New Header

Yay!

I've finished my header at last.

Yes, maybe homework should have been being worked on instead, but it turned out just as I imagined I wanted it and it always feels good to have that with a creative project.

Incorporating many of my loves. Photography, Roxanne, Leroy, My fella and I, Jasper, Lilly May, and nature.

Look for more actions in the blog makeover sense soon. Slowly, but surely I'm making this little place my own.

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

Little Visitor

Guess who I got to see last night?

Hint: She's super adorable and amazing.

My little Eloise!

She's so great. Just turning three and a half months old, she's growing more and more into her personality each day. Giggles are escaping up from her tiny little belly, little hands are grabbing hold of things, and muscles are working to gather up their strength for adventures to come.

Can I mention again how much I love being an aunt?

I'm so glad they're here through Saturday.

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

Vloggin' Vednesday - Notable Blog Post

It's time for another Vloggin' Vednesday, so strap on your watchin' glasses and get ready:

Untitled from Sara Reeves on Vimeo.

The blog I read and talked about can be found HERE.

Also be sure to go check out everyone else's posts over at Adeline's Daddy.

Even if you don't watch mine, watch his, it's adorable.

Thanks for stopping by and make sure to check back next week for another Vloggin' Vednesday!

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

Reason 547 Why I Love My Fella

One of the many reasons I love my fella?

He loves the critters...or puts up with my love for them.

Example:

What's that? Well, you see we have these sweet little birds who like to nest up on our house, but the ledge is really small and their nest kept falling off. It was so sad, especially with it happening over and over again.

So what does E do? He breaks out the ladder, some screws, and a couple pieces of board and puts them right up on the house so the birds now have a cozy and dry little space to call their own.

Another example:

That would be a hole in the concrete of our porch. You see, a bunny family lives under there and E agrees to leaving it open, rather than filling it in, so they can stay safe and cozy in their porch-front home.

I love that these things most people would consider eye-sores, or pains-in-the-neck are no sweat to my fella. He welcomes the critters. I know part of it is to make me smile, but I know it's also because he cares and doesn't have the heart to chase them off or lock them out.

Although he would freak out a bit if he saw my indoor critter engaging in some door climbing this afternoon:

Surprise! She's such a good climber!

Anyway, he's a good'n and I think I'll keep him.

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

Easter Fun

Easter was a lot of fun. I've been in a tad bit of a funk here lately, so it was nice to have some fun and forget about responsibilities, if only for a short time.

I even got a bit dressed up for the occasion:

I picked up that dress from the amazing Plowsharing Crafts

Sweater on ultimate clearance from Banana Republic outlet store

Belt was thrifted for a buck

And wooden earrings from my Erbear from Craft Alliance

I really need to fix my tripod or grab Eric as needed, because while I love my computer it doesn't allow for capturing my tall frame all that easily.

We also (E and I) decided to whip up some chickpea salad for lunch:

It's basically smooshed chickpeas (I use my hand blender grinder attachment), chopped celery bits if you have it, relish, veganaise (or whatever you use that's mayo), some salt, pepper, and seasonings of your choice. Pretty much what you'd do for a tuna salad type thing I'd assume.

Last minute I decided I should really make the lemon bars E's family loves, but didn't have lemons. After a sad attempt at finding them at the gas station, I just settled for the bottled organic lemon juice we had in the fridge. Even without the fresh lemon juice and zest, they were still perfectly tasty.

Recipe is from The Joy of Vegan Baking and can be found here, but I definitely recommend acquiring the book because it's chock full of awesome eats.  

The REAL highlight of my afternoon was seeing E's brothers amazingly cute and wonderful five week old baby.

She's so dang cute with her full head of hair and chubby baby arms. 

And of course I made sure E held her too. He's going to be a good pop someday in the (...hopefully sooner rather than later..) future. 

I think kids are great at this age. Sure, they are almost always sleeping, but that leaves plenty of time for snuggle time. Plus, I got to play with my awesome nephew in the later evening, so I got a little of both worlds. Baby snuggles and truck races all in one day. Though my truck did keep getting put in time out. Hmm.

All in all it was a great day and I am very thankful to have many people who love and care for us and to have time to spend with them. 

St. Louis has been hit hard by tornados this week, but my family and friends are all safe and sound on that front.  Also, my Mama lost her father late last week to cancer and is experiencing hurt and loss, so if anyone reading this can send her a positive thought or prayer that would be much appreciated.

Hold your loved ones tight and keep riding out these spring storms. We're set to have more tonight, but I'm crossing my fingers they decide to pass us by.

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

Whirls and Swirls of Thoughts

I took a personal day today. Meaning...no school, just focusing on reorganizing my life and dealing with some emotions. The morning was filled with that helpless kind of crying you can't escape. Such deep pain that can't be healed, but with tears and time the pain will lessen. Yesterday just opened up a big ol' can of worms, oh yes it did.

Heading back to my dad's property, sitting in a court room, someone calling the man I loved (love) with such a part of my soul "that guy". Just feeling so out of place in a town that used to feel like a home of sorts.

The tears were a bit therapeutic and a day of missed classes will not bring A's to B's so quickly, and if it would so be it. Some things just have to run their course as they will without trying to so strictly control them.

And so it is.

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

Loved always through good and bad.

Vloggin' Vednesday - 10 Years Ago

Untitled from Sara Reeves on Vimeo.

First time trying this Vloggin' business and decided to do it first thing this morning, one time through, whatever came to mind, so there's that.

Topic is 10 years ago stuff, so hope you enjoyed my rambles.

Also, most of the folks who do this are from all my favorite parent/baby blogs, and I'm just a wanna-be mama, so there's that as well.

