THIS IS A TEST I REPEAT THIS IS JUST A TEST (not really, it's a real post too)

So ... what in the what is going on with Blogger? My last two posts haven't shown up on blog rolls although the post before this did show up in my reader list. So what's the difference? 

I dunno.  

In other news, it's October! Woohoo! 

And in other, other news, I'm gonna hold off on the story of the new pup because I want to see if this post, actually posts. And in other, other, OTHER news, I got the cutest Halloween cookie cutters and ghost blanket from Aldi yesterday. Five bucks each. 

Not too shabby.

Happy October and Boogie Boogie! 

HELLLOOOOOOOO FRIDAY (now with more popovers)

Whew, whew, whew. I'm POOPED. Pooped, I say, pooped. Also, my brain is FULL because I had three days of training, an hour drive each way. 

I'm tired. 

It's a good tired though because I learned soooo many things at the training and in doing that, resparked my energy for work. I love learning new things then using those new things in real life.

In baking news, popovers, popovers and more popovers. Delightful. Next batch I'm trying fresh herbs to see how that goes. So far I've baked spicy, salty, everything bagel mix, not dogs (fake hot dogs) with non-dairy cheese, cinnamon maple sugar, pumpkin spice and good old salt and pepper. 

So yummy. 

Lastly, a loooooong time ago when the world was flat I featured Friday Question with prizes. Bringing that back today. 

Friday Question: When eating popovers, which combos sound good? To everyone who answers, I award three broken pieces of glass, a paper clip and one rotten toe.

Friday Question: 

Spicy

Salty

Sweet

Savoury

Raspberry

Strawberry

Blueberry

Blueberry Lemon

Pumpkin Spice

Cinnamon Spice

Everything Bagel Mixture

Onion

Onion & Cheese

Hot (or not), Dogs with Cheese

Pepperoni & Cheese

Plain Salt & Pepper

Cranberry

Herb-Style

Garlic 'n Cheese 

NADA, NADA, NADA + CINNAMON SUGAR DOUGHNUTS (because yum)

Things are coming along with the kitchen. Today we moved Tim's long butcher block table with black hair pin legs to the kitchen pegboard wall and my old table next to his writing desk in the office. This should be the last round of Table Tetris until we move, move, move.

As for move, move, move, nada on the houses. 

Nada. Nada. Nada.

As for baking and writing food, that started back this past weekend with banana cake, soon to turn them into banana doughnuts. Pictures to come. In the meantime, dig these cinnamon sugar mini doughnuts I made awhile back. 

My gosh, I love autumn! I love everything about it. 

Tomorrow I hope to hit the local restaurant store and add to my Halloween baking collection. Pictures to come of that as well. For now, the air fryer is chirpping which means it's almost time to sit, eat and watch more Halloween Baking Championship. 

LOVE that show. LOOOOOVE it! 

I'm also still LOOOOVING my new Samsung tablet, with pretty purple bluetooth keyboard and mouse. Lots of food writing and blogs to come from this new space. 

And that my Boogerbutts is all that's fit to print. This is Ivy, reporting live from the new kitchen butcher block bench, under the kitchen peg board wall. 

Back to you in the studio.

Huggs & Bugs, 

- Me

HOW COOL IS THAT?

Current obsession ... pretzel bagels. Not even mine. Horton's on the hill. Not sure what the one in town has. Either way, now it's in my head to get back to making homemade pretzels. Only this time with a twist. I'm thinking, pretzel bagel bites stuffed with roasted jalapeno and non-dairy smoked gouda. 

Delightful. 

In other news, we're at Barnes. Took me awhile to get out the door today. Now that we're here, I'm glad to be. I gathered a HUGE stack of autumn food and reno magazines. I love flipping through those, even though really, it's the same recipes and decor year in and year out. Still, I love it.  

