Mother's Day Surprise!

Happy Mother's Day Graphics provided by MySpaceAnimations.com

Ok I can see how this post title might be a little misleading.  On Friday, I got an email from our Home Study contact as well as our Adoption Agency.   So in short I got to celebrate Mother's Day as a "pretend" or almost mother to be!

Our Home Study has been completed/finalized and we are Approved!!  We passed with flying colours (according to myself).  The process went much quicker than anticipated as well as slower than anticipated.  After our initial meeting we got our finger prints done and sent those puppies in...thinking it was going to take around 8 - 12 weeks to get those processed.  So then we started working on our second set of Autobiographies.  (Our first set was for our adoption agency).  We got so caught up with writing these and filling out our questionnaire's that I forgot to send an email of our references.  Our fingerprints came back in record time at 5 weeks so we had to work quickly.   We finally got our questionnaire's, Autobiographies, doctors note and financial papers in.  Then all we had to do was wait for our references to send in their approval of us.  Not only did they have to fill out a questionnaire but then they needed to get a letter notorized.  What a pain for them and it took time to because they needed to find a someone to notorize as well as send in the paperwork.  Finally all papers were receieved then our contact was out of town for a week and then it took him a week to write out our report/document.  Send us a draft - which needed some editing.  Then it finally got sent to our adoption agency!

Our Adoption Agency contacted me via email on Friday to let me know that our Home Study paperwork had been received and we could begin working on our portfolio.  We are ONE step closer to our baby!!!  The portfolio is a 24 page document with information about us and TONS of pictures.  We also need to write our Dear Birth Mother letter.  We are on the waiting list to attend a seminar that encompasses adoption training, counseling and getting us ready for adopting a child.  Once we get through all that then we will be able to enter the Waiting Pool and then hopefully get selected by a Birth Mother to raise her child as our own!!

I also wanted to give a shout out to Jessica from Two Shades of Pink for her lovely Mother's Day post!

Onto Mother's Day 2012.

We had a gorgeous day here in the Pacific Northwest!  It was 80 degrees and glorious!

In the morning I attended my childhood church with my Dad and Brother.  After church we stopped by and picked up my sister so we could all go and visit my mom at her resting place.  It was somber for me.  I felt uneasy.  I am not sure how ready I am to go and visit her...much harder than I had anticipated.  I still can't believe she is gone.  Sometimes I think that its just a bad dream or a really sick joke but its not.  She was such a vibrant individual.  She lived for raising her children and we were her greatest accomplishment.  All who met my mom loved her and have such wonderful things to say about her.  I learned so much from her and I am so thankful for all the lessons she taught me.

After visiting my mom, I headed back home.  Thomas and I were hosting his family over at our place for a BBQ.  We had purchased a new outdoor dinning patio set on Saturday and started putting it together only to find out that the box for the chairs didn't come with the instructions or any of the bolts and nuts!  So I had to stop by the store to see if they could get into another box.  They found the parts on the floor of the storage room ripped up.  So I had to COUNT all of the parts to make sure they were all there....everything but one extra washer! PTL

So we got the set put together and then were ready for his family.

We had a cheese platter (thanks Natasha for the inspiration - I forgot how often my mom put these together and I did have to put one of my mom's favorite cheeses on the platter) cheeses I used were a Gouda, Coastal Cheddar and then an herbed Goat Cheese with a cracker assortment and seven layer dip.  Then we each had our own meat selection to BBQ up.  Marinated Flank Steak, T-Bone, or Kabobs and our sides was my moms famous Noodle Salad and Deanna's famous Potato Salad.  YUM.

After eating our meal and visiting for a bit we took Paladin out for a cart ride.  Everyone took turns taking a ride and Thomas got to drive him for a little bit (his second time - good thing he was driving family!!)

We had a lovely time.

How was your Mother's Day? I hope all the Mother's and Mother's to-be and almost to-be (like me) had a wonderful Day!! Did you do anything special?

♥ Ashley

What are you doing this weekend?

