Max the Great

Max is a common name for a dog, but Max is not a common dog. Well after all he is a Golden Retriever, which is a common dog, but the essence of Max is not common. Redundant much? Ha.

This is our ferocious Max. See how he is completely alert to any threatening danger? No? Me either. Since the weather has been so nice outside, I have kept the windows open during the day. He just sits there taking in the moment, the breeze, and quietly guards our home sweet home. When an animal or person walks by he growls a bit, and maybe barks a time or two. He really is a sweet dog, I promise.

Look how precious he is laying his sweet little head on the window sill! He didn't know I was standing there, he doesn't like his picture taken. 

This right here is what life is all about. Life in this moment cannot get any better than this, unless I was eating chocolate... Do you see how Max has become Max the Great? 

Max and Aiden are 6 months apart in age. Don't ask me what I was thinking when I decided to get him when I already had an infant. Nevertheless, it has been worth it. Aiden and Max are the best of friends. It looks like Max already loves Ava too! 

It's Beginning to Smell a Lot Like the Holidays

Let me tell you somethin'! My house smells AMAZING!! This is something that you can do any time of the year. But for some reason, I only think of this when October rolls around. Go figure.

I know what you are thinking right now, "What is that?!" It might look like something that a grizzly regurgitated, but it sure doesn't smell like it. The best thing about this, other than the smell, is that you probably already have these items on hand. 

You can customize this really any way that you want. The "recipe" my mother showed me years ago was just some water, and a couple tablespoons of ground cinnamon. I had an epiphany the other day, and realized that I could customize the scent. I am so proud of myself for thinking outside of the box, or saucepan.  In this case I used:

2 cups water

2 tblpsns ground cinnamon

1 tspn ground nutmeg

1 tspn ground cloves or 5 whole cloves

2 tspns vanilla extract

Just mix it all together in a saucepan, and turn the stove on low and just let it sit. Of course check it from time to time, because the water level will decrease. If it gets too low just add some more water. 

There are so many different ways that you can customize your scent. Aren't you excited? You should be! You can add apple or citrus slices, herbs like rosemary or mint, and a variety of extracts like peppermint, coconut, and almond. The possibilities are endless!!! 

Let me know how it turns out! I would love to hear from you!

I have a confession...

I have a confession to make. I am quite sure a good bit of you suffer from the same affliction. I. Am. A. Food lover. Ok I said it. Whew! That felt good getting it off my chest. Actually, any of you who know me, know this fact well. I have recently become obsessed with trying new recipes, and then taking pictures of them. Being that I have mush for brains half of the time, I make the recipe, marvel at it, and then EAT it! After I am full as a tick on a hound's neck, I realize that I forgot to take the picture.

Homemade pancakes... I was feelin' the love that morning.

Omelet with onions and peppers topped with cheese and salsa. If you like it spicy add some sriracha. Yum!

Chicken n dumplings. 'Nuf said.

Beef enchilaaaaadas and mexican rice dude (in my Cheech Marin voice)!

These are the few recent recipes I have made AND took pictures, before I devoured them! More to come...