Puppies and 2015 Faves
Hello strangers! Wow, somehow it’s been 5 weeks! I’ve never gone that long without blogging and honestly it was a great break. Although I’ve had a few of you email and make sure I haven’t fallen off the face of the earth, since I’ve been radio silent on social media too. Sometimes you just need a minute to quiet your mind, read a book, play board games with your kids and watch ridiculous reality tv in your sweatpants.
Oh, and also rip out all of the carpeting in your whole house… So, I guess it wasn’t all lazy around here! This is what our playroom looked like 3 days before Christmas, let me give you all a piece of advice: redoing your playroom 3 days before Santa brings you all new toys that need to be put away somewhere is not for the faint of heart!
The biggest news is we got a new puppy! His name is Charlie, he is a Havanese and he has us wrapped around his little paw. Somehow getting a new puppy turned into ripping out all the carpet, turned into a new couch, turned into redecorating basically the whole upstairs…I know, the Mr. is still scratching his head at how I talked him into this one too.
Let me back up a bit and talk about the heartbreaking part (and I promise if you are new here there is actual home decor stuff coming!) you may be wondering what happened to my constant sidekick, our dog Buddy. Long story short, Buddy had been having behavioral problems. Well, he had always had behavioral problems since the day we got him, but we had spent 2 years with different dog trainers trying to fix them. Unfortunately, he is just very high strung and startles easily.
He started snapping at kids a lot so we would crate him during play dates and then he started snapping at our kids too and finally this fall he bit our daughter. It was totally unprovoked, she dropped a piece of paper on the ground and it startled him and he bit her on the hand. It sucked. A lot. We were totally heartbroken, but it was time to find a calmer atmosphere for him to live in, one without kids for sure. Thankfully, we found a great retired couple who adore him and have been keeping us updated, and he is doing fantastic there. Which is great, but also bittersweet, because we still miss him so much.
OK, back to the happy part. After living without a dog all fall and winter, we couldn’t take it anymore and needed a little happy in our lives, so we found Charlie, who is super laid back and nothing seems to phase him. I think he will be a great fit with our kids.
Back to the carpet, it had to come out due to the fact that Buddy always peed on our kids toys in the playroom (which tells you something right there about how he felt about kids I guess) and we didn’t want Charlie getting ideas that the playroom was a great spot to go too, so out came the carpet…followed by everything else! More to come on this big overhaul in the coming weeks…
Now, if you are new here, which a lot of you are, apparently ignoring your blog for a month is good for attracting new readers? Who knew! Not sure what that says about me ha, but anyways, I thought I would share a few of my favorite projects from 2015 in case you missed them!
1. My new Wood Range hood was a popular one and I love how it has transformed our kitchen.
2. Our Master Bathroom Makeover has lots of fun and inexpensive ideas and it feels so much more “us” now.
3. Oh, the Billy Bookcases in our upstairs hallway are a personal fave, I’m still loving flying around on my ladder up there!
4. 2015 was the year of painting everything grey, including the mudroom makeover.
5. And last, my red buffet table was a fun little makeover that still brings a lot of color and energy to our space.
I promise some new stuff coming up soon, but first I need to finish decorating my house for Christmas (again) for something really fun that I’m excited about! Although having my Christmas tree up from Halloween to basically Valentines day is making me feel half insane. As if that weren’t the case already :)
Oh Kelly! Beautiful home! I love the sign!! I love that song!! Reminds me of how faith should be. Thanks so much for sharing what you do! I’m so jealous of your view in the bathroom! Oh my goodness! You could seriously feel like a vacation in your bath! ?
I have visited your blog many times, but have never left a comment. But I thought I would today because our family shares a similar story. We had a dog, but he also was aggressive. We had our first child and he became very jealous. He bit my husband. So we, too, had to say good bye. That was hard. Now we have another dog which is also a Havense like yours. Ours looked very similar to your Charlie when we got him. They are just the best dogs. So sweet and wonderful with children. Enjoy your new family member.