Boating by lifeonthefarm featuring diane von furstenberg sunglasses

My husband and I are hoping to go boating today on his parents new boat.  It's "maiden" voyage. I say maiden because it has been out before. We have been on it.  The boat used to belong to my parents but my dad no longer had any use for it so he was wanting to get rid of it.  Thomas's parents offered to take it off his hands.  He agreed.  So here we are with the temps supposedly getting into the high 70's maybe even 81 degrees.  We are wanting to take this puppy out!

  If I could wear anything on the boat to day I would love to sport this look.

I love this top and it would look great with the shimmer on the water.  I know that it is long sleeved but its perfect for the wind.

The shoes are great.  Awesome traction and give a great twist on the nautical feel.

 These shorts are great.  I love the color.

This bag is great.  It has the nautical stripe and enough room for a towel, bikini and sunscreen...a MUST!

I loved the rope detail on this bracelet.

These earrings are TO DIE FOR!!  be careful that you don't drop them overboard!

I love these classic glasses.

So there you have it my readers.  My boating day look!!


I love how {av} from long distance loving does her weekly Friday Fancies linky party.  So I try to keep up and link up.  Click the Friday Fancies link below and you can see all the other weekend fancies from other fabulous bloggers!

Linked to: Friday Fancies

♥ Ashley

Remember to become a follower! Once I hit 25 I am going to host a great Giveaway!

[Picture Thursday] Found

Found this beauty in my garden today!!  

I love Iris's and have for a long time.  They remind me of my old neighbor Mr. Potter!!

The goose is pretty cute too!

 Remember to become a follower! Once I hit 25 I am having an Awesome Giveaway!!

♥ Ashley

May the Odds be EVER in Your Favor

I caved.  I didn't know if I was going to or not.  I tried to hold out.  And as usual I got to the "Games" late.  Just like with Jelly Sandals, Samba shoes, Skinny Jeans, and now The Hunger Games.  But out of the "Games" no longer am I.   I mentioned to DH that I might be interested in reading these books.  So what does he do?  Like any AMAZING husband out there, he puts his name on the waiting list at his school's library a few weeks ago and came home with it last Thursday. 

via

I didn't quite understand the fascination with this series.  To my knowledge it is a "young adult" series so why are so many adults interested in it...granted I LOVE Harry Potter and that is a "children's" series.  I knew after talking to many of my friends and colleagues who have read the series and couldn't quite explain the story in a way that I could understand the premise so I just had to read it.

I started the book with a couple of chapters on Friday.  I will admit I was intrigued.  Not many books can pull me in within the first few pages.  Bravo Ms Collins on your ability to capture your readers so early on.  Then I started it on Tuesday at the end of my work day.  I was anticipating getting out of work a few minutes early but due to how involved I was I actually left 15 minutes late.  I could not put the book down and read all the way to part three in bed.  I dreamed about what would come next.  Decided that I would not work today and start my day off with finishing the book.  It had me yearning for more so I texted my husband who was at work and asked him to get on the waiting list for the second book.  He arrived home this afternoon with it in hand!!

The story starts with the main character Katniss talking about life in the "Seam" of District 12, in the country of Panem.  (America after all has gone bad)  She sneaks out of the barbedwire embedded fence to go hunting in the forbidden forest. This is her last morning of freedom before this years Reaping.  This my friends is what is enthralling, what is the Reaping?  It takes almost three chapters before you find out.  The Reaping selects the "Tributes" for the Hunger Games, a live broadcasted survivor of the fittest game.  Two tributes are selected from each of the 12 Districts to fight each other in a blood bath war that the Gamemakers and the Capitol city dictate to prevent a new rebellion from happening.  Katniss's younger sister is chosen but she volunteer's to go in her place.  The story then takes you through her experience with her fellow District 12 tribute of the Pre-Games ceremonies and then we follow her on her journey during the Hunger Games.  Once we get into the actual Hunger Games the outcome is foreseeable and somewhat predictable the story continues to be riveting and you cannot put the book down until you learn all the details.

