On Point

We've always called Jake the Reject Hunting Dog.

But, oh no. He definitely hunted something tonight.

Check it out. A poor little bird (tear).

He caught this little guy in the back yard and wouldn't stop playing with it. Brian finally realized what he was doing after a bit and tried to save it.

But it was too late. The reject hunting dog had conquered.

Who knew? I guess the newly profound City Dog still has it after 2.5 years of abstinence.

Way to go Jake, but poor little birdie.

Trumped

I made a trip to the pet store today to pick up dog food for Jake. And not just any dog food, "special" food for dogs with severe allergies.

Yep, you heard right, my dog has really bad allergies and can only eat certain kinds of food. The main ingredient he can't have is rice, which happens to be a popular ingredient in dog grub. He also requires shots a couple times a month. I swear, he's like an 80-year old diabetic. But I guess he's worth it. :)

We normally order his L.I.D (Limited Ingredient Diet) food online from Petco because it's cheaper than buying in stores due to the 15% cashback reward the store offers on my Discover card. Some of the L.I.D. food brands are ridiculously priced for dog food, but luckily, I found a brand at Petco that is more reasonable (and still safe) than the prescription foods. Can you believe it? There are some dog foods out there you have to have a prescription for.

Well, we forgot to order more food online and ran out so I was forced to make a trip to the store. I tried Petsmart first thinking they might have this particular brand, and since it's closest to our house and where we normally go. No dice.

So I headed farther south to Petco because I knew they would have it. And let me tell you, it was so worth the trip!

I was welcomed by a doggie treat bar and rawhide bar. It was so funny! You just pick up a little baggie and fill it with all different kinds of treats for your dog. Just like a salad bar.

In my mind, Petco trumps Petsmart. Yay for doggie bars.

As I was waiting for a lady to get out of the way of my photo, I thought to myself...

Hi there, it's ok if you stare, I'm just the crazy girl taking pictures in the store.

Cocktails & Culdesacs

What a fun weekend for the Kutters! A hot one, but enjoyable. A little bit of housework, biking, relaxation, and out on the town both nights.

Friday, we went to a Missing Kauffman gig at a new restaurant down south called Sunset Grill. We have heard wonderful things about this place, so we were excited to try it out. I thought it was great, I had the sunset salad. Brian's shrimp tacos were 'just ok' according to him. The spinach and artichoke dip was amazing.

Great time with great friends. Including a surprise visit from HALLER! So much fun to catch up with people you don't get to see everyday:) I seriously have the greatest friends in the world.

Saturday evening, we attended the Stems Soiree event at the Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens. A good friend of mine was the sponsorship chair, so we got the invite.

Pre-event photo at the house. Not the best background, but the sun was blazing in our eyes for the ideal spot.

It was a beautiful event. Tons of catered food, wine and cocktails, live band and other performers, art exhibits and silent auctions all throughout the gardens. They even ended the night with fireworks. The night started out really, really hot, like so hot I was scared I was going to sweat through my dress.

Hey, if I can't talk about my sweating problem on here, I might as well not blog. If you know me, you know I have a perspiration issue when it's really hot outside.

But, I'm glad to report, no sweat this time. Thank God. It's soooooooo not the same for a girl to sweat through her clothes as it is for a guy.

We were lovin' the plates because they had built-in wine glass holders for the hand-painted wine glass favor.

Hey Chinky eyes

Here's a funny story I must share.

We stopped along the lake path to snap a pic. You know me, always gotta take pictures:). Well, there wasn't anyone close around that wasn't in deep conversation and I didn't want to interrupt, so I just set the camera on the cocktail table and set the timer. I know what you are thinking...what a weirdo!
Well, right as the camera took the photo, a group of people walk by and grab the camera off the table to take it for us. We agree to pose again and are appreciative, but doubtful how it will turn out considering how intoxicated they were.

As we are standing there smiling and one of the guys is taking the photo, the others in the group started saying things such as, "Awe how cute!", "Look like you like each other!", "Honey, get their heads in the photo!" A couple of them were even trying to jump in the picture with us.

