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2.29.2016

How I Keep My Dog Off The Couch


My German Shorthaired Pointer is going through some of the stubborn toddler years and breaking rules and testing us lately.  I should have known better, but I relented on one point and allowed her to lay on one of our couches. 

It was in the living room and we rarely go in there.  She looked so comfy and could sit up and look out the window to the street. What could go wrong??

She literally almost destroyed the couch after one month of laying on it!  After awhile that's all she wanted to do!  Day and night, laying on the couch! Those little short hairs wouldn't come out, the fabric was getting fuzzy from her scratching to make her bed, the drool...

One thing I learned.... It's much harder to train a dog to STOP doing something than it was to train her to never start something.  I could not keep her off that damn couch after I had allowed her on it!!!

I looked up various techniques and found everything from laying mouse traps all over it to buying alarm systems. All ridiculous.

I finally read something that said just making the couch uncomfortable for her will curb her desire to climb up there.  The article recommended laying strips of the plastic you put under your desk chair on the couch. I guess it has little bumps over the bottom that are not comfy to lay on.

I was just about to head off to Staples to buy some when I noticed a stack of lids leftover from my garage cleaning project. I bought all these bins at Costco, but wanted to keep the kids toys open so they would put their balls and airsoft guns away after use. 

I laid the lids, ridged side up, over the cushions and she has never stepped foot on the couch from day one! When company comes over I just stack them up and slide under the couch and return them when company leaves! Easy and free!

2.23.2016

Tutorial Tuesday!

Mini Blueberry Pies:

These heart shaped mini blueberry pies are SO EASY to make and they taste amaaaaazing! They use jam as the filling and you can even use store bought pie crust!

DIY Sofa Table:

How to build a sofa table. This is such an easy project!

Shower Melts for a Cold:

Essential Oil Cold Kicking Shower Melts - BusyBeingJennifer.com

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Hope Studios

2.22.2016

Got 9 Minutes?


Put on your headphones while you do the dishes tonight and listen to Bethany's story. This girl cracks me UP and she has a way of laying it down that is really easy to digest. 

Have questions after? Email me and I'll help. Hopestudios1 (at) gmail (dot) com

2.19.2016

If a Snickerdoodle and a Coffee Cup Had a Baby...


If a Snickerdoodle and a coffee cup had a baby...It would be this super quick and easy Snickerdoodle Mug Cake! I swear cinnamon and mug cakes are way up there on my love list. Desserts need to be one serving around here or I will eat the whole cake!

Ever See that episode of Sex and the City where Miranda has to pour soap on the cake to quit eating it? Guilty...



Got 3 minutes and a sweet tooth?

Snickerdoodle Mug Cake
  • 1/4 cup + 2 tablespoons all-purpose flour
  • 2 tablespoons sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon baking powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • 1/4 cup milk, at room temperature
  • 2 tablespoons salted butter, melted and cooled
  • 1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
  • For layering/topping:
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
Directions
  1. In a small bowl, whisk together flour, sugar, baking powder, and cinnamon until thoroughly, combined. Blend in milk, butter, and vanilla until batter is smooth. 
  2. Into a 14-ounce (or larger) microwave-safe mug with straight sides, scoop a big spoonful of batter, then sprinkle with a spoonful of cinnamon sugar. Alternate layers, ending with cinnamon sugar.
  3. Microwave on high for 1 to 1 1/2 minutes, or until cake is done to your liking. Allow to cool for a couple of minutes before serving.

2.16.2016

Tutorial Tuesday!

Mexican Tater Tot Casserole:

 Mexican Tater Tot Casserole - This easy casserole recipe was a hit with my family! It was spicy, hearty and tasty. Comfort food for the win.

Daily Cleaning Routine:

Daily Cleaning Routine Printable Checklist

Chicken Gyros:

Chicken Gryos - I have found my new favorite recipe! by Don't Sweat The Recipe

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2.09.2016

Tutorial Tuesday!

Valentine's Day Poppers:

Valentine's Day Poppers - rockabeyparents.com
Decadent Flourless (and Paleo!) Chocolate Cake:

Rich, decadent flourless (and paleo) chocolate cake

Crayon Valentine's with Free Printable:

heart crayon valentine printable Please...

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2.08.2016

4 Days Post-Op Update!


So, I'm 4 days out of ACL Repair Surgery and knee-deep in the rehab process. They had me in my 1st PT session less than 24 hours out of surgery!!

My 4 exercises are:

Quad Sets - tightening quad muscles with legs outstretched. 
Quad Raises- raising straight leg to the height of opposite knee. 
Calf Stretches - pulling back foot with straight leg. 
Heel Slides - pull heel toward butt using a strap. 

Here is my improvised Heel Slide DIY:


Using my kids' roll-up sled as a smooth surface and a yoga strap, I can get good glide as I pull my heel back to get a 90 degree bend. Improvisational PT equipment!!

2.02.2016

Tutorial Tuesday!

Tangy Sesame Chicken Wings:

These Tangy Sesame Chicken Wings, with their Asian flair, are my go-to game day and party appetizer recipe! Everyone always raves about them, and they disappear quickly! YOU HAVE TO TRY THESE!

Heart Bath Bombs:


Mix up these sensual scented homemade bath bombs for Valentine's Day. Drop one in the bath for a luxurious soak that will leave your skin moisturized and fragrant. #CelebrationsOfHome 


Stay warm this winter with this simple, healthy, vegan, hot chocolate packed with protein and no added sugar. Only 5 ingredients! www.pancakewarriors.com
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How to Avoid Stress At Work