Life lately has been lovely. It has been filled with dogs, cake, family, friends, and reading. A winning combination in my book.
Let’s start with dogs, shall we?
I was this close to buying a puppy to train and show in dog shows. Jimmy said it was up to me because he knows all things dog related are my passion. I prayed about it, and I just didn’t think the time was right. Jimmy thinks our house is already full with animals, and I wanted to respect him.
Plus, writing a book and raising a puppy probably don’t mesh too well. I always want to be content with what I have. Lola and Malcolm are pretty much the best!
Oh, and how cute is my parents’ dog, Brandy? My mom sent me these pictures after she took Brandy to the groomer and I just had to share.
Alright, onto cake!
I am still obsessively experimenting with cake design, flavors, and frosting for Hannah’s bridal shower. I think I may do two small cakes, one with a blackberry filling, and a bunch of cupcakes. Don’t hold me to it, though. I change my mind at least once a week. I know for sure that I am loving the process!
Family and friends have been the best. I had an amazing girls’ day with two ladies (plus the sweetest baby!) from church that are my family and friends. We had our nails done, grabbed lunch, talked, and shopped. It was just what I needed. I love doing life with these inspiring women ❤
I told Jimmy how I was so excited to spend a day with a baby. It has been a long time since I’ve been around a baby for more than a few hours and it was just so sweet to bond with baby Leia!
As for reading lately, I am in a pretty good groove! I just finished Bringing in Finn by Sara Connell. The author struggled with infertility and her mom became her surrogate. It was just beautiful.
I’m also reading Women of the Bible by Ann Spangler and Jean E. Syswerda during my morning Bible reading time, and it’s great! I love the in-depth look at each woman.
Living My Full Life 
mmm blackberry filling, yummm!!! I’m always amazed at the frosting job on any cake, incredible! I often find myself watching videos of bakers making elaborate cakes (LOL) they make it look so easy. I can’t believe you almost bought a new dog!! Would’ve been good but timing is everything and if you didn’t feel like it was right then I’m sure you are right- we don’t have these weird intuition feelings for nothing! Leia is simply adorable, I love babysitting every now and then gets my baby fever out of my system lol
xo, JJ
The bakers on TV and in YouTube videos are seriously impressive! They really do make it look like it’s no biggie to decorate a crazy elaborate cake, haha.
You’re so right about timing with the dog. Timing is everything for sure! And YES to babysitting to get the baby fever out of our systems, haha. I love hanging out with the little cuties and get my baby fix all at the same time!
That would be so cool to have a dog to do dog shows with! I respect you for being wise enough to discern that it isn’t the right season now, but hey– maybe some day! 😉 Do you have any idea what breed you would want to get?
And girl, you are doing AWESOME on those cakes!!! I would totally buy one that looked like that! They are pretty professional looking!
I agree that it would be so cool to have a dog to do dog shows with! It’s just such a fun idea for me, but yeah, not quite the right season. Some day, I hope :). I think as far as breeds, I’d go with a labrador, cocker spaniel, or siberian husky!
Thank you so much for the compliments on my cakes, Brittany!
My gosh!! Those cakes look divine! Cakes and puppies… I’d say you have it pretty good 🙂 Hope you’re doing well Allie!
Thank you so much, Patty! I agree, cakes and puppies make for a good life 🙂
I hope all is well with you!
Your cake making skills are AMAZING! If I get married, you can make my cake 🙂 Right now I’m reading “How Bad Do You Want It” by Matt Fitzgerald. It’s about the mental power needed to have a good performance. After this I think I’m due for some chick-lit 😉
Thank you, Ellie! I would be honored to bake your wedding cake! I’d even make sure it’s vegan!!
Yay for performance books and chick-lit! I hope you find a good chick-lit book after Matt Fitzgerald’s book!
It’s good to save some fun things for the future…I’m sure you’ll be able to train a pup for a dog show someday! I do think you should open a bake shop first though… 😉
So true! I know I always have that to look forward to! And oh man would I love to open a bakery!!
Puppies are so much work, people often think I have no soul because I’m basically the only person that does not like puppies haha. That cake though, the rose one. I do like that!
Truth. So much work involved with puppies! I like them, but I am ready to give them back to their owner after a few hours 😉
Thanks for the compliment on my rose cake!!
You are so skilled at cake decorating, friend! I’m so amazed by you!!
Aww, puppies are so much fun, but they are definitely a lot of work. When the time is right, I look forward to seeing the puppy you end up with! 🙂
Thank you so much, Rach!!
Yes, pups are so, so much work! Some day I do hope to have one!! You’ll be one of the first to know when I do get one, too! 🙂
I just LOVED reading through these posts. I still can’t get over how talented you are at those cake designs. MUST open a bakery! Your family is darling and I just love your zest for life! Never stop glowing, darlin’!