**For some reason all throughout the first two parts of the book I could not help but think that my life is somewhat like the "Hunger Games" and that my school district keeps playing a similar game with all the RIF's they keep doing year after year.  I am beginning to think it is for their amusement to see how much they can uproot ones life and put them through months of turmoil while waiting and wondering if you will get your job back.  Then each year around the same time you wonder if you will be the "Tribute" in your School (district) that will be given the RIF letter and just my luck I have gotten to be the Tribute 4 years in a row!  May the odds be EVER in my favor!**  Sorry about that...just thought it was a little funny.


So there you are my dear readers.  My first book review.  I have never done one before.  Let me know what you think? I tried to not give away too much for those of you who still want to read it but still give you an idea about the book.  Have you read it?

♥ Ashley

[recipe] Recruiting Eggs

I have had these eggs my whole life.  My mom used to make them all the time.  She learned how to make them from Don James (UW Football Coach 1975-1992) wife.  Each year they held a breakfast for the new Recruits and these were the eggs that she served.  They are delicious and SURE to please. A scrambled egg with cream cheese and roux.

Toasted Irish Soda Bread + crispy bacon + Recruiting Eggs =  Yummm!!

To Make:

First you make the roux:

2 T Butter

2 T Flour

1/2 cube Chicken Bouillion

1/2 c Milk (plus more if needed)

Seasoning Salt and Pepper

In a sauce pan melt butter and add the flour.  Whisk together.  Add Milk and whisk until incorporated.  Crumble in the chicken bouillion and season with salt and pepper.  If too thick add more milk.

Then you make the Eggs:

6 whole eggs

8 T cream cheese (you might want more)

Seasoning Salt and Pepper

Crack the eggs into a mixing bowl and whisk together incorporating the salt and pepper.  Dollop in the cream cheese.  Heat up the skillet on medium heat and spray with cooking spray or butter.  Let the eggs cook a little and then using a spatula scrape the bottom of the skillet to allow more egg to come into contact with the surface of the pan.  (You are making scrambled eggs).  When the eggs are almost finished cooking and the cream cheese has melted add in the roux, you probably only need about 1/2 of the roux made.

After mixing in and incorporating the roux into the egg/cream cheese mixture should look somewhat like this.

This is a half recipe.  My mom usually made them with a dozen eggs.  Serve with toast, bacon, sausage, or any other breakfast favorite.  This will be a HUGE hit I guarantee!

Let me know how they turn out for you in the comments section

Remember to BECOME a follower so that you can get entered in my giveaway.  I must reach 25 followers before I do the Giveaway.

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays
and What I Whipped Up Wednesdays


♥ Ashley

Happy Birthday Ragtime!!

My dearest little Ragtime "Rags", it seems like just yesterday the trailer came and dropped you off in Ellensburg.  You were just 4 months old then.  I can't believe that you are now 9 years old!! How the time has flown by.  You are a wonderful horse and so loving.  You do have a spunk to you and you don't seem to hold back on your desires. You are a calm horse who loves to watch the fireworks and are a smooth ride.

I am so happy that I brought you into my life and you have taught me so much.  You have been a constant in my life and have given me the responsibility I was looking for.

I love you Lady Bean.  Happy Birthday!!

For her birthday today I plan on giving her lots of treats and a good brushing.

Do you celebrate your pets birthdays?  What do you do to celebrate?

♥ Ashley

Derby Dress [Friday Fancies]

   Hello my lovely readers.  The 138th Kentucky Derby is tomorrow, May 5th.  I love the Kentucky Derby.  I love the hats, the fashion, the Mint Juleps (actually I have never had one), the blanket of Roses and I love the possibility of a potential Triple Crown Winner!!

I read the Thoroughbred series as a kid and I loved them and I loved following Ashleigh through her years with racehorses.  I know that this was a fictional series but I learned a lot from her.  I first received the books for my birthday in 3rd grade.

 Since reading the series it has been a life dream of mine to attend the Kentucky Derby... I vaguely remember my Daddy telling me that we would go one day.  He did take me to the opening races of Emerald Downs in Auburn, WA.  If I was attending the Derby this is what I would love to wear!!

