Happy Memorial Day!

God bless those who fight for the freedoms we all enjoy. God bless America.

Happy Memorial Day!

Gone Fishin'

Bachelorette party this weekend. Plan to relax by the pool and spend some quality time with some of my besties. Have a lovely weekend!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

I Love....

Amazing tablescape designs. These are from a NY Times article about New York's Design Industries Foundation Fighting Aids. If you don't know about DIFFA, it's a fantastic philanthropy that supports AIDS treatment and prevention.

Benji Wednesday

My husband recently commented that I do not post about our other dog, Luke, as often as I post about Benji. So, I'll come out and say it: My feelings for Luke are mixed. He's a wonderful, sweet dog that some friends of ours found near our home on a hot summer day. He is a German Shepherd mix and gets really hot so he was exceptionally sad looking I'm sure. We came by to see him and fell in love with his charming personality. Then we took him home...

Benji did not like Luke.

Like, at all. Benji is my angel and any dog who didn't like him was not on my good list. But, then I got to know Luke....

He's a sweet boy. And soon, Benji got to know Luke too....

Now they are very good friends.

And, now I've posted about Luke.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

A Tale of Two Hairdryers

As promised, the details on my hairdryers...

In the mid-nineties my mother purchased the following travel hairdryer from a bargain store. It has stayed with our family ever since. Drying hair at home and abroad. While I was living at home last year my hairdryer died. It was brand new! I couldn't believe it. So, I looked in my bathroom drawer and discovered this trusty little guy.

There are many reasons why this hairdryer is awesome.

1) The color combo. I mean, amazing.

2) The size, you can literally take it anywhere. It fits in most purses.

3) It drys hair deceptively fast for its small stature.

4) I mean, it's 90210 brand. Need I say more?

Sadly, above hairdryer died yesterday. In the middle of my morning toilette.

So, I got this hairdryer...

It's hot pink, so points there. The package claims that it's ionic, not completely sure what that means. It does claim to reduce frizz, so that's a plus. It's rather large. Apparently travel hairdryers are no longer available for purchase in the new millenium. So, that's kind of a bummer. But, I like it. I have a feeling we'll get along just fine. Plus, proceeds benefit breast cancer research.

Weekend Snaps

Feel very odd today posting as I just found out a very dear friend of mine is currently in the hospital in recovery after a very serious accident. Thinking of and praying for her. I am reminded today that things can change in an instant and we always, always have to remind those we love that we love them. Get well soon, AO.

My weekend was very pleasant with that exception...lots of lounging. A little volunteer work and Singin in the Rain what an amazing movie. I had not seen it and am now a huge fan.

Okay, this last photo is strange, I know. More about this tomorrow.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

I Love...

Love this awesome mud room and how the shoe shelves are lined with door mats. And, what a cute dog bed!

Weekend Snaps

You know when a weekend just doesn't go as planned? Well, that was my weekend. A car breakdown in the sticks, a ride in a tow truck and a visit to the dealership--and not neccessarily in that order I might add. But alls well that ends with bean salsa dip (recipe courtesy of my friend K) and an organized house/closet/jewelry drawer!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

I Love...

This kitchen!!!!! I mean, how unreal is this?

Benji Wednesday

On Mother's Day I hosted brunch for my mother and father. It was unseasonably cool on Sunday and I thought for both our dining experience and Benji's overall enjoyment it might be best if he spent some time outside.

He did not. He found a perch by our dining room window, which we previously opened to let the breeze through and pushed himself against the screen whining like so.

This continued for so long that he was finally allowed inside. Bad parenting, I know.

Miss January

I'm getting so excited for the new season of Mad Men...even if it is still months away. To tide me us all over, please enjoy this oldish photo of January Jones. I love Betty, even though she's a frosty you-know-what. She's got mad '50s housewife style. I also love this gown on January--not sure of the designer I'm afraid. It's modern, but the color and her hair and red lipstick remind me of classic Betty.

Also, have you heard, there are Mad Men Barbies?! I may have to break down and buy one...all four!

Weekend Snaps

Happy belated Mother's Day! I spent the day with my wonderful mom and hope you were lucky enough to as well.

Benji Wednesday (on Thursday)

Another Benji look-a-like

Strawberry Shortcake

I am a chocolate lover tride and true, but when the weather gets warmer I always find myself wanting something with strawberries. I made this treat a last weekend at a family get together. Super easy and a crowd pleaser.

Creamy Strawberry Squares

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour
3/4 cups butter, melted
1 cup granulated sugar
1/4 cup all-purpose flour
3 tablespoons strawberry-flavored gelatin
1 cup water
2 cups powdered sugar
1 8-ounce package of cream cheese, softened
1 8-ounce carton of Cool Whip
3 cups sliced strawberries

Preheat oven to 350 degrees Farenheit. For crust, combine flour and butter and pat evenly in the bottom of an ungreased baking dish. Bake about 20 minutes or until golden brown.

For strawberry topping, in a medium saucepan combine granulated sugar, the 1/4 cup flour and the strawberry-flavored gelatin; stir in water. Cook and stir until thickened and bubbly. Remove from heat. Cover surface and chill for about 30 minutes or until partially set. It should be the consistency of unbeaten egg whites.

In a large mixing bowl gradually add powdered sugar to cream cheese, beating with an electric mixer on medium speed until combined. Add whipped topping by spoonfuls; beat until smooth. Spread cream cheese mixture over cooled crust.

Arrange strawberries over cream cheese layer. Spoon strawberry topping over strawberries. Cover and chill for 4 to 24 hours.

Enjoy!

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Weekend Snaps

A very lazy weekend. Some volunteer work, a very relaxed dinner party, an impromptu opossum chase. Hey, you have to keep things interesting, right? Plus, my orchid is still alive after three weeks.

xoxo

The Canary Diaries

Good Libations

Plus

Equals trendy new bar du jour.

Or so says this NY Times article. A cocktail and a big honkin' dessert sounds great, but not exactly diet or blood sugar friendly. Still, I'm not one to turn down a red velvet cupcake...even if it is served by a bartender.