Who's Raising Stanley's Cup?

We are a day away from dropping the puck for the first game of the 2015 Stanley Cup Playoffs. I'm looking forward to this year's playoffs, because the NHL and Comcast/NBC have come to an agreement and will be airing the first round of the playoffs on USA Network. I'm really excited for this because most of the time I don't get the games only the final. Who wants to cheer on their favorite team without watching them? Certainly, not this girl!!!

This year's line-up is going to be intense in both conferences. I'm looking forward to the Capitals vs the Islanders. Hey, I'm just happy the Caps made the playoffs this year.

Below is the TV line-up.....time to dust off that jersey!!!

Wednesday, April 15, 2015

7:00 p.m. on USA, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 1
New York Islanders @ Washington Capitals
Metropolitan Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
7:00 p.m. on CBC, TVA Sports, NHL Network: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 1
Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens
Eastern Conference — Atlantic Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
CBC announcers: Paul Romanuk (play-by-play), Mike Johnson (analyst), Glenn Healy (analyst) and David Amber (reporter)

8:30 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet 360, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 1
Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators
Central Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place

10:00 p.m. on USA, CBC, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 1
Calgary Flames @ Vancouver Canucks
Pacific Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
CBC announcers: Jim Hughson (play-by-play), Craig Simpson (analyst) and Scott Oake (reporter)

Thursday, April 16, 2015

7:00 p.m. on NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 1
Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers
Eastern Conference — Metropolitan Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card
CBC announcers: Bob Cole (play-by-play), Greg Millen (analyst) and Christine Simpson (reporter)
7:30 p.m. on CNBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 1
Detroit Red Wings @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Atlantic Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Sportsnet announcers: Rick Ball (play-by-play), John Garrett (analyst) and Dan Murphy (reporter)
9:30 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet 360, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 1
Minnesota Wild @ St. Louis Blues
Western Conference — Central Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
10:30 p.m. on CNBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 1
Winnipeg Jets @ Anaheim Ducks
Western Conference — Pacific Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card
Sportsnet announcers: Dave Randorf (play-by-play), Garry Galley (analyst) and Cassie Campbell-Pascall (reporter)

Friday, April 17, 2015

7:00 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 2
New York Islanders @ Washington Capitals
Metropolitan Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
7:00 p.m. on CNBC, CBC, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 2
Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens
Eastern Conference — Atlantic Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
9:30 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet 360, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 2
Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators
Central Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
10:00 p.m. on CNBC, CBC, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 2
Calgary Flames @ Vancouver Canucks
Pacific Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place

Saturday, April 18, 2015

3:00 p.m. on NBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 2
Minnesota Wild @ St. Louis Blues
Western Conference — Central Division winner vs. highest Wild Card

8:00 p.m. on NBC, CBC, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 2
Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers
Eastern Conference — Metropolitan Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card

10:30 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 2
Winnipeg Jets @ Anaheim Ducks
Western Conference — Pacific Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card

Sunday, April 19, 2015

12:00 p.m. on NBC, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 3
Washington Capitals @ New York Islanders
Metropolitan Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
3:00 p.m. on NBC, CBC, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 2
Detroit Red Wings @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Atlantic Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
3:00 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet 360, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 3
Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks
Central Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
7:00 p.m. on NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 3
Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators
Eastern Conference — Atlantic Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
10:00 p.m. on NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 3
Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames
Pacific Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place

Monday, April 20, 2015

7:00 p.m. on NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 3
New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Eastern Conference — Metropolitan Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card

8:00 p.m. on CNBC, Sportsnet One, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 3
St. Louis Blues @ Minnesota Wild
Western Conference — Central Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
9:00 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 3
Anaheim Ducks @ Winnipeg Jets
Western Conference — Pacific Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card

Tuesday, April 21, 2015

7:00 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 3
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Detroit Red Wings
Atlantic Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
7:00 p.m. on USA, Sportsnet 360, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 4
Washington Capitals @ New York Islanders
Metropolitan Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
9:30 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet 360, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 4
Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks
Central Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
10:00 p.m. on USA, CBC, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 4
Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames
Pacific Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place

Wednesday, April 22, 2015

7:00 p.m. on NBCSN, SportsNet 360, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 4
New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Eastern Conference — Metropolitan Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card
7:00 p.m. on USA, CBC, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 4
Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators
Eastern Conference — Atlantic Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
9:30 p.m. on USA, Sportsnet, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 4
Anaheim Ducks @ Winnipeg Jets
Western Conference — Pacific Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card

Thursday, April 23, 2015

7:00 p.m. on NBCSN, CBC, TVA Sports: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 4
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Detroit Red Wings
Atlantic Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 5
New York Islanders @ Washington Capitals (if necessary)
Metropolitan Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
9:30 p.m. on NBCSN, Sportsnet One, TVA Sports: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 4
St. Louis Blues @ Minnesota Wild
Western Conference — Central Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
Time to be determined: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 (if necessary)
Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators
Central Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Time to be determined on CBC: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 5
Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames
Pacific Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place

