February 22nd 2014 archive

Bingleberry Finn

By Natalie

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This little guy. He is my blessing. Proof that good things can come of hard times. Sweet Bingley boy was hand delivered to us from a friend of a friend all the way in Louisiana. We had just gone through the hardest series of events we had ever gone through. We lost our Samson boy.

Though imagining having any other dog was difficult, we couldn’t cope with the new eeriness of our house. Inside the walls of our home there was a vast amount of silence. A dog had been an extension of our home since the first night we stayed in it. Someone to lick your face in the morning, and be overjoyed when you come home. Someone who is dependent on you. You are his world. His everything. We knew we wanted to give a loving home to a new puppy, we just didn’t know where to begin. Then Brandi Garrie, the most generous, and compassionate dog lover came along. She offered us a baby boy from her recent litter if we would have him. She may have seen it as a small sacrifice, but it has meant the world to us.

baby bing

Our little Bingley was brought to us in early Dec. when he was just a couple months old. He’s been a beautiful light to me ever since, allowing me to be the dog mom I always wanted to be. I couldn’t thank Brandi enough for her generosity. It was her understanding through our whole situation that really made it all easier. This complete stranger to me didn’t question Samson’s actions. She didn’t question if we could handle another dog. She didn’t question why we got a pit bull in the first place. She had complete compassion for us. How is it that so many close to us were harsh with their words, and incredibly judgmental? Yet she was a stranger, and she understood that what we needed in the moment was for someone to say I’m so sorry for your loss. How can I help?

Brandi, you gave us the most handsome little man. You gave us hope, and happiness again. All in one little bundle of energy named Bingley. Best breeder in the world award goes to you..

 


Living With the Lugos

By Natalie

If you are a Lugo you have dark hair. If you are a Lugo you know your home cooked meals. If you are a Lugo you tilt your head back after a good meal and say “Uhh”

You’ll have to ask my uncle how that one got started. I have no idea where it came from, I just knew that when I was little and I ate at the Lugo table it was second nature to tilt you head back and say “Uhh” It signifies a satisfied belly, and compliments to the cook.

  • When you lived with the Lugos, you tried your very hardest to tiptoe around after 9pm, and keep the giggles under control for those who have to wake up very early for work.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, you had to either make it to the shower before Emmanuel, or risk having a cold shower.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, you learned to live with boys.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, you had a designated parking spot.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, you’d wait eagerly for the flan in the fridge to be flipped, and ready.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, you’d run out to grab the groceries like it was a family event.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, your eyes grew bright when you saw new dixie cups of Limber De LecheFrozen dessert consisting of Evaporated milk, coconut milk, cinnamon, vanilla, and sugar in the freezer.
  • When you lived with the Lugos during hurricane Isabel, lots of ice cream was eaten, and charades were played.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, pranks were pulled.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, you had to get used to things like embarrassing stories being told over and over again, and monkey masks.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, many cousins ran from room to room.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, you looked forward to Saturday morning pancakes on the table. And maybe, just maybe there would be sorullos too.
  • When you lived with the Lugos, you always felt safe. You always felt loved.
  • When you don’t live with the Lugos, you miss all of these things just a tiny bit.

We lived with the Lugos a number of times growing up. Every time carried a new batch of memories. I’m so grateful that we had, and still have family nearby to depend on. Thank you Lugos, for taking all of us crazy Rodriguez girls in. We would have been lost without you.

DIY: Not Your Average Door Wreath

By Natalie

When we bought our house I was anxious to decorate and organize our new space. It was something I had dreamt about from the second we made an offer. Once we were moved in and had put our furniture where it belonged it was time to tweak the smaller details. The holidays were coming up so I began searching for ideas on how to make my own front door wreath. I found a lot of pretty seasonal ones, but I figured if I’m going to spend the money to make it why not make one that I can keep up year round? Then the hubs might be a little more willing to give his blessing for the project.

I found that I liked the idea of using an empty frame instead of the typical circular wreath. I knew what I wanted to make, and how to do it, all I needed were some supplies and a shopping buddy. Luckily for me time spent with my beloved friend Chloe was well over due, so we set up a time to meet.

One thing you have to know about Chloe is that she is the best/most dangerous shopping buddy. She thinks everything looks good on you, and makes you think you are a million bucks. Every girl needs a friend like her. This is what I turn into when I go shopping with Chloe…

all the things

We decided to go to Hobby Lobby, where I found the perfect wooden frame. Then I grabbed some fabric triangles to turn into bunting for the top of the frame. I thought I was done when I chose mini clothespins to attach the fabric triangles to a string. However since I was with the best shopping buddy in the world, she assured me that adding a few fabric flowers would surely complete the piece. A little hot glue and a staple gun is all I needed to finish this sweet touch to our home.

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Oh and a handsome handy man of the house to hang it straight of course.