What I Wear - Skiing

I'm not your average skier or snowboarder, in fact I'm far from a rookie when it comes to the slopes. Can someone just pull me in a wagon down the slopes? or is that frowned upon? I do know my way around a closet and how to look the part. So skiing was no exception. If you're anything like me or even if you know what you're doing be sure to check out this pieces below! 

For the past 4 years we have been skiing and for some reason I just can't get the hang of it. I don't know what to do with my hand, then I have to bend and turn my knees too, and whats with making a pizza with your skiis? The fact that it's such a dangerous sport and every time we're there someone is getting pulled away in an ambulance, just makes me not trust myself and the slippery hills. Next time I think I'll be watch from the window next the the fireplace staying warm, blogging or reading a book. 

Or taking a nap... yea mostly napping.   

It's always fun to have an excuse to buy new clothes. This time, I really needed some help. I don't do well in the cold, in-fact I hate it and I already knew I was going to be terrible so I needed to at least look like I knew what I was doing. But by the time I was on the board there was no helping me there. It was obvious I was awful. I didn't remember a thing from last year or the year before, or the year before that. It was a disaster. I stayed on the bunny hills the entire time and never gained the confidence the attempt the bigger hills. Once I started to loose feeling in my fingers (it was below 0 when we went) and smacked my face on the ground I decided to call it a night. Went inside and got a slice of pizza and waited for everyone else to finish.

ONE  // TWO // THREE // FOUR // FIVE // SIX // SEVEN //  EIGHT // NINE

Going with a group of friends was fun and I was guaranteed to find someone close to my skill level so I wasn't left alone all night. It was a fun trip and certainly something we will all remember. 

Turkey Run State Park

Last weekend my sweet sweet Dennis, got me the GoPro Hero 5 for my birthday. We like to hike and explore and what better way than to start documenting our adventure with this camera! We had high hopes for this camera and were so excited to video and take picture this weekend on our hike. Although we weren't too thrilled about the outcome of the quality of the videos and photos, below are some of my favorite that turned out ok! 

Turkey Run State Park was by far one for the books this weekend. Neither of us had been here before and this might have become our favorite spot. And after our poor experience with the GoPro we will certainly have to go back to get getting quality photos! Turkey Run is about an hour and a half West, from Indianapolis. This is a typical driving distance from he city to really get in the heart of nature and explore its beauty. 

If you are bring a pet these trails are very doable, just make sure you look at the map first and avoid the trails with ladders. Our pup is large so carrying him up wooden ladders would not be enjoyable. For us or the dog. We did see one lady carrying her four legged friend in a chest baby carrier. Whatever gets you out of the house, right! Newman did really well and this was one of the easier hikes we have taken him on. He loves running through leaves so taking him here during the fall was thrilling for him. 

This trail was moderate with some tight areas along cliffs, but if you watch your step you'll be good to go. 

Depending on the weather I would dress appropriate, but there was no tall brush to walk through so long pants and tall socks weren't needed. The trails were fairly wide and even are shared in some areas with horses. Our hound dog, found plenty of scents along the way. You did have to walk through... or jump over a few streams down in the covers, so I would recommend closed toe shoes. 

Summer Blog Space

To me, summer is all about being in the sun. Do you agree? I don't care if I'm working in the yard pulling weeds or laying in the grass drinking a margarita.Yes, in the grass. No blanket. It's a constant love-hate relationship with chiggers. I simply want to be in the sun. What better way to write this post than in my backyard soaking up the rays and wishing summer will never end. Really, I should move out of Indiana. . .

If I could pick my heaven on earth this place would be it... minus the hammock. I'm still working on that part. I have put my heart and soul into this backyard and I watching the progress of everything growing is so exciting to me.

^^^ Mac over PC any day!

Snacks are a close runner up when it comes to staying still and blogging.  What else to keep the brain flowing while my belly is trying to convince me to go inside and eat the box of donuts I bought this morning.... carrots are the answer!! Plus if Newman is sitting out with me we can share. 

I have always been a La Croix junky, well in the last 2 years I have been. This new flavor is winner winner! In honor of yesterday being #nationwatermelonday why not try out this yummy new drank! 

Healthy Snacks for your Dog

What furry friend doesn't like sweet treats? I'm sure the same boring dry food gets old after a while, so why not switch things up a bit and keep them happy and healthy? Here are just a few ways I do so and they are all "Newman Approved".

I want to first start off by saying I am not a health expert or veterinarian. I am only sharing information from person experiences and what I have learned from other dog parents and what has worked best with my pup. Also this new pupmom has done her fare share of googling and worrying.

Sweet Potato Chews
These are SO easy to make and your dog will eat them up in no time! No really, they do take a while to bake and I felt like Newman went through 3 potatoes in a matter of days, ok 2 weeks. This was a fantastic healthy treat when training our pup to get in and out of his kennel and while potty training. He even caught on to the word "potato" and ran to the kitchen wagging his sweet little tail. I have made these time and time again, and Newman is only 5 months. Should I start growing them in my garden next summer? I might be on to something here.

Carrots 
Now this one took some time and a few tries. I first started off by cutting them into smaller pieces and freezing them for a cold treat, but Newman wasn't into it. We switched things up and went a little more basic.... eating them right from the bag. Carrots can be kind of a mess, but he loves them so much he will eat every crumb. 

Frozen Peas
Newman's MOST favorite treat so far!! Newman will roll and roll until he can get the entire bag. He is all ears when you open the freezer and shake the bag of peas. I loved training him with these because although he is smart, it took a few tries to master some tricks. These were certainly a "guilt free" treats when teaching new habits. 

 

Watermelon 

This is a great sweet summer treat! Make sure it is SEEDLESS watermelon and let them go to town!(Stay away from the rind.)  Here I cut up a watermelon in cubes for myself and instead of throwing the rest away, I let Newman take a few licks before throwing it in the compost. He LOVED this new snack.

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 

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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.