Christmas Time Is Here....Where Is The Good Cheer?

Last night I had a conversation with a Facebook friend and fellow small business owner about Christmas, the origins of Christmas, Christianity, and why everyone else is going to hell.  (For the record, I disagree with that last statement)

I woke up today and got all heated again about the conversation.  I pondered it for a minute then I realized.... you can't get to everyone.  I mean, shoot, there are people out there who think the Holocaust didn't actually happen despite overwhelming evidence.  Some people are quick to condemn others for their beliefs but then when fact comes to fiction, they are quick to pull the victim card.   I know for a fact that most religions are taught with the goal of bettering the individual as well as the community.  The majority of the teachings are the same only in different gift wrap.  What I can't stand is people who believe that THEIR religion (or God) is the ONLY correct choice.  I disagree.   I also don't like the "you either agree with me or you're going to hell' mentality.   Again, I respectfully disagree.  I know that what I choose to believe is what is common ground in almost EVERY god-fearing religion out there.  Be a good person and help out your fellow man.   I guess there's always bad apples in every religion, from the suicide bombers wishing to get to their virgins in heaven -- to the christian who believes that anyone with a differing view is slated for hell.  

I choose to believe that God will judge the individual on their actions, life choices, and general life choices.  Is that vague?  Yes.  Do I think I need to be dunked in a muddy lake to secure that 'spot'?  Nope... because that's also pagan symbolism brought into Christianity.  I read an article last night about how Christmas itself is celebrating false idols as Jesus is the son of God, not God himself and we should not be celebrating his birth.  (Hello Puritans!)  I find that thought interesting as part of the conversation was also about how presents and Santa were celebrating false gods.   Listen.... I get that Santa isn't in the Bible.  But, he was a man who according to legend helped families in need.  I can (and do!) support that.  THAT is being a good person.  

Furthermore, the Bible wasn't written BY God.  It was written by MEN... with divine intervention. (If that's what you choose to believe)

I know that my comments and this post will not even make a dent in the bad blood between the warring religions of the world.   But I think that if we all just agree to be better people, focus on ourselves as individuals and bettering ourselves, help out within our communities and assist those in need.... the world would be a better place.   We don't need to bash people who have different views.  

The one thing I took away from the conversation last night is that this girl isn't secure in her faith.  There were a lot of contradicting statements thrown out by this one individual last night.  I only pray, for her sake, that she's right.  Because honestly, I wouldn't want to explain to MY God why I was condemning people to hell and telling them they believed in a satanic religion.    I think that people get so caught up in the 'reason for the season' that they forget what their REASON was trying to do with his life and teachings -- promote good cheer, being a good person, helping out those less fortunate, and being happy.  Why can't we all just get along and agree that this time of year is special to many of us for VARIOUS reasons and that it's a warm, fuzzy time to celebrate your beliefs.   Just remember, in your celebrating, that people may have differing views... that doesn't make them WRONG... just different.  Listen, learn, educate yourself, and you too might realize there's more to it than what you originally thought.

Here's a video that explains what I mean in more detail. (Don't worry - It's short)  (And, It's ME!  YAY!)

Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Happy Holidays, and God Bless.

S&S.
Shannon

Fat Shaming Myself

My sister, god love her.  She's been on a weight loss journey for a few months (maybe years... I lose track of time).  She is doing amazing.  She was my size when she started.  Maybe a little smaller.  She is skinny now.  Like... crazy skinny.  Like single digit skinny.  (pant size... obviously)

My other sister (I have a total of 4 sisters) is now trying to lose weight.  They are taking Adipex. (It's a prescription weight loss pill that's carefully watched because of its addictive nature)  I took it.  Once upon a time.  I didn't like how I felt on it.  I felt like I needed it to survive.  I felt like I needed it to make it through the day.   I didn't eat.   I rarely slept.  And my brain was telling me "you may be getting skinny, but you sure as hell aren't healthy".

