Tag Archives: non-puppy content

Everything’s drawn and super 80s

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It’s another No Frown Friday…

  1. I’m still in an 80s kind of mood (I blame/thank Glee – apparently I’m not the only one), hence this week’s punny pet names:  Simon LeBone, Olivia Chewton John, and Cat Benatar.
  2. Not in any way related to the 80s, I loved these pictures of the Smithsonian’s new clouded leopard cubs.  I think I’ll just make a tangentially-related ThunderCats reference here to shoehorn this item into this week’s theme.  (It’s rumored that a movie is in the works.  Snarf?)
  3. Speaking of 80s cartoons… I’m sure it will not surprise you to learn that the Pound Puppies are high on my list of favorites. I totally had the board game (Pooch on the Loose).  Now that I think about it, perhaps Pound Puppies is partially responsible for my love of punny pet names.  Nose Marie, anyone?  Also, in moment of synergy that would make Jem proud, not only does this item combine the 80s and puppies, I just remembered that one of the pups was named Bright Eyes, which relates to my next item…
  4. Did you watch this week’s Glee?  The performance of Total Eclipse of the Heart was amazing.  (Thumbs up for the angry ballet )  That song was already a guilty pleasure, and I’ll definitely be adding the Glee version to my iPod.  Every time I hear the song, I think of two things:  (1) this hilarious literal video version; and (2) the summer before I started college.  I vaguely recall that during the summer orientation weekend, there was some sort of anti-drug performance using Total Eclipse of the Heart as a soundtrack.  I think that it included people in black t-shirts wearing the names of drugs, and it was full of dramatic moments such as the main student character being surrounded by all of the “drugs” and cut off from her family and friends.  I don’t recall whether I found this hilarious or moving at the time – but in retrospect, I declare it kind of awesome based on soundtrack alone.  Anyway, please excuse the long-winded intro to the fourth item on this week’s list.  In honor of all of that reminiscing Glee made me do this week, I thought I’d leave you with another one of my favorite literal videos – Take on Me:

With that, I bid you good day.  Turn around, Bright Eyes, and have a puptastic weekend.

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Family, flowers and puppies – a winning combination

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Had a lovely weekend… the in-laws are in town for a visit, so we have been enjoying spending time with them.  The weather this weekend was beautiful, although perhaps a bit too hot.  I took advantage of the nice weather and spent some time walking in the yard with Bella.  There are a few flowers in bloom already.  One of the interesting things about moving into a new home is that we’re not quite sure what has already been planted.  Each day presents a new challenge (“I can name that flower in three petals!”) and often a pleasant surprise.  Here are a few quick shots from the weekend:

One of several lilacs in the yard – a VERY pleasant surprise, given that they are my favorite flower.
This little guy is all over the back corner of our
yard… sadly, I’m not sure of his name.  Anyone?
I must say thank you to these hard-working ants – I can’t wait until the peonies are in bloom!

All in all, a very nice weekend with family, enjoying the lovely weather.  And if you’re wondering… we did make it to the Pet Fiesta.  It was a fun time, although Bella elected not to take a car ride and go with us.  It was a hot day for puppies to be outside (around 90 degrees), so Bella stayed indoors and took a nap.  However, there were plenty of dogs in attendance (including many in need of homes.  I can’t say it enough – adopt a rescue pup!).  The pup at right had a novel way to beat the heat.  I don’t know his name, but to me he will always be Joe Cool.

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My hungry eyes spy some cupcakes

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Oh, Friday… one look at you and I can’t disguise.  I’ve got… hungry eyes.  I feel the magic between you and I.  (I know it’s poetic license, so I’m trying to put my grammar concern aside and just go with it.)  Anyway, let me count down this week’s items for No Frown Friday:

  1. Punny pet names… a tradition that perhaps only I enjoy.  In honor of number 4 on this week’s list of things to help you wag your way into the weekend, this week’s name is Johnny Cats-le.  That one was too easy, but I think I earned a pass given that last week I offered up enough names for you to stage an all-pets Golden Girls production in your home.  (If anyone I know ever does stage such a production, may I suggest “Golden Retriever Girls” as a possible title?  Also, I’m expecting a cut of the inevitable profits and a producer credit.  I’m just saying.)
  2. Just kidding… even when I try to stop, I can’t.  So here are two bonus punny pet names, continuing on the classic TV theme:  Julia and Suzanne Sugarbarker.  You’re welcome, Internet.
  3. Speaking of sugar… gazing at these muppet cupcakes has left me incapable of commentary beyond, “Me want cupcakes!”  (Bonus: many awesome muppet moments in the comments, including the Swedish Chef.)
  4. This tribute to Dirty Dancing put a big smile on my face.  Go check it out, spaghetti arms… or pop the DVD in for the millionth time and watch it again this weekend.  You know you want to.  If you need me, I’ll be listening to the soundtrack on repeat.

