Puggy puppy

I'm on a domestic-diva roll lately. I had the chicken roasting in the oven yesterday, the smell of onions wafting in the air when I got a phone call from the hubs. "I want one of three things for dinner: Chili's, bourbon chicken or Chick-fil-a". Oh.

So when he came home, I wrapped up the chicken (which, I had to keep taking little nibbles of) and we went to the mall to get bourbon chicken. (We are totally having the roasted chicken tonight!) After dinner we walked into the puppy store.

Now, let me say first and foremost, I don't like seeing the puppies in the cages. It bothers me. I don't like knowing where the puppies came from, because you know it was from a puppy mill (more likely than not)...anyway, putting all that aside, we walked in just to window shop.

And then we saw this super petite little pug. We asked to see her, and sat in the room. As soon as she was set down, she went crazy!! She was so small (to give you an idea, my foot looked like Godzilla next to her) anyway, every time we'd pick her up, all the wrinkles would move to her face and around her neck, so she looked like this little fat teddy bear. We gave her back and drove home.

When we got in the car though we realized what mistake we just made. Jack is going to freak out over us smelling like another dog. So we get home, and within a milasecond, Jack was all over me like white on rice. Sniffing here, there, everywhere.

This is the problem with meeting new animals without Jack with us. He gets into super sniff mode.

As if he didn't follow me around the house on a typical day, this morning he has been glued to my side; its like he's telling me "You can play with other dogs, but don't forget, I'm your one and only"

Help in aisle 5

About a month ago we were invited to a baby shower for some friends of the family. (I say 'family' like we are the Mob or something...) anyway, they were registered at the typical baby-places; Target and Babies R Us.

We don't live near a babies r us, so I went to Target. Here's the thing about me, I am a closeted baby department lover. Since we don't have children, I always feel funny about walking around just ooohing and ahhhing at all the too-cute baby stuff (like the itty bitty socks. Need I say more?!) so I put on this air of nonchalance, browse as if I have sooooo many other things I should be doing, but secretly keep a mental list of what I like, how much things cost- I have been doing this for YEARS people. YEARS!!

Most people my age spend their time at the gym, or listening to music. I spend my time scouring the baby department in huge sunglasses. (So the next time you see me, don't judge, just keep on walking...)

Anyway, when we got invited to the shower, I finally had a REASON to walk around the baby department. So, maybe a little too proudly, I printed out the registry and gripped it tight while walking those stuffed-to-the-brim baby aisles.

I found what was on the list in approximately 20 seconds, but did I pick it up and put it in my cart right away? ARE YOU KIDDING? Holding that registry in my hand was like a get of jail free card. Suddenly, with those blue papers, I had a purpose for lingering in the aisles. And I milked it for all it was worth.

"Oh, what's this?" and I'd pick up something I've been wanting to read the label on for a while (but, of course, couldn't read the label with my sunglasses on...)

So yesterday was her shower. And while she was opening her beautiful gifts, I got to hold her nephew. Six week old Chase all day. It was wonderful! He was like a personal space heater that made the cutest noises and only required one feeding while in my presence! Ohhh, and those baby noises! You know the noises...the ones that just melt your heart; yeah, he made a ton of those!

One day I know I'll be sick of walking those aisles. One day I know my house will look like those aisles (color coordinated and totally organized, of course). In the mean time, I'll put on my sunglasses and linger in aisle 5.

Open letter

Dear ZGallerie,

While browsing your website I found some things I want. Bad. Really bad. If you could pass the word that I would really like one of everything listed on your 'accessories' tab. (Especially the shiny silver pieces, like this, this, this, this, this, this oh, and this.) I'd be grateful.


Pretty sure that's all for now. Ok, thanks!
Erin

Obsession

I have an obsession and I can't deny it any longer. Anything silver, I buy.

The other day I was checking out of Pier 1. I put all the items on the counter and then looked at them. All. Laid out. Sitting side by side. Everything was silver. Two baggies of silver tissue paper (clearance!), a silver plated lantern (clearance!), a crackled silver hurricane (clearance!) and two faux crocodile coasters (silver of course).

That's when it hit me. I might have a problem.

So while I was just pursuing CB2.com I came across these bowls, and to no surprise, I was instantly wondering "where can I put these?"



How cute would those look on the counter with M&Ms sitting in them for a party? Or a big salad served in one? Ooooh boy; see, this is part of my problem. I have too many ideas!

Acorns

Yesterday I posted about the Pottery Barn $14 acorns. And since then, I have been running into acorns everywhere! (Or maybe now I'm just more aware?)

In Joann's yesterday, they had all their fall decorating items 50% off. Which made their box of acorns $5.

Today I was at A.I. Root browsing their fall collection, sure enough! There were little acorns in boxes! They were $9.95.

I must say, having them brought to my attention kinda makes me want some now.

Oh no! I've been bit by the acorn bug.

Autumn Decorating Class

I get this email a few weeks ago from Pottery Barn inviting me to join them for an Autumn Decorating Class. I jumped at the chance! Free design ideas? Spending time in Pottery Barn? I'm so there!

(I am of the thinking that one can never do too much research, or have too many ideas to pull from. So while, yes, I am a designer, I go to as many classes as I can get my hands on!)

Moving on...

So I go with my mom to the free class. And let me tell you what; it was impressive! The store wasn't opened yet, so we had no interruptions (except this really cute old man who needed to return his tuxedo, but they didn't open until noon; and he couldn't wait that long, so the nice lady from Pottery Barn took his tux, and returned it later for him- awww!) The ladies had two different styled tables to work with; a long one to mimic a mantel or buffet and a round one to mimic a kitchen table.

They were able to pull from all over the store and show us the latest products from their Fall collection. If you have a Pottery Barn close to you (ours was 45 minutes from my house) I super ooper-duper recommend signing up for one!

After the presentation, all attendees got 10% off shopping passes (HELLO!) and while I didn't pick up anything for Fall decorating...I did pick up something else:

Another Martha post....

I'm in Home Depot the other day, doing my weekly walk through the store when I finally stop and pick up some of the Martha Stewart paint chips.

At first feel I noticed how thick they were. (Quality is important to Martha apparently!) Then I look at the back.

There are two coordinating paint colors there. One is a suggestion for the ceiling paint color and one is for the trim color. (They really thought this through for you!)

And then I notice there is a space to write the room name in. Check the boxes for what finish you'd like, I mean really. A LOT of thought went into the planning for these paint samples.

Best party? They are totally free!

In the corners of all the samples are little symbols which help you pick colors that coordinate throughout your house! How cool is that?!

Go check 'em out and grab a few. She's got a beautiful selection of colors, one my new favorites for fall is Ohio Buckeye.

Growing Up

One of the best things about being a "grown up" is being able to do what you want. When you want. Caitlin and I have grown up together. She was born two years shy of me...and we've been in each others lives since.

The hubs and I have been together for almost 8 years; growing up with each other along the way.

For Labor Day weekend Caitlin came to visit. I love when she's here, because its like the house is whole. The day after she left, I found myself sitting in the guest room reading (and then taking a little nap) just because I like the way the room feels.

I have been blessed with many things in my life. Having a best friend who is always here, even when she's not here, is one of them.

Fun Find

One of my favorite things about living in a neighborhood with lots of kids is seeing their chalk art on the sidewalks (and sometimes in the road...). When they draw hopscotch blocks, I can't help put jump through 'em.

When I found this rug at CB2 I pictured it in our foyer. And then I pictured my husband and I hopscotching our way into the house each night.