Merry (Belated) Christmas!



photo/artist link (click photo)



No this is not my house- but doesn’t it look cozy! Beautiful tree, fireplace, probably snow outside….

Merry Christmas! It is a few days late….Christmas was really great here. I really enjoyed the 4 day weekend.  

I spent the day with Nick- woke up early and opened our gifts. He got me one of the best gifts ever! Trail riding certificate for the LA equestrian center! I have been saying all year how I wish I could go riding again- so very sweet -I was so surprised! ^o^ Also some lotion and sugar scrub so I am extra soft now : P

Later in the day we enjoyed Christmas dinner- roast with mashed potatoes, biscuit and cornbread stuffing. Very yummy the roast was done perfect. : ) Then he made a yummy pear and ice cream dessert…yes, he is the best ever!

I was so proud- I got out all my Christmas cards before Christmas and just sent out my family’s Christmas gift package….so they get their gifts a few days late- but hey they are getting them : )

Here is a photo that we took when I was back for my visit in November.

You can see more at my sisters photo blog here

Major of course was not left out- he got some yummy Christmas treats. Although I am sure he would have settled for a piece of roast: P

It is back to work for me- but I have a three and a half day weekend! And I get to spend my New Years with Nick so I am excited!

Happy New Years everyone!

80 degrees winter?!



Artist/Photo Link

I really like this photo- it makes me admit that I am missing some of the winter snow. At the same time I am enjoying the 80 degree weather we have been having the last three days in Los Angeles.

We spent the weekend with Nick’s father and his wife out in Laguna.  We enjoyed watching the sunset over the ocean while eating dinner, lying in bed extra long watching morning football, and walking Major around the quite neighborhood.

Major really enjoyed prancing around and kicking up the grass. He doesn’t get a lot of that here in downtown.

It has also been brought to my attention again that I could use a new camera. Right now it just leaves me wishing I could somehow download my mental snapshots ^o^

It was really a fun weekend. Like taking a mini vacation- it was so much fun we might have to make it a regular occurrence!

Until later…..

Happy (Belated) Thanksgiving

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I have been meaning to post since my Thanksgiving holiday break. But time it seems just got away from me.

My Thanksgiving was wonderful- lots of cuddling and lots of food. Nick made his delicious Cornish game hens- stuffed and everything. It is like having your own personal turkey ^o^ So yummy! My cherry crisp turned out well too- if I do say so myself.

I didn’t get to make Major any “Thanksgiving” treats. But I think he enjoyed his raw beef bone just as much : )

I am so thankful for my family- both my family in Michigan and my little family here.

The weekend before Thanksgiving I got to go visit my family in Michigan. That was a lot of fun despite the red eye flight (that I never sleep on) and 2 hours of sleep over 24+ hours. At least it was “ warm” for a Michigan fall. I mean look how warm I am ^o^

All kidding aside it was great to see my family again. Makes me wish I could see them more often but also makes me thankful for all the time we get to spend together. If only California and Michigan where closer- or there was a transporter machine…..

I am already back to the work “grind” and missing my little “Vacation extravaganza” (5 work says off over 2 weeks). Already looking forward to the two three days weekends the end of December.

I have also come to the realization that the year is almost over! Where did the time go? It feels like I just made out my year to do list (which I think I have barely dented….) But I have been crossing a lot of my regular to do list- so at least I am getting something done! This year I really wanted to accomplish a lot- and I can’t say I have completed a lot…but I have been preparing and taking the steps to complete goals- so I am on my way!

Now I am just gearing up for the holiday season! I love the holidays!

I have almost completed the decorating- all I need are some command strips- which for some reason don’t seem to be sold as a refill pack- only if you want to buy more hooks….so more searching on that front.

Then this weekend I am hoping me and Nick can find our tree. We have not had a tree the last two years due to money or space issues. So I am really excited that this year (as long as we can find a small one) that we will be able to have it twinkling in the apartment.

Christmas cards are also almost completed. I really enjoy making handmade cards for Christmas- someday I am sure I will have a little craft station in the house to release all my craftiness ^o^

Also despite my usual last minute Christmas shopping- I have almost completed it for this year. I am one or two amazon.com orders away!

I think I am going to go have some hot chocolate- listen to Christmas music- and complete my Christmas cards…..

All I want for Christmas......

I am sure there is more that I haven't thought of- but if you know me just call and ask :)

Holiday Season

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I LOVE this time of year! Right when October (Halloween) is winding down and Thanksgiving and Christmas are on the way. 