Then, one of the ladies says to her husband leaning in our photo, "Honey, you can't be in their picture, you're not in college anymore." Then, she sees my wedding ring and proceeds to say (while laughing at herself), "oh, you guys are married, I thought you were just dating and wanted a cute photo!"

What!? Yes, we were just referred to as college kids. It was totally another 'was that just said?' moment. We laughed it off, but seriously. Do we look that young!?

Brian's comment once they left was, "Does a college kid really have culdesacs like this? C'mon people!"

Love that my husband can laugh about his culdesacs, aka "his peninsula," aka his receding hairline.

Maybe it was the brown leather flip flops he had on that gave it away? With his huge boat feet and weird toes all hangin' out.

I told him he needed to get some old man loafers, but he wasn't down for that.

Chicken & White Bean Salad

I'm not exactly sure when my blog turned into a place to post the recipes I attempt, but it did. I'm not a great cook nor even consider myself one at all, but I do my best to keep the hubs happy.

So he says to me as I was making dinner this week, "Why do you have to take pictures of every meal we make? This is getting a little ridiculous."

HA! What a supportive husband of my blog I have. Little does he know, it is a major stress reliever for me. It's a place I go to let it all out, regardless if anyone reads it or not. Although, I would love to have more followers:)

Anyways, in the working world (at least for me), recipes have to be fast, quick and easy. And still be tasty. I absolutely love trying out new recipes, especially when they come from someone who knows it was delicious.

So, three words for you babe: Deal with it.

I hope you guys enjoy the recipes and are trying them out! Have a great weekend everyone!

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Here's a new, easy recipe I tried out last weekend. Every month, my bank (Cap Fed) sends a newsletter that includes a featured recipe. This one was REALLY good. Much to my surprise, Brian even loved it. He's not much of a salad guy (not too fond of lots of veggies) but he scarfed it down. Thanks Cap Fed!

A healthy bean salad with a zesty, full-of-flavor, hint of mexi-flavor type of dish. You could easily double this recipe if you are making for more than 4 people. It disappeared from our fridge in two days.

Chicken and White Bean Salad

INGREDIENTS:
8 oz. skinless, boneless chicken breast, roasted or grilled
2 (15 oz.) cans cannelloni (white kidney) beans, drained and rinsed
1 medium sweet, red bell pepper, finely chopped
2 cloves of garlic, minced
3 green onions (the recipe didn't call for this, I added it myself and I think it made a good difference)
1 Tbsp. olive oil
1/4 cup balsamic vinegar
1 tsp. lemon juice
1/2 tsp. oregano
1/4 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper

DIRECTIONS:
Chop or shred chicken into small bite size pieces and place in large bowl. Add beans, red pepper and garlic; stir to blend. Mix remaining ingredients together and pour over chicken and beans. Mix thoroughly. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

This recipe is an excellent source of Vitamin C and fiber. It's also a good source of Vitamin A. Enjoy!

Sunglasses for a Steal

Check out these babies.

Four pairs. Kathy Van Zeeland. Black, Tan, Blue and Brown. All with separate hard cases -- for a steal.

Did I mention they were a steal?

Take a guess on price. A wild guess.

$12 + shipping=$15!!

Four pairs of sunglasses for $15. I found this deal posted on Hip2Save when a co-worker and I quickly jumped ship to order. We split the cost of shipping. I LOVE the blue ones. They are such a trendy color and something different.

Now, I know they aren't Gucci or Ray Ban, but when you go through as many pairs of sunglasses as I do, I couldn't pass this up.

I'm not exactly sure what I am going to do with my four new pairs of sunglasses. Maybe keep them all for myself...or gift a few...or break them since I'm notorious for that.

Who knows, but I'll figure it out. Just think, if you happen to be fortunate enough to get a pair from me, it's pretty much sayin' your gifts are worthy of a whopping $4:). Or maybe I'm just that good to find a great deal and share it with you?