In other, other news, here's the little table that Tim and I built together using bits and bobs from the shed. The top timber is cedar that naturally came mixed with pink and blonde and the base is pine, a blonde almost white wood. I stained the top and painted the base yellow. The best part is we made this together and didn't spend any new money. 

How cool is that? 

In other, other, other news, I'm using both the time before and after work much, much better than before. More on that another day, along with the finished chairs (spoilers, I painted them). And if I get to it tomorrow, homemade pretzel bagel bites stuffed with non-dairy gouda and jalapeno.

Yum. 

A puppy, a table and a pretzel bagel walk into a bar. Stop me if you heard this one.

BADA BING BADA BOOM

Check out the setup. Halloween and autumn sounds with slightly moving spooky pictures, puppy under the table and me using the new Samsung Galaxy tablet. This new toy makes writing and reading blogs a breeze. This is now my fourth week in a row and I love that.  

In other news, dig these two ALDI finds. Ten smackers each. They fold. Probably paint them the same yellow as the shed. And since I love writing, drawing and reading outdoors, I'll need to build a small writing table or find one on the cheap. 

Either works for me  

In other, other news, we looked at the outside of another house last week. There's an open house for it this week. Not sure if we'll go or not. Neither of us loves the location. We don't hate it, however ....

I dunno. We'll see. Price good. Inside from pictures good. Might just go to go.

Lastly, this week I'm working on structure. Mostly after work (at least for now). Because last week felt like my after work time wasn't spent well. Fixing that this week. Started with today when I got home. I went straight into chores, showered, made supper, took a few pictures and wrote. 

Bada bing, bada boom.

That's more like it. Right now, I'm sipping hot peach tea and listening to the spooky sounds on headphones as Tim plays D&D with the guys online. It's not a bad night, that's for sure. 

And that my Boogerbutts, is all that's fit to print. 

Huggs & Bugs,

- Me

Puppy PS: When I started writing the blog, there was one. By time I finished, there were two. I love that. Thanks for reading. Catch you on the flip side. 

I'M GONNA MISS THAT LITTLE BOOGERBUTT WHEN SHE'S GONE

So ... things not that great for Miss Wiggy. Yesterday was rough. Today she's bright-eyed and holding her own. Cried a lot this weekend.   

Death near. Sad time.

I don't know which is better, knowing it's coming or not knowing. Thinking the kidney food Tim went and got her might outlast Wiggy. 

Just sucks.

Even with the sadness, it's a nice calming quiet day here at The Manor. We reset the kitchen table on our wonky floor. Then finished painting the extra shelving I built to go under the HUGE table.  

In between coats I sit in the snug with my Halloween mug filled with goodness and watch Barbie Dreamhouse Challenge on Discovery Plus. I didn't grow up with Barbie, yet I'm digging the designers recreating different points in time, retro to now, within the Barbie world. Cool stuff. It's the perfect kinda stupid show for where my brain is at today. 

Lastly, the rain let up later tonight and I smacked a coat of primer on the shed, after Tim and I attached more wood on the right facing side and back. Next time I do a project like this, I'm saving for a good paint sprayer. 

And lastly, lastly, I'm heartsick over Miss Wiggy. Painting helps. I like the quiet. Checked on her a few minutes ago and she's still bright-eyed. It's weird how it comes and goes. For sure gonna miss that little boogerbutt when she's gone. 

And that's all that's fit to print. 

Huggs & Bugs, 

- Me

I'll miss you most of all, Scarecrow. 

Garden Shed DIY Up-Cycling (weekend project)

Lots going on here this weekend, so much so that it didn't even feel like a weekend and that's okay because the shed is a few steps closer to being done AND, my cute little purple Bluetooth keyboard arrived. To sit and write on my new Samsung Galaxy Tab S8 Ultra is heaven. Even got a cute little purple mouse to go with. Pictures to come.

In other news, Wiggy goes back to the vet this Tuesday for spinal tissue treatments. I don't know enough about them yet, though after one partial treatment, she began to move better as well as eat better. 