I see people applauding my sisters for their weight loss talking about how they're sure they feel better.  Isn't it nice to see your body start to look good.  Isn't it nice to know you're taking care of yourself.  blah blah blah.
I see these posts.  I read them.  I subconsciously have filed them away.  I'm pretty secure with myself and my body.  I'm a big girl.   I always have been -- and probably always will be.  Have I lost weight before?  Yes.  Did I do it in a healthy manner?  Yes.  Did I get the applause?  Nope.  Why?  Because it was slooooow.  It took me almost a year to loose 50 lbs.  Then I got discouraged and threw in the towel.  Now, after reading about how my sisters *have* to feel better and how they look so much better..... I have started to body shame myself.

The epiphany on what I was doing hit last night.  After I got out of the shower and was standing in front of the full length mirror in my bathroom.  My inner dialogue went something like this:::  my thighs.  dear god.  they're ginormo.  and those calves?  yeah... no tall boots for me this year.  Jay-sus.  Look at my flabby upper arms!  I think I could probably fly -- if not glide.  and the stomach!  Dear sweet baby jesus.  I have a spare tire for my car AND a baker's dozen of rolls.  Cripes!

I stopped.  I stared at myself.  I realized what I was doing.  And I mentally slapped myself for being so disrespectful.  Those legs?   Yeah.  They carry me from point a to point b.  They may need a little more of the 'carrying' but they do their job.  Those arms?  they make my living.  They hug my nieces and they lift them and hold them.  my calves?  well... they look fine in jeans... and besides, i don't even LIKE tall boots... so that's a non-issue.   and lastly.  My stomach.  My stomach that my kitten likes to sit on and snuggle and paw at.  My stomach that I treat decently with good for you foods... but I admit I over-do the sugar.  It's a problem.

But you know what else?   The overall picture isn't one of absolute desolation.  I'm not a trainwreck.  I am a human being with flaws.  With parts of my body I'm not super thrilled about but as a whole... I think I look pretty decent.  Sometimes I see pictures of myself and think "who IS that?"  I guess the image I have of myself in my head is marginally different than what I see in pictures.  I know I'm a big girl.  My mental image IS a big girl.  But I think I'm pretty cute.  Like not cat calls as I walk down the street.  But I have my good features.

so.... I am thinking about starting a new journey -- a journey that's been started multiple times.  A journey to a healthier me.  I am going to start eating healthier and 'moving my body' more.  I'm not going to 'exercise'.... i'm going to 'move'.  Walking, dancing, etc.  If I lose weight and tone up, great.  If I dont... ok.  At least I know I'm taking care of myself and that I'm healthy.  To me, that's more important than being skinny and getting compliments on how 'great' I look... while I become addicted to diet pills.  

And quite frankly... I don't want to be skinny.  I like being on the larger side.  I like having a little extra chub to keep me warm in the winter. I'm being totally real right now.

This is not to say that I'm not proud of my sisters.  They are fabulous ladies.... but we each have our own choices to make an our own paths to lead.  I think I was born in the wrong era.  I'm more traditional... but I'm also a lot-bit of a hippie freak.  I don't like taking medication -- even tylenol.  I don't like chemicals and additives.  I want my food to be as pure as possible...'clean' if you will.  So that's my game plan.  To start living my life as I WANT.  Instead of trying to help everyone else and make everyone else comfortable and happy.

This is the Season of ME!   (only...not in an entirely selfish way....)  :)

S&S
Shannon

10/28 Week(s) in Review

It's been a minute since I did a week in review so there's a lot here. :)

Cooler weather (to me) means one thing.   SOUP!!

This week I had a massive craving for Chili and cornbread.  My chili is packed full of veggies (as you can see in the picture) and is super filling.  The cornbread needed a little dressing-up so I mixed in some rosemary and black pepper.  The Owl is dried rosemary (I used a cookie cutter for the shape) and the branch is a sprig of boxwood basil.  So good. 

