Blogging

Today I had a rather spirited discussion with my husband about blogging.  I recently purchased the book Blog, Inc in hopes it would spark that blogging interest that sits deep within and that I would realize that I do have something slightly different to offer the world than the folks on my current blog roll.  Don't get me wrong, I love (and am jealous of) every single person's blog I read; most of them are uber creative, beautiful, have amazing lives and beautiful homes.

As I was explaining to my husband how I am feeling and my observations from all of the blogs I follow, he blurts out of nowhere, mid-conversation that I am not a blogger and that "we", meaning I, can't be something we are not.  As offended as I was, I gathered my strength, pushed back the tears of anger and thought to myself that if this little bastard really feels that way, boy am I going to show him...and boy is he going to be sorry.  I am weird like that; the more people say I can't do something, the more oomph I have to do see it through.

While I am acutely aware that I have had this blog since 2010 and have started and stopped, and changed directions ten times over, I am committed to letting myself run wild this time.  I have tried to keep things light and airy in the past and that really isn't me.  I don't live a super duper glamourous life, I like to try new ideas and adventures and 99.9% of the time they epically fail, but I am okay with that because that is my real life.  I am that crazy animal lady and my house is constantly in flux.  I have an unhealthy relationship with my 9-5 job and Starbucks, too.

So against all of my husbands unsolicited advice today, I am going to let it all hang out.  I am going unleash the dogs and to allow this little blog to run free.  It's focus will be mostly surrounded by the name, which in Hawaiian means house (hale) and dog (i'lio). Two things I couldn't be more passionate about.  I also find that I have a lot of opinions so there will be story time every now and again.

And someday when I become famous (real goal!), even if it is only in my dreams or in the eyes of my Mother, for anything I have written, designed, or achieved, I will thank my husband from the bottom of my heart for not believing in me and thus forcing me to believe in myself.

Courtney

Tidbits

So this post is going to be a giant mind dump, in no particular order, of what has been going on here.  Warning: lots of pictures.

It seems as though the past few weeks have flown by but I can't really recall anything significant that we seem to have accomplished.  We are getting a little more comfortable here and starting to finally put our house together.  We are also finally starting to establish a daily routine which is good because I am completely lost without some sort of structure in the day.

If you have ever been to Maui you know that shopping is limited, especially in the home goods department.  You have every store under the sun that end in "mart"and Pier 1.  Everyone told me to scour Craigslist because of the high turn over on the island.  I check CL regularly but let me tell you...people want two arms and a leg for JUNK.  Stuff that would be on the Spokane CL for $10 pr less, people here want $50++++!!  It is absolutely crazy.  Needless to say I haven't found much of anything on CL.  I guess I will wait for Pier 1 to have their after Thanksgiving and Christmas sales and pick up the remaining items we need.

Found this cool Fox Tail Fern at Home Depot.

Franklin re-injured his the repaired leg about ten days ago.  His leg was HUGE and the swelling lasted for about five days.  We had our first trip to the vet since being here.  I was really hoping to skip the vet for at least a year given all the vet trips we made leading up to the move.  The outcome of his eight gazillion dollar trip was that he essentially suffered a partial tear of his hamstring and basically needed a lot of drugs and to lay low.  So, that is what we are doing.  

Not a good photo but his leg was about three times the size of the of the "good" leg.

Injured dogs only get to hang out at the beach.  No play for the big guy.

The rest of the gang is doing great with the exception of Cooper who seemes to have woken up with hot spots.  There are a enough home remedies I can try so I think we will be able to avoid a trip to the vet with him.  Ellee Mae is still lazy and Paisley is still wild.  Not much has changed with those ladies.  And for those of you wondering about the cats, well, they love the warm, sunny weather and sleeping on the tile floor in front of the sliders.  Milo and Jimmy rarely venture away and always seem to be around.  Lilly comes home about once a week to visit us and the rest of the time she spies on us from a secret hiding spot that we have yet to discover.  

