Dog Days of Summer

It's only the end of June and we have been having +100º for the last several days - and it looks like it's only going to continue.  It's pretty miserable out there.  The only way to somewhat cool off today:

And I was only able to spend less than 2 hours there before becoming completely miserable! 

During these hot, hot days don't forget about your other loved ones: your dogs!!  It's easy for them to be affected by the heat and, in worst case scenarios, have a heat stroke.  Please be aware of signs and symptoms of a heat stroke -- along with ways to prevent them and, if necessary, be aware of what action to take to try to treat them.  Many times once it becomes fully apparent of what is going on - it's the end stages of a heat stroke.  It's very, very scary!! Please be aware and educate yourself!!! Here's a link to read up on some of the basic information:  Dog Heatstroke Survival Guide

No tennis ball for this little lady today!

The picture above -- that is what I call tough love - she brings me her tennis ball and I tell her no, not today.  But if you have ever met this little girl, you know how persistent she is.  I have tried to explain to her it's too hot to go play ball, but she still wants to... and I know I can be a bit of a pushover, but I am definitely not taking this lil lady out in the heat

Yes, it's tough love. 

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls

Here's a quick, simple recipe for southwestern egg rolls - baked, not fried!!

These are easy to make and would be great at a shower or any sort of party/potluck that you need to bring an appetizer for.

Baked Southwestern Egg Rolls
(Source: Mix-and-Match Mama)

Ingredients
2 c. frozen corn, thawed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 (9 oz) pkg frozen chopped spinach, thawed and squeezed dry
2 c. shredded mexican cheese
1 can (7 oz) green chiles, drained
4 green onions, chopped
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
1 Tbsp. chili powder
1 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cayenne pepper
1 pkg egg roll wrappers

Preheat oven to 425ºF.
Line baking sheet with aluminum foil and spray with cooking spray (Pam).

In large bowl, mix together all ingredients.  Using a small spoon, scoop a small amount onto egg roll. *Best to follow the instructions on the egg roll wrapper on how to fill and wrap them - they usually come with pictures and directions, which is what I used. Seal the egg roll, place on baking sheet.  Repeat until baking sheet is full.  Next, spray the tops of the egg rolls with cooking spray (lightly spray).

Bake for approx 15 minutes - flipping once half way through.

Enjoy!!

Pink Lemonade Cake Pops

At Target the other day, I noticed Pilsbury had a seasonal flavor out for cakes and cookies: Pink Lemonade.  I couldn't resist picking up a box to try.  I thought these would make delicious cake balls!  So, I baked the cake on Tuesday.  This morning, I made the balls, then placed them in the fridge to chill.  This afternoon, my mom was over so we got to dipping the cake balls and experimented a bit with some decor.  Some of them turned out better then others - still could use a little more practice!

Pink Lemonade Cake Pops
adapted from: Bakerella

1 package Pilsbury Pink Lemonade cake mix (plus
ingredients for the cake)

1 can pink lemonade frosting

White chocolate bark (or any type of melting chocolate)

Lollipop sticks

Bake cake according to directions on package. Let cake cool.  

I usually make the cake the day before, let it sit over night.

Once the cake is cooled, cut or break the cake into smaller chunks and place all in bowl.

Empty tub of frosting into the bowl with the cake, like so:

Mix cake and frosting together (using your hands usually works the best!).

Next, roll into small balls and place on baking sheet or in a baking dish:  

Let the cake balls chill in the fridge for several hours, or place in the freezer for at least 30 minutes.

Melt your chocolate, use a medium power on the microwave so it doesn't scorch the chocolate.

Once chocolate is melted, begin dipping! Take out a couple cake balls at a time.

How to dip the cake balls:

• Dip the tip of the lollipop stick into the chocolate, about 1/4 - 1/2 inch

• Place the cake ball on the end with the chocolate you just dipped - stick it in about half way

• Dip the cake ball into the melted chocolate - go directly straight down, until fully covered

• Bring the cake ball out of the chocolate, straight up

• Tap off any excess chocolate

• Decorate with sprinkles, sugar crystals, etc (optional)

• Place cake pop standing up straight up to dry, i.e. use a styrofoam block

Voila! Pink Lemonade Cake Pop

*For better/visual instructions, visit Bakerella's instructions on youtube:

Cake Pop Instructions by Bakerella

Although these babies are a bit of work, they taste amazing!  They are definitely dangerous and hard to resist!!  If you don't have lollipop sticks around, you can always just make cake balls (i.e. dip the balls without the lollipop sticks).  That is what I have always made in the past - but the cake pops are fun, too!  You can purchase the lollipop sticks at Hobby Lobby or any other craft store.  

Laney supervising gma (and hoping for some crumbs!)

Visit: Bakerella for more creative ideas!! Enjoy!

Dog-N-Jog

This morning Chris, Laney, & I headed down to the plaza for the 25th annual Dog-N-Jog.  Each year, the Humane Society hosts the Dog-N-Jog.  All the proceeds go to the Humane Society, which I love to help support since that is where we adopted Laney from!  You can choose from a 1-mile walk, 1-mile jog, or 2-mile jog.  Not knowing how well Laney would do with so many other dogs and distractions, I opted for the 1-mile jog.  It was a great time & so fun to see all the other dogs!  My parents and sister came down to watch their favorite grand-dog complete her first race!

Chris giving Lane a pep talk before the race

Finishing the first lap

Close to the finish line!

Rehydrating post-race

Treats from Sheridans for the runners, aka pups

Family pic, 6.10.12

 The race was so much fun! We finished the 1-mile run in 7:36 - which is a great time for me! Thanks to Laney making me run faster!  I think I am going to bring her with me to run the next half marathon!

Dinner Tonight: Oven Baked Fajitas

This recipe was found off of Pinterest (surprise, surprise).  They turned out really good and had lots of flavor!! Not to mention, they are easy to prepare.

 Oven-Baked Fajitas
source: Eatin on the Cheap

1 lb. chicken breast, cut into strips

1 can (15 oz.) diced tomatoes 

1 can (4 oz.) green chilies

1 medium white onion, sliced

1 medium red pepper, sliced

1 medium red pepper, sliced

2 Tbsp. vegetable oil

2 tsp. chili powder

2 tsp. cumin

1/2 tsp. garlic powder

1 package of tortillas (I used low-carb, wheat)

Preheat oven to 400ºF.  Spray 9x13 baking pan with cooking spray.

Mix together: chicken, tomatoes, green chilies, onion, & peppers in baking dish.

In a small bowl, mix together oil, chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder - mix until well blended.

Pour over the chicken, onions, and peppers - mix together well, until evenly coated. 

 Bake for approximately 20-25 minutes - or until chicken is fully cooked.

Dish up onto tortillas and serve! Enjoy!

You will be amazed with all the flavor this dish has - especially considering with how easy it is to prepare!!  We will definitely be keeping this recipe around for the future! 

Enjoy!!!