Cooler Weather also means NESTING.  

My bedroom has been a work in progress all summer.  I have been trying to re-do the theme and make it more beachy.  Not beachy in the 'sea life and fish everywhere' sort of way.  I prefer more muted blues, greens, and grays with natural accents.  I have a massive barnacle and a jar full of shells sitting around.  My bed, however, has just been 'meh'.  I have been searching for a quilt that doesn't completely offend my eyes but to no avail.  I did however find that striped (and SUPER FUZZY) blanket at Home Goods for $16.   It's Cynthia Rowley and looks fantastic.  The lighter blue ruffled blanket is from Meijer (Katie Brown Workshop line) a year or two ago.  I think it came together quite nicely.  What you can't see is the other layers of blankets and my electric blanket hiding on there.  It's actually QUITE warm and snuggly now.  EXCELLENT!

I have been trying to make the most of my 'harvest' and produce.  The 'fall harvest' picture is all the goodies I snatched off my balcony before the frost got them.   We have:: green tomatoes (they were fab in my chili), mint, and boxwood basil.   The jars are my very first attempt at sauerkraut coming along nicely.  :)  I get to test that tomorrow!

I have also been crafting and trying to make bath and beauty items "on the cheap".  Here are the bath salts and lip balm I made this week.  The bath salts are eucalyptus-mint scented with dried mint and lavender buds.  It will make for a fabulous bath when my sinuses start acting up.  The punk really enjoyed her bath in them too.  She was very amused that they turn the water a light turquoise shade. :)   The lip balm doesn't smell great but HOLY COW!  It moisturizes like whoa!  It is beeswax, coconut oil and olive oil.  I added a splash of peppermint and was afraid of overdoing it -- it doesn't even smell at all.  Oops!

My sisters, nieces and I all had a fantastic time the past two weekends soaking up all the fall activities.  We went to a haunted greenhouse and also a farm that has all manner of fall activities.  I think their favorite was the massive corn box.  (like a sand box, but full of feed corn)  It was kiddie paradise. 

My Mom, Punk, Arianne and Myself all went to a Pumpkin farm and got pumpkins to carve.  I must say they look fabulous.  Punk did the top right and bottom middle.  She also decided to carve her pinkie and ring fingers as well.  (No worries -- she is healing nicely and a lesson was learned -- Don't give the Punk a real knife, give her the pumpkin saw)  My bad!

Here is my Pumpkin carved with the help of my Hello Kitty pumpkin carving kit.  I freaking love it!

He had some birthday this week:::

Punk turned 8.

Bella turned 9 (or 10)

Nygel turned 8 (or 9)

Punk with her Birthday Starbucks.

(Shaken, Sweetened Passion Tea)

We had a Ppppp-Party at my house for her.  We had Pizza, Popcorn, Pudding, Pumpkin Cheesecake and Potter (Harry Potter) -- the next morning we had Pancakes with Pecan syrup.  :)

She has been ALL ABOUT Harry Potter recently.  She is reading the books and PLOWING through them -- about one a week.  I happen to have all the movies, so the game plan is:::  she finishes the book and we watch the move that weekend.  She likes to talk through it and tell me what's different.   

Whatevs. 

We then had a SURPRISE! party for her at her Mom's.  I was 'in' on the surprise and kept her occupied until her arrival.  She had NO IDEA!  It was fantastic.   MY present to her?  That purple guitar you see above (my mom and I bought it for her).  I also got her fish and glow in the dark pebbles for her aquarium.  She also got a notebook to write her songs in, her favorite chocolate bars, and some awesome knee high socks because I'm the best freaking aunt ever.   

My mom got her some nice boots from DSW.  My sisters got her some games (two of which were Harry Potter -- she may have squealed), a really pretty quilled butterfly, earbuds, press-on nails, a One Direction movie, and a Monster High Barbie.

