Monthly Archives: August 2007

floyd update

I’m not sure any of you will remember my post about Floyd Evie (my in-law’s new puppy), but I wanted to show you an update of how big he is getting. He is still in that cute puppy stage, but he is growing at a rapid rate and he is finally allowed to be around Hannah (our dog). They get along so well together and I think Evie has crush on her. Here are some cute little pictures I took of Evie and Hannah…

Floyd

Sittin

Aren’t they so cute together? Puppies are so much fun to be around. They are so clumsy at that age and full of love. Josh’s dad is a bit of a loud yeller when he gets upset and Evie is not at all afraid of him. He completely ignores his shouting and keeps on doing whatever he is doing… It cracks me up!  He is getting tall too! He stands on his back legs and can just get his nose to reach up to the dinner table, which makes Greg very upset, but Evie keeps on sniffing away… His little head will bobble all the way around the dinner table.

Their last dog, Rudy passed away suddenly and it was very hard on them. Rudy was a perfectly well behaved dog, and was as sweet as pie. So I think this little mischievous puppy is giving them a run for their money. They bought dozens of puppy books and signed him up for training classes…. I can’t help but giggle a little…

ma muse

You would think with all this time on my hands I would be blogging every day…. but the truth of the matter is, I just haven’t felt that inspired lately. I realize some of you have become my friends through this happy little blog, and don’t mind reading about my sad state, but the majority of the readers I know are searching for inspiring ideas, pictures and design tips. Of which I have had none to share these past few weeks.

My home construction has been at a stand still for the last few months and I’m afraid the work being done on it is few and far between these days. I would love to say it will be back on track soon, but with the money situation spiraling downward while my severance comes to an end, I’m not sure that would be the case.

This last week I have been job hunting everyday and applying every where I think I have a chance, and even some places I may not. It is boring tedious work, and I look forward to the day I can stop. No promising leads as of yet, but I will keep you posted. I think just about every company in Orange County has my resume at this point. :)

Here is one more picture (can’t have a post without a picture) to share from our open house.

Opengang   

When I need a break from all the monotony, I have been doing a little web design. I have my first "for hire" type job and I am pretty proud of how it is coming together. It’s a website for a potter who wanted a site to display some of her work. She had no desire for a shopping cart or online commerce, so it was right up my alley. She also has very modern taste, so it was a fun challenge exploring ideas a little outside my comfort zone.

I would love for you to take a peek… I could use some feedback. Just keep in mind, it is not complete as I am still waiting for her sign off and feedback. She uses some very vibrant colors in her work, so I love how the colors play off the black background. I also tweaked her photos a bit to provide a little more pop and sharpness. It’s a simple straight forward site, but I love the way it has come together.

I am playing a little with a "design" site for myself. I am not happy yet with how it looks, and it is still very much a work in progress, but I don’t mind sharing it with you. I still need to work on a "portfolio" page and make things a bit more fun… it’s very boring at the moment.

Those little projects inspired me to spruce up my blog a bit. I have been bored with the design but wasn’t quite sure what to do to it. I wanted my banner to be a little more decorated than just the store logo. I love the doo-dads I added to it; they are so very french. :) I have been admiring the blogs with the side bar image headers, like Tara’s and Kim’s, so I decided to give that a try. I am happy with the results, but man typepad is a lot of work! I also adore Amy’s store and blog, which she always updates with fun new designs. I would love to give my store a new look, but I am not inspired enough for that project yet.

Anywho, thanks for checking in with me. I promise I am still alive and well over here. Oh I almost forgot! I wanted to mention that I made a boo-boo about the Romantic Homes magazine mention before. While my ad did appear in the October issue that just came out, our friendship glasses are in the November issue. It is so confusing with how far in advance magazines work on things! I can’t believe I already have the October issue, and it isn’t even September yet… Any way, sorry for the mis-information. I was telling the truth before, I just got the dates wrong. :(  You believe me, don’t you?

p.s. Does the new blog background look better or worse? I can’t decide if it is to busy… it plays tricks with my eyes when I look at it. But it gets me in the mood for Halloween!

family fun

Tonight we celebrated Josh’s grandparents 60th wedding anniversary. Walt and Dolores are such amazing and generous souls. I am blessed to call them my family. Walt is a hoot to be around and will keep you laughing all night (that is until he passes out asleep on the sofa around 8pm). I thought I would share a few photos of them from tonight and one of the "family portraits" we used this opportunity to capture.

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I used the Holly McCaig "half sepia" wash on these first two… I love how it gives it an aged look. All of the photo frames I used are by Nancy Comelab. I am still having fun learning how to use my new tools. :)

Candles

We took a ton of "portrait style" family photos on the front lawn, but this one was supposed to be the goofy one. I love how only half of the family is making silly faces….

Ducketts

I think I am the palest member of the Duckett family. Can you see my white feet over there on the right side? My goodness I had no idea I was that pale! And in my defense… we had no idea we would be taking family portraits or I would not be wearing a "wife beater" with my black bra straps hanging out! I also would most certainly not be showing any of my white legs (or ankles!). Any who…. the Duckett’s are a lot of fun. I am proud to be a member of this goofy family. Happy anniversary Walt and Dolores!   

open house

Our first "open house" was a hit. Sharon hosted the event at her pretty home in Lake Forest. I am thoroughly exhausted but I wanted to share a few pictures on the blog before I pass out on the couch.

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Jackee, Sharon and I all worked really hard to make it fun and beautiful. Thanks to everyone who made it out. Watch for our upcoming events!

Hope everyone is having a great weekend!      

let there be cake!

Cakestand

Just a quick note to say we have these lovely cake plates back in stock. These have been selling like hot cakes thanks to Andrea featuring them on her blog. Thanks Andrea!

I am busy, busy, busy today getting ready for our open house this weekend. It should be fun! I hope to meet some of you ladies in person that I have come to know from blogging. I am also working a new give-away for the blog, so check back in the next week or so to enter.

By the way, thanks for all the compliments on my photo (I’m blushing). I was so tickled by your comments that I scheduled a hair appointment tomorrow to make myself look like that again! …lol…