The Secret to Better Waffles

The first Birthday that Eric and I spent together, I received a waffle maker. It was one of those lying in bed the sunday before my birthday debating what to have for breakfast moments, when he had me open his gift for me early. I really think the waffle maker was less a gift for me and more a gift for him. Don't get me wrong, I love waffles, but Eric, he loves waffles more than anything. Take example -- I only eat one, He eats 4, and then some.

Wedding Greatness - Photographer

Before I get too into all the great details of my wedding, I should perhaps introduce one of my best spent money and most grateful elements --- MY PHOTOGRAPHER.

We had hummed and hawed about wedding photographers. They seemed out of our budget, we didn't want to spend more on a photographer than we did on our reception! That seemed a little ridiculous. We had a $10,000 budget (no idea what was actually spent) and for a great deal we scooped up Allison Suter! Relocating to the Vancouver area she offered a great deal for our April Wedding!

At the end of a long day!

Welcoming Puppy #02

Call us crazy, we brought home another dog.

Growing up, I was a cat person. My husband says I was lying to myself, I'm truly a dog person.

In May we bought Caper, a poodle cross shih tzu x cotton du tuleau. He is now 5 months old, and a little bundle of joy. We babysat the beasts and Caper was extraordinarily happy. He loves other dogs, and they make him so happy. Naturally, the only answer was to get another dog!

BTS

It's Back To School right now, 16 days and counting before the kids get back to classes, and when you work retail, this is the craziest season of the year, and when you don't have enough staff, and you only have a two person managment team instead of a three person it means you work 6-7 days a week, and you work your ass off.

Case in point is yesterday, a busy Saturday and Dyan and I worked a full 8/9 hour days without breaks because there just wasn't the time for a break.

So, that's why the blogosphere is a little quiet ATM

In other news, we are thinking of getting Caper a friend.
We've finished our bedroom.

Peace Out
Bailey

Monday - Great Things from My Wedding!

I was married on a Monday. So unorthodox, but so right for us based on our schedules, the drive down to Vancouver, and everything. Somewhere out there is a blog totally dedicated to my wedding.

But today, as I drink my coffee and browse through pinterest, my mind stopped and reflected on my wedding. It was a great day, and I love everything we did.

So, with that all in mind, I've decided to set forth and dedicate Monday's to great things from my wedding, maybe, I'll even include some great flops as well.

Today, I wanted to draw attention to the greatest thing, the hit with all my guests ---- THE COFFEE BARISTA.

Eric and I had our first date at Starbucks. We met on Plenty of Fish, and met up there. We love Starbucks. We love Starbucks so much we went there on our wedding day.

Our love of Starbucks --- me my non fat caramel latte, and Eric, his white chocolate mocha, has earned us our beloved gold cards, as well as way too many free drinks. Our love of Starbucks has earned us that special place in the barista's hearts. If only they'd learn to spell my name right! 

My new favorite Salad

My rendetion!

My mom's broccoli salad is one of my absolute favorites. But then my Sorority Sister Marie made this salad for our AGM, and it has now replaced it. She found the recipe on pinterest, and with my dad coming over, I decided it would be the great side dish to the selection of wings I was making. And it was. It was delicous!

It's a take on the traditional broccoli salad, but with pasta! Bowtie noodles to boot!

The recipe can't be found here.

I didn't add nuts, but I should have, and I kinda skimped on the broccoli (it was all I had). Next time more broccoli and add the nuts!

The salad is made a head so the flavors soak and get all great! So I made it before lunch, and Marie had made it the night before, Just add the bacon/nuts last so they don't get soggy!

Pavolova

Perhaps I will share more than one of my recipes with you tonight. For the most part, they all turned out great.

The first, is a recipe for Pavlova.

If you don't know this about me, you now do - I LOVE PAVLOVA. It's sweet, fluffy, light and has sugar, whipped cream, and fresh fruit. These elements are the best part about dessert. If only it was chocolate --- which, would be a great idea! I'll have to try to make a chocolate pavlova.

Recipes to Come

Tonight my dad and stepmom are coming up for a visit! Here comes the chance to finally whip up some of those recipes I've been collecting on Pinterest! Stay posted, more to come!

While the picture of my puppy and ottis is cute I'm done with these monsterous beasts. They are always moving, always making noise, always always always! Make them go back home --- she cried

3 Darn Dogs

In other news, I have 3 dogs running wild! My brother in law has dropped off Eric's sisters dogs for the weekend!So we get to puppy sit! YA!

These dogs are big, obnoxious, and everywhere all the time.

Introducing Ottis the Heinz 57 dog, and Duke the Black Labrador Cross thing, as well as my puppy Caper, a poodlex cotton shitzu

Product Review - Bissell Little Green ProHeat

Oh, my first product review! But I just have to because I love this!

I had been borrrowing my sister-in-law's upright Bissell to clean up the carpet after Caper, but, then, naturally, she wanted it back. I had seen this little guy at Costco. It's a steal at $99. 

It's a Bissell Little Green ProHeat and its a portable steam cleaner. Easy to transport, easy to clean, and surprisingly effective!

The Bissell you have to build, and its relatively easy! Comes with many cool accessories, none of which I have used. The main tool works just fine in my opinion. 

This is a pee stain, and then there were no more pee stains --- quick and easy. 

Plus, it was easier to control, and easier to target the stains I wanted to get at. With a puppy, stains get everywhere, especially in places that the upright vacuum wasn't easily getting at. 

All in All, I give this little guy 5 stars! And a recommendation to anyone wanting a sturdy, effective steam cleaner! 

One Small Project

Look what I installed! <3 Ikea! So glad I got to visit when in Vancouver! Too bad I had to leave some stuff behind