Homemade dog cake recipe {for Jackson's 3rd bday}

{homemade dog cake}

We celebrated Jackson's 3rd birthday on September 8th! To be fair, I made him a cake since I made Harvey cupcakes! 

I found the recipe over here, which of course I adapted based on what we had on hand. I didn't use the baby beef food, but did try to make up for it with extra bacon. I also didn't use cream cheese with the peanut butter for the frosting. I knew peanut butter would suffice. 

And yes, I did light the candles and we did sing happy birthday. 

I laughed to myself again as we did!

But I love spoiling our boys! 

Happy happy birthday to Jackson!

Rustic fall wreath {DIY}

{rustic fall wreath}

First fall project of the season! 

{supplies}

I already had the wreath, which I purchased at walmart a longgg time ago. The burlap ribbon, and fall layers for the wreath all came from Hobby Lobby. 

{layer #1}

Because of the flexibility of the pieces, I easily secured each piece, without gluing. 

{layer #2}

This layer was less flexible and harder to secure into the wreath, so I used a little hot glue. 

{burlap bow}

The burlap bow is also hot glued! 

{finished product}

Took me about 10 minutes, while watching football!

So so ready for fall!

Console table inspiration.....

{Clifton dove grey console table found here}

{Ingrid console found here}

{Grey wood console table found here}

{farmhouse table found here}

{Konrad console found here}

My next project is finding a console table for our living room. I'm thinking something neutral in a soft grey or green color. Ideally, I would love to find an antique piece and perhaps paint it myself. I'm loving all of these above--definitely want something with more of the farmhouse look with a drawer to house a few things!

I've also been searching for a runner rug for our master bathroom and oh what an adventure it has been. So far I have purchased 4 rugs, none of which worked, which is a blog post for another day.

I know I need to slow down and enjoy the process of finding both of these items, but sometimes I just want it to be done already, like perfectly done, exactly as I envision it in my head. Too much to ask? :-)

Here's to happy hunting!

Five things {July edition}..

{olive oil soap}

Simple, natural, and found at TJ Maxx!

{dried hydrangeas}

Finally successfully dried hydrangeas with little effort. I think the key is timing. 

{La croix sparkling coconut water}

Addicted. This is replacing my craving for soda. 

{patterned outdoor pillow}

Cheap (because who knows when Jackson will decide to get to these), but still a cute pattern. Win, win in my book.

{chalkboard labels}

Maybe my next project!

Happy happy friday!

Words of wisdom: be of value....

Some of my favorite quotes are from Albert Einstein. I really want to read his biography--super nerd, I know. I'm just so fascinated by the way his brain worked!

Anyway, I still have beach brain, only 2 more days! I'm trying to remained focused and finish up a few projects at work though! 

As I've started my new job, value is what I've tried to bring to the table---to my students, to my colleagues, and to the institution. 

It is a simple reframe, but can make a huge difference!

Happy humpppp daayyyyy!

Rustic coastal style.......

{driftwood ladder}

I have the beach on the brain these days, like all day, every day. We've already made a few trips and have a group trip with friends planned this weekend!

 I can't get the image of a nice cold cocktail in my hand, soaking up the sun, and listening to the waves crash to shore out of my head. Pretty much one of the best things ever, right?

Ahhhhhh, sweet sweet summertime.

In honor of my beach brain, here are a few lovelies of rustic coastal style....

{large shell/recycled glass lamp & jar}

{vintage life preserver/ old map}

{diftwood decor/ framed mirrors}

{sailboat art/ rustic vanity}

{framed bird prints}

Love the combo of rustic, natural, and vintage materials/pieces used!

*All photos from pinterest*

Lamp look-a-likes.....

In the past few weeks, I've found the above lamps on the right from TJ Maxx/Marshalls. I was very excited about each because I lovvvve them! Then, a funny thing happened as I was cleaning up our office area. I came across an image I had clipped {yes, I still do that even with Pinterest} of a Ballard Designs lamp {top left}, which looked just like the lamp I found for a fraction of the price. 

I was even more excited! 

Then, after going on and on to my husband about the other great lamp I found {bottom right} as he rolled his eyes about yet another lamp. I realized that it looked similar to a Pottery Barn lamp, again, for  much cheaper.

Unfortunately, this is it for me and lamps. We cannot fit another one into our home, but if anyone needs help finding one, please let me know!