Back on Track

Mavene Bennett has a degree in psychology. She thinks that Fifi was responding to my "Stage Mom" stress energy. So her recommendation is to put that doggie right back on that horse. There is a pet show event in a neighboring community in September. Mavene says that if I low-key it and simplify my designs Fifi and I might be just fine. 

I think I'll go with an Amish theme. No pompoms or doodads that she can chow down on and she'll be adorable in a sun bonnet or prayer kapp! I could maybe even do a tiny Amish quilt that could drape over one side. I feel better already. 

And now that Fifi has processed the pompoms I think she's back to normal, too. 

I have another RECIPE!!!!! Ready for this one? So EASY!

Buffalo Potato Salad. Yes. Really! 

Now my measurements are going to need to be tweaked to your taste level. I apologize for doing a Fern but I was inspired and going rogue in the kitchen. With such delicious results! So good. So easy. 

I boiled 6 potatoes. And hardboiled 4 eggs. 

Let them cool. Peel the eggs, dice eggs and potatoes into a bowl. Add tiny diced celery (three good sized ribs) Add chopped green onions. The green section from a bunch or about 10 if you grow your own. And fresh chopped parsley to taste. (I used about 1/2 cup.) Mix this all together. 

In a smaller bowl add about 3/4ish bottle of ranch dressing (the normal sized 16 ounce bottle, I used Ken's) and add 1/8 cup of Frank's Red Hot. Mix well and taste. You want the Frank's to slightly take the edge off the ranch and leave a nice afterburn. Too little and the ranch overpowers the spice, too much and your guests will be whining like little babies. Add either ranch or Frank's to get it where you want it. Then dump it over the veggies and stir well until it looks like a light orange dream. You can make it the night before even. Easy-peasy-delicious!!!!!!

Ooooohhhh! The Parade is a Coming!!!

Sweet Mercy! I may have taken on more than I can chew! But, since this is only our second 4th of July together I really wanted to go all out. Fifi loved prancing around in her Star-Spangled lycra last year! She was soooooooo adorable! And such a diva. You could not tell her what to do when she had her sparkle on. And  I don't know what she hoovered up off the ground that made her smell like a bus full of college athletes who'd played in 100 degree heat then got rained on but she has promised to never eat that again! And I've promised that I will put Fern up in the nice hotel in the city if Fifi repeats that unfortunate choice! That was a rude awakening to doggie ownership!!!! 

But back to the costumes! I have blisters on two of my fingers due to all the handwork. I wanted to share the completed ensembles with y'all but Fifi gets a little annoyed with the fittings and so far I've not gotten any good photos. Plus, the two prize winning outfits are in various stages of done. I did snap a few quickies to set the mood, though. Her bandana is just for around the house. Like a great housecoat back in the day. A housecoat would be equivalent to today's pajama pants. When did housecoats disappear? Hmmmm. I'll have to look into that. I'm curious. Maybe I'll design a line of modern housecoats. I'm going to go write that down. 

Okay. I'm back. Now the sunglasses and headband. Oh, precious widdle pupper wooks so CUTE! She's going to rock that little attitude on the way to the parade. I also have a victory costume for her to prance home in and a special frock for the parade that will literally make her look like a firework. That's the blister maker right there. The post parade party will be a little more demure but will play up Fifi's attributes. And there may be a small flower arrangement involved. I'm still cooking that idea. Sometimes restraint can make an outfit. I also have an eye and ear on the competition and may not have to pull out the excess. My main competitor, Marvene Arkfeld, from Sand and Sun Estates has had her grandchildren for two weeks and a couple are in rough stages right now. Thanks to the Terrible Twos and a pre-tween attitude Fifi may have a win without me even needing to break out into a glow!   

I hope you have a bang of a 4th. We will. Bring it on! Mama's got a spot cleared for Fifi's first trophy!!!!!!! 

If you need a great summer read Out of the Frying Pan is just a click away. 

Fifi is So Excited...

