Someone Got a Haircut

So of course, a little photo sesh ensued.

This is a typical Nollie picture with at least one ear flopped back and a soaking wet beard from dunking his face in his water bowl -- apparently he couldn't wait until after his photoshoot.  He is the happiest puppy that ever lived so the wide-open-mouth smile is also pretty standard around here, too :)

This next photo is a little blurry but I love it because it highlights his super obsessive toy behavior.  Mr. Cow Cow is his current favorite and he is seriously the first thing Nolan looks for when he wakes up in the morning or when I let him out of his crate after work.  I try to cry quietly as he jets past me to find him every evening.

Getting pampered is apparently very exhausting.  Shiloh has her spa appointment in one week so I'm sure more photos will be coming -- can't wait to have two freshly pampered pups!

Oh, and because no good post is complete without a 'before' and 'after', here is Nollie's handsome transformation -- seriously love that sweet boy face!

Heaven

Last week I decided to give myself a little gift this Monday morning -- a vacation day!  I'm so glad I took this day for myself and am loving this break from my normal weekday routine. Right now I can be found still in my pj's with a cup of coffee in hand, watching "Kelly and Michael" and catching up on some of my favorite blogs.

The rest of the day will involve lunch with boyfriend, a little errand running -- without the normal weekend crowds, -- some cleaning, and some sewing.  

Off to soak up this wonderful Fall day because it's back to reality tomorrow -- Happy Monday!

Holiday Happenings, Part 2

For Christmas this year, my sister got me the Canon  EF 50mm f/1.8 II Camera Lens -- how did she know it was exactly what I wanted?!  :)

 

It's perfect for all the close-up shots I like to take while I'm working on projects and around the holidays, it's great for creating the popular bokeh effect.  So, before taking my tree down, I decided to give it a try and came up with some fun photos.

I placed a small stool about 8 feet in front of my tree and grabbed any object close by to set on top. I took some photos during the day and some at night and think I like the effect at night better.

I even tried to get some of the puppies while I was at it. Shiloh didn't mind having to sit on the wobbly stool too much -- I know she needs a haircut and a bath! -- but Nolan just wasn't having it.

With a little more practice, maybe I can get the puppies to cooperate for next year -- and plan better with some freshly groomed little ones!

As for me and my new lens, I'm in love and using it daily -- thank you Samantha!

End of Summer Vacay

The boy and I snuck off last week for a little vacation at the beach.  We had the most amazing time and met so many wonderful people while we were there!  In very few words and lots of pictures, here's a short summary of our whirlwind trip...

Our room, which was spectacular!

We had a huge bathroom complete with a large Jacuzzi, walk-in rain shower and plenty of room for every girls bathroom essentials.  We also had a sitting area, small table for eating and a large balcony with lots of seating and a view of the infinity pool and ocean.

We had lots of great food while we were there and not nearly enough time to try it all!

The French restaurant where we had salmon, shrimp and fillet our first night.

The Hibachi restaurant where we had dinner with friends and a ton of sushi, noodles, rice, and dessert.

Oceana, one restaurant overlooking the pool and a great spot for lunch.

Outside of eating, we also played hard -- we went snorkeling, took out a catamaran and kayak, Adam played volleyball twice a day while I lounged by the pool, tried darts, Mexican Lottery, a putting competition, saw a dance show and even did our fair share of dancing.

We also met several fun, newlywed couples from all over -- California, Ohio, Austin, Canada, and Wisconsin -- I'm sure there's more I'm missing!

We were very sad to be leaving on Sunday and can't wait to go back!

Goodbye for now, Cancun! We will miss you!

All Grown Up

Yesterday, sweet little Nolan had his first birthday! We kept the celebrations low-key and simply sang a joyous "Happy Birthday" followed by a mini Jumbone birthday treat -- both dogs seriously go nuts for those things!

Nolan is growing into such a wonderful little boy and I couldn't be more thrilled to have him. He is always so happy and content -- whether he's playing with his bone doing spin moves, sitting with you on the couch in his unusual way, or being chased by big sissy, Shi.

I say it all the time -- because it couldn't be more true -- but he is honestly the sweetest boy that ever lived.  Happy Birthday, little Nollie!

Just for Fun

I adore flowers! I know they don't last forever and can be expensive, but I think fresh flowers instantly make any space feel warmer and more welcoming.

I received lilies -- my absolute favorite! -- and roses from someone special and couldn’t resist having a little fun and photographing them.

With the warmer weather and Spring on it's way in, I'm ready for more to put on my table :)

Happy Friday -- Hope y'all have some fun weekend plans!

I’m Noticing a Pattern

This one is not design related but does concern something I equally love. While scrolling through pictures on my phone one night, I noticed that this little guy has developed some unique sleeping patterns.

On a typical weekend day, he loves to follow his momma everywhere. When I take a few moments to be still or work on a project, he takes the opportunity to get a little rest. On days like this, I have found him snuggled up next to the coffee table, half buried under the couch for some darker and more cozy sleeping arrangements, or taking advantage of a rarely open shelf.

At night, when he has a couple lucky hours on the couch, he takes full advantage of the pillows in a typical Nolan, very non-traditional way.

Rather than pushing the pillows over and sleeping on the large, open, flat surface, he likes to wrap himself around them or lay right over the top while they stay upright.


This last photo is by far the most unusual and my personal favorite.

I'd like to think he was just wanting to look out the window, but it was dark and the curtains were closed, so the most likely explanation is that he just found this to be the most comfortable sleeping arrangement that night. 

None of these photos were action shots snapped at just the right moment to make him look like an awkward little boy. I’ve discovered, he genuinely enjoys laying in all these unique positions and stays in each one while he takes a little siesta. He truly is a goofy little pup and I hope he never changes!

Just for Fun

Here is sweet little Nolan demonstrating the proper way to chew on one's bone -- take note of his awesome spin jump abilities!  I'm thinking he may have a performance career in the future...

By the way, this went on for a good 20 minutes. I could not resist laughing hysterically and recording him -- hope it made you smile :)

p.s. if you have your sound on, please ignore whatever terrible show might be playing in the background!

Happy Friday!!!