I'd say the little Punk made out quite nicely. :)

She was convinced we weren't having a party at all... so when I was stalling before her big surprise, I asked if she had enjoyed her birthday weekend.  Her answer?  "Yes! I like my fish and my boots, but what I liked most of all was spending time with everyone"

*heart melted*

Bella's birthday was more low-key.  She got mutt meatballs, a sweater I crocheted for her, and lots of snuggles.  (I'm convinced the meatballs were a bigger hit than the snuggles)

Mean dogs. 

:)

S&S,

Shannon

October 2013 Barkbox Review

What is Barkbox?  Here is a blurb taken from their page:::

When you sign up for BarkBox, every month you will receive a box in the mail with four or more carefully selected products and presents for your dog – anything from toys, bones and all-natural treats to hygiene products and innovative new gadgets!
If your dog is begging for more or you want to gift a favorite item to a friend, we’ll give you exclusive opportunities to order more products at a great rate.
A portion of proceeds from each box will go to help doggies-in-need. To learn more about our causes, read about our giving program.
Whether you’ve known your furry friend for years or have a new special canine in your life, BarkBox is the monthly necessity for keeping your pup entertained and feeling well loved.

Mine and my dog's take?  It's a monthly box filled with doggy-loving awesome.  :)  

Bella and Nygel waiting on their Barkbox this month. :)

October Barkbox Contains::

Fruitables Share Pack
Chevron Bear Toy

Mutt Meatballs Mix (Your Dog's Diner)

Autumn Harvest Goat Liver Treats

Two Lamb Ears

October is Bella's Birthday month so she got the Chevron Bear as her Birthday gift. :) 

(She's not a 'player' but more of a 'snuggler')

Her birthday is the 25th.  Both my dogs are rescues.  The rescue lady guessed that Bella was about 6/7 months old when I got her in May of '05.  So, I went with 10/25 as her birthday.  I just realized this year that we've never celebrated Nygel's birthday.  (oops!)  so we are celebrating both in October from now on.  Nygel's adoption was November of '06 (I think... maybe '07). 

Anyway, I decided to go ahead and make the Mutt Meatballs for their birthday treat.  They were very easy to mix up and bake.  The dogs really loved them.  They had some Friday night with their dinner, and Sunday morning with a pancake to celebrate my niece's birthday -- TODAY!  Birthdays for everyone!  

I was hesitant to make these meatballs as raw meat (minus seafood) has never been in my kitchen.  I was pleasantly surprised with how easy these were to make.  

All in all -- a great box!   Thanks Barkbox!

Interested in signing up for your own Barkbox?  Use this LINK and receive $5 off your first month.
(Do it!  Your pups will thank you profusely)

S&S, 

Shannon. 

10/14 Week in Review

Good Morning!

This week has been kind of crazy.  There's been a lot going on within my family, so I've been very busy with them.  In my 'down time' at home I've been canning and cooking up a storm.  Here is a picture of just SOME of my canning efforts.  I am sure there will be more to come.  

My mother, my niece and I went apple picking last weekend and I have about 30 lbs of apples to use up. However, in my tiny little apartment space is ever at a prime.  30 lbs of apples must be stored SOMEHOW. So, I have two large bowls overflowing with apples.  One is on my counter for grabbing and snacking.  One is in my fridge for long term storage.  Also, BOTH of my crisper drawers are STUFFED with apples.  

**Hi Nygel**

I also discovered a new food that I absolutely adore.  Delicata Squash.  It's super easy to prepare and you can even eat the skin!  If you like acorn squash and other fall/winter squash varieties... give Delicata a try.  

Roasted Delicata and Potatoes

I simply roasted one delicata squash with 4 red potatoes in a baking dish.  I tossed them with coconut oil, salt, pepper, and rosemary.  I baked at 375 degrees until tender (about 30 minutes).  So good. 

