Shedding Season

There's only two things I dread about spring - allergies and shedding season. 

Thankfully our friends at Chewy saved the day by sending us a FURminator Dual Brush to assist in the de-furring.

When you have a dog with a long coat, they always have fluffy undercoat that sheds really bad. FURminator products help you lift that coat out!

And Gunner knows when the box shows up - it's either treats, or toys, or both!

He was a little skeptical about the brush.

"Does it taste good? Can I eats it?"

After this though, I certainly wasn't! Here's the pile I had after about 10 solid minutes. Without the FURminator products I could never get this much off of Gunner!

Don't worry, there's still dog left. And more hair to brush out too!

The generous folks at Chewy also sent us some treats for testing purposes. It's really nice that they send goodies that are both dog and cat friendly! Since Kitty was out killing yet another vole in the yard (think mini mole), Gunner was the spokes model.

Professional stud right there.

I posed pretty, now "Gimme some Mom!"

I can always feel good giving treats we receive from Chewy. Primal Jerky Chicken Nibs were no exception, being grain free, gluten free, and organic! My pets eat better than I do...

Have you tried Chewy.com yet? I still say there's nothing better than your pet products delivered right to your door!

Oh and in the doggy spirit, I have a little wall art I've been working on. What do you think? Can you guess who it is....?

Happy Furry Friends Thursday!

He's kind of the star of the show, what can I say.

   

#HASHTAGHUMPDAY | The one about my job

Happy humpday amigas. It's almost Derby weekend and almost Cinco de Mayo! Are you celebrating? We might go camping - totally non-related haha.

 

Anyhooooo... onto your regularly programed messaging. #hashtaghumpday with me and my co-host Lauren! Go give her some love and say I sent ya, would ya?

 

<div align="center">
<a href="http://lauraakalolo.blogspot.com/" title="#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo" target="_blank"><img src="http://i857.photobucket.com/albums/ab136/lwelch900/Hashtaghumpdaysm_zpsc121607a.jpg" alt="#Hashtaghumpday @ Life with Lolo" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

 First a little business. Here’s the scoop:

• Each Wednesday create a post about what’s going on in your life and #hashtag each item or story. See an example HERE. Be as creative as you want! 
• Grab the button and include it in your post
•  Link up so we can all #creep on you and find out what’s new/funny/awesome /shitty in your life.
• Comment on at least one other blogger’s post from the link up (someone you don’t already know!) if there even is anyone who links up…
•  Share on all your social sites with #hashtaghumpday
• Have fun! #hashtagtheshitoutofeverything #whocaresifitsarealhashtag

Kapeesh?

I'm writing this in the midst of a heart attack, or a panic attack, or maybe an anxiety attack? I don't like calling people I don't know PERIOD. I just left two voice-mails (yeah I didn't even talk to actual people) and I'm hyperventilating.  Because calling people to see if they will give your business money is the worst. So sponsorship sales isn't my thing #isuckatmyjob #ineedahug #andapaperbag

Because I have such strong anxiety over making those calls I have procrastinated them all the way till this month when I should have been making them in February. This creates even more anxiety and stress because I'm constantly worried I can't actually make it happen. It eats away at me 24/7 that I am failing at my job #imamess #basicallyimscrewed #lastminutealways

So I sit in my office almost in tears because I am so petrified to make calls and yet I can't get my job done without making them. Yes I can email, but it doesn't have the same appeal/first impression. I literally feel sick just thinking about it #pleasedontmakeme

The only good news is once I do pick up the phone and start talking I sound fine and professional. Basically I must black out completely with fear and somehow manage to be articulate #atleasttheresthat #everyonelovesmyphonevoice #concealdontfeel

Why can't everyone just want to sponsor the fair and call me begging to be here? I mean if they were to call here it's a whole different story. I'd sell the pants off them! #itcouldhappenright? Please just tell me everything will be ok #noreallyineedsomereassurance

In the mean time I'll be in my office with no windows trying not to kill myself and working on other more fun things (like marketing) instead of making any money for us to actually market ourselves with. Or I'll just take a nap #priorities #assbackwards #andidontcare

Any pointers for making solicitation calls??? Maybe a stiff drink before? #boozeisalwaystheanswer

 

An InLinkz Link-up

Bacon Jalapeno Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese

You're allowed to indulge every now and then right? At least this is a lightened up mac & cheese using mashed sweet potatoes to make a rich, cheesy sauce.