Today (post video) was super weird, but mostly enjoyable, so I think I need to take a break with my knitting needles and poochy cuddlin'.

Oh, and some 10 years ago pictures for your viewing pleasure:

(I wore the pregnancy belly for my child development class. Can that count as pregnant?)

(I even faked morning sickness)

Love and Puppy Kisses, 

Sarbear

Also, can't get the freakin' button to work (user (ME) error), but here's a link to everyone's link ups, which I probably won't do either cause I don'ts gots the skills yet. We'll see, but me and the computer are fighting a bit lately.

Stormados

Combating Anger...and Bean Burgers

Feeling unrightfully (sort of) angry, so listening to Mischief Brew and brooding.

Soon I'll whip up an herbal ambrosia and call it an afternoon, but I need to feel frustrated for a minute, so that's that.

I did finally make home-made bean burgers. Saw the recipe over at Angry Chicken the other day and decided those burgers needed to make a visit to the land of sara's tum, and they sure did. 

Recipe from A.C.'s blog. Said she found it in Yoga Journal:

------

1 1/2 cups cooked black beans (soak your own or use a 15 oz. can very well drained)

1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (very well drained)

1 cup fresh cilantro or parsley (I used cilantro)

1 teaspoon ground cumin

1 clove garlic

2 green onions

2/3 cup shredded carrots

1 3/4 cup rolled oats

------

Whip it all together in a food processor if able or just smash up everything really well. I made a double batch so we could stick some in the freezer and did each half of the batch in the food processor and then mixed it all up together.

Scoop onto oiled or parchment papered trays (I went the parchment paper route or just use whatever non-stick to your pan method you normally would) and bake at 400 degrees F for 20 minutes. Flip and bake 15 or so minutes more.

I used my 2tbsp cookie scoop and put 2 heaping scoops together for each patty and made 13 from a double batch. Much cheaper than Amy's, just as tasty, very versatile, and EASY! Very very easy.

Once finished in the oven, place on bun with all your favorite toppings. I put mine on sesame seed with a bit of veganaise, chipolte mustard, thick pickle slices, lettuce, and a good dose of avocado. So good.

They're even Lilly May (my eldest pooch) approved and she's one picky fur-lady.

All I would change next time is having some good whole wheat buns handy and mixing in some diced onion into the patties for a bit more flavor.

(actually from a Robert Blake & Erik Petersen (of Mischief Brew) split...one of my all time favorites of two of my favorite dude musicians)

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

who will be feeling less angsty soon

(this is not a guarantee)

Just Another Fabulous Friday

Two little cuties, as usual. Just, you know...to start things off on the right foot. 

Today I was super productive. Just taking care of business and having a little fun while I was at it. I can't wait to share photos of some antique shop finds, but for now take a look at this deliciousness:

Mmm Mmm Good!

Vegan Philly Cheesesteak and Vegan carrot cake cupcake and turtle brownie. Ohhhh lordy. GOOD stuff. All from the fabulous all veggie Sweet Art.

The cheesesteak was okay, but I love the 39th Sandwich there and will be going back to it next time. Los dulces on the other hand? Oh yeah! Carrot cake was full of flavor and vegan turtle brownie? YES please. Gooey and sweet deliciousness. Not helpful in my less-sugar consumption plans, but nice and cozy in my stomach thank you very much.

My Chrissy Chris and D-Pants had some delicious looking eats as well, but I was too busy gobbling to bother myself with capturing any good photos of 'em.

Now it's on to a weekend of cleaning, knitting, and hanging with my fella and furry family.

I'll be sharing some more projects, recipes, and natural living stuff here soon. Keep those eyes peeled!

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

Photo Dumpin'

One of my tastiest and favorite snacks. Organic apple slices with fresh ground cashew butter:

Just call me butter fingers. Don't try this at home kids. With 4 pets with tender paws running about, this was a nightmare. Plus, I really wanted a pb&j: 

These little cuties sat at the screen door watching me work in the front yard all day Saturday. So dang cute: 

        

Speaking of cuties...I keep a bowl of this cracked corn out front for my squirrel and bird friends. I'm glad my love bug loves me and doesn't give me trouble about my critter lovin':

 

What made my day today:

I've been asking David (one of my Spanish class partners) to bring his daughter (one of them) to class again like he did last semester and today it happened! After class Allison handed me this coloring she worked on during class. She's great, and also counted to 20 for us in Spanish at the beginning of class. So great. I hope my kids are half as well-balanced, well-behaved, and sweet as David's. Her handing me this picture was better than someone handing me a hundred bucks. Truth. I LOVE kids. :)

In other stories...Last Friday I spent the day with my ladies. The following photos sum the afternoon up pretty well: 

Basically, we get together, chat, and eat. It was a nice relaxed day in Maplewood at two of my favorite places, Schlafly Bottleworks and Foundation Grounds coffee shop.

This past weekend my Mamba came by and we ordered out from Pearl Cafe. The only restaurant I love here in the good ol' Flor to the sant. Their food is phenomenal.

One last photo! 

Oh yes, we have lots of projects happening around here. More on those in posts to come!

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear

My Night

Finished up my homework for knitting class with this pretty yarn:

Ate a big old pile of this stuff. My all-time favorite:

Dug into this from-the-freezer-to-the-oven apple pie. Way better than it looks:

Had an all-around amazing night of relaxation.

Thankfully, after today, my semester is going to be a breeze. Lots of work to do, but most of the toughest of the tough is through. I planned on cracking open a bottle of sweet white wine to celebrate, but went with the pie, ice cream, and knitting route instead. Good choice.

Love and Puppy Kisses,

Sarbear