Her Granny sent her a new toy.  She was pretty thrilled about it because it had a squeeker.

Keeper of the ball.

Dog of shame.  She rolls in the sand every.single.time. she gets in the water.

Jimmy has settled in nicely.  Typical day in this cats life.

I have been slow to getting back into cooking and baking.  It seems like more of a hassel here.  For one everything is so expensive.  Flour is around $6 a pound and eggs are about $5.50 a dozen.  Butter runs about the same, so you get the idea.  The other hassel is that you have to seal everything up right away or else the bugs come.  Perhaps I am just lazy but it takes as much time to drag everything out as it does to make and bake the items.  I did make snickerdoodles the other day for my dad and realized that I did not have any mixing bowls and that hand mixers are hunks of junk.  Oh, I also made Ron banana bread but had to make it in a pie pan because I realized that I didn't have a bread pan.  He doesn't know the difference.

Banana Bread.

Most of the weekends are spent at the beach.  We go to the "white people's" beach where all the tourists are at.  It feels more like home than the local areas.  In the more local areas, we tend to be the only white folks and often get mistaken for lost tourists.  That is generally not a good scenario to have happen.

Saw this little guy right at the shoreline last weekend in Napili.  He was SO cute.  Spent at least 3 hours watching him.

In other interesting news, a paddle boarder was bitten by a tiger shark over the weekend at the beach closest to our house.  He didn't die but was injured badly.  Don't worry we don't swim in that water anyway---it extremely deep right off the shore with lots of rocks.  

Oh and if you want a simple, light dinner or lunch, try this recipe.  I make it in large quantities once a week for Ron to nibble on for lunch.  He gives it five stars.  Luckily for me it is super easy.

via

There you have it.  Have a great rest of the week!

Courtney

resolution update

We are three months into the new year and I set some fairly (at least for me) rigorous resolutions for 2012.  The resolutions were kicked into high gear when received news of a transfer to Hawaii.  Let me just say that being on a budget has been incredibly difficult that at times I thought I might need to be put in restraints.  Luckily Spokane doesn't have the best shopping selection and I haven't been traveling for work so my pocket book has been relatively safe.

*My biggest and most intimidating resolution is to pay off our debts.  I am beyond thrilled to report that we have 1) paid off the car and I have the title in hand; 2) paid off one credit; 3) paid off our Nordstroms card; 4) and are working on your second credit card now.  Our current goal is to have it paid off by May 1.  It is honestly the biggest relief but has been incredibly difficult being on such a tight, tight budget.

*The gym.  Oh the gym.  I have not kept my five day a week schedule down.  Right now I am averaging three days a week, four on a spectacular week.  I am a little disappointed in myself because I have lost a lot of the progress I initially made.  I really need to get back into going in the mornings before I have 500 million excuses of why something else, like Starbucks, is far more important than the gym.

*Etsy shop.  I did get my shop up and running.  I haven't done much with it since then.  I need to get back into and add all the new designs that are sitting in my dinning room (also known as my workroom).  I am working on so many different projects right now, plus the move that I don't seem to be able to dedicate 100% of myself to anything which has been extremely frustrating.  I need to learn better time management skills and/or how to prioritize my days so I get something done instead of 1/3 of everything on my list!

*I have been playing with my DSLR quite a bit and my husband installed Photoshop for me.  The weather has been so gloomy and cold here that I have been mostly shooting the dogs and cats around the house.  As spring arrives I plan to get outside more and shoot places and scenery around me.  I definitely have a lot to learn still but am happy with my progress thus far.

That is resolution update in a nutshell.  I can honestly say that this is the first year I have stuck with one goal for more than 24 hours.   Yay for me!!  How are your New Year's resolutions going?

Happy Wednesday!

and then we lost our minds

Recently we were presented with a fantastic opportunity to live in Maui for a few years and for my husband to be able to keep his job.  Of course we are thrilled, I mean, who wouldn't be.  After the excitement settled in, I started doing a little bit of research and planning which turned into the whole, what are we getting ourselves into panic.