Derby Dress by lifeonthefarm featuring heel pumps

Vivienne Westwood Anglomania sleeveless dress
$450 - thecorner.com

Linen jacket
€100 - mexx.eu

AX Paris heel pumps
£33 - axparis.co.uk

Miu Miu shoulder handbag
$1,350 - miumiu.com

Jones New York circle jewelry
$50 - macys.com

Stack rings jewelry
$115 - reissonline.com

Prada plastic shades
$287 - forzieri.com

Do you enjoy the Derby?  What is your favourite part?  Let me know what you would love to wear!!

Remember to become a follower.  Once I hit 25 followers I am doing a great Giveaway you WON"T want to miss!!

Linked to: Friday Fancies 

♥ Ashley

[Picture Thursday] Momala

 

Just thinking about you and I love you Momala!!!

  She loved pink and she loved pigs

She was beautiful, kind, loving, and strong

She was the Mom of moms

The best I ever had

She was truly inspirational

A real fighter

Pure heart and love for God

A gourmet home chef

An expert gardener (of Roses)

Animal lover extrordinaire

Caring of all things living

She was my Momala

I love her so

Is there anyone that you would just LOVE to be able to talk to again?

♥ Ashley

11 and 11

  I was over reading Natasha's blog Schue Love the other day and she did one of these posts where she was "tagged" by another blogger and needed to write a post about 11 Facts about YOU!!  She was supposed to select 11 bloggers to "tag" back but decided to tag ALL of her readers.  So here I am jumping on this opportunity to get more readers!

Eleven Fun Facts About Me

 
1. I was the first child in my family to get engaged.
2. I do not have a sense of smell, I never have.  Yes I can still taste food.

3. I was the only kid in my family that went "away" to college.  It was a 1 1/2 hour drive.

4. I was a cheerleader in High School, Community College and University and a College All-Star team.  I was a Captain my senior year in college

5. My husband and I cheered together in College and on our All-Star team.
6. My ten year high school reunion is this year...so crazy! I am excited to see everyone. 7.I dated my husbands good friend in College before we started dating.

8. I worked in a Jewelry Store during college - it was my "second" family and I am still part of that family even though I no longer work there.

9. Newsies is my favorite movie/musical of ALL Time
10. I have a HUGE crush on Christian Bale and have since I was like 8 years old!
11. My animals are my children.

Eleven Facts About Me

1. What is your profession? I am an Elementary PE teacher.  I love working with kids and seeing them have fun and run around.  It is challenging but lovely.

2. How would you describe your style? I think I have migrated towards having a classic style that is still on trend.  I used to be really trendy and looking back at pictures I say to myself "What was I thinking??" I don't want to do that to myself anymore, So classic here I come.
3. What one make-up product can you not live without? Well geez, like I said above my style has changed.  I wear sweats everyday so I can't keep up with trends.  I would say that I need either mascara or bronzing powder.  Probably Mascara because I think it gives a finished/polished look. 
4. If you could be besties with one celebrity, who would it be? I love Claire Danes and Leslie Bibb so its a toss up between the two.
5. What is your dream vacation? My dream vacation would be all expenses paid trip to Ireland for 20 days.  Preferably in their "warm" season.

6. What magazines do you subscribe to? The classics, Martha Stewart and Better Homes and Gardens.

7. If you could have a special talent {that you don't currently have}, what would it be? I wish I could be an Olympic level gymnast.  It has always been my dream to just walk down the street and pull out a back handspring series or a back handspring back tuck step out back handspring full twisting layout.
8. What is your favorite breakfast food?  I love poached eggs Benedict without the Canadian bacon.

9. If you could do anything, what is your dream job?   I would love to own a little shop of all my favorite things; A coffee/espresso bar inside a vintage/antique/junk store and a little cafe/restaurant with specials of the day.  Also I would want it to be a little bakery where I could sell my own baked goods, goats milk and eggs.

11. What is the best piece of advice you've ever received, and who gave it to you? Marry your best friend and treat others as you wish to be treated and to be honest and to give of yourself fully.  I learned these from a variety of people.  IDK who told me these things but its what I believe.  I know that I got most of these from my mom.