Eggs in Purgatory

To go with my roasted veggies, I made Eggs in Purgatory.  Dump one bottle of tomato sauce into an oven-safe skillet.  (I used my homemade spaghetti sauce and my cast-iron skillet)  Create little wells in the sauce, crack eggs into the wells and bake along with the veggies.  Keep an eye on the eggs and cook to your desired doneness. 

Such a delicious and filling meal

Here is my finished meal.  Super easy and SO GOOD!

I have also been a Pinterest fiend lately.  I found a pin that was way too easy NOT to try.  Essentially it was a low-fuss way to make homemade caramel.  All you need is a crock pot and a can of sweetened condensed milk.  

Can in Water Bath

Here is my can of sweetened condensed milk all covered with water and ready to go.  Turn your crock pot on low, put the lid on, and leave it for 8 hours.  (I did this overnight and it was in for about 10 hours -- it still worked wonderfully) After it's been cooked -- pull it out and refrigerate for AT LEAST 2 hours. 

Caramel

Here is the end result. A dippable, creamy, Dulche de Leche that is PERFECT for dipping apples. 

This was dinner one night.  Apples, Caramel dip, and cheddar cheese.  Again, so easy but SO GOOD!

Saturday Morning I got up early to go get a haircut.  (Don't judge me, this was 7:30 on a Saturday morning -- I normally don't see anything before 9am on saturdays)  ;)  I ended up not being able to get a haircut because of a scheduling issue.  The salon's customer service was ON IT.  I drove across the street to console myself with some starbucks and retail-therapy (Target style) and before I'd even parked my car they had called offering me a free haircut for my inconvenience.  Holla!

Retail Therapy in action.  That right there is Happiness in my cart.   Starburst Candy Corn, Hello Kitty Carving Kit, and a Pumpkin Spice Chai Latte.  HEAVEN!

(PS - I'm 28 and love Hello Kitty.  You're going to have to accept that)

I also picked up this fabulous Cynthia Rowley blanket from Home Goods this weekend.  It is super soft and fuzzy.  It mixes well with the colors in my bedroom (neutrals, whites, and beachy colors -- sea glass hues, and muted blues/greys)  Bella Approves.  

S&S, 

Shannon

October 2013 PopSugar Must Have Review

The PopSugar Must Have box is a curated box of must-have items from various categories.  Home, Fashion, Food, Fitness, etc.  I have been subscribed for almost a year now.  I enjoy the surprise of receiving my box of goodies in the mail. Here is what was sent this month:::

I'm not entirely sure of the theme.  It seemed a little all over the place.  

Included are:

The Can't Cook Cookbook by Jessica Seinfeld.  ($27.99)  

Sadly, I actually CAN cook.  I flipped through the cookbook and while I do think there are some very worthwhile recipes it is just not a cookbook that speaks to me.  I will be gifting this to someone in my life.  I do like the simplicity of the recipes and I truly do think that even a "can't cook" will be able to follow along.

The Wet Brush ($28)

This is an identical shape and silhouette to my Conair Boar and Nylon Bristle Brush that was $5 at Walmart.   The bristles are different, however.  They are flexible and when I pulled it through my dry hair it actually hurt.  My standard brush doesn't hurt.  The flexible bristles seemed to get trapped in my tangles and hesitate for a second before brushing them out.   I will try it again tonight when I wash my hair.  Hopefully it's better in wet hair, otherwise this will be given to my niece.  

Jane Tran Bobby Pin Set ($12)

These bobby pins were actually kind of awkward to use at first.  I did like that they look a little dressier than your standard hairpin.  They look more like barrettes in your hair.  They are shaped to 'hug' your head and are very comfortable to wear.   I like this a lot more than I expected to.  Would I pay $12 for some bobby pins?  Probably not.  But they are a nice treat. 

