Thursday, July 7, 2011

The Many Faces of Bella

Yes, I am doing it - I am totally posting about my dog. This past weekend, my dad was soooo wonderful and gifted me part of a new camera. (Thanks Daddy-O)  I, of course, had to play with it as much as possible before my upcoming trip - hence the reason why I took 600 photos in one weekend (Yes, really). Since I have no children, my dog is probably my best subject (my husband no longer poses for me unless it is a worthwhile shot - I must be that annoying, huh?). While being a paparazzi, I noticed that my dog has more expression in her teeny little face than most people can express with their entire 200-lb bodies. If you have a dog, I am sure you have noticed the many faces of your Fido, or Fifi, or Rocky... If so, I want to hear about them! So below are some pictures of Bella (who by the way just turned a year old in June, and who is looking for a man with whom to make some babies (;  ), along with what I think her thoughts must be when she makes these faces. :)


"Mom, I'm tired. Please, chill with the pics."

"I told you to leave me alone. Now take me to the dentist." (my poor baby has the cutest underbite)
 
"Look into my puppy dog eyes... keep staring, keep staring... "
"I'm pooped. No literally... right next to you."

"Wanna be my friend?"


"Wait... You're doing what?"

"Come play with me!"

"I'm thinking. About rolling in the grass and a pool full of dog treats."

"Please, dad... drop the big, juicy steak... right there."

"You people..."

"Seriously? Who tortures their kids like this?" 

Haha. Happy Thursday everyone... Enjoy your day!

XoXo, 
Jen

Wednesday, July 6, 2011

Summer Bean Dip

Here is a delicious dip that will not make you feel guilty for scarfing down a bag of greasy chips and a tub of sour cream and onion dip at the beach (whilst wearing a bikini, no less).  I first tried this as a store-bought dip, from Costco.  I basically devoured a tub of it and tried to figure out what the heck it contained while I was wolfing it down. I ended up finding the recipe online (don't kill me but I have absolutely no idea where) and decided to make it for Cinco de Mayo. It was a hit, and I've made it a few times since then. :)
It's always a great dip to take to a summer get-together and like I said, you don't feel guilty if you eat too much of it (I can't say the same for the chips).  You can alter it in a few ways to your personal preference, and it is another cook-free recipe - just mix, refrigerate, and serve. I'm pretty sure it would also make a delicious topping for fish, tacos, on a salad, etc.


Summer Bean Dip







Ingredients

1 15.5 oz can of black beans, drained and rinsed
1 15.5 oz can of yellow corn, drained and rinsed
1 red bell pepper, chopped
1 red tomato, chopped
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp cumin
1/4 tsp salt
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/2 cup packed cilantro, chopped
1/2 bunch of scallions, thinly sliced

Directions


Mix all ingredients together in a bowl and serve with tortilla chips.

Monday, July 4, 2011

Happy Independence Day!

So I'm lucky... I get to share my birthday month with one amazing little lady... Lady Liberty and this great place we call the USA. My birthday is at the end of the month, but this weekend I'm celebrating America's birthday with family and friends at the beach. :)
I'm working on my tan, taking some fabulous photos, and straight up... Relaxing. I'm actually writing this on my phone right now, while sitting in a beach chair, watching my brothers in the ocean. I could do this forever.

I go home tonight, after fireworks, so I will post some photos hopefully (I did a mini photo shot with some friends' daughters). I should also have a recipe or two for you this week. :)

Till then... Have a safe and happy Fourth of July!

Xoxo

Jen