I have been working my fingers to the bone this past week on Fifi's parade costume. Look at all the delicious materials I've found. She's going to look like a dream. 

And don't be fooled by her nonchalant look, she's so excited! As a matter of fact her little tail was just going crazy when I took this picture. 

I will be honest though. The fawn tones of Fifi's facial fur is kind of bothersome. 

I don't want to speak of it, but Ralph and Suzette have this little white fluff of a dog and I can't help being a little jealous. I'd love my head piece to pop a little more against fluffy white fur. Do you think I could paint Fifi's fur white, temporarily? Or wait? The headpiece could have a built in mask component. Like a ski mask. For dogs. Oh MY! That could solve everything!!!!!

Best TIME of the YEAR! (After Christmas. And Easter. And Well...It's a Great Time of the Year!!!!!

The contest. I want to talk about the contest and how excited I am about the entries. We got one that included a real live bee! Not the cute little chenille ones covered in black and yellow glitter at the five-and-dime but a flying buzzy bee. So precious. Fern says we have so many entries we are going to have to do random choices. Don't tell her I agree but it would be hard to pick just one for each category as the winner. So many beautiful bouquets!!!! 

But I also want to talk about the 4th! Of JULY!!! One of my favorite holidays. I love cozying up to a strong hunk-a-lunk of a man and squealing at the fireworks. Well, I don't really care for the fellas that squeal, I prefer to be the squealer! Oh, fireworks!  Exploding lights and booms and colors! They get better every year. Have you seen the ones that make huge floating hearts? Squeeeee! 

The other best thing about the 4th is the fair we attend. Well, it's not really a fair. More of a friendly contest between talented adults. Some more talented than others, of course, who shall all remain nameless for various and obvious reasons. I enter (and win) the creative pie contest. Almost every single year. Last year was a fluke and I'll swear as I have been that Miriam somehow cheated. But I have been warned by Fern not to mention that allegation again. Ever. So I didn't just say that. 

The best thing, the thing that will take away all my sad feelings about Miriam and her cheating pie is that this year will be my first in the Doggie-Dress-Up event! I am going to sparkle and glitter the stuffing right out of my little Fifi princess. I intend to make her a corset and a train as well as tiny little paw covers. All in red, white and blue and all dazzling!!!!!! I've been working on the designs for a week and as soon as this contest is over I'll be sewing, glueing and bedazzling like nobody's business. 

Now. Join the contest in the last few days so I can move on. Feel free to include little furry friends in the bouquet pictures. Those are my favorite!!! 

Just in Time for Christmas Gift Craftarooing!

Pinterest Worthy Doggie Duds

The other day my sweet niece Kathryn explained to me what Pinterest really is. I didn’t get annoyed once even though I have been on Pinterest and throwing around phrases that I didn't even understand.  I thought Pinterest had something to do with bulletin boards and fails and pallets—which didn't interest me very much. Though the fails that people post are kind of funny and I think of Fern and get the giggles which completely taxes all my self-control and certain muscles.

But hot-diggity-dang if my ears didn’t perk up when Kathryn mentioned my Fifi costumes were worthy of an entire board . . . and I could share them with other puppy lovers everywhere.

So, Pinterest or not, I thought today I’d share my doggarific design skills for creating everyday ensembles your pooch will prance proud in.

The Vivacious Velvet Vet Sweater

No poor pup wants to visit the veterinarian so why not perk up poochy’s day and yours? It’s as easy as:

1. Snip a swath of velvet to fit around your doggy’s torso. Personally, I like scarlet.
2. Glue on sequined buttons to one edge and sew a few corresponding button holes on the other. Use gilt thread. Gold brightens everyone’s day.
3. Perk up the rest with dots of glitter glue to catch the sunlight.

