Its Raining......In the Kitchen

It has been raining pretty intense for the last 3 days here in Northern California, which is good the area needed it. We were spoiled with the first 2 weeks of January being at or above 60 degrees. It was awesome! Last night while we were hanging out watching TV I could hear what sounded like running water coming from the kitchen. I thought oh no I left the faucet on! BUT when I went into the kitchen I saw that it was Raining In the Kitchen!! I was shocked to see a dime size hole in the ceiling and a ton of rain steaming down onto the wood floors. I had to quickly find a bucket to catch the rain and clean up the water all over the place. My husband asked what was going on I told him nothing really its just Raining in the Kitchen lol.

So now I need to get a tarp up there until this weather dries out to get it looked at but the positive person I am knows it could be worse and to be thankfully there is a roof over my head even if it does leak.

My 3 New Years Resolutions and How I'm Doing So Far

I'm one of those people who make New Years resolutions every year. Most of the time I have a hard time keeping them because they aren't really very practical. I tend to aim too high and then beat myself up because I've failed.

So this year I decided to make three resolutions that I felt were truly doable if I worked hard on them. I'm finding that effort really does pay off in results. Here are my three resolutions and how I'm doing so far.

1. Get Tech Savvy.

Computers, iphones, cameras, all of it. I am so tired of not feeling "with it" !! My adult children have such an ease in using technology these days, and I am so far behind in navigating this new world. When the eye rolling and muffled laughs that came in response to my endless questions of "How do you do that?" became too much, I decided I need to start learning. It hasn't been easy, but I am starting to understand more and more. I bought myself a new camera, read the instruction book, and I know how to use it! I have a lot more to learn, but slowly and surely, I will get there. So yes, I'm keeping this resolution. Go me!

2. Go For A Walk Everyday.

Walking is one of the best things that we can do for ourselves. It's good for the body and the mind. I started the new year walking a little each day. I didn't get very far, but some of it was uphill so that was good. I have a great pair of walking shoes and there really isn't any reasons for excuses. But then we got hit by a big snow storm last week and that was the perfect excuse! I couldn't walk in a snow storm, right?

I do intend (I think) to start walking again after all the snow is gone. So as far as keeping this resolution? Sad to say, no I haven't.

3. Stop Eating Sweets

I think this one is the hardest one of all! My family had so many treats and goodies and cookies and candies this year at Christmas time. And pies and cakes and a Gingerbread house... Of course I made fudge, too. I've really been indulging my love of sweets for the last couple of months but I knew it was time to stop. I've lost thirty pounds in the last six months and didn't want to see any of it come back. Have I stopped eating sweets? Yes, for the most part I have. I just don't have them around or don't bake any. If I don't see them, I don't eat them. I have been drinking more tea with a splash of flavored coffee creamer and that seems to help with any cravings I might have. I'd say I'm doing pretty well keeping this resolution. But I am a little worried about Valentines Day and all that chocolate that comes with it!

So have you kept your New Years resolutions or are you struggling? The great thing is that we don't have to wait for a new year to be a better us. Each new day has the power to make us a better person. All we can do is try.

Mr. Chewy Website Review Shopping for Dog Food and Treats

Shopping for dog food can sometimes be a literal pain in the back lol. With a toddler and myself shopping I often cant even lift the dog food bag into the cart without asking someone to help. Plus when we go down the dog aisle my son wants to hold and keep all the dog toys we see. Many times I even find myself going to the store for just dog food, that its not a time saver or good on my gas budget.

I have often thought of shopping online for dog food but was not sure which site to pick for a good price and dependable customer service. I really do need to shop from a place that the people are nice. We all work hard for our money and I think its great to spend it at a store where the customer service is great. I found Mr. Chewy and his staff  to be great!

My order from MrChewy.com

My lab eats a ton of food. She is a little piggy more than a dog sometimes. I wanted to make sure I could buy her a big bag online and not have to pay a bunch with shipping. Thankfully with Mr.Chewy.com you get free shipping on your order over $49.

For my order I wanted to buy the regular items I would get for my dog in the store. Regular dog food, dog treats and a bone. I also found a dog food I have not seen in the stores, it had a picture of my dog on it so I had to buy it!

For my lab's regular Dog Food I like to buy her dry food. I think it helps her teeth more than wet food. Plus her tummy. Pedigree is well priced and a brand I trust. She seems to like it too.

Before my son was born I would buy Eukanuba, its expensive, this one I wanted to give the dog for extra nutrition. She is getting a little older so i add a bit of this to her bowl daily. She is a black lab so I was somewhat a sucker for the cute dog on the bag that is breed specific.

I liked to buy her Dog Treats when I buy the food too. That way I can budget her treats to be used the length her food lasts. My dog LOVES Milk-Bone so I always make sure to get her a box anytime I buy food. She also likes bones with a bit of meat on them to chew on. She gets these as a special treat a few times a year. We got her this one as an early Valentines Day gift, since we do love our pup!

Its small that she can enjoy it and its a great price. The bigger ones she does not enjoy as much.

MrChewy.com carries all the well known pet food brands for dogs and cats. Even potty pads, kitty litter and flea and tick supplies. Its a one stop online shop! I love that I ordered it then it showed up at my door. Easy peasy!

As soon as my son gave her the new bone she went to the yard and happily chewed it for hours.

My dog was making me laugh she would not wait for me to put her food into her bin she ate right from it!

You can save time, money and have a happy pet too by shopping at Mr.Chewy.com like we did. You can be a fan of Mr. Chewy on facebook to stay up to date on sales and discounts.

*I was not paid or compensated for this post. The opinions in this post are 100% mine. I was provided the products mentioned in this post to review for this post by the Company / PR Company.

A tasty hot soup recipe for a cold winter day

January is National Soup Month. Did you know that? I think bringing attention to soup is a great idea. Hot soup is one of the most delicious things you can eat at this time of the year.

We have been hit with a big snow storm up here in Seattle the last few days, so it is definitely time to make a yummy pot of soup. I love cooked carrots, so this is one of my favorite recipes and it is so simple to make.

This recipe is from Alice Waters. It is in her wonderful cookbook called The Art Of Simple Food. I adore Alice Waters and have been a fan of hers for many years. Alice is a true advocate and teacher as she shows us we can eat locally, seasonally, and simply. Her philosophy is that if you start with the best quality ingredients available, even the simplest dish can taste extraordinary.

This is the recipe for Carrot Soup.

Melt in a heavy bottomed pot:

4 tablespoons (1/2 stick) butter

Add:

2 medium onions, sliced

1 thyme sprig

Cook over medium-low heat until tender, about 10 minutes. Add:

2 1/2 pounds carrots, peeled and sliced (about 6 cups)

Season with salt.

Cook for 5 minutes. Cooking the carrots with the onions for a while builds flavor. Add:

6 cups good quality broth (homemade if available)

Bring to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer until the carrots are tender, about 30 minutes. When done, season with salt to taste, and puree if desired.

You can also add other ingredients such as a can of chopped tomatoes, corn or rice. I always add a spoonful of sour creme and fresh herbs just before serving. With the addition of a simple salad and a good hearty bread , this can be a delicious dinner on a cold winter night.

Happy National Soup Month!

1 month already?

Miss Ashley 1 month old, her cheeks are really filling out!

Time is flying.... I cannot believe that Miss Ashley is already 1 month old. WOW! This little girl has enriched our lives so much in just one short month. She is so sweet and so stinking cute!! We love her. Now excuse me while I go snuggle this baby girl before I blink and she is 16! Haha