guys! I am ready for some relaxation this weekend!

I've been hearing about snow all around my neck of the woods, of course in my area I just see rain. C'mon snow gods! Show me some love! I'm not asking for a blizzard, just one little flake.

Maybe if I ask Iamdesigns' winter queen for some snow she will grant me one little snowflake.

Hmph! That doesn't seem to be working either. Maybe I'll just head over to Martha's website and make my own snowflakes.

I think you know the real reason I want it to snow. How cute would I look in the coat? I may even need to get Lola and Jujube a matching one.

Well, it doesn't look like my wishing for snow is going to work, so I guess I will just have to head up to Mt. Hood and get my fix and by fix I mean, sit at Timberline Lodge, drink some hot chocolate and watch it snow. Have a fab weekend no matter what you do-I hope it includes some form of chocolate, snuggling and cute red coats.

PS-Silencer, the Christmas dog came from lowes.com

Do something today that your future self will thank you for.

~GustoNYC

A Little Stitching Cheer

It's been awhile since I've posted any patterns and I thought the holiday season would be the perfect time. These would go great on guest towels or as ornaments.

I posted these awhile back, but they are so cute, they need to be revisted.

38 More Days!

Only 38 more days until Christmas! AGGGGGHHHHHHH! I'm not ready!

I have featured RackyRoad several times before but I just can't help going back to her over and over again. She makes the best stuff EVER! She just put up some Christmas tins and I know I need that circus elephant.  He's carrying a present! The cuteness is killing me! You better get your order in before I do!

Let me tell you why I love Krissi aka Skelekitty so much. 1-Hello! She's adorable! 2- Three words...Jack Russell Terrier. 3-She makes great art! Her artwork incorporates vibrant colors with Day of the Dead images. She does custom work but you can also get one of her awesome pendants or prints to satisfy your Skelekitty needs.

Goodness me! Aren't these ladies just FAB-U-LOUS? Seriously! I'll take one of everything please! I better get my shopping on before all the goodies are gone.

Tie One On Tuesday

Oh my sweet babes! My modem went out last week and I have been without the internet for a few days. While I'm sure in the long run, it's a good thing, in the short run, I was having withdraws! To celebrate my new modem and Pete's first beach trip (which will be discussed at a later date) I give you celebration cocktails!

First to celebrate Pete's beach trip, I give you the Jagged Reef. Have you ever been to the Oregon coast? It's not a beach, it's a coast... jagged, harsh coast. People say you can swim in the ocean and OMP surfed there when he was YMP(young man Pedersen), but I don't buy it.  Anyhoo....here's the Jagged Reef and it's much better than the cold Oregon ocean.


Jagged Reef
1 ounce gin
1/2 ounce Cointreau
dash of bitters
a dash of blue Curaçao
scoop of vanilla ice cream
Add ingredients in a cocktail shaker, shake it like a Polaroid picture and serve!    

While trying to figure out why and how my modem died, I finally resorted to making a game of it. Every time the tech person told me to reboot my computer, I took a shot. Tech person, this is for you!

Tech Support Shot
1/2 ounce cognac
1/2 ounce raspberry vodka
splash of grenadine 
splash of red bull
Throw everything into a shot glass and bottoms up. Trust me, it will help you more than tech support could. (except for the tech support last night, they rocked my socks!-shout out to Veronica and Joe!)



Whew! So much celebrating can be exhausting! I need to sit down and rest, plus OMP is eating the last of the smoked salmon. I need to get in there before it's all gone! Bottoms up! 
 

Feel Good Friday!

Yahoo! It's Friday! Time for get my dancing shoes on! While I practice my tap dancing, enjoy these extra special feel goods.

I am in love with this idea! A big cross stitch for your walls? How fab is that? Jessica Decker rocks the oversized cross stitch! Check out her blog and shop for other amazing things.

And while we are on the subject of awesome blogs, InspireCo. has a great blog and they just came out with their online magazine for the season. I can not wait to check out all the beautiful crafts.

I wonder if they make this in a Jack Russell or Min Pin, aww...who cares, I still want one even if they don't.

Oh my goodness! Look at the time! I need to get out of here and enjoy the weekend! The leaves are just screaming at me to jump in! Can't you hear them....Pam! Jump in the pile! It will be fun! Have a great weekend, stay warm and cuddled up, unless the leaf pile is calling you too.

Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.

~Albert Camas

She's Crafty!

Man! Have I been busy crafting! For our Thanksgiving table I decoupaged these pumpkins. Check out the video.

And if that's not enough for you, I finished my Halloween sampler, granted it's a few weeks late, but really...isn't every day Halloween?

Now on to Christmas crafting...let the glitter fly!

45 More Shopping Days

Are you panicking yet? 45 more shopping days until Christmas! Now I know what you are thinking, "Pam, it's not even Thanksgiving yet-give me a break." Well my little vittles, you need to get on it now if you want to order from your favorite artist and get your package in enough time.


Each Wednesday, I will be featuring my favorite artist and their shops just for you. Think of me as your personal shopper.

If you have ever been on Craftster, then you know Helen's work. Her mosiacs and glass pieces are absolutely breathtaking! Well guess what-she's opened up a shop and now you can purchase your very own piece of artwork. Check out her shop HRSGriffin. There are different price ranges so everyone can enjoy her work.

This has to be one of my favorite pieces from her. Head over there now, while you still have time! I'm sure everything will go fast!

Speaking of wonderful glass pieces, Lily Loves Bernie has some great rose pendants that are too die for. If that's not your thing, check out her excellent selection of vintage clothing. She has it all! You know you need a new dress for that Office Christmas party!

Are you drooling yet? Want to do something good for the economy and not buy at those big stores? Well, check out these two amazingly talented ladies!

Don't forget to stay tune for next week's installment and see what lovely treasures I have for you!

Kiss the Cook

Wanna know what I love, I mean besides OMP and the pups and of course all of you? I love cooking and baking. I've just "discovered" it and I absolutely love it and I must say, I'm pretty good at it. There is nothing better than a home cooked meal, unless it's a home cooked meal with a home cooked movie.

One of my favorite cooking movies also happens to be an excellent Christmas movie. Christmas in Connecticut stars Barbara Stanwyck as a journalist who claims that she can cook, farm and be the perfect housewife. In reality, she is single, can cook to save her soul and doesn't even know what a farm looks like. This movie is light hearted and perfect for a first date movie night. Watching this movie will definitely break the ice when you come clean about your own cooking skills.

Did I ever tell you how much I love Johnny Depp? ME-OW! Chocolat is one of my favorite Johnny Depp movies. It's romantic, inspiring, beautiful and I can literally smell the chocolate Juliette Binoche cooks up. A single mother, Johnny Depp, chocolate. Oh, I think you know where this one goes.

Babette's Feast is wonderful. It was originally a story in a women's magazine in the 1950's. It is a story of beauty, giving and love. Set in a small remote town in Denmark, two sisters live with their elderly father and take in Babette. Sharing her good fortune with others, Babette decides to make a feast for her friends. Warmth abounds in this breathtaking film.

These yummy movies will warm your heart and soul as that fabulous dish you created warms your belly.

PS-if your baking plans involve cookies, I'm a really good test taster!

Scrappy Dog Sunday!

Dinner time is a special time at Casa de Pedersen, let's take a look....




That little black blur jumping, that's the man around town, Pete. I'm pretty sure he missed his calling as a circus pup.

A Very Special Feel Good Friday

Today is a very special day for me. Five years ago I married my hero, my knight in shining armor, the notorious OMP. We have been through a lot of highs and lows in our marriage, but we have managed to hold eachother, rely on our love and kick adversity's butt! I can not imagine a single day without OMP. I cherish every ounce of him (especially that cute butt!).

Thank you, Mark, for making my life complete, for loving me unconditionally and giving me a life that is only possible in fairytales. I will now and forever, remain your dear wife.

I'm Still Standing!

Wanna know what chaps my hide? Sand...HA HA HA! I am so funny, but seriously, what chaps my hide is work and life getting in the way of me spending time with you! I haven't forgotten about everyone, really, I haven't!


Work has been kicking my butt and not in the good way. I come home and I just want to sit and eat left over Halloween candy. What? Don't judge!

Speaking of Halloween, I had a fantastic time at not one, but two parties! Oh yeah! I was a tightrope walker and OMP was a Mexican wrestler, in his casual attire. That tutu and hat, it's never coming off, I am going to wear it for every occasion. 

Now don't fret and think that I'm going away! I have lots more in store for you over the coming months. Just buckle up and enjoy the ride!