I'll take it.

In other, other news, after this post, I'm headed to town for exterior yellow paint for the shed. I'm also itching to get a paint sprayer. Don't think I will today, though I'll take a look-see when I'm there for sure. 

Below is the shed. Yesterday we removed to old framing, hinges and doors and built new. I tell you what, I loved doing this because we did it together AND saved what was savable from the old structure. LOVE that. 

And that my Boogerbutts, wraps up the weekend report. 

Chat again soon. Huggs & bugs,

- Me

Blogging at Barnes (insert happiness here)

Oh my gosh, I almost don't know where to start or what to share first. Much has changed since the last blog post. Today, I'm blogging at Barnes on my brand new Samsung art tablet and OMG, this is a game changer. I can draw, watch photography business classes, take pictures, shoot video, read blogs, write blogs, play with kitchen photography and watch Hulu. All from here.

This is heaven.

In other news, for the last few months I've been working at the new job and OMG, I freaking LOVE my new job. No Sundays. Take turns with 3-hour Saturday quick shifts. Excellent co-workers and boss. Home in time for supper. 

Delightful. 

In other, other news, I found this stool and dresser on the way home from work. $25 for the heavy dresser, $15 for the stool. Annie Sloan original chalk paint, here I come! 

As for houses, we haven't found one yet. Still on the look-out. Found one that we love on the outside. Haven't done the walk-through yet. 

And that my Boogerbutts is all that's fit to print. 

Huggs & Bugs,

-- Me 

GUESS WHO GOT A JOB?

Today I started the new job, just a one-on-one to setup things. Tomorrow I have my first full 8.5 hour day and I'm over the moon. 

Over the moon. 

We opened a second bank account for direct deposit. Saving all our pennies to get the heck outta Dodge. That feels AMAZING. 

Okay, I can't stay online. All showered. Two days of food prepped, dog food made, dryer almost done. After work today I hit Target for extra work shirts.

I am OVER THE MOON.

In other news, the KitchenAid Bowl Lift Stand Mixer is heaven. I'll drop a video down below. I cannot stop using this machine. OMG. Best purchase in a long time.

And that my Boogerbutts, is all that's fit to print. Chat again soon. Off to my coffin with a book, soon.

All Engines GO!

Last Saturday we hit Barnes and I flipped through magazines. Took home the candle issue of Willow & Sage. Do you go to Barnes & Noble Cafe'? We go often and LOVE it there. 

I never made candles before. Only played around with homemade wax burner style stuff. Ready to jump into candles. I like that we control the ingredients. 

Gonna be fun! 

Looked at another house today. I'll drop the grainy phone video below. We're not buying this one. It's nice to stop and look. Keeps that energy going. We've had lots of starts and stops with house hunting. This time it's all engines go. 

And that my Boogerbutts is all that's fit to print. 

Chat again soon. 

Huggs & Bugs, Me.

Goodbye Dark and Stormy - I'm Back, Baby!

Guess what? I applied for jobs, filled out applications and set-up the camera for a zoom-like interview. That's right. Goodbye Dark & Stormy, I'm back, baby. 

Thank you everyone. I sucked up your good energy, took it all in and decided to push through the insecure feelings. I didn't want how I felt about myself to get in the way of us moving. 

Your words and energy helped, a lot. Thank you !!!!

Another thing I did to help feel better was wrote a new formula for vegan chocolate chip cookies for Tim. Gotta say, first time using a mixer for cookies and wow, wow, wow. 

Delightful.

Lastly, here's both my new banner and how I feel today ...

GOTTA GET OUT OF MY OWN HEAD!

Hello Boogerbutts!

I'm stuck in my own head today. We're moving and with that, a second paycheck is a HUGE help. I'm on the job hunt and not feeling confident, at all. Drawing cartoons and writing helps so here goes ...