According to the rules, I'm supposed to tag 11 people:

 Susie from The Allison Wonderland

Dania from The Awesome Cochrans

Ashley from Diary of a Real Mom

Nicole from Graig and Nicole

Leah from The Way We Are

Gina from Blonde and Dangerous

Kendra from Adventures of Brad and Kendra

Christina from The Slice

Marie from Carlson Coop

Melanie from My Sweet Savannah

Katelyn from These Are The Days

enjoy girls!! I look forward to reading your posts!!

Remember to become a follower.  Once I get 25 I am doing an Awesome Giveaway!!

♥ Ashley

[recipe] Homemade Naan

 My husband and I like  LOVE Indian Food.  We are so grateful to have a great restaurant so close to our house.  Not only do we enjoy going out for Indian Food but we really like making it at home.

 Mushroom Butter Chicken and Homemade Naan YUM!!

A couple of weeks ago my Love and I made Indian food.  We just use the jars of Indian Simmer Sauce that you find in the Ethnic aisle at your grocery store. 

  

 We got a jar of Butter Chicken to make.  We cut up the chicken, added some Mild Curry Paste (also found jarred in the same aisle), cayenne pepper and some White Button Mushrooms that we sliced up.  We also like to add sliced onion (that we saute) as well as some green bell pepper (also sauteed) but we were out on this particular day so we just added the mushrooms.

 As for the Naan this was a pretty good recipe.  It only takes about 45 minutes to prepare, as opposed to those taking 4 hours.  This is because there is NO yeast, just a 30 minute resting time.

Here is the recipe for the Naan.

Easy Naan

Ingredients:

2 c All Purpose Flour

1 T Baking Powder

1 tsp Ground Cumin

1 tsp Salt 

2/3 Warm Water (almost boiling)

1/3 c Sour Cream

Directions:

1.  Place a pizza stone in the oven and Pre-Heat to 450.  (if no stone available put in a cookie sheet)

2. Sift the dry ingredients together then put into the bowl of a stand mixer.  Add in the Water and Sour Cream and mix together with the dough hook until all combined.  It will be sticky. (if not using a stand mixer use either a wooden spoon or a hand mixer)

3. Place dough on a sheet of plastic wrap and loosely close up.  Set aside on the counter and cover with a dishtowel.  Let stand for 30 minutes.

4. Lightly flour work surface and rolling pin.  Cut dough into 5 or 6 strips.  Roll out to about 1/4 inch thick.  Brush with some melted butter.  Place onto pizza stone/cookie sheet and bake for about 5-6 minutes.  Let cool slightly and then enjoy!

**Variations:  

• For Wheat Naan use 1 cup AP flour and 1 cup whole wheat flour continue with remaining ingredients.
• You can add 2 Tablespoons ground Flax seed.
• Add a finely minced garlic clove to the dough for Garlic Naan.
• Top with chopped Cilantro
• Try cooking it on the BBQ

Hope you enjoy making your own Easy Naan!!

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdays and What I Whipped up Wednesday 

♥ Ashley

Remember to become a follower so you can enter my Giveaway once I hit 25 followers!!!

[OSC] Dress Fancies

I realized its been a week or two since I did an OSC post.  I think that the dresses I have included in this post are ones that I could actually buy.  I have a very low budget that I allow myself for clothes and I think these dresses from Old Navy fit the bill

I am really digging dresses for spring/summer.  They are my preferred way to show off my legs.  I actually DON"T like to show off my legs but I don't like shorts so this is my chance.  I have found that I have a certain dress style that I like to go for.  I like my dresses to hit above my knee.  Have an elastic waistband near my natural waist.  And preferable to have a ruffle on the neck line.  I like them to have thin straps.  The first dress shown basically is my go to dress.  

Women's Ruffled-Yoke Dresses 

  Regular Price $26.94

 I love this solid colour!!  and there is extra interest in the ruffles. 

Women's Smocked-Floral Keyhole Dresses 

Regular Price $26.94

I like the idea of having a pattern.  I like these colors and it fits my criteria: above the knee and thin straps.

Women's Smocked-Gauze Mexicali Maxi Dresses  

Regular Price $29.94

I am not big on Maxi's as they tend to be TOO long on my short body (I am only 5ft)  I do like this bold patter but not sure how much I would like the strapless...I am afraid that I would have to constantly pull it up.

