Sunday, March 29, 2015

Meet The Pets: Fitzgerald

Meet The Pets: Fitz

    Fitzgerald is a sassy six year old tabby cat. We adopted him from a Chicago shelter when he was one. He has grown from sick and skimpy to a sweet and regal cat.

How did we get Fitz?

   As a Christmas present, my parents decided to get a cat. They looked at the Anti-Cruelty Society. Fitz and his brother had been sick and had just been put up for adoption. My parents listed what kind of personality the cat should have- friendly, okay with dogs and other cats, and likes to be pet. Fitz (called Logan at the time) met all their expectations. He climbed into my dad's lap and my mom said, "We'll take him!"
                                                                     FACTS ABOUT FITZ
~loves to be brushed
~sometimes likes uncomfortable places more than comfortable ones
~likes cheese


Thanks for reading today's post!

Tuesday, March 10, 2015

Meet The Pets: River


   River is a brown, eleven year old Chesapeake Bay Retriever. He was born on August 9th in 2003. He is even older than me! River is not a big fan of toys, but he loves chasing tennis balls in the yard. Three adjectives I would describe him as are sweet, gentle and loyal. 
   One of River's "tricks" is called Hoover, after the vacuum cleaner company. Since River gobbles up any food like a vacuum, he will search the floor for morsels if we say "Hoover".
                                                                 FACTS ABOUT RIVER
~He hates riding in the car
~One of his nicknames is Cedric (don't ask!)
~He has a very deep bark

Thanks for reading my post today! Look below for a few pictures of our beloved dog!









Sunday, March 8, 2015

Five Things To Do With Washi Tape

In case you didn't know, washi tape is a Japanese decorative paper tape that is easily removable. It comes in many colors and patterns. You can buy it online, and most likely at your local craft store.

1: Washi Coordinate your desk supplies
Wrap the tape around anything...

Like pencil holders

I love the crossing strips of tape on the pencil holder! NOTE: Fancy looking glasses like the plastic one I purchased at Target spice up your office/desk supplies.

Or your markers
You will always recognize your markers! You can do this, of course, with pens, pencils etc

And don't leave your other supplies out too! The sky's the limit!
Jars and have been washified!



2: If you are like me, never actually look at your planner or calendar. Well, here's the solution!
Just add washi tape wherever you want!






3: Make adorable flags that you can use for sandwiches, cupcakes, etc



Dress up lightswitches





Or doorknobs!
Just lay strips of tape across the doorknob and trim the excess. You can fold the excess tape over the edge, but trimming it creates a more clean look.






Thank you so much for reading my post today! I hope to do more craft roundups in the future. If you have any questions, ask me in the comment section. ~Anna

Best Brownies Ever

I honestly think these are hands down the best brownies ever. They're not cakey, no a pile of mush, but right in between. If you are obsessed with chocolate like me, I think you'll enjoy these brownies. Make sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to see the easy glaze recipe!

 This recipe was adapted from allrecipes.com titled Mmm-Mmm Better Brownies


Makes 1 9x9 in pan

                                                                 INGREDIENTS

  • 1/2 cup vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
  • 1 cup white sugar 
  • 2 eggs
  • 1/2 cup all purpose flour
  • 1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • milk chocolate chips to taste
                                                                         DIRECTIONS
  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C) Grease a 9 x 9 inch baking pan.
  2. In medium bowl, mix together oil, sugar and vanilla. Beat in eggs. In a separate bowl, combine flour, cocoa, baking powder and salt. Stir egg mixture into dry ingredients (or vice versa) until well blended. Stir in chocolate chips.
  3. Bake for 20-25 minutes (I did 23 minutes and they were perfect). Let cool fully before cutting and serving.
                                                                            BROWNIE GLAZE
This simple glaze is rich and perfect to complete your brownies! 
  • milk chocolate chips
  • half and half
In a microwave safe bowl, microwave the chocolate chips in short bursts until melted. Add splashes of half and half until the glaze is the consistency you want it. Spread on top of cooled brownies.

NOTES: The chocolate chips are totally optional, but I added them because I thought they produced a burst of chocolatey flavor that was otherwise missing. When your brownies come out of the oven, insert a toothpick to three different places of the brownies. if the toothpick comes out clean, they are baked. If not, slide those babies back in the oven for a minute or two longer! Do not be surprised if your brownies feel delicate and mushy. They will set after cooling. Enjoy!