Fuzzy Muzzle Woolsy Warmer

Keep your darlin’ as smoldering as one of your hot flashes. Here’s how:

1. Swipe some Smart Wool socks out of your sister-in-law’s dresser. If you don’t have a cranky sister-in-law, spend a few moments kicking up your heels, then go raid another relative’s dresser.
2. Cut the socks into strips and whip out a pair of the largest knitting needles you can find. Mine are electric green and when I get my groove on and the light hits just right, it looks like a neon disco ball flashing little dots all over the room.
3. Knit a circular tube the length of your dog’s snout—not too long though or the poor thing won’t be able to breath.
4. Tassles are optional.
5. So is fringe.

There you have it—two “Pinterest Worthy” or "Interesting" Pupstart Pretties to beautify your bow-wow. I've been Pinning so many I don't have pictures. But I found a blogger who gives all sorts of great advice when beautifying lil bowser. Right here. http://www.jewelrycoco.com/12-diy-dog-clothes-coats/

Waking from the Food Coma?

So full. Are you? 

Goodness. I made such a feast. 

For Fern and me. Bob had other plans. I'm not pouting. But I will remind him as often as I feel it is appropriate to do so that he was not with me on the glorious holiday that celebrates food. And my cooking. He loves my cooking. 

I will describe in great detail the golden hue on the butter topped flaky buns and how they smelled like yeasty heaven come down when the oven released their delicious aroma. And how the stuffing I made tasted of fresh sage, celery and hickory nuts with the tiniest slivers of roasted garlic. And my pumpkin pie with the home crafted cloud of whipped cream melted in my mouth. The brown sugar glazed pecans  adding just the texture needed to complete the bite. 

Yes. 

I will tell him. 

He spent Thanksgiving in a restaurant. Have you ever? 

But, on a positive note I did get Fern to read this article and agree that she doesn't want to be a cat in the Lord's kingdom. I think she is warming to Fifi, finally. 

OOOOhhhh Moonstruck!

I missed the Super Moon. 

I didn't miss it, miss it. But Bobbykins was out of town for a few days. And when he returned to Paradise he was laid up with back issues. Those long car trips are rough on him. 

While others were gazing into each others' eyes and whispering sweet nothings including proposals of marriage while the huge moon crept out of the horizon and into the sky I was serving chicken noodle soup and changing out ice packs. I did make this recipe. You have to go to the lady's blog to get it. One of the writer sent it in and FORGOT to tell everyone that it's my recipe. Oh. They have a book giveaway, too. 

Anyhoo!!!! I pointed the moon out once or five times to Bob. Even suggested we try to sit outside for a bit. He grunted. I'm sure there was love and maybe a little awe in those grunts, but that's all I got. 

So I had to live vicariously through pictures. 

Have you seen some of them? Ooooh baby, that was one huge moon. 

While looking at pictures I found out some facts, too. (Don't worry, even though I saw it on Facebook I'm sure it's accurate. They said it came from Scientific American.)  

Dogs are more likely to end up in the emergency room. I hugged Fifi extra tight after reading that fact. Shudder. I had her out and about with me, coming and going. The little thing probably has post dramatic stress issues because of the whole murder fiasco and near death of her mommies. Oh, gracious. I'm so glad I missed this fact before the moon or I would have had her on lock down, behind Fern's closed door where there is literally nothing she could hurt herself with. Fern has a desk and a bedside table and nothing on the walls. Or surfaces. It's worse than a hotel. At least hotels have colors. Not Fern. Fifi would have definitely gotten post dramatic distress from that. 

One of the other facts. Plants grow better during full moons. Woot! Woot! The garden club meets in my garden the day after tomorrow. That means I'm going to be full flower. So I can still claim something wonderful from that big old moon.  

Gotta go take care of the Bobbis. He's feeling better but still needs a little TLC. And I like to call it ZLC cuz with Zula on the move Loving Care is off the charts. Full super moon TLC. Now just to freshen up and sprinkle that extra cinnamon love on those muffins. The man is going to be moonstruck without the benefit of Super Moon. 