Gorjana Griffin Bali Bead Bracelet ($45)

Ok, so this bracelet is actually my favorite item from this box.  It is a delicate bracelet which is right up my alley as far as style goes.  It looks nice with my hasn't-left-my-arm-in-3-years silver link bracelet.  However, it's essentially braided thread with gold seed beads.   I think I may have made something similar in Girl Scout camp.  Do I like it?  Yes.  Do I love it?  Possibly.  Would I pay $45 for it?    Hells to the no!  On the plus side, 100% of the proceeds benefit Breast Cancer Connections.  I like that.  A bracelet with a mission.  Kudos. 

Julep Nail Polish in Coco-It Girl ($14) and Julep Freedom Polymer Topcoat ($18) 

The nail polish in the bottle looks to be a deep chocolate brown color.  I was a little surprised when I swiped it across my nails to find that it looks more deep red.  It reminds me of almost dried blood.  You know, that weird reddish brown color?  Anywho.... it figured it would be O.K. to rock this during October -- I can totally play up the vampire-ish nails.    The topcoat is ah-mazing.  I was skeptical when I read that it dries your polish to a smudge-proof, high gloss shine in 5 minutes.  You betta believe I timed that.  It works!  It really works!

NYX Liquid Liner from Collection Noir ($6) and NYX Smokey Shadow Palette ($7)

Initially I was a little perturbed that a 'curated box' sent out such a low-end makeup item.  Then I thought about it.  In this box I am used to receiving one makeup item that can sometimes retail for $20-$30.  Such is the case with the Buxom Sculpted Mascara ($19) I looooved from a previous box.  Seriously, it's my baby.  Will I buy a $19 mascara again.  I don't know.  (I'm cheap ya'll)  Possibly, because I love it so much...but I would have to justify it.  The NYX?  I would repurchase.  I don't think they're outrageously priced.  Also, when I swatched them on my arm,  the eyeshadows are highly pigmented.  That's awesome!  Also, the eyeliner took a decent deal of scrubbing to get off.  Hi, not gonna run on me.  This may be a win for me!

The Crispery Crispy Cake ($3.95)

Essentially, this is a fancy Rice Krispie treat.  I am a vegetarian so marshmallow is a no-go.  It contains gelatin which is made from boiling tendons, bones, and other rejects from the meat packing plant.  Mmm... jello.  The snack that smiles back.  (wait, is it smiling or grimacing, but I digress....)  I will say I looked at it with a wary eye.  It appears to be more marshmallow than crisp rice.  That's not how I liked my cereal treats, when I ate them.  I wanted it to be CRISPY!  I don't know that this would be a win for me -- if I could/would eat it.  We'll see what the niece thinks.

StitchFix $20 Gift Card ($20) 

Stitch Fix appears to be a service where a stylist will send you articles of clothing and/or accessories to try on in the comfort of your own home.  You decide what you keep (and subsequently pay for) and send the rest back.  I love the idea of this service as I seriously hyperventilate just THINKING about having to go clothes shopping.  However, at this time, Stitch Fix doesn't work with the fatties.  Ok, that's not exactly what they said.  They only work with up to a size 14.  However, I lied.  *gasp*.  So we'll see what the quality of the clothing is... soon. *cue evil laugh*

Total Value: $181.94
What I paid: $35 plus tax. 

Final thoughts:::

I have to say.  After PopSugar dealing with sizing issues from previous month's boxes and then asking all subscribers to fill out questionnaires relating to sizing and likes/dislikes, I am shocked that they would ONCE AGAIN send out an item that excludes us fat girls.   I get it... I'm fat because of my own choices.  However, I don't feel that a box I subscribe and pay for should rub that in my face.  It is very disheartening and quite honestly a bad business practice to continuously insult your consumers.  Also, we were just informed that they will be raising their prices to $40/month plus tax starting in November.  I don't know that I will continue to stay with PopSugar.  I will be doing some thinking about handing money over to a company that has no regards for their customer's wishes.  