Don't get me wrong, we are still over the moon about the opportunity but now that the dust has begun to settle, I am working out the logistics that are required for such a large move.  The first hurdle is "shipping" seven animals, ensuring no one dies and successfully making it through the handbook of quarantine requirements.  I'm pretty sure we both had sticker shock after we added up all of the various "shipping" and quarantine expenses.  Hell, we have $500 worth of dog kennels sitting in our bedroom right now that they won't even enter!  Then comes the question of what to do with our house--hold onto it or sell it, the living situation in Maui, our family and aging grandparents, and well the list goes on and on.  Some days I am totally on the fence about it but fear that I would regret not jumping on it (which I think would end being the case), while other days I am inspired and ready for the challenge.  I suppose these are the realities of someone consumed by wanderlust.

This past week/end we began the first step of the rabies quarantine process (Hawaii is a rabies free state which is why you have go to through this rigamarole).  We took the seven animals to the vet in two trips and everyone got their rabies shots.  I am pretty sure the vet staff thinks we are nuts.  I was only able to snap the few pictures below because the dogs were out.of.control. and they required the use of two hands at all times.

...and we're off...screaming and growling!

Husband providing moral support (I don't "do" shots).

This is seconds before he chomped down on my finger while trying to escape.

Our target move date is September and there is so much to get done between now and then---all very exciting and scary!  I'll share details as things move along.

a week in review

The past week has been somewhat of a whirlwind, in a good way of course.  I am not on Instagram yet (plan on remedying that today) but I do have an extensive iPhone photo log going.

Here is our week in review.

New surprise kicks from the husband--only been to the gym once since I received them. Wa, wa, wa.

Typical look I get all.day.long = total guilt.

My helper, Milo.  Keeps the desk warm.

New design, crap picture.  Will be on Etsy soon.  It is lovely on (see below).

Date night--V-day surprise to the Brad Paisley Concert! See the necklace?

Brad Paisley--one of the best shows I have been to.  Highly recommend.

Vet trip for Ellee Mae (affectionately know as Moo Moo).  She had an ear infection and a UTI.  Poor girl.

Shopped around for four of these for our upcoming move to Maui.

Husband demonstrating to the dogs how the kennels work.  They weren't having it.

And there you have it.  Have a great Thursday, everyone!

awareness to ALS

Today I am going to share with you something that is totally unrelated to most of the stuff I write about on here but a cause that is very near and dear to my heart.  If any of you are Saints fans or happened to catch part of yesterdays pre-game show, you probably saw The Steve Gleason Story.  I went to high school with Steve and his brother who were both amazing athletes.  Steve's story, although very heartbreaking, is also incredibly inspiring and is helping to bring the much needed awareness to ALS.

"It's not about the blocked punt or the Superbowl ring. It's about the relationships,
love and what you do when you walk out of this room." - Steve Gleason

You can read about Steve's journey and battle with ALS and the mission of the Team Gleason Foundation here.  I just hope that one day we find a cure for this harrowing disease.

Take seven minutes and watch this.  You will be inspired on this Monday morning.

an excuse + baked chicken taquitos

Yesterday I didn't show up around here to share a super duper yummy recipe.  The main reason for my absence was because well, we woke up to a messy leak in our kitchen.  Good times indeed.

The cat was supervising the inspection of the sky light and wondering how he was going to get up there to play around.  I failed to get a picture of the dogs who proceeded to drink out of the bowl catching the dripping water.  Sometimes it's a real zoo around here.

*****

Today I am sharing with you a yummy, yummy baked chicken taquitos recipe that I initially found Pinterest that ultimately led me to The Girl That Ate Everything.  I swear 99% of my food pins lead me back to Christy's blog.  She shares some good stuff!  

