Walter Update

Sorry I was absent on Monday. Life was stressful this weekend and I had planned to write a post Sunday, but I was doing other things....like watching my pup. If you follow me on Instagram, then you know a bit of this story already. If you don't, then sit back and read another saga about my dog, Walter.

Saturday, we spent most of the day away from home. We went up to Lake Tahoe to take a hike and then saw some family up there. We thought we would be home by 1 or 2 pm, but we got home closer to 4:30 pm. Walter was acting just fine. I made dinner, we ate, and then I did the dishes. The girls took a shower and then went to bed around 8:30. Walter snuggled beside me under the blanket on the chair and we just caught up on some tv.

Around 9:30ish, Walter started bobbing his head which meant that he wanted to get out from the covers, so I pulled the covers off of him and he kept bobbing his head. Then he was moving around a lot and started panting. I thought he was going to throw up, so I said, "Walter, get up and go outside buddy". I told Rory that I thought he was going to throw up, so we followed him outside to check on him. Since he had his incident in January, we are very cautious about him getting sick.

I had grabbed a flashlight on the way out and Rory turned on the decorative lights outside. We watched him walk around and then he fell over. His body went stiff, he arched his back and started convulsing. His eyes were open, so he never lost consciousness. He didn't bark, he didn't lose his bowels, he didn't foam at the mouth, he wasn't bleeding, he wasn't drooling and he didn't "chew". Side note: I am writing what happened and what didn't happen for others, so in case they experience this, they can see what to look for as I had to turn to google.

Anyways, his seizure lasted about 30 to 60 seconds. After he stopped shaking, he tried to get up, but he was very disoriented and his back legs were not working very well. He was very weak in the back legs, so he laid back down. Rory, picked him up and we tried to talk to him and see if he was ok. I seriously thought my dog had passed when this happened and I was crying....hard. Definitely not something you should do. You should remain calm and talk to your dog in a soothing voice.

We tried to put him back down again, but his legs were still weak, so we picked him up again and held him. After trying again, he was able to walk inside. I grabbed his blanket off our bed and Rory cuddled him on the couch while we both searched google for what just happened, if we should take him to the vet and what we should do. I also called my mother-in-law when Rory was holding Walter outside to have her come over just in case we needed to go the emergency vet. She ended up staying the night just in case, and fortunately, Walter was fine.

Now for a few things that we read and confirmed with Walter's vet on Monday. The type of seizure that Walter had was a petite mal seizure. Since his seizure didn't last around 5 minutes, he didn't lose consciousness, he didn't lose his bowels, he came to more quickly and he didn't have another seizure after, it was a petite mal seizure. When your dog has a seizure, it is best not to pick them up unless they are near something that can hurt them. Then they suggest that you move them by their hind legs out of danger. If you can, film the seizure (we were not able to and did not know that you should). Time the seizure, take note of anything that happens (lose their bowels, lose consciousness, foam at the mouth, etc.). Talk to your dog calmly and reassure them that they are ok. If you are inside, turn off the lights or put a blanket over them as light makes it worse. Once it is over, you need to watch your dog. See if his behavior normalizes and he starts to get back to himself. 

We cuddled Walter until bedtime (which was really late that night and I didn't sleep much after that), and then didn't leave his side the whole next day. We monitored him closely for 24 hours (we went outside with him anytime he had to go to the bathroom, followed him around the house, etc.) and then our vet said to make it 48 hours. Once the 48 hours have passed, you are more in the clear. Not to say that it won't happen again, but you will usually see things go downhill or another happen in that time frame.

After everything that has happened in the last few months with Walter, it has definitely made me realize that animal lives are not forever. I can see how Walter's face has grayed over the last couple months. I have seen how he has slowed down, but yet, he is still full of energy and will bust out the dog door to run the length of our backyard. I have seen his demeanor change after this incident, but I know that he is still full of life and love.

Friday Favorites

* This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Anyone else feel like they lost their motivation this week? I only did two blog posts counting this one. I started one for the books I have been quickly reading, but other than that, the motivation just wasn't there. 

We survived another week in quarantine! That makes 9 for us. Last Saturday some of our businesses were able to open up. Restaurants could now offer dine in, but only at 50% capacity. Hair and nail salons were allowed to open up and a few other things opened up. Some restaurants have chosen to stick with curbside pick up and others opened. We are officially in Phase 1 and I am hoping that parks and more outdoor stuff opens up in Phase 2. Along with spa services. I am dying to get a facial and botox. Ha. But I do have a hair appointment today and I couldn't be happier. 