I honestly wish this box had been more fall focused.  I am part of a message board where we speculate on items that we would like to see in the box each month.  The guesses were all pretty similar:::
A blanket
A book
A movie
A candle
something pumpkin spice flavored
warm cozy socks
mittens

I don't think this box even begins to touch on what seems to be a favorite season for so many.   I think this was a huge miss for PopSugar.  I do like some items from the box.  I will make use of everything, but I will seriously be considering in the coming days if I wish to continue as a subscriber. 

What do you think?

If you are a current subscriber, was this box a win or loss for you?

If you aren't a current subscriber, would you love or hate receiving this box?

Let me know in the comments below.

S&S, 

Shannon

9/30 Week in Review

I feel like this week I have been in major 'nesting' mode.  Not for any particular reason, but I do find that Fall is a season where I am focused on making my home as inviting and cozy as possible.  As a recent Game of Thrones fanatic, I find the 'Winter is Coming' line very comical.  I keep reciting it in my head.   Perhaps I'm a descendant of the Starks.  No, strike that, they drop like flies.  I'd rather be a Kahleesi, but I digress. 

I've been very crafty the past week. Punk and I sat down (and with some help from Pinterest) decided what to make in the coming weeks::

- Homemade Vanilla Extract

- A Homemade Candle

- Homemade Soap

- Homemade Bath Salts

What else?  I'm drawing a blank.  Perhaps a book?  A warm snuggly blanket?

Here are two of the items.  The candle is a soy based candle, scented with lavender and vanilla and with a wood wick -- FANCY!  The soap is a shea butter base with orange, lavender, and rosemary added. 

I have also been very focused on creating inviting spaces that call to each of my animals.  My dogs are lazy little lap dogs, so I decided to make them dog beds.   I found some AMAZING (and cheap!) sweaters at a local thrift store and busted out my Singer.  Here is a picture of Bella in her sweater bed.   Nygel's sweater is a tighter weave so I can't just use a plastic needle and yarn to pull it all together - plus, I need more stuffing.  He is waiting patiently for his. :)  

She thinks her bed is DELICIOUSLY warm. (Note the tongue)

Myrrh is 100% kitten.  He's also 300% scaredy cat.  (Which I love him for) so I created a space for him to hide and play.  I wanted to get him a cat tree but honestly, $100+ wasn't going to happen.  I was on Pinterest looking for a DIY cat furniture post and found a picture (NO INSTRUCTIONS -- DANG YOU PINTEREST!!!) of a ladder turned into a cat tree. I posted on Facebook asking for an old ladder - because I'm cheap.  My grandmother had one in her basement.  He enjoys watching the birds and squirrels from my window so I placed it in front of the sliding glass door to the balcony. 

As you can see, I added a crate with a homemade cushion and blanket for him to 'nest' in.  I also used (no joke) 10 skeins of yarn woven in a figure 8 fashion to create a little hammock for him to lay in as well.   Next up: painting the ladder.   (I kind of like it as-is though).  I also intend to tie some toys to it and devise a way to hang a mason jar with some cat grass/cat nip growing in it.   Thoughts?

Also -- I live to torture my animals.  Really though, he was tearing me up with his claws.  I was told (through much uproar on my Facebook page) that my plan to have him declawed was inhumane.  As a vegetarian, I am a HUGE animals rights supporter.  However, it's been so long since I've had a kitten, I had NO IDEA!  My last cat died recently at the much-loved age of 16. So, I was 12 when I got/found her and I saved money from my first job to spay and declaw her.  I didn't know!

Anyway.... those yellow things on his paws?  They're nail caps that protect my legs (the dogs, my furniture, my walls, my face, my legs - again) from his 'playing'.

Speaking of Nails -- did you know that KISS makes an ombre nail kit?  Super easy! (If  I can do it - ANYONE can!)  It looks really pretty too.  This is the Film Noir color. 

**Please ignore my dry cuticles!**

Also - yay FORD!