I Am Available if I Can Carry-On Fifi

A story reader sent one of the writers a picture of the book hovering near that one huge attraction in Rome. What is it? The one I

always think is Greek. Not the Vatican. Hmmm. Never mind what it's called. Fern will tell me while peeking over her readers and tightening her lips into a tiny, judgy rosebud.

I just want to inform any of you who might be traveling to Europe that I'd be happy to go and tell you the story myself. The only condition is that Fifi needs me and should be considered carry-on. I've already knit her a union jack jumper. (I'm working on my language skills, too! ) I think I'll sew her a smart French black shift with a simple strand of pearls. And a toga.

Another Recipe ~ Oh, You Want THIS!

The writers are quiet. One has moved off to promote another story. Her characters aren't quite up to having their own blog if that says anything. And I think it does. Granted, those characters are historical so the world webs weren't around then, but that's beside the point. 

I am quite capable of stepping outside the book covers and moving and shaking. Shake what your mama gave you, folks. That's my motto. 

While you are shaking you might as well be baking. Not baking per say, because these are no bake treats. But I think you get the drift. 

These are totally season appropriate which is why I'm going to share them now. 

Saltysweet Sensations (try singing it, very lyrical) 

3 TBSP coconut oil
3 TBSP peanut butter (creamy, crunchy, whichever you have is good)
1 package marshmallows (10 ounce) 
4 Cups krispy or flaky cereal
1 Cup dry roasted peanuts
1 Cup candy corn
*Optional - 1 Cup chocolate chips or candy coated chocolate pieces should you need a chocolate fix. Note that the color of your treat will change unless you wait until they are cooled. I left the chocolate out this time. Peanutty delicious. Also if you leave out the chocolate you can share with your four-legged bestie. Fifi danced and whirled for a morsel of these. 

Melt coconut oil and peanut butter. Add marshmallows. When melted throw everything else in and mix. Press down into a greased 9 x 13 pan. Use wet damp hands to press or a spatula if you don't want sticky fingers. And cut them with a pizza cutter when cool. These are delicious!

The Story Behind the Story Continues...

A little stop on the book tour train. https://quidproquills.com/2016/10/07/out-of-the-frying-pan-behind-the-story/

Kind of all about the writers again. You'd think they were the important ones. We solved the murder. We risked necks, shoulders, knees and toes. You can quote me on that. 

But I'm refusing to give in to my disgruntledness. Instead I will share a pic of our sweet lil pluffwuggins of cuteness. She loves it when I cook. And she's getting pretty good at catching morsels. The first few times she got smacked right in the kisser. But she's got the hang of it now, don't you, Fifs? Widdle, cutie patootie, snookie-wubba. 

I need to stop now because I'm needing some snuggle-wuggle time with this little gal.  Wait till you see the skirt I made her. Oh, MY! 

And There They Go Again....

The writers are all over the place again. Like weasels released from a sack. Three locations today. Not a single one of these articles or posts talks about our heroic murderer-defying, life-risking, epic village-saving event. 

However, one does mention my backstory a bit....so maybe check that out. And I kinda wish I could get ahold of some of the candles she talks about getting rid of. If any of you decide to declutter any floral arrangements LET ME KNOW! 

But the rest....meh...go read all about them. We're fine. We'll be right here when you come back. I'm currently sewing a mermaid tail for Fifi. She will be so, so cute!!!! 

And speaking of cute. Look at these little babies holding our book!!!!!!

Sweet Mercy

Those writers are high maintenance. 

I told Fern we'd only post once a week. And I think I've been here every day. I have little callouses on the tips of my fingers and I think I've pulled a muscle in my neck!!!! I'm certain of it. Either that or Fifi slept pushed up against my face again. That's possible. I dreamt of being buried alive in a portable toilet. (Fifi has some digestive issues and she ate a little too much grass on our after dinner walk.) It happens. 

So that mystery is solved. Ha.Ha! Oh, and we solved ours, too. Just in case you didn't know that Fern and I pretty much single-handedly took down some serious baddies! (I was even injured...but I can't share more.)

