playing fort

In case you didn't get your fill of puppy news yesterday, I thought I would let you know Winston and Franklin have discovered a new place to snuggle.

(The space between the daybed and the trundle bed, in case the picture is not clear)

Once I realized they were lounging under there I thought for sure I had found the hiding place of the 2 missing bones (they have hid 2 bones around the house since Christmas that I can't find anywhere and the dogs have clearly forgotten about), but no luck, still no bones. However, if you come to visit and use the trundle bed, don't be surprised if they have left you a present hidden under the covers- just toys and treats, don't worry- but don't say I didn't warn you.

play date

A few nights ago we got together with my cousin and had a puppy-play date with our two Chihuahuas and my uncle's two Papillons. Winston has met them (Chance and Buddy) before, and it took him awhile to warm up at that first meeting (and awhile for Chance to calm down), but he has seen them since and been fine. Franklin, however has not met them, or any other dog, in the few months we have had him. Thus we were curious to see how he would behave- especially since he acts all tough on walks and barks at any dog that gets within a 1-block radius. Franklin was surprisingly shy at first, and the only real nuisance was Chance, who had to be kept on his leash for the introductions. However, once we took everyone on a nice long walk they were BFFs and had no problems playing and begging for treats together. Here are a few pictures I snapped, keep in mind it is hard to capture 4 hyper pups in the same shot.

 Finally friends! Now it's time to play fetch!

 One of the few times Winston was the first to the toy, and of course he ran off with it

by himself, like the spoilsport he usually is.

 Begging for scraps

Bedtime: Frankie decided he wanted no part of a 2 human, 4 dog slumberparty,

and opted instead to sleep with David on the couch.

february birchbox

Just like last month, I am way behind on the posting for February's Birchbox. In fact, March's will probably follow this week. But just because I am behind does not mean I am not going to share with you what I got. I'll also throw in a review or two.

-Color Club Nail Polish in Wild Cactus

"Shoo away winter blues with this on-trend emerald nail polish."

Unfortunately, I haven't gotten to try this nail polish yet (could have something to do with the long-lasting manicures I have gotten), but I really like the color and think it will be making a regular appearance this summer.

-Skin& Co Roma Cleansing Body Gel with Olive and Sicilian Orange Extracts

"You won't be able to go back to regular soap after trying this freshly scented, antioxidant-packed shower gel from Rome."

I've tried this a few times, and while it certainly smells amazing, I am never going to think it is worth it to spend more than $5 on bodywash.

-Dr. Jart+ Black Label Detox Beauty Balm

"From the brand that brought BB creams to the U.S., this gold-standard formulation has mineral SPF 25 and a satiny-matte finish."

I was really excited to see this product in my box as I have been wanting to try a BB cream for a long time, I just didn't know which to chose with so many out there. Having nothing to compare it to I will say that I really liked it. I think it could easily replace moisturizer and foundation on the weekend, summer, or whenever you have to get ready in a hurry. It seemed to stay on my face for most of the day as well and left a fairly matte finish. I will say I am disappointed in the sample size- there was hardly more than 1 use in the bottle- so I didn't get the luxury of trying this product multiple days in multiple conditions. Thus I can't say for sure I would buy this specific product as it is  quite pricey ($36 full size), and I don't feel I got enough of a test run with it.

-Twistband Thick Headband 

"Made with soft elastic, these colorful bands keep hair out of your face without any creasing or tugging." 

Pretty standard, but definitely useful to have. 

-Not pictured,Ghiradelli Milk & Caramel Square

Clearly tasty as it didn't even make the picture, although it was a little disappointing that this counted as my 5th item.

spring??

Supposedly it is finally spring time, although it is hard to believe as I had to scrape my car off 4 out of 5 mornings last week, and going for a walk on the weekend still looked like this:

As a result, we spent our evenings last week working on this- and not biking, picnicking, grilling, playing catch/ frisbee, fishing, fill-in-the-springtime-activity here (all things we were doing last-year at this time)...

But regardless of what it is like outside, I have some daffodils at my desk cheering me up, making me dream of warm weather, inside.

Here's hoping this week warms up and I won't have to dig the scraper out of the back of my trunk again for at least 7 months, and that we can at least be in the 40s for the baseball home opener- exactly 1 week from today!

good eats

So this post is old, really old, as in we ate some of these things a month ago old. But rather than sit on the post any longer and hope I write something interesting about each dinner, I thought it best I just get it up, interesting write-ups or no.

1. Wild Rice Casserole

Overall, I wasn't crazy about this recipe. David thought it needed more sauce, I wasn't quite sure what it was missing. I probably won't make this recipe word for word again, but rather than look for a whole new recipe, I will try playing around with this one a bit next time, as it is a good starting point for a comforting casserole.

2. Ham, Brie and Pear Panini with Arugula, Grape, and Fennel Salad

Just go ahead and make these paninis please, throw on some peach or appricot (or whatever you have) jam, and dijion mustard. Super easy and tasty. A delicious salad on the side like the one above doesn't hurt either.

3. Turkey Burgers 

I don't have a recipe for these- they are David's creation, but you should make them, they are good. They are Asian inspired- I know there is garlic, soy sauce, and ginger. Anyways, I will try and get something concrete from him and post it, because you will definitely want to give these a try if once grilling season gets here. And in case you don't believe a turkey burger could really be delicious, I will have you know David likes these a lot too, I'm not lying to you!

4. Salmon with corn relish 

Another recipe I would highly recommend. We have made it a few times a year since we were married. Quick, healthy, delicious. We substitute crema mexicana for sour cream (we do this for most savory recipes), which you can tell from the picture I like, a lot, and that is significant since I can't stand sour cream.

what i wore wednesday

Outfit #1

Location: Work

Dress: Ross/ Scarf: Gift/ Boots: DSW

state tourney time

I couldn't let the week end with out filling you in on what else happened last weekend- the state wrestling tournament. David's team did not qualify, but they did send three individuals. Two of the wrestlers did not place, but the 106-pounder, a sophomore, who David had been working with, took 2nd. 

Can you spot David in the lower, right-hand corner? Our guy is in the maroon singlet on the royal blue mat.

He won that match, I believe, 2-1.

I only went down to watch one of the three days as each session costs about about $15 a pop - luckily I got to save a little money by keeping my car parked at work and walking to the Xcel. An added bonus was enjoying the scenery on the way there.

what i wore wednesday

Outfit #1

Location: Work

Sweater: H&M/ Belt: Burlington Coat/ Scar: Gift

Skirt: Target/ Tights: Target/ Boots: DSW

saturday in pics

A picture an hour.

8:34am- Alarm clocks, masquerading as sunbathers

 9:25am- Anne of Ingleside

 10:50am- Nap time

11:50am- Lunch

 12:15pm-Laundry

 1:38pm-Break time

 2:45pm- Strolling

3:17pm- Meal planning

4:47pm- running, part 1, Nokomis

5:25pm- running, part 2, Hiawatha

6:50pm- grocery shopping

7:30pm- unpacked, organized, and cleaned!

8:15pm- wrestling pups