Deuce

Last Monday, my family had to say goodbye to our beloved Deuce. While I was in Atlanta last August, we found a tumor on him that turned out to be cancer. So while we knew his time was coming to an end, it didn't make it any easier when we had to say goodbye. When I left Atlanta after Christmas, I lost it at the airport because I knew it would be the last time I'd ever see my sweet Deucie. The poor girl next to me on the plane probably thought I was crazy.

We got Deuce when I was 12, so he's been in our family for over half of my life. He was the most loved dog, and we'd always joke (but I think we all meant it) that he was the favorite child and grandchild. He had so much personality and loved to sing. His favorite things were doggie bones and kittens. Seriously, he LOVED kittens. He would be giddy if a kitten were ever around- it was adorable. 

One of my favorite memories of Deuce was when I was in high school. I was going through a break up and was pretty sad...Deuce stayed in bed with me and wouldn't let anyone come near me. He was protecting me, and it was the sweetest thing. Gosh, I'm going to miss that boy so much. 

Deucie, you were the perfect dog. I hope you're snuggling with Lily and eating unlimited amounts of doggy bones in heaven. I love you sweet boy!

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The other reason that Monday flat-out sucked was that we found out Pepper has diabetes. I noticed over the weekend that he had lost weight- over 4 pounds! I was really overwhelmed when the vet was telling me what all this entails- twice daily shots and regular testing to make sure his levels are stable. Pepper is our "difficult child" at the vet, so I was wondering how in the world I'd ever be able to give him shots everyday. Well, Pep has proven us all wrong and has been a rock star. So far, it's been so easy to give him his shots, and even though I was completely freaked out by doing it, it's come pretty naturally to me, too. Not to Doug though- he's still practicing :) In the last few days, we started giving Pep a few treats during the shot so now he actually looks forward to it. Now the only issue is to figure out who's going to do it when we go out of town! 

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Oh, and last Monday was also Diego's 2nd birthday! It was certainly an eventful day for all of us!

Luckily, I didn't have to work that day so Maisy stayed by my side all day. Sweet girl did her best to cheer me up.

Taking Stock of 2013

2013 was a fantastic year. For me, it was a year of taking risks and challenging myself. I'm really proud of what I accomplished this year, and hopefully I can push myself to do even more in 2014. Here are some of the highlights of my year:

New York, New York
A recap of the trip that my mom and I took to New York. It's our favorite place in the world and makes for the perfect girls trip. We're hoping to go back this year!

Diego Turns One
In this post, there are some of the cutest pictures I've ever taken of the babies. Our sweet little Diego is about to turn 2 on January 6!

No Sew Window Seat Cushion
One of my most popular posts- an easy DIY tutorial for a window seat cushion!

The 3 Best Friends That Anyone Could Have
The sweetest pictures of my babies. The cats don't leave Maisy's side after she has surgery.

Dog Beach
Maisy's first trip to the Dog Beach. I don't think she's ever been happier!

Lily
We lost our sweet Lily girl. Her cross-eyed little face is so missed!

Calories, Running, and Weight Loss...Oh My!
One of my big accomplishments this year- I lost 15 pounds (and have kept it off!) I've always been a terrible dieter/exerciser so to stick with it for 6 months was a huge deal.

My First 5k & Mom and Dad Come to Town
Another accomplishment- I completed Couch 2 5k and ran my first (AND LAST! ;) 5k! I was glad to accomplishment my goal, and then I was glad to be finished running. It's just not for me :)

Surf's Up!
Doug took a surfing class and got up! And I was greatly entertained by the whole thing :)

Bark in the Park
We took Maisy to the Dodger's Bark in the Park and she had a blast. I love spoiling this girl.

Our Week in Paradise
Doug and I went back to where we honeymooned for our 3rd anniversary. We met some awesome people and had one of the best weeks of our lives.

Office Makeover
One of my favorite room makeovers to date- my parents' office. I love this room!

A Big, Exciting, Scary Announcement!
My biggest accomplishment of the year- I started my own business. I was seriously afraid of failing, but somehow I found the courage to do it, and I couldn't be happier. I love what I do, I love working with wonderful clients, and I love helping people simplify their lives. I still pinch myself that this is actually happening- that I'm a small business owner (NEVER thought I'd say those words!) and that I actually have clients and stay busy. I'm so thankful that I get to do what I love (and be my own boss! :) Here's my new logo!

The City by the Bay
Doug and I took a trip up to San Francisco- even though it was a short trip, we had a wonderful time!

Life Lately
One of my favorite moments of 2013- going to the Season 11 Premiere of Ellen! She gave us all TVs!!

