Projects I Aspire To

[Hand-embroidered portraits by bobetsy]

[Wool/acrylic mix dog hats by BeanTownHandmade]

Introducing Blake Herzing

Blake is a new member of the Herzing family. He's a betta fish with puffy, kissy lips. He's also got a beautiful blend of colors going on: violet, gold, rose pink, electric blue, gray. For that characteristic, I named him Blake. He was my birthday gift from hubby this year, and he's settled in fairly well to his new environment. We gave him a super-huge bowl, distilled water that we change every week, rocks, and hearty fish pellets three times a day. He is situated in the living room, on top of our "computer center" (we converted our baking rack), next to several plants. When I look at him with my face close to the bowl, he saunters over and gets right up in front of me and makes eyes while puckering his lips. We are so in love with each other.

Decorating: Zen Retreat & Pet Closet

This is a lovely parlor-turned-zen-retreat that I keep meaning to share. It's Lorri & Carmen's entry room to their home & Lorri just redecorated what was a formal dining space to a more casual spot for relaxation. I wish I had a picture of the before....It was beautiful with a clean, white, classic look--So the change was drastic! Isn't it great? My favorite aspects are the wall color (brave Lorri!), the Buddha fountain, plush rug, and trunk-like stool.

I've had the decorating bug myself, but we aren't in a position to carry out any major work that I would like to. So tonight? I redecorated the pet closet. Oh yes. Rocco, Hobbes, and I sat down and discussed color swatches, what they hoped the space would achieve for them, and how to make it a bit more Martha Stewart so I wouldn't mind cleaning the litter box everyday. The result?













A hand-knit catnip-filled fish dangles from the doorknob and inside, Hobbes' pink litter box (a gift from Auntie Gayle) with brand new litter--Feline Pine! (We're going for a more environmentally friendly litter. I hope it works because I'm tired of coughing and having a headache when I scoop that clay stuff in his box.)























Top shelf: Feline Pine, kitty bubbles by SmartyKat, Bitter Apple anti-chew spray. Middle shelf: Egg Press dog and lion illustrations, baskets with grooming tools and another hand-knit catnip-filled toy by George. Bottom shelf: Brown bags & a scooper, royal lion illustration by Sukie, box liners, Pure Ayre odor-eliminator spray, and the Dog Owner's Manual. (I also used craft paper to add color to the back of the wall.)

Has Anyone Seen Rocco?

Buon Compleanno, Rocco!

Rocco's birthday is today. I totally forgot. The only reason I remembered is because Dogster sent us an email telling Rocco 'Happy Birthday' and that he received 25 bones for his special day. Here are a few photos of some of Rocco's happiest moments:

[Sleeping. Can you believe he was ever this small?]

[Beach days on the coast with his girlfriend, Olivia]

[One crazy slumber party with 8 puppies.]

[Hanging out at Matt & Gayle's house with the kids.]

[Fishing with Daddy.]

[Lap time with EVERYONE and ANYONE.]

Lazy Sunday's Photos

Everybody up?

Read the paper, chew the bone.

Coffee on the porch.

Let's take a walk.


Gathering.

Look what we found.


Can we go outside again?

The Secret To My Educational Success:

Hobez & Rocco help me with my homework...

America's Next Top Model: The Wardrobe

Yo Yo Yo...

Daddy Left

Rocco's blue.

And Hobbes won't stop crying at the door.

Is it Sunday yet?

Weird Things Our Dog Does #1

(Rocco, our 2 year old Rat Terrier, as if he is posing for a Renaissance painting)


When I put pants on, Rocco comes running into the closet and sniffs them. EVERY TIME. If I decide to wear a different pair of pants and change, Rocco has to sniff the new pants. This is the only time EVER that he sniffs my pants. ONLY when I put them on. Not when I am wearing them, taking them off, or if they are laying on the floor.