Beautiful Raku vase...

...that my mom brought back for me from NC.

Raku, meaning enjoyment or peace, is a type of Japenese pottery. I have a couple pieces I've purchased from antique stores, but this one was from a handmade artist in NC. So unique, love it.

A little piece I discovered...

...the other day when i was cleaning out one of my drawers. It's a beautiful illustration on the streets of Italy my mom picked up when she was there visiting. The colors are lovely & i'm sad i haven't put it up until now. It's such a happy picture with colors that go with the rest of my decor. I really like items that mean something & aren't just bought from a typical store to fill space. I've been away for awhile, but for a good reason. Lots of doggie lives to be saved :). I will be taking a much needed, long trip to costa rica this november with jeff & am really looking forward to it. there will also be more pics of handmades coming in the next couple months... I will be making some doggie items for an upcoming fundraiser in september & will be making a list of things for a wedding my mom & i are doing in october. so please check back, thanks!

Oh...

...& here's the most recent batch of veggies from my garden, yummy!

I've been...

...out of pocket for awhile. Been rescuing all sorts of dogs from the shelters. I'm passionate about saving the lives of shelter pups & getting them into the loving homes they deserve. So that is my focus right now, making a difference for these dogs. I just wish more people could be less self centered, find a cause & help others once in a while, the world would be a better place. But, for now I'm just doing to do my part.

New paint color...

...in the guest bedroom.

I chose a dark sage to create

a contrast with the light color

of the furniture & doors.

It made the room feel much cozier.

A little more color completed

the front porch area & the veggie

garden is growing like crazy.

A couple...

...little updates to the house. A cool wooden bowl that i got an amazing deal on & a couple potted flowers to brighten up the front patio.

My new...

...dining light has been installed! I finally decided on one that was contemporary, large & simple, that is bright enough to light up the room. I'm so excited about the way it updated the space.



























...here was a before pic, it looks so much better now.