Hello February!

Let's review January, since this is a journal of our lives. We must document the good and the bad! And unfortunately, January was pretty much all bad. (I usually try to keep this blog happy and positive...this post is neither of those- just warning you :)

Week 1- The day after we got back to California from spending Christmas in Atlanta, I found out that my car needed a new battery and starter. There goes $500! 

Week 2- We said goodbye to our sweet Deucie, and on the same day, found out that Pep has diabetes. A very expensive diagnosis, but luckily a manageable disease.

Week 3- On my way to a client's home, I was in a wreck that shut down the 405. A truck swerved to the right, causing one car to spin off the highway. Then he swerved in front of us across all 5 lanes and flipped over in the HOV lane. The car to the right of me swerved to avoid hitting the truck and smashed into me. It was absolutely terrifying, but thankfully everyone was okay. The damage was limited to the front right corner of my car, so I figured I would have my car back in 2 weeks tops.

Flipping the truck back over

My wheel was completely bent in

Still Week 3- One night, I found a lump on Maisy (In the past 2 years, she's had 3 surgeries to have lumps/tumors removed- only 1 was cancer.) So I just knew that she would be having yet another surgery the next day. But the next morning when I was about to take her to the vet, I couldn't find the lump! It was gone! I think God knew that I was this close to my breaking point, so he shrunk it overnight :)

Week 4- I found out that my car was totaled- I was definitely not expecting this news at all. Granted, my car was now 10 years old, but I loved my car and planned on driving it until it died. I'd had it since I was 16 and I was not ready to part with it. So this began the week of car shopping, and eventually I decided on this little beauty (with a little beauty in the back seat!)

I love my Nissan Rogue! 

So the day after I got my car, I had to drive to my client's house who I was going to when I got in my wreck. I was so anxious about it. Guess what was on the highway? A LADDER. Yes, a ladder was in the middle of the lane next to me, but luckily I avoided the swerving cars. And guess what happened the next day on my way to another client's home? I was driving down the 5, and a rock hit my brand new windshield and put 2 little cracks in it. 

And that pretty much summed up January. 

Thankfully, besides getting a stubborn cold, February has been much easier on us all. Hoping and praying that it continues this way! I've been decorating a client's living room and bathroom, and I cannot wait to show y'all the final pictures! Here's a sneak peek of the bathroom.

PS- Have you seen the amazing giveaway that we're doing? Head on over here to enter to win $245 worth of awesome products!

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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Merry Christmas from the Mintons!

Merry Christmas! Here's this year's Christmas card- the only time we've taken a picture of all 5 of us! Thanks Mom for being a great photographer (and knowing how to get Maisy's attention!)

And here's the card in our Christmas Card Scrapbook! I'm loving this year's page!

In other exciting news, Katie and I are hosting a year-in-review link up, called Taking Stock 2013! More details to come soon, but I think the link up will be January 1st or 2nd. 

I hope y'all have a wonderful Christmas with the ones you love most! 

Hiking the Hollywood Hills

Last weekend was one of my favorites ever. The entire weekend was just perfect, and it was also the first time since I started my business that I had the whole weekend off. It was lovely :)

We spent Friday night walking around IKEA while I drooled over their kitchens and entertainment centers. I dream of the day that we own a house!

On Saturday, we planned to do the Hollywood Sign Hike but right after we left our house, we passed a dog running across the 6 lane road (55 MPH speed limit!), so of course, we made all kinds of u-turns chasing him down. I finally jumped out of the car and started sprinting and told Doug to follow me with the car (seriously, I've never run that fast in my life...and probably never will again!) So there I was, sprinting across busy roads with doggy bones in my hands yelling "PUPPY!" for 20 minutes. I finally caught him in a neighborhood, and the poor dog's ear tips were all black and rotted. Thankfully someone in the neighborhood offered to take him and get him checked out. So hopefully this pup will have a happy ending.

After the rescue, we stopped at Lazy Dog Cafe for some lunch. Maisy got the chicken and rice :) (Yes, they have a Dog Menu!)

Then, the hike. Going into it, we thought it was 4 miles roundtrip. Turns out that it's 4 miles each way. I'm glad I didn't know this beforehand because I may have psyched myself out. It was an incredible hike with the most beautiful views, and we couldn't have had a better time. 

Half way up the mountain

Above the Hollywood Sign!

At the top of the mountain

My sweet girl did so good!

I love this one :)

We also saw a celebrity, which you know made my day even better :) Michael McMillian- I know him from What I Like About You but apparently he's also in True Blood. He walked right up to us so his dog could play with Maisy, and he was super nice. 

Afterwards, we took Maisy to the Grove for the first time, where everyone adored her new peacoat :) I didn't take a picture of it that night, but here's a cute one of her in her new snazzy outfit!

We finished off the night with milkshakes and a dip in the hot tub to soothe our aching muscles (I was sore for days!) And to round out the perfect weekend, on Sunday we watched football at Chili's then saw About Time. I loooooved this movie- it was so sweet and so good. And that was our perfect weekend!