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Olive.

Let me introduce you to Rach's new pug Olive.

We had to say goodbye to her pug, Harley, after 14 years.  She was a great pal and the dog that made me crazy about Pugs and want a pug of my own.  Before I had Scout, I would always ask Rach if I could take Harley home with me!

I think Olive has the same playful energy that Scout has!  She is still so tiny, yet very feisty!

Definently a bit of a rascal!

Eloise and Olive in the morning - what a pair!  Eloise loves her pugs and could happily spend all of her time just letting them lick her face and hair!  When she is not playing with Olive, she is looking at cute pictures of pugs online and in books!  I am so happy that Eloise, Bea, and Sol have a new dog to love and take care of!  Welcome to the family Olive!

Stay tuned...there may be another dog joining the family soon!

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Affogato al Cafe.

Drowned in coffee.

Isn't this a gorgeous dessert!

via A Cup of Joe

All you need is a stovetop espresso maker - such a beautiful design.  Mine makes a great Americano!

Sandra Juto

And some really good ice cream - if only there was a Graeter's in the area! 

I would love to make this gorgeous dessert in a kitchen like this.

Using a stove like this.

And serve it to my friends on a beautiful patio like this one!

via BelleVivir

The perfect summer dessert!

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Another Great Alley Find.

Last week I found another great score in my own alley!  A blue and white ginger jar with my name all over it - just sitting next to the garbage cans waiting for someone to bring it home!

My mom has had a pair just like this for years and I have always loved them - even though she says she is pretty sure she got them at Pier One about 25 years ago!  Some treasures just remind you of home!

I love the way it looks full of the flowers I brought back this weekend from my parent's yard!

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Outdoor Swings and Fireplaces.

The warmer weather has me wishing I had a fabulous backyard with a swing and fireplace!  On Summer evenings at our parent's house we always sit outside by the fire and it is such a luxury!  Wishing I had my own backyard to relax and entertain on summer evenings.

Such a gorgeous and cozy seating area!

via Domino

How great would a fireplace on a dock be!

Love this!

via Head Over Heels

What a great spot to hide and read a book!

via Sunset

Love this sweet hidden fireplace with a pair of bertoia chairs.

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Mother's Day.

Happy Mother's Day!

Wishing a wonderful day to all of the mother's out there!  Isn't this the cutest picture of our mom when she was a little girl!  Our mom is the best - and I am so grateful to have her in my life!  She is a great listener, super creative, and has always been so supportive of all of us!  Four girls is a handful.  I adore her!

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A Pretty Dress.

via A Lovely Being

I love red and violet together - and a pretty dress in the forest!

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Finding Free Sofas.

That's right!  On Friday evening I was on a walk with my sister, Al, admiring all of the lilacs in bloom when I saw what looked like a pink chair in the alley.  As we got closer we realized it was a super cute settee that had just been brought out by it's previous owner!

One person's trash is another person's treasure!

After confirming with the owner's that the sofa was in fact available for anyone to take, we went back home to get our car and loud it up.  At first we thought we were too late because we couldn't find the alley we were in, but eventually we saw the flash of pink.  Hooray!

I took it up to my parent's house on Saturday and my mom helped me tear off the old cording and fabric.

We were happy to find that it was in pretty good shape and the insides weren't disgusting!  Just needs a paint job and some super cute fabric!

I love the rounded back!

I can't wait to choose the fabric!  We were able to pull the previous fabric off in one piece so we have a perfect pattern.

Wouldn't this Mexican Otomi embroidered fabric make a cute sofa!

Or my favorite John Robshaw pattern!

Love the stripes on this settee!

via Lonny

Or a really great Ikat!

via allplaidout

Or possibly a really great plaid!

I have always loved this gingham sofa!

Or a great black and white graphic - the possibilities are endless!  I can't wait to get started!  Any suggestions?