Dogs

Dogs Become Members Of Our Families!

They become integrated into almost every area of our lives; where they play, where they eat, a drop off at the groomers on the way to soccer, their own section on our grocery list, a basket for toys, a jar on our counters full of treats, and a special place where they feel the safest...their beds! I am a believer that this is where my dog and I part ways. I want their bed to be cozy, soft, safe, and a place they grow to love. However, I don't want that place to be my bed! I already share my bed with my sweet husband, and space is limited! (For some of you, this isn't an issue, and that is okay!) For those looking for a sleeping alternative to our beds, check these out!

There are a million different options for dog beds, some are practical, easy to clean, and not very pretty to look at. Others are very fluffy, lots of fabric, and tricky to clean. Here is a stylish compromise! I love how sleek and modern these dog homes are! Easy to clean, look great in any decor style, and still very comfortable for our beloved pets!

What do you think, would your pet appreciate this fabulous dog home? What color would look the best in your home?

Have a great weekend!

Photos: Onekingslane-doghaus, Home for Dixie-Emma Jackson

Three Reasons

I can think of three really valid reasons for why this amazing ring should be mine...but first some stats about this lovely!

Rare Pink Diamond

It is valued at 38 million dollars

It is 24.78 carats...amazing

Will go to auction next month, last on the market 60 years ago!

Was last sold by Harry Winston

Quoted to be one of the most desirable diamonds

"What makes it so immensely rare is the combination of its exceptional colour and purity with the classic emerald-cut -- a style of cutting normally associated with white diamonds."

David Bennett, chairman for Europe and the Middle East at Sotheby?s international jewellery department.

So back to my reasons for truly believing why this lovely ring should be mine...

1. My birthday is at the end of the month!
2. I love pink, especially pink diamonds!
3. It is breast cancer awareness month, and pink is the symbol color, so what better gift! Kill two birds with one stone! I could then be a poster child for BC awareness! : )

What do you think, should it be mine? 38 mil, not too much to ask for, right?

Picture: Yahoo News

My Fall Road

Today started out as just another ordinary day; coffee, breakfast, shopping list compiled, everyone dressed and out the door. But then ordinary turned magnificent...

Our weekly trip the grocery store was decorated by falling gold, piles of gold, swishing and whooshing gold moved by our presence on the road. It was like driving through a Fall heaven, and my thoughts turned to how blessed and grateful I am for my life.

My boys ooh-ed and aah-ed in the back seat about Fall's glorious gifts, and I, lost in the amber haze, thanked God for those boys, my incredible husband, and our life together!

I am so blessed to be their mom! They are the sparkle in my day, they are the laugh lines forming by my eyes, they are my daily thoughts and my dreams for our future, they remind me how good and sovereign God is, and their love...their rough and tumble boy love, is everything I ever have wanted!

My husband is strong and focused. He isn't just the head of our house, he is the eyes...to see where we are going, he is the muscles...to hold, hug, and lift in moments of sadness and joy, he is the legs...to move us forward and along side God, he is the mouth...slow and comforting, and along with my sensitive and gentle heart & hands we make a pretty great team! I am so thankful for him!

Our life may not be perfect, we always are dreaming of and working for our future, and there is always room for God to work, but today we are going to enjoy and be thankful for this moment...where we are today! I want to enjoy this amber, hazy, Fall moment. I am blessed!

Pictures: Rob Eastman-Falling Leaves, Boys-A Lasting First Impression, Road-Nikko, Japan Yahoo.

Showing Off The Fall Love...

Just wanted to let you in on the Fall linky fun! Pop on over to Hooked on Houses and share how you decorate your lovely house for the Fall season!

Also

The Nesting Place is having a fall mantle linky party, I am still working on my post for her, but I didn't want you to miss out on the fun! There are some amazing posts, I love the creativity!

Can't wait to see what you come up with!

Favorite Fall Transitions-Linky!

As we all have entered into this Fall season, I have so enjoyed every Fall sneak peek into their homes. The Nester is one of the blogs I visit regularly and this last week she posted on 10 ways to decorate for Fall. This post included simple ways of bringing the elements of Fall into your home. What I liked most about her ideas is how well they would transition into the upcoming seasons and holidays! I love this transitional idea, often I get so excited about the next season or holiday that I don't fully enjoy what is happening around me right now.