I haven't worked outside of the home in eight years. I think it's eight. Either way, it's been a hot minute. And even though there are so many jobs open right now, like a crazy amount, I feel insecure. How do I explain why I've been out of work so long? 

I know why I'm there to get the job, because we want a house/land. That part I feel really strong about.

Then I start going over applications and work history and I get in my head to the point that I let it stop me.

I can't do that.

As for the eight years out of work, they whooshed past. Even I don't know what I did in all that time. There was a huge part of it where I couldn't walk and had some serious infections. That was the reason for leaving. I’m scared they won't hire me in case I get sick again.

I dunno.

Like I said, I'm really in my own head right now. However, the reason we're doing this a strong reason. To have our own land. OMG. OMG. OMG. Our own garden. So that's my focus, getting out of my head and into a new life.

Finishing up this post I hear my Grandma's words. She believed the worse they can say is no and if we don't ask, we'll never know.

Grams are the best.

Huggs & Bugs - Me

OMG. OMG. OMG.

Hello Beautiful Boogerbutts! Here's an old cartoon I did years ago of my cartoon Whisk dressed as THE BEST SUPER HERO EVHAR ... Wonder Woman. So fun.

In other news, I'm THIS close I say, THIS close to getting to unwrap my new KitchenAid Yellow Stand Mixer.

OMG. OMG. OMG.

When I tell you that I go to sleep each night dreaming of things to create, that's no lie! Even bought flour, yeast and cinnamon today. Bring on the cinnamon rolls for Christmas weekend.

Speaking of dreaming of cinnamon rolls before bed, I'm soon to crawl into my coffin for the night. Tomorrow the new dryer arrives, which means no more hard crunchy cold dried clothes.

Hot dog.

Chat again soon.
Huggs & Bugs, Me. 

LET'S DO THIS!

Spent most of the weekend being lazy, lazy, lazy. Watched a lot of David in the Kitchen and ate fried spaghetti in my jams, on the couch, in the snug. 

Delightful.

Today, I need to get my butt back into gear. Can't share what I'm working on because it's a gift for Tim and I don't want him to see it on the blog.

In other news, Tim wrapped my gift and since I helped pick it out, I know it's a KitchenAid Stand Mixer. OMG. I never had one before and now all I wanna do is crack that baby open and play, play, play, play, play!

Can't wait to make stuff and share those pictures here. And, now that the work room so so freakin' functional, I've been writing down EVERYTHING I make and bake. Just so easy to do in a proper work room. 

In other, other news, I read a lot of blogs lately with some of you sick. Ugh. So sorry. Here's to everyone healing up and getting better. Let's go kick some Monday butt! 

Huggs & Bugs, Me

Bug Hunting

This is Miss Bug. Within the last six months she fell and badly hurt her leg so I carried her up and down stairs until she healed. Not long after that, she got into a big container of organic raisins, plus part of the second container and spent an emergency night at the vets as they thankfully, got the raisins out before she absorbed them. 

Best vet EVER!

And if that wasn't enough to rock Bug's world, shortly after that, she got stung by a bee and had an allergic reaction, foaming, swelling and off to the vets we went. No overnight stay, they gave her meds that calmed things down quickly.

Again, best vet, EVER! 

So that's our Bug. Half shepherd, half beagle and all trouble. 

In other news, the couch we had in the office, that moved into the snug is too low to the ground. It's always been. So I flipped that baby over, make-shifted a platform and legs with what I had on hand. The goal was the raise the couch without a trip to The Home Depot.

Eventually, I'll build a better couch, this one will hold us for now. Building our own couch, absolutely on my Builder's Bucket List.

I love using only what I have on hand. No new money spent. Couch higher. Smoochie Face's knees no longer hurt when he sits here. Win, win. 

And that my Boogerbutts is all that's fit to print. 

Talk again soon. Huggs & Bugs, Me.