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. During this quarantine, we have tried a lot of new recipes. This week we tried two, Lemon Butter Cheese Ravioli with Garlic Basil Breadcrumbs and Coconut Lime Shrimp. Both were good, but we will definitely be making the Coconut Lime Shrimp one each week. The flavors are amazing. We paired it with brown rice, so you get all the yummy sauce soaked on the rice. It suggests to pair it with roasted broccoli as well, but we did not. Here is how mine looked.

TWO. Mother's Day looked quite different this year. Things were sort of open restaurant wise, but we just were not sure what to do. Saturday evening, Rory, my FIL and my BIL cooked all of us steaks, baked potatoes and grilled asparagus. Then we had carrot cake for dessert. They planned to get brunch take-out, but everything was so backed up that they just went to the store and got things to make. We had bagels, eggs, bacon, fruit and lattes. It was pretty amazing.

I tried to go shopping later in the day to get away for a bit, but none of the stores were open to shop inside, even though they are allowed to. So I headed home, popped some sparkling wine and hung out. Then we went OUT for dinner. I haven't had a good burger in what seems like forever (though the ones we make at home have been pretty good!), so we went to a local upscale burger joint and then got take-out frozen yogurt. It was the perfect evening. And due to Covid-19, my gift still hasn't shipped. Ha. I joked with Rory that it will come in time for Father's Day.

Skirt I am wearing

THREE. During quarantine, we have been watching a lot of tv (but also reading a ton) and we just got into Schitt's Creek. I had watched the first season when it came out, but never watched any other ones. Well, I got Rory to watch the first season with me again and we are hooked. We are in season 2 and it is just so funny. I love how lighthearted it is as we have been watching more heavy tv and it is nice to watch something light before bed. 

I am also watching Dead to Me season 2 and Working Moms season 4. 

Another show that I recently started was The Baker and the Beauty. It is sooo cute. If you liked Jane the Virgin, then you will like this show. They both take place in Miami and even have some of the same sets.

FOUR. Monday I posted a Cucumber Watermelon Refresher drink and it has been on repeat at our house. Sometimes with vodka and sometimes without. If you haven't tried it, you definitely should. Plus watermelon has been really good at our stores right now. 

FIVE. Weekly funnies.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

Cucumber Watermelon Refresher

* This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

As I said on Friday, I have been playing around with different drink recipes. I love everything watermelon. I don't know what it is, but watermelon flavored things are refreshing. I bought some cubed watermelon at the store about a week ago and made a recipe from Pinterest. We thought it was pretty good, but definitely too strong and too sugary. It has you make a simple syrup and I feel like you can cut the sugar down and use a sparkling water instead. And add in lime. Anyways, I started playing around with the flavors a bit and created this Cucumber Watermelon Refresher. You could definitely make this without alcohol and I believe it would be just as amazing!

CUCUMBER WATERMELON REFRESHER

serves 2

Ingredients

Seedless watermelon (about 5 one inch chunks)

Lime

Cucumber (about 5 slices with the peel cut off)

Watermelon Sparkling Water (I love the Bubly brand)

Ice

Vodka

Directions

1. Add in your watermelon, cucumber and fresh squeezed lime juice (I use a whole lime) to a cocktail shaker. Muddle it until the watermelon is all broken up.

Muddler Used

2. Add in ice to your cocktail shaker. Add in 4 oz. vodka to your cocktail shaker (4 shots). Cover and shake.

3. Add ice to your glass and pour your cocktail mix over the ice. Make sure you either have a cover on your shaker so you only get the liquid or use a small strainer.

4. Fill the rest of your glass with the watermelon sparkling water.

5. Enjoy!

Friday Favorites

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

Week #8 of quarantine is in the books. I can't believe we have been doing this for 8 weeks now. I feel like I am sort of used to working from home, eating at home all the time and in this new routine. I will be glad to be out of it, but I know I will miss the family time and sleeping in. We don't have much planned this weekend. We were supposed to be going out to brunch on Sunday for Mother's Day, but since we can only do take-out (still), we will not be doing that. This Mother's Day is going to look a whole lot different.

Onto Friday Favorites and Happenings.

ONE. for Mother's Day I treated myself to a new fitness watch. I don't know what happened to my current Fitbit Versa, but part of the screen broke. The glass didn't shatter, but there is a huge black gap that covers up part of my step count, my heart rate and my calories burned. And it keeps getting bigger and bigger. I had this watch for about two years, so I would say I got my use out of it. I was going to get the new Fitbit Versa 2, but I have been eyeing the Garmin Vivomove for awhile now. Since each company is doing $50 off right now, I went with the Garmin Vivomove.

Garmin Vivomove Style

I was going to get an Apple iWatch, but the fact that you have to charge it each night made me go against it. I love seeing my sleep patterns and I don't want to charge something every single day. I already do that with my phone (or every other day).

