News From Nutmeg

Hello everybody. My name is Nutmeg and I'm almost 6 months old already! This is how I looked on the very first day my mama and daddy came to pick me up. As you can probably see, I was really nervous and scared. I remember it was a few weeks before Christmas of 2010 and it was rainy and really cold!






I didn't know what to expect of these new parents of mine and also didn't know where they were taking me. My new mama kept telling me that everything was going to be ok and I shouldn't be scared. I could tell that she already loved me so I trusted her right away.

When we got to my new home, I met and immediately fell in love with my new sisters, Ivy and Nellie (even though they didn't quite know what to make of me).






It took a little bit of time for them to finally warm up to me and accept that I was now a new part of their pack, but once they did I knew I was home safe!

Daily life with my new family began and we settled into our daily routine. Lucky thing for me, it was right before Christmas so things were never boring. There was always something fun to do, see and play with!
























That's me, Ivy, Nellie and my grandma on the couch during the holidays. I was especially lucky to meet my grandma and grandpa so soon after becoming a part of my new family!






As time went on (and with the holidays behind us) I concentrated all my efforts into growing and becoming the kind of good girl I knew would make my family proud.
































As more and more time passes I can't tell you how much I look up to, and enjoy playing and learning from my two older sisters! I'm one lucky puppy, that's for sure :)






The Winter was long and my potty training went relatively well. It was hard on me to go out in all the snow and freezing cold temperatures but I did my best and got through it like a trooper. After all, I knew I always had a warm comfortable spot to come back to when I finished by business.












So here it is....Spring (or so I hear) but it's still a bit nippy (puppy humor) outside. However, the snow is long gone and I really, really enjoying spending a lot of time outside in my nice big back yard. There are so many new things to explore out there that it makes my little puppy head spin! Sometimes I've been so busy exploring that I forget that the outside is for potty and I save it for when I get back inside. Sheesh. I've got to remember to potty first and explore after (mom's rules).

One thing I suppose will never change though, nap time is almost always my favorite time of the day. After all, a growing girl needs to keep up her strength :)





Thanks so much for coming to play with me today. Come again when mom has some newer pictures to share. I'm a busy girl and am always up for fun and company. Maybe we could play a good game of fetch or something. I'd love that!!!

I woof you,
Nutmeg

A Tale Of Two Bob's

Lately I'd been feeling like most all of my tiles had been geared toward women and women's interests.    Now, with the addition of boxes and trays I have a whole new world of fun design ideas that I get to play with. Yippee!

Yesterday was all about the boys. Little boys to be exact... and little boys named Bob.  Sponge Bob Square Pants and Bob The Builder.  Two fun little guys who couldn't be more different, but each start out exactly the same.

Each Bob starts with a brilliant blue background paint.  Two coats to be exact, making sure there is plenty of drying time in between.  Be patient. Bob's don't like to be rushed.

Let's watch Sponge Bob come to life.  Just add water :)

This is one happy, goofy sponge.

I remember when my boys were little and they loved collecting all sorts of interesting things.  Cool stones, sticks or any other lucky objects that just happen to catch their eye. Too bad I didn't have neat little treasure boxes when there were little to collect all their findings.  I suppose I'll just have to wait for grandchildren :)

According to Sponge Bob Square Pants "It's hip to be square!" No wait, that was Huey Lewis... but it seems to fit Sponge Bob too :)


Now Bob The Builder is different sort. To this guy, it's all about being level headed.  Let's get to work on Bob, shall we?

One thing's for certain, Bob The Builder is no tool, but he is pretty cool!

Bob is certainly happy in his work! Bob and I are a lot alike that way.  He likes to create functional items to help people in their daily life and things that will make people happy. 

Makes perfect sense then that Bob would find a home on a tray, complete with the bricks that Bob layed himself . Not really.  Actually I beat him to the bricks part, but he would have if he hadn't been busy drying on the counter. Next time Bob :)

Thanks for visiting.  I hope you enjoyed seeing how the two Bob's came to life and how much fun they are to have around!!!  Bye, Bye Bob's!

Now, I'd love to hear what you have to say...Do you like my step-by-step painting posts? Do you find them interesting? Do they make you yawn? Do they bore the square pants off you? What would you like me to do differently? Please, don't be shy about telling me what you think. Your feedback is very valuable to me and I want to make sure that I'm bringing entertaining and interesting content your way.   I can't wait to hear from you. 

The Bob's and I thank you very much!

FFWD Salted Butter Break-Ups

This little cookie 'disc' hit all the right bells and whistles on my tongue. I'm a sucker for anything sweet and salty and this recipe is just that! Not too sweet, not too salty. Just right!!! I also love the rustic appeal this cookie has, so when a few of my girlfriends came over yesterday afternoon for a visit, I served them these off of brown paper bags. I thought it was charming but I'm not quite sure what they thought about my serving style. LOL! However, they enjoyed the taste and that's what is most important!

No matter how you choose to serve these little shards of flaky goodness, just make sure you do...They're simply delightful!

If you don't already have a copy of Dorie Greenspan's "Around My French Table" I would highly recommend making the investment. So far every recipe I have made from this cookbook has been a winner. With Dorie's help, I've brought many new and exciting French culinary adventures to our family's dining table.
My mouth is already watering for next weeks recipe: Scallops With Caramel Orange Sauce. Oh my!

Chipotle Honey Chicken With Sweet Potatoes

Sweet, smokey, fragrant and mouth watering.  That's the best way I can describe this recipe I've adapted (an asterisk * will denote my adaptations from the original recipe) from Melissa Clark's "In The Kitchen With A Good Appetite" (page 147).  Oh, easy too. I forgot to mention easy... and quick. I can only imagine how good this will be on the outdoor grill this summer when fussing over a meal is  frowned upon.  I can't wait!!!



Chipotle Honey Chicken With Sweet Potatoes

4 large sweet potatoes, peeled and cut into 1 inch pieces
2 large onions*, chopped into large chunks roughly the same size as the sweet potatoes
3 tablespoons olive oil
2 teaspoons smoked paprika* (divided)
2 teaspoons smoked cumin* (divided)
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon* (divided)
2 teaspoons ground coriander* (divided)
4 chipotle chiles in adobo sauce, minced
3 garlic cloves, minced
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons cider vinegar
salt and pepper to taste
4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
chopped cilantro for garnish

-Preheat oven to 400 degrees.  In a medium bowl, toss the sweet potatoes, onions, olive oil, half the smoked paprika, half the smoked cumin, half the cinnamon and half the ground coriander, salt and pepper.
-Spread the potato mixture on the bottom of a baking sheet* and roast in the oven for 30 minutes*.

In a large zip lock bag*, add the chicken breast, chipotle chilies, honey, garlic, vinegar, salt and pepper, the remaining smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon and coriander.  Close the bag tightly and massage the chicken to evenly distribute all the ingredients over the meat.  Marinate* in the fridge for 30 minutes while the sweet potatoes and onions roast in the oven.

Carefully place the marinated chicken breast on top of the sweet potatoes and onions and continue to roast until the chicken is cooked through, about 25 minutes longer.

Garnish with cilantro leaves and serve. You're going to love this. Not too spicy, not too sweet. Just right!!!

I hope you've enjoyed this recipe.  I know we sure did.  The smell in the house alone as it cooked was well worth the price of admission :)  I think we'll surly drive the neighbors crazy this summer as it roasts outside on the grill.  You've gotta' love that!