I made a few modifications to the recipe mostly because of the husbands allergies.  Despite the modifications, the dish received raving reviews and he is still eating leftovers!  My substitutions are added to the right.  

[source]

Baked Creamy Chicken Taquitos

Recipe by OurBestBites.com

1/3 cup (3 oz) cream cheese (substituted 3/4 of a can of vegetarian beans)
1/4 cup green salsa
1 Tablespoon fresh lime juice
1/2 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon chili powder
1/2 teaspoon onion powder
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3 Tablespoons chopped cilantro
2 Tablespoons sliced green onions
2 cups shredded cooked chicken
1 cup grated pepperjack cheese (sprinkled to our liking, so it was minimal)
about 12 small corn or flour tortillas (we used flour)
kosher salt
cooking spray

Preheat the oven to 425 degrees. Line a baking sheet with foil and lightly coat with cooking spray.

Heat cream cheese in the microwave for about 20-30 seconds so it's soft and easy to stir (did the same thing with the bean substitute). Add green salsa, lime juice, cumin, chili powder, onion powder and garlic powder and mix well. Add cilantro, green onions, chicken and pepperjack cheese and combine well.

You can prepare up to this step ahead of time. Just keep the mixture in the fridge.

The corn tortillas are harder to roll without cracking. For the corn tortillas: work with a few tortillas at a time and heat in the microwave until they are soft enough to roll without cracking. It helps to place them between damp paper towels. Usually 20-30 seconds will do it. If you find yours are cracking when you roll them or come unrolled right away, just try heating them longer and try the paper towel thing.

Place 3 Tablespoons of chicken mixture on the lower third of a tortilla, keeping it about 1/2 inch from the edges.

Then roll it up as tight as you can.

Place seam side down on the baking sheet. Lay all of the taquitos on the baking sheet and make sure they are not touching each other. Spray the tops lightly with cooking spray or an oil mister and sprinkle some kosher salt on top.

Place pan in oven and bake for 15-20 minutes or until crisp and the ends start to get golden brown. Makes around 12 taquitos.

I made spicy salsa for dipping.  Will share the recipe soon.  Guacamole would have been good too...

I was honestly surprised at how easy these were.  I was looking at the ingredients list and all the steps and almost didn't make them.  If I would have cooked the chicken ahead of time, this could have easily been a 30 minute meal!

a bit of news

Happy Monday!  Hope you had a great weekend.  I have some very exciting news to share with you today.  Are you ready?

This weekend I finally took the jump (code for getting my rear in gear) and opened my very own Etsy shop!  It's something I have always wanted to do but never thought I had the time or energy to see it through.  I'll be honest, the other part of this and probably the biggest issue weighing on my mind was that it would require me to self promote my work.  I'm a naturally a pretty shy person and I generally don't like to have the spotlight on me in any way, however, I am going to  be a big girl and look at this a way to grow personally and professionally.  I'm super excited to share my work with you and I hope that you will come on over and take a look and perhaps even help me spread the word.

Right now, I only have a handful designs listed, mostly because it is no small job getting things photographed, edited and listed.  I will share additional pieces on the blog and twitter as they are listed.  I should also mention that I don't have a professional banner up yet and I am clueless when it comes to this sort of thing. So stay tuned for a shop makeover as well!

You can find me here: http://www.etsy.com/shop/PaisleyMaeParker

Now for a sneak peak at a few designs currently listed...

So that is what I have been up to.  Have a great Monday everyone!

2012 resolutions

[Milo-2012 Resolution Supervisor]

Every year I set resolutions/goals for the new year.  I love when a new year rolls around and I have any opportunity to reevaluate and start fresh.  There is something inspiring about having a fresh start, a clean slate if you will.  Keeping the goals on the radar past the first 30 days is usually another story.  I am resolving this year to have realistic and attainable goals---I think last year my goals were something like: to save a million dollars,  travel the world, get in shape, and become the CEO of Google.

So in an attempt to actually be successful in this little adventure, my goals for 2012 are few and relatively simple.  

