January 6, 2015

The Awesome Thing About Dogs

Awesome things about dogs


Today I am co-hosting this AWESOME link-up with Anne! And you know what? I couldn't be more excited! This link-up along with Emily's Grateful Heart really help me to stay optimistic and keep the good juices flowing.

We've had Bear now for just over a month and I think we're all settled in and finally used to each other. There are so many great things about him and about having a dog in general. And in true blogger fashion and because that's how this link-up works, we're doing this list style!

1. They are incredibly loyal.
Once you are a part of their pack, they will protect you and guard you and love you to pieces.

2. They provide excellent companionship.
Bear is always ready and willing for snuggles, kisses, cuddles, and walks.

3. Great foot warmers.
I don't know about your pets, but Bear likes to lay on my feet. And right now during this cold winter I do not mind at all. The cats will lay on us too and that helps keep our laps and hands warm.

4. A source of entertainment.
Bear does the funniest hop when he's excited to be outside. He looks like a lamb or a goat jumping about. I really really need to get this on video sometime.

5. Motivation to workout.
You have to exercise dogs, plain and simple. Otherwise they get into things they shouldn't and can possibly destroy your home. So they motivate you to get out and walk them. You're moving, they are moving. Win Win for both of you.

6. Decrease Blood Pressure.
Studies have shown that owning dogs and cats can help to reduce blood pressure, and symptoms of depression and anxiety. I actually did an entire research paper on the benefits of Therapy dogs in hospitals and nursing homes. But that's a post for another day.

7. They can alert you to intruders (and squirrels, falling leaves, and sometimes the wind blowing).
Even if you dog is friendly, they still know when something bad is happening. Many dogs bark when they hear people at your door or strange noises around your house. No one will ever come on to my property unannounced ever again.

8. They eat the food you drop on the floor.
Spill some cereal when pouring your bowl? Kids throwing their goldfish off the highchair? Have like two bites of food left on your plate but you are so full? No problem! Your dog will clean that up for you in a jiffy. Just don't over do it on human food! It can upset their tummies.

9. They attract people.
Seriously. More people have come up to talk to me while I'm walking him. One man even asked to take a picture of him! (he's a sweet old man who has a doggy too, not a creepy stalker guy!) Legit, if you are single, get yourself a dog and head to the dog park, local pet store, or even take a stroll through town. You are guaranteed to meet at least one person, and you know they will be a dog person cause that's why they are talking to you to begin with, and we all know dog people are the best kind of people. (my bad for that crazy run on sentence...)

10. They just ARE! ok? ok.


I love Bear so much, and Hubs is coming around slowly, but surely. I get so melty when I see them bonding. Favorite present EVER.


Check out Anne when you get a chance. And if you choose to sponsor her, you will NOT be the least bit sorry. I always enjoy my time on her sidebar and it's brought us closer together as bloggy friends.

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What's Awesome in your life right now?




Love the Here and Now




January 5, 2015

Through the Lens + Grateful Heart + a Giveaway!


I love love love this link-up and I have no idea how I have missed Through The Lens for all this time. I love taking and editing pictures (if you follow me on Instagram, you'll know this) and I love sharing them even more! This link-up with Treats and Travels and All That's Glittered is perfect for me to have a reason to do both!

I guess we can go row by row this time... from left to right. That means we start with the awesome Christmas party my friend Kaity and I crashed. We had so much fun people watching and I'm sure we ate way too much cheesecake, but it's Christmas so it doesn't count right?

Of course Bear has to be in there, but I'm sure you are far more interested in the pregnancy photo and the little tiny baby after that. Well, my cousin had baby William on December 17th at 7:39 A.M. lbs 5oz, 21 inches long. The first baby from our generation in our family.

Next on the list is Philip. This was taken at his company Christmas party. Isn't he adorable? I just love this picture. Skipping over the middle bit, is me walking Bear. I've come to really look forward to our walks (except the past few days since it's been so cold).

Red Lip Classic. I mean, yes? Skipping more middle bits, we've got Misty and Hubs getting more adjusted and closer to Bear. This makes my heart so so happy.

Our last row is Christmas and gaming. This was pretty much happening the past couple weeks.

ALSO...

You guys. Today is awesome! I am so grateful for my bloggy friends. And because we love all of YOU, we have some stuff to giveaway!

I am teaming up with a bunch of lovely ladies (and Cassie's husband) to bring two lucky people some GREAT prints. The first place winner will receive an 18x12 Matt Boness Photography metal landscape print of their choice (normally valued at $100) and the second place winner will receive a wood block + bundle of 12 pre-selected Matt Boness Photography landscape prints from Artifact Uprising (normally valued at $35).


A HUGE thank you goes out to all of the wonderful bloggers who made this giveaway possible! We couldn't have done it without them! All entries will be verified.

a Rafflecopter giveaway






Linking up with

Ember Grey All That's Glittered

January 2, 2015

Spreading Some Blogger Love



Happy First Friday of 2015!
Today is shed building day! I AM SO EXCITED! Saturday we'll be cleaning out and setting up the guest room and organizing the newly built shed. I feel like our shed needs a name or something. Suggestions?

I will definitely post an update on our shed and guest room project next week, but for now I'll leave you with some of my favorite posts from the past couple of weeks. What better way to start off this year than by linking up with Meagan to spread the love to my fellow bloggers!

New Year Mantra - Simply Complex Mom
Legit, this lady picked a great word for 2015. Now I just need to figure out what mine will be.

Finding a Dog Sitter - Becoming Adorrable
Having someone you can trust and rely on to take care of your furkids while you're away is so very important.

Goal Setting for People Who Usually Hate It  - The New Wifestyle
AND How to Pick a Word of the Year - The New Wifestyle
Chelsea hit the nail on the head with these two posts.

We Chose Giving - Chits & Giggles
Kristyn and her hubs chose to give to children in need rather than buy gifts for each other. I LOVE THIS.

All of the Re-Cap posts!
I loved seeing bloggers favorite or most popular posts from 2014. And the pictures, and the stories, and the events. It's so nice to play a little catch up on new-to-me bloggers and share memories with those I've been following for a while.
Meighan - The Meighan Project
Meagan - All the Joys
Tabitha - A Hundred Tiny Wishes
Ashley - That Southern Mama
Anne - Love the Here and Now
Kathy - Him & Me


Such wonderful posts. What were your favorites over the Holidays?



Linking up with

All The Joys Friday Favorites