Coffee with a canine

Sophie and I are interviewed on today's COFFEE with a CANINE

From day one I knew Sophie was special

She is our little Rock Star

Stop by and check us out and read other Dog lovers interviews!

Coffee with a Canine

Thanks Marshal

Liebster Award

Liebster Blog Award

Tracie from a happy little life

has nominated me for a

 Liebster Award!

Tracie is a new follower, an American living in Finland

We follow a lot of the same expat blogs

Thanks Tracie

The idea behind the Liebster award is to recognize and share blogs with less than 200 followers. 

So, you both receive it (go check Tracie out too!) and then award it to 5 blogs that you enjoy.

Here is how it works:

• Link back to the blogger who nominated you
• Choose 5 blogs and leave them a comment
• Post the award on your blog
• Enjoy and share the love :)

Here's my five:

Lytha-a horse crazy american in germany

Expats again

Kelleyn- Traveling Bug

May-With Love from Lohr

Yvonne- Yvonne Moss

Sunday in My City-EATALY

My city this Sunday is New York City, New York.

When I visit my family in NJ we always make a trip into the city....NYC

I love NYC, the hustle, the history, the sites, the people and most of all

the FOOD!

My sister took us to EATALY it's the quintessential of NYC. Located on 200 5th Ave, you walk in and you're taken back...it's huge, it's like no other. Their saying is "We cook what we sell and sell what we cook". You can shop there and people were, you can grab a coffee and amazing dessert, glass of wine and appetizer, they have a beer garden, Pizza and Pasta restaurant, a cooking school and so much more. 

The idea is to experience it all, so go to one area have your cocktail and appetizer, head to another choice dinning area and have a meal, followed up by amazing desserts and coffee. Afterwards work off your meal by shopping for fresh cheeses, homemade pasta, kitchen gadgets, meats and fish....amazing breads plus huge selection of Olive Oils and wines. 

Picture Source

It was much better being there with someone that already knew how to do it, but if not there all plenty of helpful employees on hand for questions. Even if you don't eat there it's worth a stop just to see and experience.

My sister knows the young man that is the Chief Olive Oil Specialist at EATALY, Nick Coleman. He gave us a tasting in Olive Oils it was so educational and informative. Such a difference in good olive oils, like paring a fine wine. I never really thought about the difference in good Olive Oils until listening to Nick, he really knows his stuff. For more of Nick's insight on Olive Oil read this article from The Daily Meal....Gourmet Olive Oils Uncovered. 

If you are ever in NYC stop by EATALY is a one of kind place!

Have a wonderful Sunday 

Be sure to stop by UNKNOWN MAMI for more Sunday in the City

Irene

I was in Northern New Jersey visiting my sisters when Hurricane Irene hit. We have all watched the news reports of the devastation Irene left behind, sure it could have been worse and thankfully it wasn't like Katrina. My heart goes out to those hit by this storm especially those in Vermont. The water in all these pictures receded and the trees that fell have been removed, life has gone back to normal, for many the clean up continues.

Earthquakes, Tornados, Hurricanes...turning the calendar to September...school starting....colors peaking from trees....changes are happening on every corner.

It's a new day....it's Saturday....hope it's a beautiful day for you.


PS the little animal in middle is a soaked and scared chipmunk. My niece took the picture...hope the lil guy made it.

Goodbye Summer and Hello Fall

For me once Labor Day is here and school starts it's FALL!

It's my favorite time of the year.....feel like it's a new beginning! 

So we are putting away the Fedora Hat and Swimsuits...

Getting out the sweaters and jeans..

 Welcoming the crisp air of FALL!

Happy Weekend 

Happy Friday 

Happy Labor Day!

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Do you think the world became a more dangerous place on September 11, 2001 or did we just become more aware of the danger? How has your own life changed as a result of that day?

I feel more aware of the danger since that day and think it has always existed. My life has changed since that day...more patriotic and proud to be an American. 

2. Did you think your parents were too strict when you were growing up? How about in hindsight?

My parents had rules and expectations but not overly strict, you knew the consequences to your actions and weighed if it was worth breaking them. First time I was grounded was while visiting my friend in Dallas, we broke curfew and her Dad grounded us.....still laugh about it.

3. Share one random but candid fact about yourself.

I'm a lefty.

4. Would your nearest and dearest describe you as simple or far too complicated?

Simple with a bit of complication at times!

5. What is your favorite stadium or carnival food?

Hands down Cotton Candy....I know gross but I love it! 