Oh, and there's BACON and jalapenos in there, because - duh, yum!

You're getting two recipes in one here because I used mashed sweet potatoes I made earlier in the week as the base for my sauce.

 Please note I kind of "eyeball" my cooking so the ingredient amounts are approximate.

Garlic Mashed Sweet Potatoes: (original recipe)

• 3  sweet potatoes(yams), peeled and cut into cubes
• 2 TBS butter, softened
• 2 TBS minced garlic
• 1/4 cup low fat sour cream
• Salt and Pepper to taste

Boil sweet potatoes over medium-high heat for about 20 minutes or until soft, drain. In a large bowl, combine all ingredients and mush using a mashing tool or firm spatula. Stir/mash until well mixed and become mashed-potato consistency. You can add milk if needed to thin. Eat as a side dish with your favorite protein!

Bacon Jalapeno Sweet Potato Mac & Cheese

• 3 cups uncooked whole wheat shells/elbows
• 1 1/2 cups garlic mashed sweet potatoes (see above)
• 1 jalapeno, chopped fine
• 1 package (about 1 lb) bacon, cooked and chopped
• 2 1/2 cups shredded cheese, divided (I used colby jack from Trader Joe's)
• 1/2 - 1 cup milk, to get desired consistency (I used almond milk)
• 2/3 cup whole wheat bread crumbs (optional)
• 2 TBS butter (optional)

Preheat oven to 425. Prepare a 9x13 casserole dish with non-stick cooking spray. Put the noodles on to boil. Cook to package instructions. In a medium sauce pan combine sweet potatoes and jalapenos over low-medium heat. Once heated through, add a little milk to start thinning potatoes. Start adding cheese a little at a time until melted into potatoes. Make sure to reserve about 1/2 - 2/3 cup for topping the dish. Continue adding milk if needed to thin the sauce.

Once noodles are cooked, drain and return to pot. Add bacon and stir. Then add prepared cheese sauce and stir until everything is coated evenly. Pour mixture into casserole dish and spread evenly. Top with remaining shredded cheese. Optional: In a small bowl, melt butter. Add bread crumbs to butter and stir until crumbs are moistened. Spread crumbs over casserole. Bake at 425, 10-15 minutes or until cheese is bubbling and crumbs start to brown. Then DEVOUR.

I promise to lay off the mac and cheese now for a while. Your regularly scheduled healthy eating recipes are due to return any day now.

Please, please let me know if you try this! You could even tweak it with different veggies or meat!

TTFN,
 

Firm Insanity

Firm insanity. Mattress Firm that is. I blame Monday for my insanity, but that's a whole other story.

Mattress Firms have been popping up all over town and I just don't get it. There are FOUR locations within two miles of my house. I could walk the loop of them easily in one afternoon. I'm talking BLOCKS away from each other.

So I outlined the mall - that's all one block basically, so THERE'S ONE ON EACH CORNER!

WHY ARE THERE FOUR SO CLOSE TOGETHER?!

I live very close to what I would call the "shopping epicenter" of my town - it includes our large mall and several strip malls surround it that include all the must haves like Nordstrom Rack, Target, TJ Maxx, Ulta, Old Navy, Best Buy, Cabelas, DSW...I could go on and on. Plus a bunch of good eats and Dave & Busters and the connection of our two major freeways.

So yes, it makes sense to have a store in the area. BUT FOUR?!

I don't get it. It's like they are getting busy and popping out babies.

Does Mattress Firm hunker down 10 stores close together in your areas?

Please tell me I'm not crazy. I'm not hallucinating all these branches of the same store right?

That's all from over here in crazy land.

On Being a Lady

I've always tried my best to be a lady, but sometimes with my beer drinkin', Idaho back roadin' self just doesn't quite live up to the standard all the time.

