I decided to try the coconut nog in my oats.  And I tried this hot cereal versus the normal oat bran or steel-cut I usually eat.

It was a nice change of pace though I think I like chewier oats than these.

The nog mixed in gave the oats a nice sweetness though.

Not bad topped with raspberries and a scoop of almond butter.

These guys wanted some too!

This gal was still asleep!

I have been thinking a lot about Xmas lately (duh) and presents.  It is hard not to be aware of the whole presents frenzy while driving around (people are crazy right now) and while watching TV/reading the internet etc..

I (we-Bill and I)  have come to a place in our lives where we do not put too much emphasis on presents.  Birthdays and Holidays are not about gifts for us.

Granted we do not have any kids (well except for Pepsi) but we don’t see how running around to crazy busy shops and malls in a frenzy is joyous and reflective of what Xmas is.

Instead I would rather be thankful for what we do have.  Health, wellness, peace, family and friends.

It is so much more relaxing………..and fun

What are your views on the holidays/birthdays present thing?

She celebrated Wine Wednesday in New Zealand so I thought I would join her here in the states

I usually drink reds but occasionally I like an oaky Chardonnay.  This was good.

I paired the wine with a wonderful rice bowl of sorts.

This one had lettuce, sprouts, raisins, brown rice, pistachios, butternut squash, a bit of sesame dressing, nutritional yeast and seaweed on top.  YUM……..

We ended up spending the evening cuddling these guys.

They sure keep Pepsi on her toes…..she is exhausted.

This morning I woke up and decided to try something festive in my coffee.

Not really a fan of it in coffee.  I think I prefer regular almond milk over this.  However I do think it would taste good in oats.

Think I may give it a try this morning.

Hope you have something planned today that is fun.

How are your Xmas plans shaping up?  

Yes I know I have a lab but before we had her, we had this guy.

Actually to be 100% accurate in my story telling……I had this guy and Bill had Pepsi when we met.

Pepsi is a wonderful dog and has so many incredible traits but to me there is nothing like a rottweiler.  They are loyal, funny, strong, athletic, and when raised right very sweet and loving.

Last night we got to spend some time with one up in Ojai.  We are the primary dog walkers for the Ojai Valley Inn which means every few weeks, we head up there and get to spend quality time with dogs and get paid for it.  Perfect job ever!

So last night we got to hang out with Savannah.

We took her on a walk.

We had dinner at an outside cafe on the resort property.

And then we cuddled with her in the hotel room until her mom came home.

It was so great to be able to get my rottie fix!

What is your favorite dog breed?

Pepsi…..Mom still loves you!

Maybe the best dog would be a Pepsi dog mixed with a rottie  Yes that sounds perfect!

When Pepsi was younger, Bill used to always take Pepsi to work with him.  She was a lucky pup since Bill had a job where dogs were allowed to be in his office.  Unfortunately those days are long gone but occasionally I can take Pepsi when it is summertime to work with me.

Today was one of those days!

Pepsi got to hang out in Mom’s office all day.

She kept me company at my feet.

As I watched the clock………

Apparently, a teacher had heard about my proclaimed take your dog to work day and he brought his dog.

They came by and said hello!

Somehow having Pepsi at work today made it feel less like work

Do you ever get to take your pup to work with you?

Happy Weekend!