*My biggest and most important goal this year is to pay off our debts, specifically our car and two credit cards.  Once these loose ends are tied up we will have so much more freedom to do things we want when we want.  The husband has a sabbatical coming up within the next year and I want to be able to venture around the world and visit some of the places on our lengthy bucket list.

*Continue and maintain my gym routine.  I find it incredibly easy to stop for a few days and never go back.  Since December, I have been doing pretty darn well at maintaining a five day per week routine.  Now to stay inspired and keep it going for the year...

*Get my Etsy storefront up and running.  It's just one of those 'just do it' things.  I could find a million and one reasons to procrastinate on this but I have been doing that for last 12 months and, well, here we are.  Still on the trusty resolution list :)

*Get more comfortable with the DSLR camera.  We don't have kids so I have never gotten in the habit of documenting events, parties...life.  I rarely think to bring the camera along until it is too late and the event has passed--then I am bummed!  I am challenging myself to learn more about the camera, practice, practice, practice, and create a habit of taking the camera with me everywhere.

Those are the big things for 2012.  I am determined to muster up the strength, want, need, courage and energy to accomplish these four big monsters.  Oh pray for my soul! 

It's 2012...a new year, a new start

[source]

Welcome 2012.  I have big dreams and high hopes and a laundry list of resolutions for this new year.

As I am sure you are aware, I gave up blogging not long after I started.  I have been on the fence about whether or not to start again and if so, if I could stay committed.  I am going to give it one last go.  I really enjoy it but I also know that writing is not one of my strengths.  English was my least favorite subject in school so I guess I am little bit intimated.  Some bloggers I follow just have a way with words.  I am amazed me when I read their posts.

This go around is going to be more authentic, not that I wasn't in my previous efforts, but I was always focused trying to sound intelligent, fluent, and on top of my game...if that makes any sense.  It would take me several hours to write a post, which is likely the reason I gave up.

With all that being said, I am looking forward to giving it another try.  I am excited to share some of the most important things in my life--my menagerie of dogs and cats, my travels, my new business venture, recipes and life goals.

So welcome back.  Hello 2012!

paisley

We had a very exciting weekend, if I do say so myself.  We added our fourth and final dog to our family on Saturday.  Her name is Paisley and she is a seven week old yellow lab.  She is absolutely adorable and smart as a whip.  I'm completely smitten.

Paisley made her first trip to the lake yesterday and thought that was pretty exciting.  She explored and sniffed and ran with the big dogs.  The world is so big and so interesting to her right now.

Hope everyone had a wonderful and restful weekend.  Happy Monday!

i'm back, the 4th of july, the dogs

Hello!  I'm back...from a very long absence.  I had an insane three weeks full of travel, court appointed clients, large mounds of work and rapidly approaching deadlines.  I'm happy to report that I am home this entire month and plan to work sparingly and enjoy some of the summer sunshine.

Normally this time of year we are planted on the beach in Kihei soaking up the rays, riding bikes, eating good food and hanging out with friends.  This year we decided to stay behind and spend some time at the lake, which was amazingly relaxing.  Here is the evidence.

putting the dock in the water

the ladies are sunbathing while supervising the dock project

Jake trying to get on the dock before it put together

Cooper is really hoping someone throws the ball

Cooper quietly trying to sneak in the house while soaking wet

Ellee Mae giving Meiko a lecture

sunset at the head of the lake

Cooper and his granny

Ellee and Meiko playing

the humans relaxing

Ron playing soccer in the front yard

Ron and Ryan (cousin) "posing" for the camera

Harley and Meiko (brothers)

That was our fun mini-getaway.  No pictures of fireworks because most of the doggies were scared to death and we decided to drive home that evening.  I wish I would have taken a picture of the seven dogs together, but I totally spaced it.  It was an afterthought this morning!  

Hope you all had a restful and peaceful 4th.  I will see you all more regularly now...yay!