Thanks Patty, he has been such a sweetheart so far! He definitely has a much calmer disposition than Buddy and we love him so much!
Feel confident about finding Buddy a new home. We had the same exact experience with our dog. I spent a small fortune taking him to trainers and animal behaviorists. They all told me the same thing….It is part of who the dog is and there is little you can do about it. It is hard to do but for the safety of your family and the dog you did the right thing.
Thanks Shelley, it was heartbreaking for sure but I feel like he is so much happier where he is too.
Do you mind telling me where you got the word art above your buffet? That’s my husband’s favorite song, and I’d love to get one for his office ?
It’s from House of Belonging on Etsy, she has beautiful signs!
Happy you’re back cutie! I’ve missed you. :) xo
Thanks you! I don’t know how you juggle it all, 3 kids, blogging and looking fabulous all the time! Share your secrets!
I was worried something horrible and tragic happened. It was so not like you to be off the grid that long. Glad you are back.
Thanks Debbie! Sorry to worry you :)
We had a similar situation with a lhasa apso when I lived with my folks. He bit both my mom and dad, drawing blood, totally unprovoked – situations like with your daughter dropping a piece of paper. During my marriage we have adopted all adult dogs and every one adjusted well to our family. Dogs are very adaptable and I’ve no doubt that Buddy is doing great in his new home. Charlie is positively adorable – he is a very lucky dog to be a part of your loving family.
Thanks so much Cindy, I was so worried to share this bc I wasn’t sure everyone would understand our choice but you all have been so positive. It has been nice to hear we aren’t alone in having to go thru this, thanks!
Love this post…and your new little puppy is just adorable.
Hello, I love the lyrics Spirit Lead Me…did you make that sign or if you purchased it where can I get one?
Thank you !
Hi Kim, the sign is from House of Belonging on Etsy – thanks!
You had a stunning year. Every project you posted here was awesome enough to be bookmarked. Loved the hood.
The new puppy looks so cute! (And yeah, Buddy peeing the toys, was a pretty clear gesture.
Also: GOOD JOB getting rid of the carpet!
Thank you! Can’t wait to show you all the new flooring, what a difference!
We have a Havanese named Cooper and he has the same coloring as your Charlie! Beware, he will become the love of your life! :) They are the most wonderful dogs in the world and the happiest too. He will be your constant companion and friend! Enjoy :)
Ahhh too late, I’m so obsessed with this little guy! He is such the biggest sweetheart, so lovable and easy going, just what we needed.
Sometimes it’s the best choice for all. It sounds like Buddy is in a good home and you have a puppy dog that’ll fit in yours:) Looking forward to upcoming posts this year, Kathleen in Az
Thanks Kathleen, I know we made the right decision but it was definitely a hard choice.
I’m thinking new carpet uh oh new dog???… Well I’m sure you have it under control in this insane weather. So unbelievably cold here. Can’t wait to hear what magazine is photographing your gorgeous Xmas decor. Excited to see the reveal. What a cute pup by the way!! Hang in there. Spring is coming… Maggie
Hey Maggie, we put down laminate wood floor, totally easy clean up! Can’t wait to share, just gotta survive this mag photoshoot first ha!
I too enjoy your projects! You have wonderful taste. I’m glad you enjoyed your break, but happy you’re back. Sorry to hear about Buddy and I hope your daughter is alright. Charlie is precious!! Our family has a Havanese and we ABSOLUTELY adore him!! We have had him for five years and he is a true blessing and very smart. Enjoy him!
I really this Havanese are just the best. He is just the friendliest sweetest dog so far and everyone keeps telling us wonderful things about the breed, so glad we found a dog that fits our family.
I’m new to your blog site, Love your design style, What is the color of paint you used to paint vanity in master bath & wood in mudroom? Also the color of red on your piece of furniture?