Women's Ruffle Jersey Dresses 

  Regular Price $24.94

Classic style for me.  I like this colour and I don't have a dress in this colour so this might be something that I can pick up!! Though I am unsure of the shoe choice on this model.

Women's Twist-Strap Bubble Dresses  

Regular Price $19.94

I like how the straps on this dress are twisted.  It gives it a new look and point of interest.  I also like how it bubbles or is blousy around the waist...this really lets you eat your lunch!

Women's Smocked-Midi Ruffle Dresses  

Regular Price $24.94  now $15.00

 I love this colour!! And its on SALE!!  the addition of the ruffles at the hemline is great too.

 

Women's Layered Jersey Dresses  

Regular Price $24.94 now $19.99

I like the long drape/ruffle on this dress.  It has such a soft and relaxed look to it! And you can't beat SALE prices!

Women's Crochet Maxi Dresses  

Regular Price $49.94

 I thought this was fun because of the crochet texture giving it something new.  I also LOVE grey so this is a double bonus.

 

Women's Ruffled Chiffon Maxi Dresses  

Regular Price $39.94 now $37.99

Its on SALE and I love the ruffle at the neck line and the addition of the pattern at the hem.  The navy colour is great too.

Women's Linen-Blend Shirtdresses  

Regular Price $34.94 now $24.99

You can never go wrong with a shirtdress.  I love that this is bright and yellow.  Perfect for a picnic. And its on SALE! 

 

Women's Open-Stitch Cardigans  

Regular Price $19.94

 And it wouldn't be an OSC without a cardi!!!  I like that this one is light and airy and somewhat see through.  It comes in a variety of colours and I think would be great to pair with one of the dresses above on a chilly night.

So there you have it readers.  These are my dress fancies from Old Navy.   What do you think?  Any of them catch your eye?  What dress style do you like to wear in the Summer?  Let me know in the comments section.

Linked To: Friday Fancies

♥ Ashley

Remember to become a follower so that I can hit 25 and host a Giveaway I KNOW you will love!!

Check That Off My List - Meeting Ree Drummond the PW!!!

  (via)

On Sunday night my friend Susie posted on her blog that she was going to meet the Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond, at her book signing in Seattle (technically Lake Forest Park) on Tuesday.  I was taken aback as I didn't know that the PW was coming to Seattle.  So I googled it and found the announcement page on her blog...Yep I remember it now just it was posted back in like January or something. A girl has got to learn how to write these important dates down on her calendar (note to self).  I commented on Susie's blog and on FB to let her know that I wanted IN!!  She gave me the run down on how the process worked.

I had to wait until the next day to call the bookstore (they were closed) and was able to buy my book over the phone to guarantee the earliest ticket I could get at that point.  Turns out I was in Group "G" which was the 7th group to go and there were 50 people (plus one if they wanted) in each group.  I thought I was destined to go to this even alone and maybe meet up with Susie for a little bit.  I told my MIL about it...she couldn't go because of work.  Luckily I had scored a half day sub job for the morning so I was off early to be able to go.  As I was on the phone with my MIL letting her know my plans (on Tuesday around 1pm) she asked her co-worker if she knew about the PW.  Mary said yes and made plans to meet up with me so we could go together.

I had heard a lot about Mary.  She is my age, super friendly, and totes cute!!  We had met once, at her Stella and Dot trunk show debut last week.  We met up at 3:30 in a parking lot to car-pool together.  What a dream!!! We didn't have to sit in traffic on the way there.  I had someone to sit with and converse with.  We got to know each other better.  It was great.  We got to the bookstore around 4:30, Ree wasn't scheduled to speak until 6:00pm so we sat and waited. Chatted it up with a few of the people sitting near us.  They came all the way from Port Townsend, over the ferry.  And I thought I drove a long ways!!

Finally 6:00pm came around and Ree gave a 45 minute speech/presentation.  She is a wonderful speaker and a total gas!!  She is SO witty!! I ♥ Her!!

