Snow Day

The snow really piled up last night, so Wicket and I ventured into the yard for some snow adventures.

There was some searching for bunnies...

and some bouncing around...

and then there was this.  Whatever this is.

Making new Meals

It has been very easy with all the moving and kitchen renovation to get into the habit of making quick and easy meals.  We frequently find ourselves falling back on meals that don't have to be thought about much and that we're practiced in making, but at least I haven't used a packet of ramen for any recipe in years.

Now that things are (mostly) settled and the kitchen is (mostly) done we're attempting to branch out.  In the last few weeks we've been making the effort to try making new, albeit relatively easy, meals that build off what we already have and what we already know. We've already tried Slow Cooker Orange Chicken and Mongolian Beef, and both of those dishes were big hits.

Today I'm making Slow Cooker Cranberry BBQ Chicken and attempting to use the Kitchen Aid tip for shredding the chicken.  And later this week we're trying Slow Cooker Sweet & Spicy Pot Roast from Mel's Kitchen Cafe using some of Richard's venison roasts.

Now if I'd just convince myself to invest in a food processor my olive tapenade would come out looking as delicious as it tastes, but one step at a time I suppose.

Puppy Love and Basement Updates

The last couple weeks have been rather hectic.  While my parents were out of town we took care of their dog Daisy, and the first couple days of her and Wicket adjusting to one another's company were a bit tense, but they're better friends now.

With the extra puppy around time has been tight, and schedule has been packed, but we've been working on the basement. Richard removed a lot of the tiles from the floor and then removed the glue from that strip so that he and his dad could frame the new wall on Saturday while I was away judging a Forensics tournament.  Photo is pre wall building.

Sometimes it feels a bit congested trying to schedule home improvement projects with the regular every day chores of the household.  But there's always that sense of accomplishment when a big project is finally done, and this basement is one really big project.  Thankfully we've broken it down into four smaller "chunks" so we can finish one before moving onto the next, plus we've had lots of puppy love to see us through.

Vitacost.com Free $10 coupon from referral

I've gotta admit I really love freebies.  I was perusing some of my favorite freebie blogs this morning while I'm in bed sick and there's not much else to do, and I managed to come across a real gem.

I'm trying out Vitacost.com which offers lots of health care items at discounted prices (including my favorites from Burt's Bees) with standard shipping starting at $4.99.  If you spend more than $49 the shipping is free.

Right now (though April 6th) if you sign up through my referral link not only do you get a free $10 coupon to use on the site, but I get one too.  So take a look, and see if its something you would use and if it is please consider signing up through my link.

Butterfly Wings

This week has been a little sparse on eventful things, rather the time has been filled with going to work and working at home and walking through the neighborhood with Wicket.

Miss H did refuse to remove the butterfly wings all day on Wednesday, and I had to wait until she was down for her nap before I got them off.  It was actually quite adorable.

I do get to spend the afternoon with my Mom tomorrow, and on Saturday I'll judge my first Forensics meet while Richard spends time with his friends and Wicket has a play-date with Buddy, one of her many partners in crime.  Besides all these plans we hope to make a run to the hardware store this weekend for some supplies and get started on the basement, and I'm hoping to unpack just a couple more boxes.  I'm not sure if I say it enough, but as much work as this house is I really love making it into our home.