TWO. I have been on the hunt for more shorts. I have a few pairs of jean shorts, but I want the comfy shorts. And I don't want booty shorts either. I bought a pair from Abercrombie recently and they were amazing. Now I am waiting for another pair to go on sale and have free shipping and then I will scoop those up. But I have been searching everywhere online. Where do you get your shorts from? I recently grabbed these from Nordstrom online and I hope they fit well.

Calson Stripe Linen Shorts

THREE. I did take a chance on some American Eagle shorts during a mega sale this week (still going on) and got two pairs of shorts and a tank for about $45.

AE High-Waisted Paperbag Shorts

AE High-Waisted Stripe Tulip Shorts

AE Henley Tank Top

FOUR. Last weekend we went up to Lake Tahoe to do the Sand Harbor trail walk again. It was so beautiful outside and we made it the whole way. About 6 miles round trip. The girls got a bit tired towards the end, but snacks along the way helped. After walking the trail, we went back to T's Mesquite for tri-tip burritos again. I definitely could get used to doing that weekly. Picnic and all!

FIVE. On Monday, I am posting a yummy cocktail that I have been recently making. I took a recipe off of pinterest and made that one and we thought it was ok. So I started making changes to it and perfected it. I can't wait to share it with you.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky.

Have a great weekend!

April Amazon Prime Purchases

* This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

I bought a lot more this month than last month because I just need things fast that I can't just pick up at the store. Birthday gifts for a drive-by parade, clothes, kitchen tools, etc. And I feel like online shopping has gotten a lot of my money lately. I am buying all the things. Ha. I do try to get most of the stuff on sale other than Amazon.

So what did we buy from Prime this last month?

linking up with Tanya

Highlights Kindergarten Big Fun Workbook

I mentioned this in a Friday Favorites post, but I bought the girls these books to help prep them for Kindergarten since we don't know when they can go back to preschool and I want them to be ready for the school year next year. These have been amazing. I do have to sit down and help the girls with them, but they are learning and it is great!

Save

Magnolia Table Volume 2

I loved the first Magnolia Table book and this one is even better. This one has way more recipes in it. I didn't have flour for a long time, so I had to hold off on making some of the recipes, but so far it is really good. I need to break it out again and make more.

Cosori Air Fryer

I had been wanting an air fryer for a long time. I did some research on Amazon and bought this one. It had better reviews than the newer version, so I bought this one. And I got it on sale. I have used it to make french fries, onion rings, artichoke hearts and bacon. It is awesome and I need more recipes for it.

BosenKitchen Milk Frother

Since we are stuck at home, I needed a milk frother here as well. I have one at work that I love, but that one wouldn't ship until the end of April and I couldn't wait. I found this one with just as amazing reviews and bought it. I have used it every single day in my coffee.

Shark Steam Mop

I have been wanting a steam mop for awhile now. And once we got the wood floors, I wanted one even more. This one came recommended to me. I used it and it has a small learning curve to it, but once I got going, I did my whole house. It was amazing how dirty the pad got. And you can use both sides of the pad. So worth it!

Hunter Douglas Cord Replacement Kit

This is a random purchase, but the cord on our Hunter Douglas blinds broke and we needed to replace it.

Bar Keepers Friend Soft Cleanser and Sponge

I wanted something that would clean my sink and my stainless steel products without leaving a residue all over it. I think this worked better in my sink than anywhere else, but it still did a great job on all of my kitchen appliances.

Daily Ritual Black Sleeveless Dress

I have this dress now in black and the dusty pink color. I just bought the dusty pink color since I love this dress so much. It is comfy, long enough and doesn't show any cleavage. Perfect for lounging around in during the pandemic and for the Summer.

Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler

I really needed a muddler since I thought I had one, but I did not. This one works great since it is long and you still have room to muddle in a cocktail shaker.

Oxo Salad Dressing Shaker

I wrote about this salad dressing shaker last Friday and it seems like everyone's mom had the old style one I mentioned and more people are using this one now. It works really well and the dressing only comes out when you push the topper open.

What did you buy this month on Amazon?

Unpopular Opinion

I have seen this unpopular opinion thing going around Facebook and Instagram. Sometimes I am shaking my head yes, like everyone gets me and then my eyes go wide when someone doesn't like sushi. Ha. So what are my unpopular opinions?

Animal Print. Both Bri and Dara said they don't like animal print and I am right there with you. I have tried to buy and like animal print, but I just can't. I like it on others, but not on me.

Game of Thrones. I am sure that makes a lot of you surprised, but I just can't get into it. I am not sure if it is the time period or what, but I don't like GOT at all.

