Seriously, it seems like each year flies by faster than the last. I think that's just a side effect of getting older.
The last six months have been a little crazy at my day job, but it has been a good crazy. I was promoted and that means additional responsibilities. Because of that I feel like I've been off my blog game. Almost like baker's block.
Don't worry - I'm not going anywhere. I still need and love this creative outlet. But I feel like I need to get organized and find a way to juggle it all.
I'm a big planner and without a plan things don't happen so I'm going to take the month of January to get organized. Plan posts, think through my social media and lay out the next 12 months.
But before I break, I had to share a few family pictures with you. Over Thanksgiving we took family pictures at my parent's house. My wedding was the last time we had professional photos so I was excited to get some new shots. I love this shot of us on the tree lined driveway.
As you already know from Instagram, #ThatDoggieHenry is a pretty big deal in my book. That unconditional love of a pet is just perfection. I want to keep him healthy and happy for many many years.
Henry is a 3 1/2 year old French Brittany with a TON of energy that needs to be burned off each day. That usually happens with a walk around our neighborhood or a very long game of fetch in the family room or backyard.
I'm writing this post from the beach in Playa Del Carmen, Mexico. This is the first big trip Jacob and I have taken since we got married. We're into day 2 and we are very relaxed.
While we're on vacay Henry is on his own vacay at the Pet Ranch - we like to call it his spa vacation. We are so lucky to have such a great place to leave him and know that he's in great hands.
So I've dubbed today Henry day and I'm sharing some Henry Approved treats that you need to buy for your tough pup.
2 things to know about Henry:
Henry will eat anything once but won't beg for a yucky treat.
Henry will destroy anything so we have to have indestructible toys.
June was an exciting and busy month! Here's a little recap...
Family Vacation
Our family vacation was to Table Rock Lake outside of Branson, MO. While it rained everyday we were there, it was a very nice relaxing week. We swam almost every day, slept in and laughed a lot.
Now, the count down to our next vacation in September is on. I highly recommend always having a vacation booked - having something to look forward to just makes going to work that much easier.
Container Store
I got to go to a special blogger preview at our new Container Store. I drive by the new store everyday and I've been watching the construction closely. I was so excited for a sneak peek and it was everything I'd hoped for and more!
They told us a little bit about the company and what makes them different. Then we got a tour of the store. And, I've been 3 times since they opened June 27....it's dangerous.
Chewy Goodies
Henry's dreams came true. Henry and I are now part of the Chewy blogger family. What does this mean? It means that from time to time Henry will get special treats from Chewy and I'll share his (and my) honest feedback. It might be on the blog or on my social media channels.
Last month Henry tried the Natural Balance Dental Dog chews. They are larger than his normal treats so they take a little longer to eat. But once he was done with one he begged for another.
Henry pretty much destroys any toy we give him so he gets a lot of Nylabones (they last forever) and Kong toys. This KONG Squeezz Ball with Handle held up really well. Here's his initial reaction. He did start to tear apart the rope pretty quickly so after a few days we cut off the handle. The result - his most favorite squeaky ball ever. He's been playing fetch with it everyday since. And, when we don't want to play I get this face.
Kangaroo Knife Fight/Kongos
Kansas City is the best. There is always so many things to do and I know I don't take full advantage like I should. But, we did go to a free concert at Kansas City Live in the Power and Light District. It wasn't just any band - it was Kangaroo Knife Fight and they opened for Kongos. My fiend Laura's boyfriend is the guitarist for KKF. They have been playing all over Kansas City. You guys have to listen to them on iTunes and/or Spotify. They are great. It was such a fun night.
Well that was June. July's off to a fun start too. What have you been up to?
This shop is part of a social shopper marketing insight campaign with Pollinate Media Group® and Purina One, but all my opinions are my own. #pmedia #ONEDifference http://my-disclosur.es/OBsstV
By now you all know I'm a pretty big fan of our French Brittany, Henry. He's 2 1/2 years old and just finally started to leave that puppy stage, however, he is still full of energy and sometimes a P in the A. (Just kidding, mostly.)
His breed is known for their bird hunting skills. His whole demeanor changes when he's hunting; nose to the ground, high alert, and all serious. But at home, he wants to be by your side, constantly, chewing bones, playing fetch, and getting his ears rubbed.
I'm a little biased, but I think Henry's pretty darn cute. His coloring and many expressions just melt my heart. He really does bring so much joy to our lives. I can't wait to see that bright smile when I get home from a long day at work.
1. I've been spending more time on Google+ and I'm really liking it! It's nice to actually see posts from the people you follow and have in circles. What about you? Comment with your Google+ Link; I'd love to build up my circles!
I'm pretty happy it's the weekend. Jacob doesn't work so we think we'll take advantage of the nice weather and do something outside with our crazy pups. What do you have planned?
Most of you know that I'm a pretty big fan of our doggie,
Henry. I mean, look at him, he's kinda cute.
Henry is a French Brittney and, as the breeder says, an
angel in the house and a demon in the field.
We’re getting closer to the ‘angel’ status but he’s still a puppy. Jacob does a lot of training with Henry to
make him a good bird dog for pheasant season.
And I just love on him and try not to undo the training that Jacob does.
As he’s gotten a little older he is much more expressive. I swear when we are playing he is grinning
from ear to ear. But when we say the
word ‘errands’ he puts on the sad face. This
means that mom and dad have to run errands and he has to go to his kennel for a
nap. (He has a LARGE kennel and does love it but he just doesn’t want to leave
our side; another characteristic of French Brittney’s.) Here is the ‘errands’ talk in action…
The opposite side of the coin – here is Henry showing us his
love for sprinklers….
I’m really not sure why I haven’t made him homemade dog
treats until now. But I’m glad I did! I have at least 10 other recipes that I can’t
wait to try so I hope you don’t mind me mixing in doggie treats with human
treats. J
Biggest win – Jacob came home and popped one of these in his
mouth thinking it was just a cookie. I
was crying from laughing so hard. But
then again, it is just flour, peanut butter, baking powder and milk so all
things we would eat. Still it was funny
and classic Jake.
Henry was a pretty big fan of these treats. I didn’t over bake so they were a little
soft. So after he came to terms with that
he was a fan. The peanut butter smell is
delightful and so much better than store bought treats!
Here is Henry’s reaction….
He's a fan.
Peanut Butter Dog Treats
From Bullwrinkle.com
2 cups whole-wheat flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1 cup peanut butter (chuncky or smooth, natural)
1 cup low-fat milk
Variety of cookie cutters
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Line cookie sheets with parchment paper and set aside.
In a small bowl, whisk together the flour and baking powder.
In a medium bowl, whisk together the peanut butter and milk. Slowly add in flour mixture and mix well.
Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and use a cookie cutter to cut into shapes.
Bake for 12-20 minutes, depending on cookie size, until light brown. Cool on a wire rack, then store in an airtight container.
