Ranting and Raving.... What I do Best

I feel like my brain has been running around in a circle for the last few weeks and I just haven't been able to stand still for a second. Do you ever feel like no matter how much you get done in one day it just isn't enough? That's how this gal has been feeling and it's miserable.

Raising a puppy is much harder than I ever imagined.... they are cute and cuddly, but so much work. I used to think I organized my time well, but now working 10-7 and coming home with a mess of a house, a puppy to train and dinner to cook. When all I want to do it sit on the sofa and stuff my face with Oreos and catch up on Scandal.

I'm starting to feel like this kitchen is never going to be completed. Of all things to be holding us back, it's the hinges.... I pretty sure no one else in the entire world has cabinets like ours, because we can't find our size of hinge anywhere. We even decided to just spray paint the old ones, and now they are chipping and look awful.

Where is this post going? Great questions. I feel like summer just started and it's almost August. . . time is going by so fast and I need to regroup my thoughts and start focusing on living in the moment.

With that, I'm going to go sit and have a cup of coffee. . .
Happy Friday! 

Weekend Getaway: Corey Lake, Michigan

I'm a little over due, but a few weekends ago, we all went to Lake Michigan! This has been a place where Dennis and I have gone for several years, with his family. It's a small quite lake, for this tiny family of ours which = perfection. This year we brought along our Newman! While my momma bear mode kicked in a few times, with Newman jumping in the water for the first time, and standing at the tip of the boat catching all the wind in his ears. Besides those moments of pure terror it was relaxing weekend with the family. 

Ok, everyone knows that I can be a bit of a control freak. This weekend was no exception. With taking on the new role of "doggy parent" I have been a worrying mess. . . 24/7 I have this new living creature that depends on me to keep him safe, healthy, and most importantly alive. ( I can't imagine having a child) He's full of energy and always on the go. I never want to loos this four legged turd, but I am doing my best to "loosen" the leash.

Walks are a must to get this little growing guys energy out, and Lake Michigan was the best spot to do so. The weather, the trails, everything was wonderful. Love my shirt? If you have a pup, this shirt is a MUST. Taylor over at the The Daily Tay  is the wonder genius that sells these shirts!You can order yours on her Etsy Page along with a few other most haves. I might have order the "Let's Day Drink" shirt too.
Shhhhh

^^^I think lily pads are my new favorite thing

Boat rides out on the lake to attempt to catch a few fish. . .  only caught 2.  Which lead to a 2 week sunburn on my legs that pealed for another 2 weeks... it was great.

I mean, look how crystal clear this water is? How is this not paradise.

Newman liked loved rolling around in the sand all day, and

Wherever we travel, we must find a hiking trail. . .  must.

This trail was a floating walkway on top of a small part of the lake. It weaved in and out though brush and plants. Something I've never experienced before. It was wobbly and uneven, but very adventurous and something we will make a tradition out of.

This place was heaven and the perfect getaway with our family just for the weekend.

At first we both weren't excited about driving in the back, but it was nice to caught up on some Zzz's 

SaveSave

Sunday's with Newman

Sunday's are for rolling around in the grass with your dog... or and if you can squeeze a Starbucks in you're golden! Some of you may not know, but we drove to North Carolina to pick up our sweet boy. He was born on a farm with sheep and donkeys. So now back here in Indianapolis Newman just loved to lay in the grass and be outside. If he could do it all day I'm sure he would. 

Look at that smile^^^ 

S'more Family Weekend in Indianapolis

Family family family! I miss my family! Every single one of them.... even you Nick. (My sister's fiancé) They mean the world to me and I am counting the days until they come visit..... 16 days to be exact.

We finally got to break in out new fire pit the right way. Around two greedy dogs, and a 3 year old that wanted to pretty much jump into the fire.... Ideal right?

I think this kid had about 6. . .  I'm not kidding.

THIS kid! He is so full of life, sarcasm, and just plain wit. He knows how to make everyone smile and feel so loved.  

^ I think I need a whiskey and coke to calm this baby fever.

I wouldn't be upset if Eli took up baseball.... just maybe his momma shouldn't teach him how to swing.

Starbucks and toddles...wait now I'm in heaven. Of course Eli didn't "like" his small frappuccino and insisted we trade with my large.

This is pretty much how every family weekend ends up. We are always on the go and never sitting still, trying to make the most out of our visit and naps a rare... Hints why the boys got to squeeze in a nap while the ladies get ready. 

Decorating for a Bachelorette Party

Recently I was blessed with the title of Maid of Honor in my best friends wedding. With this being my first time (MOH virgin over here), I was beyond overwhelmed and way in over my head... but I like to think I pulled it off very well! But you be the judge and let me know. 

The destination was Louisville Kentucky #yuckyinkentucky. For us Indy chicks this was a fun way to mix things up. I stuck with the color scheme of the Brides wedding, gold and purple and added a few fun things along the way.

Everyone got their very own "Gio head" to take with the dinner and out on the town. This was a last minute add-on and it was the most talked about weeks after the bash. Some of the ladies kept theirs and brought them to the wedding. 

You can't have a party without party favors. Simple purple nail polish with tule fabric wrapped with gold ribbon. Such a simple DIY that anyone can do.... even if you're overwhelmed, have your bf give it a try.

^safe to say we had plenty of booze. 

^ sorry mom 

Worth the extra $$. All the ladies were taking selfie with the poster and the bride even took it home to show the groom. 

Homemade Dog Treats: Sweet Potato Chews

With how pricy dog treats can be and how sensitive my pups tummy is Sweet Potato Treats are a must. 

Homemade Sweet Potato Dog Treat Instructions:

Preheat the oven to 250* F

Slice sweet potatoes long ways into 1/4" think strips using a sharp knife or you can use a mandolin. (which seems much easier and I will be ordering this bad boy for next time.)

If you aren't using the mandolin, lay the potato on it's side and make one slice and then turn on the flat side and start cutting strips. 

Once the slicing is done put all slices in a bowl and add a splash of olive oil. 

Stir and toss well to coat throughly. 

Place on a cookie sheet, lined with aluminum foil. 

Bake for about 2 1/2 to 3 hours. 

Allow to cool and store in the refrigerator in a airtight container. You can store them up to 3 weeks or even in the freezer for up to 4 months. 

These are Newman's FAVORITE treat in the world! Give them a try and let me know how your pup like them! 

Please Forgive Me

Please forgive, If I act a little strange

For I know not what I do.

Feels like lightning running through my veins

Every timeI look at you

Help me out here

All my words are falling short

And there's so much I want to say

Want to tell you just how good it feels

When you look at me that way

Throw a stone and watch the ripples flow

Moving out across the bay
Like a stone I fall into your eyes

Deep into some mystery

I got half a mind to scream out loud

I got half a mind to die

So I won't ever have to lose you 

Won't ever have to say goodbye

I won't ever have to lie

Won't ever have to say goodbye

Please forgive me
If I act a little strange

For I know not what I do

Feels like lightning running through my veins

Every time I look at you

Every time I look at you

3 years. 

1,096 days

26,304 hours

1 House 

2 grumpy cats

1 nancy of a dog

So many smiles, laughs, and tears-happy and sad.

Countless hiking and bike trails.

David Gray: Please Forgive Me

he's our fav, check him out ^^^