A New Look and a New Fur Baby!

Such a happy day!

Tada!  My blog has a new look! I am so excited that it has been updated!  I am thrilled with the new look!!  Since I retired I really hope to be able to blog more.  And since we have completed the house renovations I will have a lot to share.  It seemed that my blog should be refreshed as well.  I had no idea where to turn.  I googled blog designs and found a few sites that I thought would be helpful.  I wasn't sure if I needed a total custom blog design. Although I liked the idea of something custom, I didn't feel like I could justify the expense of that since I am not a full time blogger.  I wanted a simple design that had some of the features of some of my favorite blogs.  Lucky for me, I found Blogaholic Designs.  They offer free templates, templates in a variety of price points, and custom designs.  Most of the options are "downloadable"; however, they do offer some pre-made templates that they will install for you.  You can also purchase "add-ons".  I decided to go with a pre-made template. I knew I would be frustrated trying to complete the process myself.  I had it installed and modified a bit so it is what I wanted.  I highly recommend Emily at Blogaholic Designs. She has been a delight to work with. We emailed back and forth quite a bit and my "goofy" questions never bothered her at all!!  I really love the finished product. You can visit their website here: Blogaholic Designs. 

And.... introducing Oliver - aka Ollie!  Our sweet male Cavalier, Bentley, passed away in May.  We were heartbroken.  Once we were in our new home, I wanted to get a new furry friend for Clarabel.  Jon wasn't sure about taking on a puppy since we had just had all of the floors refinished.  While looking (Seth says I stalk her FB page :-) at a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breeder's website one day, I saw this precious boy who was looking for a forever home.  He is a retired show dog and stud.  I called her and we talked a couple of time and decided we were a fit for each other.  We traveled to Birmingham this past weekend to meet our new friend.  He is such a joy!!! We are completely smitten with him.   His personality is so precious.  He is a blenheim Cavalier, just like Bentley; however, their personalities are so different.  Bentley was an "old soul" even as a young dog. We always called him our little old man.  Ollie is six years old, but he is so playful and "puppyish".  Clarabel loves him too!!  Cavaliers are truly a wonderful breed. 

 

Sweet Ollie

Come back soon to see pictures from our new home!  

As always, thanks for visiting Buttercup Bliss. 

Lisa

Window Shopping and Wishful Thinking!!

Oh! My! Goodness!!  

Today I went to one of my very favorite stores, Antiques at the Loop!  It is the most wonderful store!  I truly could stay in there for hours, but, alas, I usually have my little one with me so I have my path through the vast space down to a science.  After visiting so many times I have my several booths that I hurry to immediately.  Usually my first stop is the area with vintage Ironstone.  Today in a booth nearby I found six American Fostoria salad/dessert plates.  They are so sweet and will be a good addition to my growing collection.  And at only thirty-six dollars. they are an inexpensive treasure!! 

Here are some other BEAUTIFUL items that I would dearly love to own, but, they are a little too costly for a random Saturday afternoon of antiquing.  I did inquire, however, and lay-away is offered!! Hmmm.... Maybe I will own one of these beauties soon!  

These are the most amazing chairs I have seen in quite a while -  absolutely beautiful! There was a sign that said a table was arriving soon and would be sold separately * swoon* !!  

My husband does not understand why I am so in love with this cow picture. 

 I can't explain it, but I love it.  What is not to love?  The sweet face and chippy frame make me smile! 

Isn't he beautiful?

I immediately loved this picture of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniels.  I have a small oil painting of Cavaliers, but this large one would be lovely somewhere in my home.  They look just like our fur babies, Bentley and Clarabel. 

Aren't these bunnies adorable?  

Don't you just love to window shop?  I could amuse myself for hours rambling through stores and planning where I would place a perfect piece of furniture or exquisite artwork.  In the end though, I am happy to leave with my new treasure to add to my collection and lots of pictures to leaf through when I am day dreaming about decorating! 

Thanks for visiting Buttercup Bliss,

Lisa