Friday, April 24, 2015

Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 (if necessary)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers
Eastern Conference — Metropolitan Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card
Time to be determined on CBC: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 (if necessary)
Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens
Eastern Conference — Atlantic Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
Time to be determined on Sportsnet: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 5
Winnipeg Jets @ Anaheim Ducks
Western Conference — Pacific Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card

Saturday, April 25, 2015

Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 (if necessary)
Detroit Red Wings @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Atlantic Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 6
Washington Capitals @ New York Islanders (if necessary)
Metropolitan Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Time to be determined: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 5 (if necessary)
Minnesota Wild @ St. Louis Blues
Western Conference — Central Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
Time to be determined: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 6 (if necessary)
Nashville Predators @ Chicago Blackhawks
Central Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Time to be determined on CBC: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 6
Calgary Flames @ Vancouver Canucks
Pacific Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place

Sunday, April 26, 2015

Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 6 (if necessary)
New York Rangers @ Pittsburgh Penguins
Eastern Conference — Metropolitan Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card
Time to be determined on CBC: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 6 (if necessary)
Montreal Canadiens @ Ottawa Senators
Eastern Conference — Atlantic Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
Time to be determined on Sportsnet: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 6
Anaheim Ducks @ Winnipeg Jets
Western Conference — Pacific Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card

Monday, April 27, 2015

Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 6 (if necessary)
Tampa Bay Lightning @ Detroit Red Wings
Atlantic Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7
New York Islanders @ Washington Capitals (if necessary)
Metropolitan Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Time to be determined: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 6 (if necessary)
St. Louis Blues @ Minnesota Wild
Western Conference — Central Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
Time to be determined: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 7 (if necessary)
Chicago Blackhawks @ Nashville Predators
Central Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place
Time to be determined on CBC: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 7
Vancouver Canucks @ Calgary Flames
Pacific Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place

Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7 (if necessary)
Pittsburgh Penguins @ New York Rangers
Eastern Conference — Metropolitan Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card
Time to be determined on CBC: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7 (if necessary)
Ottawa Senators @ Montreal Canadiens
Eastern Conference — Atlantic Division winner vs. highest Wild Card
Time to be determined on Sportsnet: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 7
Winnipeg Jets @ Anaheim Ducks
Western Conference — Pacific Division winner vs. lowest Wild Card

Wednesday, April 29, 2015

Time to be determined: Eastern Conference Quarterfinals Game 7 (if necessary)
Detroit Red Wings @ Tampa Bay Lightning
Atlantic Division — 2nd place vs. 3rd place

Time to be determined: Western Conference Quarterfinals Game 7 (if necessary)
Minnesota Wild @ St. Louis Blues
Western Conference — Central Division winner vs. highest Wild Card

Hockey Pucks - How it's made - QNHL.com: http://youtu.be/0xFbO4sQjPw

Maya Turned Four

 

Hard to believe we've had Maya for four years now. I remember when we were "just looking" for a dog and my husband came across the breed via his cousin who recently got one for his brother. The hubs was infatuated. I on the other hand was concerned as I'm allergic to just about everything. Well, that concern went right out the window. 

I was at work that day and knew I'd be coming home to a little cutie pie. Tyler called me to tell me he was on his way to meet the breeder to pick up our little bundle and I just couldn't stand it. I was so looking forward to us starting our own family, even if our first baby stayed on four legs and had fur. For me this said a lot about the man that I was going be spending my life with. It's a simple philosophy, that if a human being can be kind to an animal that is trusting us to care, love, and watch over it; then that person can do the same for another. May sound silly but getting Maya and going through the ups and downs of crate training, potty training, and whatever daily frustrations really told me a lot about my hubs. 

Well 4pm rolled around and I rushed out the building after announcing to my closest friends that I was going home to a new bundle of puppy fuzz. I drove like a speed demon and pulled into our parking lot, flung open our apartment door and searched the ground for a little ball of tuft. It wasn't until I looked up on our couch, nestled in a tiny ball, was our perfect little fur baby. Maya initially was very shy and my husband warned me about putting her on the ground as she had already had a tendency to go behind the speakers to hide from us. This was all very new and to come to a new place with no familiar smells was very intimidating. It was no surprise that she was attached to my husband as he was the one who picked her up and spent the first few hours with her. I was a complete stranger, and instantly when she shied away from me, I told my husband that she didn't like me. He just laughed. So, I gently picked her up and snuggled her.....NOW, don't lie to yourself that when you pick up a puppy, you automatically coo over it as if it were a human baby. I awed over Maya as if holding my own child for the first time. Those striking blue eyes looking up at me and that sweet puppy breath - the only time dog's breath is ok - scent in the air. All the kisses! Oh she was beyond perfect! 

One of our favorite pictures with Maya. This really shows how little she was.

 As Maya grew, I took pride in capturing her moments as any pet parent might do. We took her everywhere. Whether is was to show her off or just socialize her. She was by our side.

We instantly knew Maya was full of personality.

We often found her in places that belonged to us humans.

But it didn't take long for us to wear her out.

