L-O-V-E

I played this game when I was a kid. Mostly, he loved me not.

Do you believe in love at first sight? I do. I've fallen in love with puppies and kittens without even blinking an eye. When it comes to non-living pretty things that can fit in my handbag, around my neck, or in my house...I have fallen head over heals in no time. One rule of thumb, if you aren't madly in love with it, don't even let it through your front door.

Here are a few of my LOVES in life:

I have the best little faucet in my bathroom. It's not fancy, but I love turning it on when I go to brush my teeth or wash my hands. Call me crazy, I love to turn that faucet. Makes me happy. Sue me.

I adore my area rug downstairs. It has every color in the rainbow and makes me giggle when I walk on it-- which some days, can be over 100 times. Makes going to the laundry room more exciting. I love that rug! Makes me happy.

I can't live without my coffee cup. It's big and reminds me of my old dog Miles. Playing outside in the wintertime all bundled up ice-skating...too cute! This mug makes me happy.

I'm in love with this old pocket watch. I have it with a few of my necklaces in my bathroom and see it every morning before I get ready for the day. I wondered who had this treasured keepsake for years and where it has traveled before winding up in my house. I especially love it because it doesn't have hands...so I never feel like I'm running late!

Do you have a favorite thing or two in your house right now that you love? Of course your family & friends are keepers for sure, but I wanna know what special things you have and where they are at home? Happy Valentine's Day! Cheers to Love.

Balancing Act

Can we all relate to life feeling a bit like a balancing act? Do you juggle your family and work life and sometimes feel like both are a three-ring circus?

At work, my to do list is long but good. We just changed the window displays for February. New colors and eye-catching merchandise help to make our windows tell a story. With 42 room settings inside the store, it's a lot to play with. My sister Beth and I are ordering new sofas, beds, rugs, lamps, and everything in between. We've been caught in our PJ's at the store late at night redoing a room or two. We work best in flannel, what can I say? Next week, I am going to Gearhardt on the coast to help a wonderful client with her home. We ordered this bed for her- so pretty! What to put with it? Oh just wait...

Great neutrals with a hint of color makes for a relaxing room.

At home, my February list is a busy one. My hubby John and I are at the beginning stage of building a small home in Eugene. I'll keep you posted on how the two of us work together on this...gulp! Also on the list: throwing a bridal shower for my cousin, water baby swim lessons, weekend trip to visit John's family, help set up for 'Shall We Dance' charity, a few friends' birthday parties, a niece's play, mail out Valentine cards, and big sister Ann's Birthday! Oh yeah, and keeping up with my love of movie watching- must get ready for the Oscars!

I'm right here Precious!

Life clicks along whether you like it or not. There are days I would love to just fast-forward through and others that need repeating. Thank goodness for some ringleaders to help for the greater good of our work life and home schedule too. Crazy days make for some fun stories and remind me to be light-hearted about things. Don't let life overwhelm you, because this too will pass. Maybe one or two mini-meltdowns are allowed. But like Cher said in Moonstruck, "...Snap out of it!" And so I do.