{Fun Friday} sleeping dog

Oh my goodness this documents my life with a dog so well!  And we don't have a small dog either; we have a weimaraner nicknamed Lilly Long Legs! Training Lilly at night was an exhausting experience! After many strategies to get her to not bark in her crate at night we compromised that she would get to sleep on a dog pillow next to her bed.  I tried to train her for two weeks to sleep on that dog pillow next to our bed.  I wish I had a photo to document how that worked out.  It would be something along the lines of me on the floor on the dog pillow and Lilly on my pillow in our king size pillow top bed! Grr! I remember that so well!  To accurately describe the dog in the bed would need the photo above to show our dog in all of those positions but under a down comforter as well.  Silly dog!  After 4 years of that nonsense along with the birth of our son and the dog experiencing seperation anxiety when we traveled, it was decided to train her to sleep on her dog pillow again.  And thankfully that training was more successful the second time around.  Once in awhile she will sneak back in our bed but it definitely is not every night and I am so thankful!
Do you have a pet that sleeps in your bed?

{Monday Motivation} Believe

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April Showers Bring May Flowers!

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I am so loving this door decor!  Is that not the cutest and perfect for the month of April!?
Although, Mother Nature pulled a nice April Fools joke and there were snow remnants out on our lawn and car this morning...so funny...not! We just chalk it up to the joys of living in Michigan!  Hanging this cute umbrella and flower decor on our door would definitely bring sunshine and joy in our home; even with temperatures in the 40s!  I am adding umbrella, tulips, moss, ribbon and eggs to my shopping list -stay tuned for an update documenting my creation inspired by the photo above!  Happy April!

Happy Easter!

{Photos courtesy of Mirror Image Photography}

{gift giving} bridal shower

I had the honor of attending a dear friend's bridal shower on Saturday March 9, in my home state of Illinois.  My attendance was a surprise as that date is also my son's birthday and the bride-to-be was under the impression that I was hosting a birthday party at our home in Michigan.  Which really isn't a lie as I did have a birthday party for my son; it was just following the bridal shower at the home of my sister who lives 20 minutes away from the location of the shower. 

The shower was held at Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant.  It was a beautiful event from the table decor, favors and the bride-to-be.  It was a great balance of socializing, dining, gift opening and an entertaining game of Newly Wed compatibility.  

Yesterday was the birthday of the bride-to-be and I sent her this greeting using a photo from the shower.  How blessed am I to call her sister in Christ, encourager, supporter and friend!

 

Sometimes I am overwhelmed with inspiration and sometimes it takes time to be inspired.  The card featured above is the final bridal shower card masterpiece which is a product of waiting on inspiration.  I knew I wanted to use the scalloped card but struggled choosing the paper. I also knew I wanted to use the image of the his/her rings but could not place them well on the paper I finally selected.  Enter in the accordion folded paper circle.  (I honestly know there is a more specific name for this embellishment in the paper-crafting world but the word escapes me!)  Once I found coordinating green sparkle paper the vision came together and the card was complete!  I just fell in love with it...how fitting! 
  

I am sure it will not surprise you when I say that any gift I give, must receive personalization from me or hold some sort of sentimental value for the recipient.  Upon receiving Jamie and Kristin's 'Save the Date' card I knew that it was the perfect item to be used in a personalized tile plaque for the happy couple.  It was a very special gift for me to give at the shower and I know that it will keep them smiling and reminiscing of their beautiful engagement for years to come!

If you ever desire to give a personalized plaque to a loved one, please contact me or visit my etsy store to create a custom order! I would love to use my creative talent to bless someone.

{Fun Find Friday!} St. Patrick's Day Wreath

Can I just say, I love making wreaths!  
I was browsing Pinterest looking for some cute St. Patrick's Day decor ideas and fell in love with this St. Patty's Rag Wreath made by Kristol author of the blog: The Magic of Ordinary Things! I am not Irish but I do love to decorate for the holidays and really need some green lovin' for our home.  This wreath would be a perfect fit!  Now, I just need to go raid my fabric stash and see if I can get it made before Sunday?!

 

What is your favorite St. Patrick's Day decor piece?

{MOJO Monday} #281

Hello friends!
Happy Tuesday!

We had a very quick trip to our home state this past weekend for me to surprise a friend at her bridal shower as well as have a family birthday party for our little love at my sister's house. I was excited to have a celebration for him with family on his actual birthday. I am going to feature his party in some upcoming posts so stay tuned!  In the meantime, I am trying to adjust to the reality that I have a 2-year-old!

Today I wanted to feature the blog Mojo Monday which sponsors card sketch challenges each week.  Last month I was inspired to participate in the sketch challenge when making a thank you note for some friends who had us to their home to go sledding on their property.

The final product turned out better than I had envision and I think it is one of my favorite cards I've made! 

This is the sketch that inspired my card: