Under the Willow

Friday, February 21, 2014

Pot Roast Slow Cooker Meal

Sorry, I don't have any pictures, I am experiencing technical difficulties.  But yesterday I made a roast, so just imagine basically what I did with the chicken and zucchini.  I chopped up some onion, carrots, parsnips, and sweet potatoes, put in the meat, added some water and left on low all day.  When I came home from work it was done!  Love it when you have one less thing to think about about or one less thing you have to do when you get home.  

The weather has been warming up, which has been very nice.  However we have had strong winds and it has caused power outages, and now the door the chickens walk through to get in and out of the chicken coop is messed up.  Hopefully it'll stay warm long enough for me to get it straightened out.  Weekend project.



Happy Friday.



* finally fixed the problem so here are the pictures.






Yummy!


Friday, February 14, 2014

Happy Valentine's Day


This is some simple table decor for a casual dinner at home.  Just light a few candles, pour some wine, and cook something yummy!


We have this awesome dinosaur muffin pan, and I thought, what is better than a dinosaur valentine's?


I just kept it simple, and threw in a dinosaur themed valentine!


Who knew dinosaurs were so yummy?


Happy Valentine's Day!!!

Monday, February 10, 2014

Table Decor and Food

I know I'm behind, but fortunately for me Chinese New Year and the Olympics last for two weeks.  Better late than never!

Here I have set my table for Chinese New Year.  I made sure to use the color red, chop sticks, oranges, fans, and of course fortune cookies.  Just add your favorite Chinese take-out and enjoy!





Then for the Olympics I just gathered some fruit and chocolate, put them in bowls to represent the Olympic rings.  I also made White Russians since the Olympics is in Sochi.  Again I recommend some take-out, like burgers or pizza for an Olympic viewing event.


Go Team USA!

Friday, February 7, 2014

Dachshund in Socks


I did this a while ago, but I thought everyone one should see Roxie in her socks!




They have rubber on the bottom so she won't slip.


"Thanks mom."


I'm really surprised she left them on as long as she did!


Wednesday, February 5, 2014

It's Been So Cold

There has been lots of snow and it has been very cold.






So this past weekend we finally got a break, and the chickens couldn't be happier.  They have had a bit of a problem with mites since they haven't been able to take dirt baths, so I am trying to encourage them to play in this peat moss.


I put dried mill worms in the peat moss to give them something to scratch at.




"Hey lady!"


"Yeah you!  Give me more WORMS!!!"


They love it!


Monday, February 3, 2014

January is Gone

This year already seems to be going fast.  I have started to look at things I want to plant this spring and projects I want to do once the weather warms up.  I can't help but get excited for spring flowers!  My husband and I have been planning for a few vacations over the next several months.  But over all I am trying not to get too far ahead of myself since there is still a lot of winter left, and I still struggle to keep up with regular everyday chores, do I really need to add more to my list?  

While I didn't really make any new years resolutions, I am always trying to focus on being healthier.  I mean, I'm not getting any younger, so I need to act now to ensure a healthier future.  Right?  And while I've posted about the cold making me lazy (totally the truth) I have been working on eating healthier, which is hit or miss, and having a more active lifestyle, which is hard when you are stuck in hibernation mode.  My Husband and I have been doing Insanity for a little over a week.  And when I say "doing" I mean watching the people on tv doing the exercises and yelling at them because it is too hard!  But when it hurts to walk, stand up, or sit down the next day we must be doing something.  I have been catching up on doctors appointments and checking things off my list.  Also I have registered to run a 3K in March and a 5K in April.  If anyone has some motivation just laying around that they could send my way, I need it!!  Spring and Summer are just around the corner, hopefully that will be some motivation for everyone.  

So here is to everyone being a little healthier everyday.