6. Tornado, hurricane, earthquake...how many of these natural disasters have you experienced? Which event do you think would be the scariest?

A week ago I didn't' feel the earthquake though my daughter did. I was in California about 19 years ago and experienced one it was minor but still scared me. Sunday  Irene did  a number on Northern NJ where I was visiting. Still shocking to see the devastation on the news. I think they are all scary, you don't mess with Mother Nature. I would much rather experience none of the above again.

7. Labor Day weekend is approaching so a work related question seems appropriate. Growing up, did your parents assign you regular chores? Were you paid for doing those chores? If you're a parent do you assign chores to your own children? Why or why not?

I come from a family of 5 girls, we did our chores every Saturday the house and yard divided by 5! You woke at the crack of dawn to get first debs on the vacuum. No playing with friends until it's done, we received an allowance can't remember how much! My daughter has chores and receives an allowance.  I remember once when I was in HS and wanted to go to the movies with my friends and had zero money. I asked my Mom for movie money she said sure after you vacuum my car....but my friends are here in the driveway.....they watched and waited why I earned my 5 bucks! Won't want it any other way.

8. Insert your own random thought here.

I had a wonderful with my sisters and their families.....the hurricane was an interesting twist in it all but luckily other than loss of power, no flooding in any of their homes and that is a blessing. My heart  goes out to all those effected by Irene's wrath....my thoughts and prayers are with all those touched by this storm. 

Can't believe tomorrow is the first of SEPTEMBER !! Enjoy the last of August all! 

Stop by Joyce at From This Side of the Pond for more Wednesday Hodgepodge. 

Katelyn and I hopped on one of these for a quick flight to NJ.....we are visiting my sisters, doing some tax free shopping and checking out some sites in NYC.

 Hopefully hurricane Irene will change coarse or Katelyn will have experienced in one week a earthquake and hurricane.

Have a great week and weekend see ya after the storm! 

Be safe!!

Twelve years ago at the piercing kiosk at the mall I made a bad call. Katelyn was five years old and we were getting her ears pierced. She was scared and instead of having one ear at a time done I had two girls pierce her ears at once. One ear piercing was really low and twelve years later it finally split resulting in what we refer to as her butt ear!

Butt ear no more.....Katelyn's earring hole split back in November, it looked like a butt crack.

We had to wait five months just to get an appointment with a plastic surgeon and another four months to get a surgery date. This minor procedure could not be fixed by a regular doctor or in the plastic surgeon office. Don't you think a little crazy glue and bam good as new. Heck no, surgical center $$$ surgeon cost $$$$$$ insurance covered NO! The price of vanity and accessories priceless! 

Twenty minutes or so later she was out and on our way. Several stitches and some sterile strips later in a couple months she can get it re-pierced. And my accessory girl once again will be wearing her favorite earrings and not have a naked butt ear!

Happy Friday all!

Today.....

I'm sporting a new do that I ♥

feeding my body a yummy protein shake

Picking this one up from the airport, 

after a quick visit to Utah.

I missed my baby so much!

What's your today like?

Wednesday Hodgepodge

1. Using what's in your frig right now what sort of meal would you be able to make for guests who are knocking at the front door this very minute?

Well not a hardy meal would be served....I have lots of eggs, cheese, yogurt and berries! I could whip up an omelet or a yummy protein shake! 


2. What is something about yourself that you hope will change but that probably never will?

Maybe my thinning hair or able to do a normal pushup instead of a girl one! 

3. What's something about yourself that you hope will never change?

The kind of friend I am....to others.


4. Do you usually send serious or funny greeting cards? Why?

Serious more than funny....depends on who I'm sending to.


5. Bird watching, shell gathering, or star gazing- your choice for whiling away the hours?

Shell gathering....listening to waves crashing....finding the perfect one!

6. Do you double or triple check things? If so, what?

Yes....if the door is locked, stove off, hair straightener off anything that could start a fire needs to be off and possibly unplugged! 


7. What's your favorite place for people watching?

The mall for sure, but the airport is pretty good too! I love people watching.....people are pretty interesting! 


8. Insert your own random thought here.

I love fall, it's my favorite season! But come on retail....is it really necessary to already have Halloween candy!! I love candy corn it's my weakness but mid August to start eating candy corn could be  a diet disaster. Damn you retail sabotager's !!




Stop by From This Side of The Pond and say hi to Joyce and other Hodgepodge !