Creepo

I'm driving home from work today jammin' out to my new addiction: Katy Perry's California Gurls. I know, I know, it's one of those cheesy, girly songs that they play way too much on the radio, but I just love it. Just place it in the same category as Miley's Party in the USA. I'm such a sucker for the one time wonders.

Anyways, picture me driving along in my car, singing to myself (out loud of course)...while dancing a bit...

"California girls we're unforgettable, daisy dukes, bikini's on top..."

Out of the corner of my eye, I start to notice a car in the lane next to me that isn't speeding up or slowing down. I begin to realize the car is trying to stay right along side me and get my attention.

I contemplate looking over as I get that feeling -- you know that nervous feeling I'm talking about when you don't want to turn your head to find a dirty trucker staring you down and being all perverted like.

Well, I slowly turn my head to see a guy holding up an 8.5 x 11 piece of paper with some writing on it. It was written in a Sharpie. Of course, I immediately think creepo, but have to take the few extra seconds to read what his note says.

I notice it says "You're HOT."

Yep, I got hit on today while driving down the highway, on a piece of paper through a car window.

My reaction was the only thing I could think of. I held up my left hand to show him my ring finger, turned my head straight forward as fast as I could, and put the pedal to the metal.

I only have one question...did this guy really have a Sharpie and 8.5 x 11 sheets of paper in the front seat of his car just to hit on girls?

A Little Added Crunch

I am so excited to tell you about my newest breakfast food obsession. It is that good. At least to my taste buds:).

Pretty much everyday (except weekends), I have yogurt and a piece of fruit for breakfast. I am either...1) Always running too late in the mornings to fix myself something, so I have to take it to work with me, or 2) Working out before work so I have to pack something anyways.

Therefore, it has to be fast, quick and easy.

I love yogurt. Always have. My two favorite flavors are Yoplait Light Strawberry Orange Sunrise and Berries n' Cream. Yum! But I do get sick of it sometimes. So, I found something to spice it up a bit.

 Special K Low Fat Granola

Kashi Go Lean Crisp! Toasted Berry Crumble Flavor

Man, are these both scrumptious mixed with yogurt. And, they are both new to the cereal grocery shelf! Pair them with your favorite yogurt and a fruit. I have actually never tried them just as cereal:), but I'm sure they're great that way too. Now you can enjoy a little crunch to your yogurt. I just love it!

Plus, I always find coupons for Special K cereals on Coupons.com. And if you're like me, I buy Special K regardless, so you might as well use a coupon!

Check it out. I promise you won't be disappointed.

Mama's Surgery Update

I'm happy to report that my mom's surgery went well. When I talked to her tonight, she sounded very good. Not much pain (at least for now), she was able to eat and said she was comfortable. She will stay overnight and be released sometime tomorrow.

Thank you so much for everyone's thought and prayers! We're hoping for a speedy recovery!

I Say a Little Prayer for You

The moment I wake up...

before I put on my makeup.

I say a little prayer for youuuuuuu...

Forever, and ever, you'll stay in my heart,

and I will love you...

forever, and ever

Ok, enough of the rendition from My Best Friend's Wedding, it's time to get serious.

My mama is having surgery tomorrow, so I need everyone to say a little prayer for her! She is having a hysterectomy due to a long span of issues over the years. I love you mom and will be thinking about you! I'm sorry I can't be there. Muah!

"A mother is one who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take."

Daddy's Girl

I am such a daddy's girl so I wanted to take a few minutes to acknowledge my dear dad.

Thanks for being my guardian, my safe place, my supporter, the man who can fix anything and my mechanic:). I'm sure I KNOW I was an absolute pain in my teen years and I don't tell you enough how much you mean to me. I would not be where I am today without the support and love from you and mom. Both of you have given me so much in life, and I am so blessed to have you.

Oh, and thanks for putting up with me and mom! I know our city girl, high-maintenance tendencies can really make a farm boy go crazy:). But, if it weren't for you...I wouldn't know the difference between a flat head and Phillips head screw driver, how to change a tire or put up a tent! 