Friday Question: Tea Time (yum)

Hey Boogerbutts! Got some new-to-me, tea to try. From the UK. Anyone try it before? It's steeping as I type. Though so far, it smells like the hippy dippy co-op that I LOVE going to. Which is fine for the co-op. Not sure I want it in my tea. Find out soon enough. Love trying new teas. 

Friday Question: Have you tried this brand? And/or what tea do you fancy? Lately it's been all decaf Tetley, which I love.

In other news, it's the weekend and I'm soon to add a brace and bottom shelf to that table I made a few weeks ago. As well as adjustable feet, since the kitchen floor is wonky.

And that my Boogerbutts is all that's fit to print.

Friday Question: Have You Tried This Tea?

Drumroll Please ...

Helllllooooo Boogerbutts! 

Remember Friday's post with the new photography setup? Well, that quickly changed because the floor heat vent and table were in the way of each other. Shaking the table. Blurring photos.

Can't have that!

So I fixed it. Check out my new area in the video below. Shot Friday. Then today (Sunday night as I write this), I went to DG (Dollar General), and got black out curtains (see below). 

Black out curtains should block the sun and make it easier to shoot with artificial light any time of day. I also got a black out curtain for the doorway. 30 bucks total. Think it should work.

Fingers crossed.

Also, I can't believe that I get to shoot pictures here. The reno, the mess, the reno, the mess, the mess, the mess. All worth it. 

All worth it. 

Lastly, remember the table I build from scratch. Well ... the homemade stain and the store-bought poly don't like each other. Tonight, I sanded it back a bit and used another top coat I have on hand. Two coats added three hours apart. Drying now. Add another coat in the morning.

Toes crossed.

And now ... to show you the set up by the window for natural light and then the setup for light bulb light. Hopefully the native video plays well. It's playing for me now, wouldn't last week.

With that, it's time for me to crawl into the coffin and catch some zzzz's. Come morning, I make more clusters with chocolate, cashew and raisins and then, drumroll please ...

... shoot them in the .... 

Ding! Ding! Ding! Ding!

Ding! Ding! Ding! After a morning of Table Tetris, by gosh, I think I've got the new photography set up ready to play. Hot dog! Happy FriYay!!!!

2 Posts in 2 Days ... Say Whaaat?

What is this? Two posts in two days? Eh, why not? I'm in kooky fun holiday spirits and in real life, I really am wearing a Santa hat. 

Is it kooky or kookie? How did they spell it on the Addam's Family? 

Yesterday I didn't get squatolla done with cleaning. Happy to report that today, dish is DONE! I also whipped up Cinnamon Maple Butter, Honey Butter and another test batch of homemade Alfredo sauce. 

All three things in my new Vitamix (pics and recipe to come), and none have dairy.

Hot dog!

Lastly here's the table I talked about yesterday and the tethering photography station. My camera connects to the desktop via that orange wire and the image appears on the big flat screen monitor. So if there's say, yet another dog hair on a doughnut, I'll see it on the BIG monitor right way. Rather than see it later in post, after everything's been cleaned up and I've eaten the doughnuts.

A photography area in this spot wasn't part of the original plan but by gosh, it's gonna be good. Can't wait to share some of the good foods with you. 

Chat again soon.

Huggs & Bugs, Me.

Knock Your Socks Off!

Hello Boogerbutts! Whatchya’ doin’?

I'm in the middle of top coating a new table/wood bench I built over the weekend. I'm also cleaning the house today (sorta kinda). And if that’s not enough to knock your socks off, it’s also new banner day!

In other news, the office is coming along very well. With the couch, TV and big bean bag in the snug (other room), this office feels like a proper work space.

Here are a few pictures. 

In other news, I don’t remember the last time I took a shower so I should probably add that to my list. 

And in other, other news, I cannot get over how much space we have in this office now. There's a wall of books, a computer desk writing area and then room to paint and stain. Also, a photography area for tethering. Which I'll show you once that's set up. 

That my Boogerbutts, is all that's fit to print. 

Huggs & Bugs,

-Me