This got me thinking how fun it would be to have everyone post together about some of their favorite ways to decorate for Fall, which can transition into the October & November holidays! What do you think, want to join together with me on a Fall Transitional Link Party?

I will get us started! Here are some of my favorite transitional ideas:

Natural elements...Twigs, florals, grains, ect. Every year around this time my mom would always have my Dad out in the bushes and twigs surrounding their home. He was collecting rose hips, corkscrew willow branches, and pulling out pussy willows from the previous Spring. These are great natural elements that can transition into the upcoming months, and be used in so many creative and festive ways!

Nuts and Pine cones...stack them, pile them, surround other items with them...great colors and textures!

Seasonal dishes can add a pop of color and easily transition through the holidays...brown, red, silver and gold can grace your home all the way through December!





Loving the white, green, and yellow gourds and pumpkins this year. Don't get me wrong I love the good old orange pumpkins, but I feel of the other colors will transition into November, saving me time and money!

And, of course leaves can be used in so many different ways; in jars and canisters, mantles, wreaths, piles on porches or in empty flower pots, etc. A great Fall look can be achieved here without a lot of expense!








Okay, so those are just a few of MY favorites, what about you? How do you transition your Fall decor into the the upcoming months and holidays? Link up YOUR ideas on making the most of fall decor! Can't wait to see what you come up with!



Photos: Book Serving K. City, Martha Stewart, Katie Brown, House Beautiful, & Weeds and Seeds

Enter your link here, remember to link your post, not your homepage!

Friendship...

"Kindred spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It's splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world." — L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables)

Life has thrown me a few curve balls recently.

During this time I have found myself wondering; is it easier to go through life's trials with your protective shield up, drawing within for strength, spending your time quiet and prayerfully seeking guidance, OR walk through life's trials arm-n-arm with girlfriends who want to listen, hold you, pray with you, and help if they can?

Up until now, I have chosen to not "bother" my friends with what is happening in my life, hang mostly with my family, and attempt to navigate within this protected environment. I am not convinced that this was neither a smart nor stupid idea. My family loves me, they know what is really going on in my life, and are always willing to do anything they can to help. However, what I have learned through this situation is that sometimes family...husbands included, should not be the ONLY source of support, listening ear, and helping hand. I am so very, very thankful for my family, my life without them...well not worth living, but this week I was reminded how nice it is to have girlfriends!

Friends are a gift from God, and are vital to our ability to take the next step forward. They create a fresh wind that gently blows through our lives, and I feel invigorated by their presence. For years I prayed that the Lord would give me a group of ladies to share my life with. I prayed for friends who would want me to be part of the inner folds of their life, and would want to be part of mine. I love with words and actions, and I prayed for friends who would value my giftings. Over the years, God has begun to form that group of friends. Each are just a little bit different from each other, and each play a unique role in my life. I am so thankful and SO blessed!

So to my friends who have been gently nudging me along, thank you for caring about me. Thank you for your calls, e-mail, texts, flowers, and coffee dates. You have helped to repair a part of my heart this week, and I am so very thankful. I will do my best to remember how much I love and need each one of you! You are an answer to my prayers!

"Some people go through life trying to find out what the world holds for them only to find out too late that it's what they bring to the world that really counts." — L.M. Montgomery (Anne of Green Gables ADAPTED)

"In everyone's life, at some time, our inner fire goes out. It is then burst into flame by an encounter with another human being, (a friend). We should all be thankful for those people who rekindle the inner spirit." ~Albert Schweitzer

My Front Door!

My friend Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia has just transformed the entrance to her lovely home by painting her front door! She has invited us to link up and share our doors!

I happen to LOVE entrances and really feel that they set the tone for what your guests should expect when they walk through your door! This is their first impression of you, your home, and what you value! Kristin and her home are classy, elegant, and just plain lovely! I guarantee this is the impression you will get when you walk up to her home.

I hope you enjoy a peek into my life, and join the link party...it is so fun to see the different personalities portrayed in our homes!

Happy Tuesday!