Happy Father's Day to my dear daddy Mike!

If you don't know good ole Mike, he is truly one of the coolest dads ever! 
Trust me on this one:).

Run, Bike, Run

We had a great weekend. Semi-relaxing, somewhat productive and always enjoyable. I seriously love the weekends (as I'm sure everyone does), they are just never quite long enough.

Friday night, we stayed in to get some trim painting done and to watch Avatar. We never saw it in theaters nor in 3-D. But we still loved it. Brian more so than me, he's really into the whole Sci-Fi type of flick. All in all, well-thought out movie, intriguing, holds your interest and definitely worth renting. Fortune number one was accurate:) - "a movie would be a great way to relax this weekend".

Saturday, I woke up bright and early to head out for a bike ride with some friends. It was an organized MS-150 training ride with a small group of people. As of right now, we're not signed up for the MS-150, but we are still mulling it over. One hundred fifty miles seems like a lot on a bike, but it would definitely be something I would love to say I did. We biked 28.6 miles! It was my longest ride to date and I loved it!

After the ride, we stopped for brunch at Winstead's. I can't believe I'm going to say this, but I have never been there!! Fortune number two - "tomorrow is a good day to try something new," check. I also tried a new recipe that night, details to come later.

The hubs also tried something new this weekend.

He couldn't join me for the bike ride because he was resting up for the Corporate Challenge duathlon Sunday morning.

Run, bike, run.
Run - 2.5 miles
Bike - 13.5 miles
Run - 2.5 miles

This was his first competitive multi-sport event and he did such a great job! There were several other guys from his work and friends competing, so it was a fun-filled morning as a spectator!

 And...he's off!

Coming back from the first leg

On to the bike...

Meanwhile...

Matt starts his Triathlon. First up, swim.

Matt moves to the bike.

Also featuring...Scott as he heads up the biking portion for his team Triathlon.

Brian finishing with the bike, back to running.

Coming up on the finish line, pushing it hard.

Finish line!

Matt headed to the finish

All the boys after finishing

Good job babe! You did great!

Trip to the Market

I had a lunch date today with the hubs! We went to Bo Lings in the River Market. Lots of carbs and full of spicy deliciousness. Two things we both love.

Here are our fortunes from lunch:
(I had to scan these in because my camera wouldn't take a legible picture of them).

I have a feeling that both of these are very accurate:) I'll have an update later to see if the fortunes were correct.

After lunch, we walked through the market and bought some fruits and veggies. The downtown river market is the best in KC in my opinion and I love that it is open during the week! There are definitely more vendors on the weekends, but the weekday option is very convenient for me because I work 0.5 miles from it. Even if the effort makes me all hot and sweaty, I love getting sweet deals on produce!!

Cantaloupes: $1

Strawberries: $1

Blackberries: $1

Zucchini: 4 for $2

Peaches: 7 for $2

Bananas: $1

Pineapple: $2

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

Walking on Pillows

You know those days when you wear a higher pair of heels to work and by the end of the day, you are cursing yourself for even wearing them?

I happen to have a horrible habit of buying heels that aren't comfortable. I don't know why I do it, I just see a cute pair and have to have them regardless of how scary they look.

I usually end up buying them, wearing them once or twice, and then only busting them out every so often when I feel like rushing home begging the hubs for a foot massage.

Believe or not, I found something that helps the pain! Not gonna lie, it doesn't take the pain away entirely, but it helps significantly.

Gel instep cushions you insert into your heels right where the ball of your foot takes the heat.

Now, I'm sure many of you are thinking, "She is just now figuring this out? These are so old news!" But, please realize that I'm the girl that knew they existed, but was just too stupid to ever try them out.

Well, today is the day I feel like I am walking on pillows.
I. LOVE. THEM.

They seriously make a huge difference in a pair of shoes such as these:

High and dangerous, but oh so cute.

Thanks Gel Steppies. You're my new best friend.

HAPPY FRIDAY!!!