After her presentation we waited...and waited....and waited....and waited some more for our Group to be called.  While we were waiting Mary and I chatted.  Found a table.  Got dinner and ate.  And then talked it up with the two ladies that were sitting next to us.  We exchanged life stories, our ambitions, hopes and dreams, business ideas, and contact info.  Heidi has her own company Bizzle Bites...search for it on FB.  She makes the CUTEST cake pops.  She even brought some for the PW!!

 

After HOURS of waiting our group was finally called at 10:15pm.  We waited in line for another 20 minutes and then FINALLY got to meet the PW and get our Cookbooks signed!!  (I still need to buy a cord for my camera so I can upload my pictures) the pics of me are from Mary's cell phone.

Remember once I hit 25 followers I will have a FAB giveaway you WON"T want to miss!!

♥ Ashley

Cute Bracelets

My dear blogger friend (who has given me so much inspiration in my own blogging) Leah has started her own Etsy shop!  She creates and sells these adorable and colourful bracelets.  Head on over to her Blog or Etsy Shop and check it out!!

                         

♥ Ashley

[recipe] Parsley Salad

I made thee best salad the other day and I just HAVE to share it with you.  I like to call it Parsley Salad and it is DELISH if I don't say so myself.

Parsley Salad

Ingredients:

1 bunch flat leaf parsley
1 large tomato (organic)
2 fresh bococcini (mozzarella balls - comes in a 4 pack)
1 avocado
6 white button mushrooms
2 tsp olive oil
1 T butter
salt and pepper

Directions:

1. Slice up the mushrooms.  Melt butter in a skillet add mushrooms and saute.  Season with salt and pepper. Once cooked to the desired firmness take skillet off the heat and set aside to cool.

2. Give the parsley a rough chop.  Slice up the tomatoes into bite sized chunks.  Halve the avocado, remove the pit and cut into chunks.  Cut the drain the cheese and then tear into chunks.  Add these ingredients into a salad bowl.

3. Add the mushrooms to the salad and toss with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

4. Serve and enjoy!

*I am sure that bacon would be delicious in this salad along with some balsamic vinegar.

Linked to: Tasty Tuesdsays

♥ Ashley

Meet Paladin {the miniature horse}

I had a wonderful sunny Monday afternoon.  When I got home from work I mustered up the energy and made the decision that it is time for Paladin to get a hair cut.  I really dislike doing this one horse chore.  And a CHORE it is!!  I don't like it because it takes forever, Pal is really short so it puts strain on my back and his hair gets EVERYWHERE (and I mean every-where)!!!  But it has been so hot this past weekend and he keeps rubbing up against our fences pulling the field fence down so I knew I needed to do something.

 Paladin BEFORE

The hairy monster...looks like a buffalo!

 He was SO HOT!!

Two piles of hair...I wish I had something to compare the size but lets just say they are about as big a the goats!!

 

Paladin: AFTER!

 I always forget how beautiful he looks after he gets clipped.  He actually looks like a horse again!!

This is just the FIRST round of clipping to get the hair off.  I still need to go back and get rid of all the lines and even him up a bit...but after TWO hours...I was DONE!  Another reason why it is annoying to clip him is because he has a lot of dander/filmy/oily skin so the little bits of skin/hair get stuck in the clippers and you have to clean them out after three or four swipes with the clipper.  I think I spent more time cleaning the clippers than actually cutting of his hair!!  But he sure does look good!!

If you are wondering about Paladin, he is a Miniature Horse.  Yes that is his breed and it is an ACTUAL horse breed name!  My family got Paladin when I was in 6th grade.  My mom, sister and I picked him up in May and called him a "mother's day present" so that my Dad would let us keep him.  He was only 4 years old.  I showed him in 4-H where he won MANY honors.  And I also did Pony Parties with him.  He drives a little cart and is SUPER gentle!!  My mom used to bring him into the house to the dinning room during dinner parties that she hosted and he even had Thanksgiving with us that first year!  He joined our farm this January 2012 due to the decline in my mom's health.  We love our little "Pally-Pie" as she used to call him!

Linked To: Show Us Friday

♥ Ashley