Den Makeover
Another favorite room makeover- my parents' den. Just switching out some accessories can give you a whole new room!

Hiking the Hollywood Hills
This is another favorite memory of 2013- I loved being on top of a mountain with my cutie pie husband and precious pup!

If you want to join me and Katie and do a recap of your own, you can link up with us all week! Feel free to use this button on your post!

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Life According to Instagram

Hi there! In over 3 years since I started this blog, this has been the longest I've ever gone without posting! Because of the overwhelming demand for a new post (by my parents and grandparents, of course :) ) I'm hoping to jump back in to blogging! Here's a glimpse into our simple, wonderful summer...full of pool days and movie nights!

It's so funny that most of my friends that I've made out here are from Georgia. I guess I just gravitate to them! Allie and Britney are from my hometown, but we didn't meet each other until we all lived in California! (Allie and Doug actually graduated high school together!)

Here's another Georgian living in CA! Lauren, a friend from high school, just moved out here and I am thrilled to have her 10 minutes away! Our first outing? The Men Tell All taping!

It was SO much fun! We left with a vase of roses that were behind Chris Harrison's head and a t-shirt!

And we made it on TV! Here we are being angry with James...this picture cracks me up!

Another ridiculously adorable picture of these two :)

With Doug and my FIL at the Angels-A's game

One thing that I desperately miss about the South is the food. I have been on a mission to find good BBQ out here, and I finally found some that was almost as good. Lucille's also had delicious lemonade, and the red velvet cake was to die for. 

Enjoying a date night with John Mayer!

I added a few things to make the guest room a little happier...love this new tray!

I've never been so active in my life as I've been this summer. I never thought I'd say this, but I'm really enjoying it! We have a beautiful lake to walk around, and I have wonderful company. On this particular day, we walked 5 miles! That's a new record for me :)

And last week, I enjoyed a sleepover with the sweet Katie and her cutie pie Bennett. Katie may not be from Georgia, but her husband went to the same high school as my mom. Small world, right!? We did some organizing and re-decorating around their house which you can now see in the Project Gallery!

I think I'll just do these Instagram posts once a month....I want to have them all on here since I print my blog into books, but don't want to be too repetitive in case you follow me on there, too. 

It feels good to be blogging again, and I have a giveaway coming up soon! Stay tuned! :)

Oh and one more thing, football starts this month!!!!!!!! You know I have a problem when I'm dreaming about it...yes, last night I had a dream that I benched the wrong QB and lost my fantasy game. Clearly, football is a priority in this house :)

Life Lately

Since I've joined Instagram, I've been using my camera phone more and my DSLR a whole lot less. I've contemplated whether or not to share those on here and ultimately decided that this blog, more than anything, is a scrapbook of our lives so I want to include those instagram photos, even though a lot of you may already seen them if you follow me on there! I print this blog into books so I want to remember those photos, too! So here's a mix of Instagram and other iPhone pictures of our life lately.

Everybody pile on Daddy :)

Cutest face in the whole world

One of my new favorite dresses from where else, Target! I have Meghan to thank for this...she posted it on Instagram and I had to run out and get it, too! Notice the photo-bomb from all 3 pets? :) Also- I feel really awkward about selfies, but for some reason, chopping my head off in them makes me feel a little less awkward about it...that's why I'm headless here :)

I don't think I ever posted about my trip to Destin with my 2 best friends. SO MUCH FUN! Suzanne, on the right, just got engaged so the weekend was full of wedding planning and dress shopping! I love these girls, and we're planning to make this trip an annual tradition.

Best part of being in Atlanta? These adorable people right here!

And having a fun dinner date with Chelsea and Ashley!

Doug and I were walking around in Macy's when I spotted a teenage guy with a bird on his shoulder. His name was Rick (the bird, not the boy) and I'm usually not a big fan of birds, but we hit it off right away. Since being in California, I've seen a dog, cat, bird, and pig at the mall. It's a whole different world out here!

Doug and I had a fun date night with Steve Miller Band...our 5th time seeing him!

Thank y'all SO MUCH for all of the well wishes and encouragement about my announcement! It's been so exciting, and it's definitely been keeping me busy! I just loved this quote from my friend Anna's instagram...it feels great to finally take a risk! 

My business cards are in! And they accidentally sent me twice as many as I ordered! Thank you, Zazzle!

I find them in adorable positions like this everyday, but it never gets old! 

Funny story about Diego...he LOVES Maisy's bed and is always stealing it. So Doug got the blanket that he loves and laid it right next to the bed so he would sleep there and Maisy could have her bed. Looks like he didn't get the memo, and poor Maisy is too sweet to kick him out!

And finally, DEXTER IS BACK!!!