If you’re in the northern Virginia area, you might want to check out the Pet Fiesta this weekend at Reston Town Center.  There will be puppies everywhere!  Below, a representation of this event in video form:

(via Cute Overload – if you think you can handle the cuteness, there’s another one here)

Note: your actual experience at the Pet Fiesta may differ.  Have a good weekend, kiddos.

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Donna Martin graduates, a slap bet is born, and I choo-choo-choose Glee

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Let’s talk last week’s Madonna-themed episode of Glee.  In all honesty, that was one of the most enjoyable hours of television I’ve watched in a while.  I’ve been listening to the soundtrack all week.  As Sue Sylvester would say, “Madonna.  Simply saying the word aloud makes me feel powerful – even in voice-over.”  I can’t argue with Sue on that one – though at least one person more eloquent than me has written some beautiful and thoughtful words on Madonna and Glee.  I couldn’t say it better, so I’m not even going to try.

However, I will use this Glee intro as the overly-complicated setup for a completely different  topic.  (I’m like a Simpsons episode in blog form.)  Well, not completely different – just another one of those tangential leaps that my brain seems to enjoy.  Anyway… today’s topic:  awesome episodes of TV.  I’m talking about amazing episodes of great (or not-so-great) television shows.  I’m fairly confident that Glee’s Madonna-themed episode just vaulted into a spot on my list of all-time fantastic episodes – an episode that I will be thrilled to watch over and over again, even though I have already watched it so many times that I could stage a reenactment using sock puppets.

Given that Glee’s Madonna episode is joining this elite crowd, I should probably introduce it to the other members of my personal Episode Hall of Fame.  I’ve put together the following non-exhaustive list.  It’s mostly sitcoms, with a Saturday morning confection and a soapy nighttime guilty pleasure thrown in for good measure.  (I may do a later post on those dramas that have had a similar effect on me – however, “thrilled to watch over and over again” might not be an accurate description, considering most of those episodes reduce me to a blubbering mess.)

  • Friends, The One with the Embryos – You may remember this one as the episode in which Ross hosts a trivia contest – Rachel and Monica versus Chandler and Joey.  Every time I subscribe to a magazine, I have to resist the urge to request that it be addressed to Ms. Chanandler Bong.
  • How I Met Your Mother, Slap Bet (aka Robin Sparkles) – I will never stop singing “Let’s Go to the Mall.”  This episode was brilliant, and the writers still call back to this episode seasons later.  If you are not watching How I Met Your Mother, be warned that I may sit you down and make you watch this episode on DVD.  Consider me a series dealer, trying to get you hooked with a little taste of awesome.
  • Beverly Hills 90210, Something in the Air – They should have just named this episode “Donna Martin Graduates.”
  • Futurama, Jurassic Bark – I can’t even describe this episode.  In fact, every time I attempt to type up my thoughts on it, I can feel the tears forming at the corner of my eyes.  As a dog lover, I apparently cannot even think of this episode without having an emotional reaction.
  • Scrubs, My Screw Up – The first time I watched this episode, I definitely wasn’t expecting the Sixth Sense-ish twist.  However, knowing the twist doesn’t diminish this episode for me at all.  As usual, Scrubs manages to handle a weighty subject like the death of a loved one with humor and grace.  It gets me every time.
  • The Simpsons, I Love Lisa – Ralph Wiggum is my favorite Simpsons character, hands down.  Always beware the power of a Valentine indicating that you choo-choo-choose the recipient.
  • Saved by the Bell, Jessie’s Song – I mean, come on.  This episode is responsible for my (now-forgotten) fear of caffeine pills and for my inability to say “I’m so excited” without “I’m… so… scared!” tacked on to the end of it.  That’s an impact… and perhaps something of a disease.

I’m sure as soon as I publish this list, I’ll think of some gems I left out.  It’s a risk I’ll have to take, since my DVR has thoughtfully recorded enough of Glee so that I can skip the commercials.  That show is required same-night viewing for me.

What episodes make your hall of fame?

