My new Favorite ~

Anyone who knows me knows I love cookbooks. I collect them, I buy them as souvenirs on trips, I read them over and over, and yes I even cook from them. Today I found a new favorite.

It is The Pioneer Woman Cooks. I've loved her blog which is full of fun stories, pictures and recipes. This cookbook has it all. The recipes look wonderful and I can tell it will be on my night table for quite a while, when it isn't in the kitchen. It is full of real food recipes, beautiful photos and of course her stories. And to top it all off she loves Basset Hounds too. Yes, this is a short blog post today, I've got some reading to do.

Hot Bacon Cheese Spread ~

If you love melted cheese and bacon, you will love today's recipe on my Cooking blog. It is a family favorite that we usually make for holiday parties. I know you'll love it too.

Cooking From the Heart Blog

Spread the word ~

My sister's friend Laura is having a giveaway.  They are giant 42" initials. They would make a great decorating accent.  I'd love a "W" for my craft room.  Stop and see here.

Bowtie Pasta Recipe ~

I just added this delicious recipe to my Cooking Blog.  The link is in the right column.

Introducing . . .

. . my new Cooking Blog.  COOKING FROM THE HEART!

I can't wait to share some fun recipes and cooking adventures with you. There is a link in the left column so it will be easy to find. Leave me a comment on the cooking blog to let me know what recipes you'd like to see. Hope you'll join me on this new adventure.

It's a Work Day ~

And Gus is helping.  Well, not really, he is trying, but he gets in the way and hauls off the tools. But he sure is cute doing it.

More Sewing Fun ~

It has been so fun to get back into sewing and quilting.  There truly is a time and a season for everything.  And the fabrics and patterns now are cuter than ever.  Look at this:

You can go here to see more of her cute things and enter to win this fabric bundle.  Kati Cupcake Blog.

A time to sew ~

Last week I finally took some time to sew and finish up this bag.  I think it sat around unfinished for a few months because I didn't like the handles. But, I came up with a quick fix and I love how it turned out.  When I make the pattern up as I go, that kind of thing tends to happen often. But I love how it turned out.

Gus at 16 weeks ~

We've almost had Gus for two months now and he has been a great addition to our family. He has learned that if he sits on a rug, he gets puppy treats. He knows that we keep his food in the pantry, so he will sit between it and his food bowl looking back and forth when he is hungry, which is quite often. He is enjoying trips to the backyard more now that it is a little warmer, warm for Idaho that is. He went for a walk around the block, this was really a big deal. His ears are getting longer and his skin is getting baggier. He is a perfect little basset hound.

Bring in the dogs ~

We need to made a few new introductions now that our family is increasing. When Jennifer married Trever that added his dog Roxie to the family. She is a Lab/Heeler mix. Then Jennifer and Trever got a little black lab puppy for Christmas. Her name is Molly. So now when all of the dogs get together it is lots of fun. Here are a few pictures to give you an idea of what I mean.

Happy New Year ~

I hope all of you have had fun New Years Celebrations with your friends and family. We celebrated with Pepperoni Pizza and Root Beer, which Kymber thinks is a perfect party. It was fun to be together. Jen and Trever joined us for dinner and games before they got on their way to another party. (they brought their dogs too, watch for another post with pictures of them) Jen spent 11 hours making Pizza for other peoples parties and was exhausted. The little girls and all of the dogs made it quite lively here for a while. Before they went shopping this morning, I got the girls to sit still for pictures.

Kymber loves Gus. Here are a few funny pictures of her trying to hold him.

So now the little girls are headed home, Kristine is off with friends and Gus is playing with his toys in front of the fire. Life is pretty much back to normal.