Taylor Swift. So many people love her and her music, but I just don't get the appeal. She was on my banned list of music not to play at my wedding.

Tuna. And I am not talking about raw tuna in sushi. I am talking about tuna fish sandwiches, tuna melts or just the tuna in a pouch. I swear every one of my co-workers loves tuna and it makes the office stink to high heck. I am sooooo grossed out by tuna mixed with mayo.

Mayo. Speaking of mayo, I hate it. I will NEVER have it slathered on my sandwiches. I can only have it mixed in with something else like mustard or in a sauce. I think what did me in was my childhood friend used to make mayo and cheese sandwiches after school all the time. Ugh.

Chicken. I used to love chicken so much and then I got pregnant. Now I can eat it, but I can't prep it at all. The smell, the texture and everything about it makes me gag.

Tik Tok Videos. I have seen way too many Tik Tok videos and I would say 90% of them are dumb. The weird dances, the mocking your husband videos, etc. I just don't get it.

Not Washing My Hair. I have no idea how people can go a week without washing their hair and be proud of that. I just find it gross. I get going a few days between washes to help protect your color and your hair, but a week, just no. I have gotten two extra days on my hair and it was gross on that day 3. Even with dry shampoo. So I wash my hair daily or every other day. That is the most I can go.

High Waisted Jeans. I really wish I could get on that trend, but I feel like on me, it makes me look like I have the longest crotch ever. I love the look on others, but I just feel like it squeezes everything out the top and bottom and I look awful.

Mushrooms on Pizza. I have a love/hate relationship with mushrooms. I love stuffed mushrooms and enjoy them in a salad, but on a pizza, is just revolting.

What are some of your unpopular opinions?

Friday Favorites

*This post contains affiliate links. When you click a link, it is no cost to you and I make a small commission (pennies) from it. Thank you for supporting Sparkles and Lattes.

We survived week 7 of quarantine. And yesterday our stay-at-home order just got extended to mid-May. Complete bs. Our state is ready to slowly start opening. I have a friend who works in the testing facilities for Covid-19 here in Nevada and she said the rates are going down and more people are being tested. That is what the governor said needed to happen to reopen by May 4th (almost 2 weeks since his last announcement). But noooooo, he is going to drag this on. And we have high temperatures around here, so more people are outside and I feel like they are going to stop listening to what he has to say. Ugh. 

I am looking forward to it being the weekend and maybe getting back up to Tahoe for a hike and another T's Mesquite picnic.

Anyways, onto Friday Favorites and Happenings and more happy things.

ONE. I was browsing online for a new pair of sandals or flip-flops since I have been living in them the last week or two and needed an upgrade. I wanted the OluKai Upena sandals, but $89.95 is just a bit high right now. Maybe for Mother's Day? Hint, hint.

Anyways, I did find a killer deal on some Steve Madden sandals which I got for $28, normally $62. I had a few pairs of SM sandals in the past and loved them. These are already very comfy sandals.

Steve Madden League Quarter Strap Sandal

TWO. About 2 weeks ago, Target was having a sale on their dresses with 30% off. I bought a dress from there that is tie dye blue and it is really pretty, comfy and perfect for Summer. I have worn it twice already. And Target is doing another 30% off dresses sale (ends tomorrow night), so you can grab this dress for $14. I am getting the pink tie dye one too!

Women's Sleeveless Tie Dye Midi Dress

THREE. So if you remember my Summery Cocktail recipe, then you know that I didn't have a muddler. I seriously searched my house as I thought we had one, but we did not. So I went online to Amazon and bought one. This one works really well and cleans easily.

Stainless Steel Cocktail Muddler

FOUR. Another item that I grabbed recently was a salad dressing shaker. I used to have one of the glass bottles with a plastic white top and I have no idea where it went. I am not even sure it lasted through our kitchen remodel a few years ago. I was using a mason jar as my salad dressing maker than then I lost the top piece. I guess the moral of the story here is: I keep losing kitchen items. Ha. Anyways, my mother-in-law uses this salad dressing shaker and it works so well. So I grabbed one for myself.

Oxo Salad Dressing Shaker

FIVE. Last weekend we got to meet my littlest cousin. My cousin had her little guy the week I was in North Carolina (right before this pandemic went crazy). We have been anxiously awaiting to meet him. We get daily photos and videos of him, but last weekend, we made some plans to come and visit him for the first time. Plus we brought his parents some lunch. Don't worry, we all kept our distance, but just had to meet this little guy. The girls were enamored with him and definitely want a brother or sister again. Ha.

I am linking up with A Little Bit of Everything and Becky.

Have a great weekend!