So I was extremely excited to team up with Brittany this month as she is the lady behind The Lady Lawyer! 

"Finding my balance between work and play while always being a lady"

I love her tagline. I mean that is what life is about right? Having just enough work to balance your fun? Brittany is a girl after my own heart with her own Wanderlust, frugal but amazing style (sharing SALES), and her helpful tips like how to write a thank you note.

Let's get to know her a little better shall we?

1. Tell us a little about yourself?

Insert standard (basic) description of mid-twenty something girl who loves shopping, can't survive without morning coffee, lives for day drinking with my girlfriends, brunches, and a helicopter dog mom. 

2. Why did you start blogging and what is your blog about?

I started blogging mostly because of my love for reading other blogs. I love seeing a peek into someone else's little life. I had tossed around the thought of starting a blog for many years but felt like I was too busy with studying in law school. After a year into my big girl job I decided to go for it and so glad I did.

My blog is a reflection of things that interest me such as fashion, bargain hunting, tips, travel, and pretty much anything else that strikes my fancy. 

3. What are three things you couldn't live without and why?

1. wifi--how did we ever live without it? I'm not sure but I don't want to ever find out. 
2. dental floss--this is weird and perhaps gross but I floss my teeth numerous times a day and ALWAYS have floss on hand and freak out when I'm without it. 
3.  my bathtub- NOTHING feels better after a long day than a relaxing bubbling bath. It's such a simple luxury that can really turn my day around.

4. What was the best trip you've ever been on OR what is your dream vacation?

Several years ago I went on a 14 day Mediterranean cruise that went through several European countries. It was my first time out of the US and it really opened my eyes to the world and gave me a lifelong case of wanderlust.

5. If you and I went out for drinks, what's your go-to order?

I know we both like beer :) so if we were out day-drinking I would opt for a local craft beer on tap. If we were out at night I usually opt for what I call the skinny b*tch which is vodka, soda water, and lime.

6. What can we look forward to seeing on The Lady Lawyer in the next few months?

Summer is my favorite time of year so be on the lookout for some cool travel, yummy food and drink recipes, and some fun giveaways ;) 

7. What is your favorite social media and why?

For my personal life I love instagram but blogging has really opened me up to Twitter and I've become a little bit obsessed with that little birdie. 

You had me at craft beers and skinny b*tches my friend!!!

Want to see more of Brittany? Be sure to follow our Lady Lawyer and check out her favorite posts:

                                             

Spring Cocktail: Strawberry Honey Bourbon Fizz

Office Desk Decor Makeover

Why I Stopped Washing My Hair

 

Crockpot Carne Asada Taco Salads

You guys, I'm on a recipe kick and I'm loving it.

Well I love food in general. And beer. But you knew that already.

This is a crockpot recipe I've used many times. Each time it changes a little based on what ingredients I have on hand.

It is based on this recipe from Mom, What's for Dinnner? This was my version this week using what I had as some substitutes.

Ingredients:

• 1.5 - 2 lbs of carne asada meat (usually pretty cheap for steak!)
• 2 TBS cumin
• 2 TBS chili powder
• 1 TBS salt
• 1 TBS ground pepper
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes (adjust to your liking)
• 1 can reduced sodium chicken broth
• 1 can tomatoes with green chilis (including the liquid)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 cup onion, chopped
• Optional: Taco Salad Fixins of your choice/or make tacos or enchiladas with the meat!

Instructions:

Place onion and bell pepper in bottom of crock pot. Mix all seasonings in a small bowl. Rub the seasoning mix into the meat. The carne asada I bought was pre-sliced so I rubbed it between each piece. Place seasoned meat on top of vegtables in crock pot. Dump any remaining seasoning on top. Pour both cans, the tomatoes and the chicken broth, over the meat. Cook on low 8 hours or until meat falls apart easily. Shred and serve over your favorite taco salad fixings or use for tacos, enchiladas, or other dish!

Can you tell I used my DSLR for the photos? Shit's things are getting real over here! Can't wait to use it for more food posts.

Now I'm off to use the extra meat to make some Salads in a Jar!!!

Get cookin' friends. Let me know what you think!