A fairly new tradition (well 3 years now) Nick and I have for Thanksgiving is Nick cooking up some Cornish game hens with all the trimmings (it is great- like your own personal turkey) - and I am in charge of the dessert. This year I am going to make a spiced cherry crisp ^o^ My tummy is already rumbling...
Of course one of my new favorite things is EGG NOG! (With a little brandy sometimes) I never had even plain egg nog as a kid, but now I overindulge in it every Thanksgiving/Christmas. But hey it is only 1-2 moths of the year :P 
Right after Thanksgiving I like to decorate for Christmas- and that is when I start up the Christmas music and movies too. Not to mention that is when the goodies start to come out- or when I start thinking of making 'em. I am especially eager to make sugar cookies and a small gingerbread house this year. 
For Major I usually make a Thanksgiving or Christmas theme treat. Which he just loves!
For me when I think of Christmas I think of being curled up on a nice soft couch or bed with my love, covered in a fuzzy blanket, sipping hot chocolate, watching a Christmas movie, with the snow falling outside and the lights twinkling on the tree.....cozy...of course I am usually missing the snow- living in this warmer climate :) 
But I am happy just to be with the one I love!

Proposition B in Missouri

OK, so I think it is great news that Proposition B passed in Missouri. I am very against puppy mills and irresponsible breeders. With the mid-west seeming to be the center for these cruel practices I think it is only right. What I don't get is that it is being opposed by some breeders in the state as well. From what I have read the guidelines are: 

-No more than 50 unaltered dogs over 6 months

-Sufficient food and clean water must be provided

-Necessary veterinary care

-Sufficient housing, with protection from the elements

-Sufficient space to turn around and stretch limbs

-Regular exercise

-Adequate rest between breeding cycles

So I guess I just don't see how reputable breeders can oppose this. I mean if you are a reputable breeder should you not follow these guidelines anyways- don't you already get inspected via the AKC for these types of things? And it is only for breeders who keep 10 or more female dogs for the purpose of breeding and selling the offspring. I just can't see the down side to this being put into action except to put those out of business who do this purely for the money caring little for the lives of the animals.

I also want to say I am not against reputable breeders. Breeders who love their dogs, care for them, see them as part of the family,  and do it for the love of the breed.

For more about Puppy mills visit: 

http://prisonersofgreed.org/

http://majorpaws.com

Updates.....

Artist/Photo Link 

 

 

Ok- so I haven't posted for awhile......but here are some updates :P
So my totally (maybe) awesome news was I had a meeting with the head of the woman's division of Ford models in LA because the head of the nationwide plus model division for Ford thought my photos had potential. So I had the meeting and I think it went great- but they don't want to represent me. SO that was kind of a bummer- but hey the head of the Ford plus models division thinks my photos have potential ^o^

Also I am enjoying the new fall weather her in LA- although I am glad that the gloomy part stopped. I don't mind if I can be at home cuddled in my favorite cozy sweater, reading a book and sipping hot chocolate :) But not as fun when I am walking through it to work- and the umbrella doesn't help because it is mist and it still flies up and gets you all soggy :P

Halloween! I am actually really excited this year- and I have 3 different parties I would love to go to. But I have 2 problems for each one- no extra money and no costumes! But they all seem to be an annual event so I can plan it out for next year ^_- This year I think I am buying a bag of candy and bottle of Merlot and watching Lord of the rings all night :P But I do have my nails painted black and I am going to get a pumpkin for the house- so I am kind of in the spirit!

I guess that is all for now- looking forward to Friday!

Pickens Buys US Ranch for Wild Horse Sanctuary

I really like to hear stuff like this- people who are wealthy and have the ability to change things for the good actually doing it! I love horses and really believe in what she is doing here!
To find out more visit:
http://www.madeleinepickens.com/
http://www.savingamericasmustangs.org/

By MARTIN GRIFFITH
RENO, Nevada (AP) – Madeleine Pickens, the wife of Texas billionaire T. Boone Pickens, has bought a sprawling Nevada ranch to serve as a wild horse sanctuary that would keep mustangs on the range instead of in government-funded holding facilities.
If approved by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, the move would mark the first time the government has released a large number of mustangs to such a facility.
Pickens is hoping to initially relocate 1,000 horses to the 14,000-acre (5,665-hectare) Spruce Ranch about 70 miles (112 kilometers) east of Elko. Eventually, she wants to return all 34,000 horses in government-funded holding facilities and pastures to their natural habitat.
“It’s such a huge beginning,” Pickens told The Associated Press. “I plan to buy more property out there. There’s such an overload of horses in government holding.”
Pickens said BLM Deputy Director Mike Pool expressed support for the plan during meetings with her last month in Washington.
BLM officials said they recently received a formal written proposal from Pickens and must review it before taking an official position.
Pickens purchased the ranch, which she plans to rename the Mustang Monument preserve, for an undisclosed price. The property comes with grazing rights on 540,000 acres (218,535 hectares) of public land.
Pickens first proposed establishing a wild horse sanctuary in 2008 after the BLM said it was considering euthanasia as a way to stem escalating costs of keeping animals gathered from the open range.
However, the BLM rejected her initial proposal, saying it involved the use of public land where wild horses did not exist when the Free Roaming Horses and Burros Act was enacted in 1971. Federal law restricts mustangs from such areas.
About 33,700 wild horses roam freely in 10 Western states, about half in Nevada. The BLM set a target level of 26,600 horses and burros in the wild to protect the herd, the range and native wildlife, and rounds up excess horses and offers them for adoption.
Those that are too old or considered unadoptable are sent to long-term holding facilities, where they can live for decades.
Copyright 2010 The Associated Press.
Source