It obviously took awhile for her to grow into her ears.

Oh those eyes.

Peek-a-boo

Always a happy girl, with a big smile.

It wasn't until we figured Maya needed companionship that we thought about getting another dog. We tried having a yorkie-poo named Marcel but that didn't work out so well because of the size difference. So we had to find Marcel a home that she would be loved and played with constantly. 

After reaching out to our breeder, we found out they were on their last litter with Maya's parents. Altho, the litter wouldn't be due until Jan of 2013. We hoped and prayed and out of the two litters that were born, we were blessed to get the only girl from Maya's parents. We named her Piper and Maya took to her immediately. The dynamic duo. 

Our ride home from picking up Piper June.

A little sniff to make sure you're real.

Follow my lead and I'll protect you.

A little play time with the two girls. Maya's expression basically shows how thrilled she was to have a little sister.

Hush, baby, no crying.

Maya was still considered a 'puppy' due to her age. Two pups, two times the trouble.

Maya was patient with Piper in the toy department. We awed over Piper June.

But we never stopped loving our Maya Jean.

Even when she slept in places she shouldn't be.

She made the perfect photography subject and added to our Christmas greeting.

Maya supporting her sister Piper at the 2014 Mutt-a-thon Walk.

Once a snow pup, always a snow pup.

As a mom, I struggled daily to tell her 'no'. Even when she gave me this face.

Maya is all about the high fives.

 Some may see just a dog, but I see personality, soul, and spunk. Just like the movie, I truly believe that all dogs go to heaven in due time. For now, we're going to love every minute we have with our sweet girl.

Maya & Piper's dad

Maya & Piper's mom

(L to R) Piper & Maya

  So as Maya turned four over the weekend, I recalled all the lovely moments we've had with her and hope to have many more. We love you Maya Jean Schmidt. 

Love,

Mommy, Dad, and Piper June

The Indian Goes to Little India & A Food Tour in Chicago

Saturday morning is normally not a day you would want to get up at 6AM. Unless you want to make it to Chicago to go dress shopping and spend the day. Yup, that was us, the Schmidts. Up at 6am and on the road by 7:30am. Not too bad since we both enjoy sleeping in. 

So I have been to Little India before and the first time I got a lot of stares, but I did have a small caravan of people following me. I've always had this initial fear that when I arrive in a heavily Indian community and I open my mouth to speak that glances and stares become a norm for the rest of my time there. This time around, it didn't bother me so much. I carted my husband along for the ride as we shopped for an outfit for me to wear to my cousins big blowout Indian/Quaker wedding coming up in May. 

Before we could get onto shopping as we were about two hours early, we stopped in the local Fresh Farms market and snapped some pics of what literally was THE freshest food!! 

 

Oh so colorful!!! Finally 11AM rolled around and we got to shopping. I honestly can say, I wasn't sure what I was searching for....Sari, Salwar, Chenya Choli, Lengha, or Anarkali. I'm a little on the rounder side, so I knew whatever I was going to pick had to cover some unwanted body parts. Finally after two stores, I found the one I wanted.

Excuse the horrible picture quality.

You may not know this but Indians are famous for haggling. Everyone wants the best price. Luckily, a higher priced outfit, came down and fit comfortably into our budget. 

After a lengthy morning, we headed downtown but not first without stopping and getting some grub. No, we did not limit ourselves to Giordano's or Portillio's. Altho, both great eats. We found a new place, The Burger Bar!!! And we drank, and ate, and digested. 

Milkshake for me. Craft brew flight for my husband. Oh, and let us not forget the burgers!!!

What a lunch!!!!! Time for some more exploring and more walking. 

We made our way up to a roof top bar

Uh, the hubs didn't believe me that was a real shirt. It was! Had seam lines and everything. 

The hubs has a new camera so we're just playing. 

The hustle and bustle of Chicago. We couldn't have asked for better weather.

In the moment

We did have to make one pit-stop before dinner....Fado's Irish Pub. One of my all time fav pubs. I love the atmosphere and the authenticity of a real Irish pub. Our bartender Mick- who was indeed from Dublin- kept us drinking and laughing while we waited for dinner. 

Mmmm, an irish coffee to get your evening going.

And now its gone!

Finally, it was time for us to almost call it a day and head to what reviews named "The Best Indian Resturant" in Chicago. Fellow, adventurers, I present India House. 

Unbelievable charming this restaurant was. I loved the decor as it reminded me of the look I wanted for my own bedroom or fancy powder room. 

Bring on the food, because that's the important part! We started with samosas, my fav!!!

Then moved onto our main entree of Tandoori Chicken. I think what made that meal was the added bonus of having mango chutney. Let me just say this place's tandoori chicken out-does Tiffin's in Silver Spring, Maryland. I know! I know! How can it be? But it can!!!

And there's no way we couldn't end our day in Chicago without my favorite Indian dessert, Gulab Jamun. 

Needless to say, after a long day my husband got us home safe and sound.

 Apparently, I snored the whole way home.