HI Patsy, the grey is called Thorwood by Graham and the red is Candy Apple by Behr thanks!
Welcome to the wonderful world of the Havanese! We have had our beautiful girl for 12 years and she is such a joy! They truly are a wonderful breed. My one tip would be to get her used to being brushed daily. Otherwise she will think it’s a game and you will lose! Have fun!
OH man we are working on the brushing thing, he is not a fan ha! Thanks for the advice, we will keep working at it :)
Glad your back Kelly! Sorry about Buddy and your daughter… It’s hard rehoming a furry child. We had to do the same thing about 15 years ago. But I’m glad he’s adjusting well. Welcome to Charlie!! He’s a cutie pie!! can’t wait to see all your up to. Have a blessed day :-)
Thanks Lisa, it was hard but Charlie is such a great fit in our family so far that it has made it easier.
Glad you are back and all is well. Can’t wait to see what you are up to next and what mischief Charlie will get into. Just noticed the “Lily Pad” sign in the mud room. Love that!
Thanks Amy, yes I painted that on the back of some old cabinets I had picked up, it’s such a fun little piece – thanks!
Yay… you’re back! =)
Glad you are back! I have missed reading the blog and seeing what you were up to. Charlie is a cutie and will surely bring lots of joy to your household. We also have a Havanese…they are the best!
Oh yes, I was one of those who kept checking my Feedly account, forgetting that I,also get emails from you when you post…yes, I guess I’m getting That old….so pleased that you didn’t have to ‘put Buddy down’ but found another home for him…our Reilly just turned ten and has taken to,growling and snapping at my husband….who,has never done anything but love his wife( me) ….Reilly is getting super overprotective….:-(
Anyways, glad you’re back…..pictures of your home always give me a moment of calmness in this crazy world called life.
Enjoy Charlie! :-). He’s a cutie!
Thanks Marie! Good luck with Reilly :)
I missed you too, Kelly! Glad your back! I got a little nervous while reading your post regarding Buddy. I thought the worst until the retired couple adopted him! Glad he is in a loving home with no children. You new little pup Charlie is adorable! Can’t wait to see your BIG overhaul!
I have been thinking about you and did wonder if you had run away from home :-) I’m glad to hear all is well. It is amazing how much your story mirrors my daughters. She had a little dog from rescue that she adopted — he was always aggressive. They had trainers, schools, etc. What broke the camels back was he was with her on the couch and started attacking her arm — like in biting and not wanting to let go. This is after more than a year in their home. Thank God he didn’t attack either of the two boys. Happy ending — they have a white poodle that loves to play ball with the boys and another little shy sweetheart who adores my daughter and is a total lap dog. When are we going to see the new room?? Oh!, BTW – I’m glad you didn’t run away from home.
The same thing happened with Buddy he wouldn’t let go of my daughter’s hand, we had to pull him off. It was awful :(
Hi Kelly. So glad you’re back. Just wanted to share with you that I left my tree up until Memorial Day one year. It was in another room that we didn’t use, so I kept ignoring it. But I am also insane, so join the club ; )
I totally sympathize w/ the Buddy situation. We had same situation & the dog actually bit me -twice! But we kept her separated & loved her til the end. It was easier for us b/c we don’t have kids at home anymore. But it’s a hard decision & i’m glad you found a good home for Buddy.
So, looking forward to your new projects.
Mickey
PS i’m still working on my library. I never seem to finish anything!
I have missed you! I was so happy to see you posted something new :). Charlie is adorable, I love all of your 2015 highlights & your bravery. Im waiting anxiously for your upstairs reveal, how exciting?. You are definitely at the top of my go to list for home decor, please don’t ever go anywhere.
Much love, Tracy
Thanks Tracy, I can share the makeover in a few weeks, it’s killing me not being able to share it yet!! Promise it’s coming in February :)
I was getting a little worried but glad you are back!