My Little Pony Revamp

Ok, I am not sure how many of you our there had my little pony as a child- but I did! I had the barn and I am sure a pony in every color of the rainbow times 2  ^o^
In fact I remember the day I sold the barn and all the ponies at my aunts garage sale to a younger girl- it was one of those " I am growing up" type moments. (And I am pretty sure by then we owned a live pony.) 
I think I even have a my little pony coloring book around here some where....
Anyhow I was thinking of collecting my little pony again- of course I have been inspired to collect a new breed of my little ponies...check out these awesome custom creations!





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 If you are looking for a custom pony click on the artist links- I am pretty sure most of them will take custom orders <O.O>

Exciting news!!!

Ok so I may have some AMAZING CRAZY GREAT NEWS!!!
I will keep you all posted as news develops!

My Ultra Talented Sister

Well I want to feature a rather talented artist- although I might be a little bias. My sister Kimmy! She just got her professional Canon camera (aka Artorius). She likes to name her camera which I think is an awesome idea! I am also convinced that she is the master of self photographing. Here is some of her work and you can check out more here ^_^

Participating in Your Own Life

I saw this post when I was first looking at starting a blog over at Living the Frugal Life. I thought it was such a fun post that I wanted to re-post it here. I went through and made bold all the things that I have experienced in life. It is a fun little game and I have added a few items to the list as well :)
Enjoy!

P. S. Check out Kate's Blog Living the Frugal Life. It has lots of fun ideas and trials on living the more frugal life :)

1. Started your own blog
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band (in high school...)
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland (been to the house of blues by Disneyland)
8. Climbed a mountain
9. Held a praying mantis
10. Sang a solo (At church once I think)
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea (No watched it from the ground :P
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitchhiked
23. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping
27. Run a Marathon
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelo's David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48. Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling
52. Kissed in the rain
53. Played in the mud
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China
57. Started a business
58. Taken a martial arts class
59. Visited Russia
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout cookies – No I bought them though :P
62. Gone whale watching
63. Got flowers for no reason
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar – All the time with sushi
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle (not sure it was speeding though)
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published a book
81. Visited the Vatican
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem
84. Had your picture in the newspaper (does a dress I made count?)
85. Read the entire Bible
86. Visited the White House (Not the inside, just the outside.)
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
88. Had chickenpox
89. Saved someone’s life (Maybe- you never know)
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous (but not like met them formally)
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a lawsuit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day
101. Attended a religious service of a religion significantly different than your own
102. Changed a flat tire, or fixed a leaky faucet
103. Lived in a foreign country
104. Euthanized (or had euthanized) a beloved pet
105. Witnessed a (human) birth
106. Witnessed a (human) death
107. Donated an organ or bone marrow while still alive
108. Planted a tree
109. Cut a Christmas tree from the wild (no but sounds like fun!)
110. Voluntarily fasted for a full day or more
111. Rode a horse
112. Had a dream come true (day dream or unconscious)
113. Driven Cross Country
114. Spent all day in your Pajamas
115. Wrote a fan letter to your favorite celebrity ( I was 10 :P
116. Showered in a waterfall
117. Made a complete and utter fool of yourself
118. Work at a Job you love- working on that one
119. Reflect on your greatest weakness, and realize how it is your greatest strength
120. Create your own web site (www.majorpaws.com)

First Post

image/artist link 

Hey everyone! 

Welcome to my blog! This will basically be an outlet for my thoughts and what is going on with me. Of course I will work on throwing in some fun things for you too ^o^

I want to thank the following people for letting me use their photos in my blog banner: 

Melissa- for the photo of the New Mexico High Desert- You can view more of her work Here and her Blog
Kayleystar- for the photo of a Michigan winter- You can view more of her work Here
Kimmy-  For the photo of Tucker (horse) - You can view more of her work Here
The rest are photos that I have taken- or had taken of me :) I hope for the entire banner to one day be all my photo works but until then please enjoy the work of these great artists!


I hope you enjoy following my blog!