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Back in St. Olaf…

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Another weekend is upon us… meaning that it’s time for another No-Frown Friday.  (That’s right… a week later I still haven’t come up with a better title.  One of these days, inspiration will strike.)  Here’s a list of things designed to get your tail wagging:

  1. This week’s punny pet name is … Rose Nylabone.  (A pet with this name should live in a house in Florida with Dorothy Zbornibark, Blanche Deverpaw and Sofeline Petrillo.  This foursome should be given unlimited access to the lanai, and should be allowed to have cheesecake late at night when discussing their problems.  Under no circumstances should three of them be allowed to go off on their own and purchase a hotel.)
  2. In honor of Roscoe’s visit to Bella, this slideshow showcases pets in pairs.
  3. Has anyone else been following Such Tweet Sorrow?  It’s Romeo and Juliet for the Twitter generation.  Check it out.  It’s Shakespeare’s  “birthday,” after all.
  4. If you enjoyed this week’s punny pet name, you should watch this hilarious tribute to Betty White.  (Warning: it’s catchy and may get stuck in your head, supplanting some other valuable info you have stored in there.  It’s worth the risk.)

In closing, here’s a vintage Bella photo:

Putting the lazy in La-Z-Boy (circa 2004)

 

I hope this photo inspires you to find some lazy time of your own this weekend. Perhaps you should relax on the couch and watch old episodes of the Golden Girls. You deserve it.

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Yippie ki yi what?

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Prepare for a series of tangential leaps…

Today I saw this article containing a list of “The 7 Most Soul-Crushing Series Finales in TV History.”  After reading it, I first had a moment of silence for poor Gordon Shumway. Of the seven on the list, the post on ALF made me laugh the most.  The author raises a good point – why did the Tanners insist on calling him ALF instead of his actual name?  Jerks.

Anyway, reminiscing about ALF and David the Gnome got me thinking.  First, I wondered if the Lost finale will join the list of disappointing finales next month, or if it will provide a satisfying conclusion to the series.  Second, I started thinking about shows that I loved back in the day.  The first show that came to mind?  If you were a fan, you may have guessed it from the post title – Nickelodeon’s Hey Dude.  (Sometimes I find myself humming that theme song – it’s ridiculous what takes up space in my brain.)  Oh, Brad and Melody – we had some good times together.  You too, Danny and Ted.  Dare I call the Hey Dude era the golden age of Nickelodeon?  Clarissa explained it all to me, I gained a healthy fear of green slime thanks to You Can’t Do That on Television, and I can still sing about Welcome Freshmen’s Mortis the Safety Tortoise.  I always wanted to compete on Double Dare and that show where the players got to go inside the video game.  So many childhood dreams unrealized…

Anyway, if you’re curious what happened to the cast of Hey Dude, I found a slideshow that answers that very question.  The Internet has everything.  Have a good night, and remember – you can’t get a ride if you can’t hold on.

 

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Brunch for a bunch

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I hosted a brunch for some girlfriends this weekend.  I made way too much food (as usual) – and that was even after I scrapped two or three of the items on my original menu.  In any event, although I found myself with more leftovers than I’d originally planned, I think everything turned out quite well.  Here’s a shot of the partially completed table (I got busy and forgot to take a shot of the whole spread… bad blogger!):

 

The picture above showcases the cake pops that I made (with assistance from my sister).  I was inspired by Bakerella.  Her treats are definitely more ornate than mine, but I figured that the first time I made them I should probably keep it simple.  Once decorated in yellow and pink, the cake pops (plus some mums) gave the whole table a nice springtime vibe.  For this batch, I used Funfetti cake mix and rainbow chip icing.  They were a bit rich – next time I may try to make red velvet or chocolate.  Yum.

I love planning menus… it’s always fun to come up with a theme, find some new recipes to try, and pull a party together.  I have never hosted a brunch before, so I brainstormed with a colleague at work and used my Google-fu to find some ideas.  I’m pretty proud of this menu, if I do say so myself – I think it was a hit!  If you’re interested, here’s the menu (recipes linked where available):

To sum up, I love brunch.  That is all.

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Wag your way into the weekend

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It’s Friday, so you know what that means… or you would know, if I had been blogging for more than a  week.  With that in mind, here’s a roundup of stuff that I hope makes you smile.  It’s a No-Frown Friday!  (Alternative title is in the works.)

Today, you shall receive:

  1. A pet name in pun form.  Today’s effort:  Mary Puppins. Punny (?) pet names may become a regular Friday feature.  I am corny enough that I have a neverending supply of these.  You’ve been warned.
  2. A slideshow of cute puppy pictures.  This one has a tax day theme.
  3. A link to a blog about awesome things.  Seriously, it’s all about awesome stuff.  Bookmark it and return to it on days when your optimism meter is running low.  A few of my favorites: #837 (pushing in the tabs on the fast food soda cup); #967 (illegal naps); #622 (an enthusiastic pet welcome); and especially #905 (using the shampoo in someone else’s shower… apologies to all who have been lucky enough to have me as a houseguest, though I promise I followed all of the rules).
  4. Glee’s cover of “Like a Prayer” (this one is in honor of Gabbia Di Luce, the newest addition to the blogroll at right – everyone’s giving in to the blog-liferation!):

(via EW)

Happy Friday!  Take a lesson from Bella, and find some time to nap in the sun this weekend.