Just last night the Punk and I painted pumpkins.  We went to a local farm market for their local Fall Festival.  There were super cute painted pumpkins for sale there (which of course the Punk wanted to buy) but they were kind of pricey -- at $7-$10 a piece.  These little pumpkins cost me $3 for the pair and I have a basket full of acrylic paints already.  So -- we have totally unique (and might I say, AWESOME!) painted pumpkins for $3.

**Side note:  when YOUR Punk chooses a pumpkin, have them carry it by the base, NOT the stem.  Otherwise, you'll find yourself arguing with a pre-tween about whether or not the stem will just "stick back on".  And yes, I caved and tried to glue it on with Epoxy.  It was still wet and non-stuck this morning.  We're holding out hope**

And Lastly, This Quote is one that I found this past week that really resonated with me.  I hope it does you as well.  

S&S,

Shannon

9/23/13 Week in Review.

Here in Ohio, the temperature has been fluctuating like a crazy hormonal hot mess of a creature.  Low 70's one day, high 80's the next with crazy humidity.  I guess the saying is true - If you don't like the weather in Ohio, wait 30 minutes.   It's been temperamental to say the least.

Even with all the crazy fluctuations, I have managed to mentally prepare myself for fall.  I love each of the 4 seasons and feel blessed to live in a climate where I get to experience each equally.  (Ok, winter seems like it keeps it's death grip on Ohio for longer than necessary... but still....)  

I love Fall.  I think it's because of all the Nature themed activities I manage to cram into these blessed lovely months before the snow starts to fly.  My niece and I are simpatico in that respect.  We both made our Fall bucket lists this past week and we have a few items that are identical.  :)  Yet another reason why I love that little punk.

This is the Punk's Fall Bucket List.  It's hard to read but her list includes:  Rake...then Jump <into a pile of leaves>, Get a nice jacket, Walk around the neighborhood, Haunted Greenhouse, Apple Picking, and Pumpkin patch. 

And here is my Fall Bucket List.  We have::  Go to Pigeon Roost with my heathen nieces, Pumpkin Patch, Corn 'Maize', Fall Festival or Renaissance Festival, Haunted House, Fall Hike, Apple Picking, Bake 'Yummies', Secondhand Sweater, Leaf Pile, Bonfire. 

As you can see, mine is a bit more substantial, but The Punk and I will be attending a lot of these events together.   

This weekend we took care of both my sweater, and her jacket thanks to a local thrift store. And I baked A LOT of 'yummies' this week.  Here is some photographic proof:::

Apple Cake with Caramel-y Glazey Goodness -----and----- Pumpkin Cookies with Salted Caramel Glaze

Pumpkin Waffles with 100% Pure Ohio Maple Syrup

I also made a Pumpkin loaf that to me was not impressive although the ladies at work didn't seem to have many complaints.  I also tried a pumpkin spice crock pot latte recipe that I found on Pinterest that the work ladies loved as well.  I was again less than impressed.  I guess I'm a little picky about my pumpkin love.  The apple cake was TO DIE FOR.  The pumpkin cookies were also pretty good.  The waffles?  They were waffles.  I have no complaints.  :)  

I have also been a crafty goddess recently.  I crocheted some cat toys and a dog sweater.  I made a cat bed for my Kitt-eh, Myrrh.  I also got 2 sweaters from the thrift store that I intend to turn into dog beds.... even if it kills me :)    Here are some pics of what I've accomplished thus far::: 

  

And Lastly::: A picture of the Kitten for good measure:::  

Myrrh-Cat

That's pretty much been my life as of late.   I look forward to showing you my completed dog sweater beds.   I am also working on turning a wooden ladder into a fabulous cat tree for the Myrrh-Cat.  I got the ladder last night from my Grandmother, set it up, and the kitten was climbing all over it and I haven't even added anything.  :)  I think it's a go.  

S&S, 

Shannon