Friday Things
1. Duke has been on a total stick bender. Since we had a couple of nasty storms this week, our yard has been littered with stray sticks, and Duke has made it his mission to find (and chew on) every single one. Whatever makes him happy!
2. Meanwhile, Einstein is a little pseudo-celebrity! His picture (along with my Sweet Potato Pretzel Dog Treats) are featured in the August issue of Dog Fancy magazine. Pick up an issue to see my big guy in print :)
3. I started a new crochet project this week, after years of not picking up a needle. It took a little while to get the hang of the stitches again, but then I got into a groove. Once I get it going, I’ll definitely share it here!
4. On Sunday, the NHL schedule came out, which is sort of like the Christmas equivalent of Black Friday for me. It’s the first step to the new season beginning… I put it in my Google calendar, and start figuring out which games I want to get tickets for, of course! Tonight is the draft, Tuesday is free agency, we just hired a new coach… I’m all in on the new hockey season!
5. Speaking of sports, are you watching the World Cup? I admittedly haven’t been watching much, but totally excited about the U.S. advancing!
6. QUESTION: Do you hide food from your husband/wife/significant other? My Chief Culinary Consultant told me a few days ago the guys on Mike & Mike (ESPN’s morning show) were talking about hiding food from their wives, and he thought it was funny. Full disclosure: there is no food hiding that goes on at our house! However, my father-in-law does have stashes of chocolate in different cabinets throughout the house. AND, my grandfather has been known to eat half a package of cookies, and then turn the tray around so when my grandma pulls it out, it looks full. Stealthy!
7. I can’t believe that the 4th of July is already a week from today! Do you have any fun traditions?
8. Duke and Einstein both LOVE this tennis ball dumbbell toy that either my mom or my sister bought after we got Duke. They both chew on it individually, but they especially enjoy playing tug of war with it. After months of rough play, they had finally managed to break it, so we threw it away. I replaced it a day later with a new one and it was the only thing they played with for the rest of the day. Happy pups!
9. I have to share this guacamole tip that I discovered this week! I have read in a couple of places (maybe you’ve heard this before) that to keep guacamole from getting brown in the refrigerator, pour a thin layer of water over top. I have been meaning to try it since none of the other tricks I’ve tried (storing the pit with the guac, pressing plastic wrap against the surface, etc.) have worked. I am elated to report that the water trick DID work! Hallelujah! I made a batch of guacamole on Monday, and we finished it off Wednesday night – it never turned brown! Just pour off the water when you’re ready to eat, and then smooth the layer of guacamole, add more water, cover and stash in the fridge. I am SO happy about this!
10. TGIF! Einstein and I hope you have a relaxing weekend! :)
The only time I hide food is if it’s something for me and I don’t want my brother eating it (he will eat everything he is a greedy greedy boy).
You have a fantastic dog really are creating a harmonious duet :)
No food-hiding in our house, either, although I do get tempted from time to time. Between my husband and the two kids (both 3 and under) who go through food like there’s no tomorrow and are still miles from chubby, I’m forever buying things and never getting to eat them. I have much more self control than my husband, which also doesn’t help when it comes to things like ice cream. If I buy something and want to keep it around for several days before I get to eat any, it’s often gone or close to gone before I finally crack open the freezer, but that’s all my husband. The kids and my husband are all responsible for the rapid disappearance of Chobani, however!
Congrats on your recipe and pup being featured in the magazine! And a big thank you for the guacamole tip. That one’s a keeper.
Love the pics of Duke and Einstein! Another great guacamole-saving tip my (Hispanic) family uses is squirting a good bit of lime juice on top before refrigerating. When you use the leftovers, you just mix in the extra lime juice. But I will definitely try the water tip, thanks! :)
Thank you for the guacamole trick and your dogs are precious!!! And you….are a real beauty!
Just look at the smile on Einstein’s face!! So cute!!
Duke the hunter~to cute. :-)
Einstein the lover~to cute with that smile. <3 <3 both pups.
Congratulations on the recipe publication and THANK YOU for the guac tip! You just changed my life!! (Dramatic, but spot on!)
Yes, definitely share your crochet project. I am trying to get back into it again after several years not touching a needle!
I adore your pups! Such sweet pictures, and they look like such sweet members of the fam. :) Congrats on the Dog Fancy feature too!
Yes – that last picture – two beautiful beings – you with those great high cheekbones and Einstein surely in doggy heaven with your hand on his head. Thanks for sharing. Made my Friday extra good! And thanks for all the recipes, all the tips, and those dogs . . . those dogs.
Duke is just protecting the yard from all those nasty sticks! LOL
Congrats to you and Einstein for the magazine article! I’m so happy for the both of you – you certainly deserve it, Michelle, my dear!
My parents (now both in their 80s) live directly in sight of the place where my hometown does their fireworks – and lots of them. So we always sit on their back deck, grill something and enjoy the show. Lots of fun!
Have a wonderful holiday weekend – I’m taking off work on Thursday, so I get a 4 day weekend!!
great photo in number 10… have a great weekend.
Thank you for that amazing water on guacamole trick! I’m going to try it tonight. You rock.
Congratulations Michelle! Think it is so neat that you and Einstein have your pictures and recipe in Dog Fancy.
Just look at that smile on Einstein’s face! My Golden has been loving all the sticks that have appeared in our yard as a result of these storms too :) I am so excited for the Pens season . . . just got our tickets ordered. And Steeler training camp begins in 1 month :D I have to admit that this next round of World Cup games has me on edge . . . knock out or go home . . . surely hoping that we do the knocking out. I have yet to try your Sweet Potato Dog Biscuits. I know, so sad, but I did get one step closer to trying them by buying a doggie bone cookie cutter ;) Have a lovely weekend in the ‘burgh. Go Bucs!
Of all the doggy pics you’ve ever posted, that last one in this post is the absolute best. :)
Your water trick for guacamole is great. You can also use a piece of wet paper towel over a cut avocado to keep it from discoloring. I then put the other side over it and place it in the fridge.
You’re a sport junkie as well as a cook? Wow. I’m a die hard Bills and Sabres fan and yes I’m looking at the NHL draft since we have the 2nd overall pick. Right now I know you’re feeling bad for me because of those four straight Super Bowl losses. In Buffalo we stay true to our teams and always have the hope that something will change.
The pure love radiating in #10’s picture is a beautiful thing to behold.
Awwww puppy love and well done to you and Einstein getting featured in the mag.. Will totally try the avo tip, thanks for sharing… You are soooo beautiful Michelle, love ya and your blog… Its the BEST!
Awww, that face chewing the stick! Duke, you kill me! :)))
Michelle, I finally have something for you to read in English – a pup I saw and photographed in Barcelona: http://pieliekamais.blogspot.se/2014/06/because-love-is-circle-barcelona-part-1.html