Anyhoo, the writers are at the following blogs today. Promoting our story. However, they never really do us justice! 

Jodie Wolfe http://www.jodiewolfe.com/single-post/2016/09/14/Kelly-Klepfer interviews Kelly Klepfer about her writing life. Kelly stinks at spelling. I learned that. 

Tootle on over to Whispers in Purple http://bit.ly/2cEiLss where Michelle Griep shares some such about co-writing. 

Now. I'm going to go ice my fingers around a tall glass of home made lemonade! 

And if you haven't signed up to win a copy...you are missing out. Do that. K? 

Two More About Us But Not At All About Us!

So the writers are on blogs again. 

https://quidproquills.com/2016/09/09/out-of-the-frying-pan/

http://www.sandrarobbins.net/2016/09/michelle-griep-frying-pan/

I don't know how I feel about this. They barely mention us and I thought this blog tour was about our story. 

Honestly, they mention the story, and even Fifi gets a little airtime. But nothing about how we saved Paradise. Nothing about how one of us nearly lost her life during our confrontation with evil. 

But I'll put it out there anyway. And I suppose you should go visit the sites. If nothing else it might be worth visualizing the belly dance. And like I said, Fifi gets mentioned.  Tootles and have a good weekend. 

Meet My Fifikins

Drum roll, please Let me introduce my punkin. My sweet little Fifi-pup.

Oh, the joy she has brought to my life! I didn't even know I wanted a little muffin-mutt till I inherited her when her former papa lost his faculties and moved on down to Shady Rest. May he wait in peace. He's not "gone" yet, so I don't know if rest is appropriate. 

Poor Fifi struggled so with missing him the first few days with Fern and me, especially when Fern didn't take to her cute little face right away. But I won her over with Pumpkin Molasses Peanut Butter Bites and a cute hand sewn puppy bonnet.

Fifi is the sweetest little wuggins! And she loves to sing Frank Sinatra early in the morning. I'm sure you'll get in on lots of stories.

So, till next time, have a Fififul day. Because a Fififul day is so much better than good.

Welcome to Our First Blogalicious Post

I'm Zula. I'll be writing most of the content. My sister-in-law Fern will be dropping in occasionally. I'll no doubt have a few things to say after she's done posting, too. Just to make sure this blog stays true to my themes. I don't know why everything has to be a wrestling match with her. First she says she doesn't want to post and be part of this

blog thing. Then I twist her arm and she finally agrees to do it "every once in awhile." But then she wants to post things she's interested in and doesn't want to follow my pattern. Can you see why I want to bedazzle her while she sleeps? Stubborn woman. 

Beyond all that fuss and bustle, I'll be sharing wisdom and wit and skills I've picked up over a few decades. The theme of the blog is Zu-fer where you always get more than you bargained for. Promise. Money back guarantee hahahaha. I've always wanted to say that. 

Feel free to comment and give us ideas on what you might like to hear about from us. We are always open for trying new things. Well. One of us is anyway. And if it's "interesting" to Fern she might be on board, too. 

We'll break down our posts so it'll be easy to search for areas you are curious about. I'll dare to say that you will be delighted with all of them, though. We will have some great content for you. 

My main areas are: 

Recipes ~ Come and Get it, Big Boy

Advice ~ And Then She Said

Crafts ~ WELL THAT'S CRAFTASTIC

Decorating ~ Lovely, Darling, Just Lovely

Fashion: ~ Diamonds are a Girl's Best Friend, Sparkles a Close Second

Pets ~ FURBABIES

Fern will be dropping by with these kind of posts (yawn)

Life and Safety Hippie Tips from Fern: Well being and Well Feeling Tip

Art Appreciation: Artscussions about art stuff

Either one of us can chime in with REBUTTALS and RANTS. And these will be tagged in all caps because we do get a bit heated. 

And because you know you are wanting a little piece of these glorious shares now I'll leave you with a Fifi pic and a cookie picture. 

SaveSave