Brandy

Life Lately

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?

Haley and Lola before a walk!

Haley and Lola before a walk!

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.

brandy

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!

cake-2 cake-1 cupcake

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 ❤

girls-day

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!

cutest

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.

What has your life been filled with lately?

Have you read any good books recently?

Currently

Current book The Bible. I’ve been reading the beginning of Matthew and Luke to keep my mind on Christ’s birth.

Current food I’ve been loving graham crackers and dark chocolate chip cookies lately.

Current obsession Father-daughter dates. I just adore spending time with my dad.

We painted ceramics together! I blurred what my dad made because he's giving it as a Christmas gift to someone who reads my blog, haha.

We painted ceramics together! I blurred what my dad made because he’s giving it as a Christmas gift to someone who reads my blog, haha.

Current craving A day with absolutely nothing on my agenda. A girl can dream, right? 😉

Current confession I pulled clean clothes out of the laundry basket all last week because I didn’t get a chance to fold and put away the laundry.

Current drink I just finished sipping a vanilla almond milk latte as I began this post. It was warm and toasty and the perfect pick me up.

Current mood Pretty relaxed. I got through the busiest day of the year at work. Whew!

I made a cheese wreath at work last week for the family's Christmas party.

I made a cheese wreath at work last week for the family’s Christmas party.

Current beauty product Yes to Carrots Body Butter. My knuckles are incredibly dry and cracked to the point of being raw because I wash my hands so often at work. Every time I slather on the body butter it soothes my dry hands.

Current need I don’t actually need anything, but I wouldn’t mind getting another dog 😏. Maybe a cocker spaniel?

Brandy02

My parents’ dog, Brandy, as a puppy!

Current indulgence Sleeping in whenever I can. Jimmy and I slept until 8:00 am a few weekends ago.

Current procrastination Vacuuming. Does anyone else procrastinate on that? It doesn’t take me long to do it, but I always find ways to avoid it.

Current blessing The women at my church. I went to a cookie exchange on Saturday and the devotional, fellowship, and food were all amazing. Jimmy’s cousin, Katie, and I collaborated to make the favors. She made the most adorable baby Jesus ornaments and I contributed the angel cookies. It was such a lovely gathering.

cookie-exchange

Current excitement Jimmy and I are going to take a day off of work together soon and spend the day doing whatever. Cannot wait!

What’s your current obsession/craving/blessing/procrastination/excitement?