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He can fix anything. He could fix a computer with a hairpin and a piece of duct tape.

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The lovely K-Squared invited us over last night – I offered to bring dessert. I often volunteer to bring dessert, thinking I’ll have time to whip up something delicious.  Inevitably, I then get busy doing other things, run out of time, and end up buying something at the grocery store.

Not this time, I vowed. Saturday afternoon, I decided to bake a cake. I have quite the backlog of recipes I want to try, so this time I decided on this yellow cake recipe. If you’re interested in trying out a new cake recipe, I urge you to check this one out.

I hadn’t planned to make this in advance, and was out of a few things.  However, a few quick substitutions took care of the problem. I never have buttermilk on hand, for example – but it’s easy to make your own.  To make 2 cups of buttermilk, just pour 2 tablespoons of lemon juice or distilled white vinegar into a measuring cup. Pour in enough milk to equal 2 cups of liquid, and let it sit for 5 minutes. It’s that easy. Another ingredient I never have on hand – cake flour.  This recipe called for 2 1/4 cups of cake flour, so I took 2 cups of all purpose flour and sifted it with 2 tablespoons of cornstarch.  It seems like there’s a substitution for almost everything… so when cooking/baking, don’t be afraid to consult your inner MacGyver (or MacGruber) and see what you can come up with.

I had to consult my own inner MacGyver today when making the frosting for this cake.  I wanted to make chocolate sour cream frosting (see the link above), for something a bit different. However, I realized that I didn’t have all of the ingredients – worst of all, I used the last of my trusty vanilla extract when making the cake.  The horror!  I don’t think I’ve ever run out of vanilla extract before. Time to restock.

Anyway, I ended up playing with the ingredients a bit, and was pleased with the result.  Next time, I think I’ll try to make a dark chocolate version instead.  The finished result:

 
Here’s the frosting recipe if you’re interested (though I warn you – it’s a bit unusual, so it may not be for everyone):

MacGyver Chocolate Sour Cream Frosting

Adapted from Smitten Kitchen 

12 oz. semisweet chocolate chips (next time I may try 16 oz.)
1/8 to 1/4 cup coffee (leftovers from the morning caffeine binge)
2 cups sour cream (room temperature – very important)
1/4 plus 1 tablespoon light corn syrup
3/4 tablespoon Jameson Irish Whiskey
2 tablespoons cocoa

Melt the chocolate in a double boiler.  (If you don’t have a heatproof boiler, you can melt it in a heatproof bowl over simmering water, or melt in the microwave following the directions on the package of chips.)  Remove from heat, and let cool until tepid.

Whisk together the sour cream, 1/8 cup coffee, 1/4 cup corn syrup, Jameson, and cocoa until combined.  Add the tepid chocolate and stir quickly until the mixture is uniform. Bust out your handy tasting spoon – add 1 tablespoon of corn syrup if you want the frosting to be a bit sweeter.  Add more coffee if you want as well.

Let cool in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes, until the frosting is spreadable. If it sets up too much, just let it sit at room temperature until it is the right consistency.

Enjoy, and say hi to your puppy for me.

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Reviewing stuff: Date Night

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It’s not all puppy-related content on here, after all. Last night, I saw Date Night with a trio of lovely ladies. I’m not going to lie – I had high hopes going into this one.  Tina Fey and Steve Carell as a married couple? I want to go to there.

I am happy to report that the movie didn’t disappoint. For those of you who aren’t familiar with the movie, Tina and Steve (that’s right… we are so on a first name basis) are a married couple in a bit of a rut. They decide to go out to dinner at a fancy restaurant without a reservation. After the host banishes them to the bar to wait for a table, they end up taking another couple’s reservation. This breach of the implied social contract results in a case of mistaken identity. Although the twists and turns of the story were pretty out there (about as out there as the plentiful parking they seemed to find on the streets of NYC), I didn’t really mind.  The movie was quite funny, and Tina and Steve were really believable as a long-married couple looking to find a way to “light up” again. There were also a ton of great people in this movie (many in bit parts) – Kristin Wiig, Mark Ruffalo, James Franco and Mila Kunis all added a little something special.

On the (just-created) review scale for this blog, I give it 4 paws. For Date Night 2, might I recommend a double date with Amy Pohler and Joel McHale? That would be my dream NBC Thursday night movie crossover. Perhaps it could also include a cameo by Tracy Morgan (bonus points if it’s in character as Brian Fellows). Synergy, baby.

However, throughout significant portions of the movie, I really just wanted to see Mark Wahlberg talk to some animals.

Say hi to your puppy for me.

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